The recommendations in the report, which identify ways to improve Penn State’s responses in the areas of safety and governance, have been followed carefully by University administrators and members of the Board of Trustees who continue to evaluate and review all areas of the University identified in the report as having some need for improvement. Penn State has already changed or implemented numerous administrative policies and procedures; hired new safety and compliance personnel; restructured the governance of its Board of Trustees; expanded its Office of Human Resources; implemented background checks; expanded legal and risk reporting protocols; and a host of other initiatives all aimed at enhancing operations at the University.

For a complete status update on actions taken, visit http://progress.psu.edu/assets/content/FreehReportUpdateMay2013.pdf.

The Freeh Report was produced by independent law firm Freeh, Sporkin & Sullivan, which was hired in November 2011 and investigated the University's response to the allegations against Sandusky. The group was led by former FBI director and federal Judge Louis Freeh.

“This review is, in fact, a work in progress. The charter, bylaws and standing orders of the University are not static, nor are they intended to be,” said James Broadhurst, the committee chair. “In fact, we’ve made revisions or changes to those documents more than 20 times in the past 12 years.”

Broadhurst discussed the most significant newly adopted reforms, most of which were spelled out at the March Trustees meeting during the committee’s public session:

— The governor of Pennsylvania and president of the University now serve as ex officio non-voting members of the board. Previously, both had voting rights.
— The president no longer holds the positions of secretary of the board; the secretary will now be an elected position.
— Three-year term limits were extended from elected trustees, to all trustees (appointed and elected) other than ex officio members. Term limits for Trustees (other than ex officio Trustees) will be 12 consecutive years, effective with terms beginning July 1, 2013, or after.
— The number of voting Trustees is reduced to 30: nine trustees are elected by alumni; six trustees are appointed by the governor; six trustees are elected by organized agricultural societies in the state; six trustees represent business and industry endeavors and are elected by the Board of Trustees; and three trustees are ex-officio members that include the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Conservation and Natural Resources of the Commonwealth.
— Previously, the provision for term limits did not apply to the chair or vice chair of the board, but that exception was removed for the vice chair position.
— The waiting period for former University employees to serve on the board was extended from three to five years.
— There is now a five-year waiting period for Commonwealth “row officers” to become trustees.
— A section describing the necessary process for the removal of a trustee, if need be, was added.
— The quorum requirement was modified from 13 to a majority of the voting members.
— Selection of the Executive Committee (comprised of 13 members) is now specified to chairs of each of the newly formed six standing committees, the chair and vice chair of the board, the chair of the Board of Directors of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, the immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees and three at-large members nominated by the Governance and Long-Range Planning Committee and elected by the Board of Trustees.

— The board also strengthened its comprehensive conflict of interest policy.
Broadhurst noted that the board implemented other changes in the past year, including the expansion of the committee structure from three to six standing committees plus the Executive Committee, as well as four subcommittees; refinements of term limits; increased constituent representation at committee meetings, including faculty, staff and students; opportunities for public comment at the meetings and an established hotline so anyone can communicate with the board; and hiring a University director of Ethics and Compliance with a dual-reporting relationship to the Board of Trustees and the senior vice president for Finance and Business.

“With these collective changes, practically all of the auditor general’s recommendations and to the extent they relate to the organizational documents, the Freeh Group’s recommendations, have been dealt with in whole or in part,” Broadhurst said.

The Board of Trustees website at psu.edu/trustees has full details of the Charter, Bylaws and Standing Orders.

Approximately 3,500 employees have completed the "Reporting Child Abuse" program since it went live on Feb. 28. In addition, more than 11,000 people also have completed Penn State's face-to-face training for identifying and preventing abuse.

Last spring, Penn State finalized a new administrative policy,  AD-72, "Reporting Suspected Child Abuse," to provide guidance to University employees regarding mandated reporting requirements according to the University and the Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law. The policy requires that all University employees complete the training each calendar year.

Currently the online training is available for University employees only, noted Susan Cromwell, director of workplace learning and performance in Penn State's Office of Human Resources. Training availability will be expanded to include volunteers and students by the end of May. “In the interim we will continue to offer live training for these groups until all training is online,” she said.

Once fully implemented, the online program will replace the live, face-to-face training. However, face-to-face sessions can still be requested and used in specialized circumstances, noted Susan Basso, vice president for Human Resources.

More than 11,000 authorized adults -- employees or volunteers who have responsibility for minors -- have completed face-to-face training. The University began live sessions last April to address an immediate need to train authorized adults who would be working with children at numerous summer camps and workshops at University Park and other Penn State campuses across the Commonwealth.

According to Cromwell, the online format greatly simplifies delivery of the training.

"It's much more accessible," she said. "Employees, volunteers and students will be able to take the training at their convenience, and we can accurately track all individuals who have been trained. Also, if the law or information changes at any time, we can easily make updates."

The program is part of Penn State's initiative to help ensure a safe community for children, with the goal of educating the University community about child abuse and reporting. The program is intended to move people from not only awareness of the issue but toward having the confidence to take action, Basso said.

The training is required for all University employees at every campus location, with the exception of Penn State Hershey Medical Center/College of Medicine, University Health Services and the client representation clinics of the Dickinson School of Law. Each of those units follow the policies and training appropriate to its own unique activities.

Led by former FBI director and federal Judge Louis Freeh, the investigation identified 119 recommendations to improve Penn State's responses in the areas of safety and governance. To date, the University has implemented a majority of those recommendations, with a substantial portion being completed or in the works. The University intends to have all appropriate Freeh recommendations completed by the end of 2013.

Penn State officials have posted a complete status update here that provides changes and steps forward through March 21, 2013. Currently, 70.5 percent of the recommendations made by Judge Freeh have been accomplished. This includes recommendations that are categorized as “Ongoing/Continuous,” indicating that the University’s response and management of such matters will be ongoing.

"Jerry Sandusky's statements today continue to open wounds for his victims, and the victims of child sexual abuse everywhere. We have tremendous respect for the men who came forward to tell their stories publicly. Penn State continues to take important steps, including the training of over 11,000 employees and volunteers on how to recognize and report suspected child abuse."

Becker will report to the Legal and Compliance Committee of the Board of Trustees and to David Gray, senior vice president for finance and business.

"Regis Becker's range of distinguished experience in corporate compliance, security and law enforcement makes him the ideal person to implement and oversee clear, comprehensive and exemplary principles and procedures for the University," Penn State President Rod Erickson said. "As I noted when announcing this position, Regis will have oversight of compliance with all federal, state and local laws, as well as internal policies and external organization policies, while encouraging the highest ethical standards of conduct for those who represent the University and act on its behalf."

"I believe my capabilities will serve Penn State well as it works to strengthen its overall institutional commitment to integrity and transparency," Becker said. "The experience I have gained throughout my career provides me with a broad practical perspective and an in-depth understanding of the critical role that a robust ethics and compliance program can play in bolstering and sustaining an organization’s culture and values. I look forward to continuing my work as a compliance leader in service to this great institution."

Becker is currently chief compliance officer for PPG Industries, a global Fortune 250 company with headquarters in Pittsburgh. After joining PPG in 1992, Becker advanced through a series of corporate security and risk management roles to earn oversight of all global compliance efforts in 2009. He heads the company’s global ethics and compliance program, with responsibility for developing and updating a global code of ethics, oversight of related training and certification for the company’s nearly 40,000 employees, and supervision of compliance auditing and monitoring efforts. He also manages the company’s crisis response unit, which ensures PPG sets appropriate protocols and follows them to quickly mitigate external and internal threats and events.

His prior experience includes work as an FBI special agent, as a detective in the Allegheny County, Pa., district attorney's white-collar crime unit and as a corporate security director with Union Carbide Corp. and Praxair. A 1978 Penn State graduate with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, Becker earned his juris doctorate from the Duquesne University School of Law in 1983.

University officials have previously said they intend to implement the Freeh recommendations by the end of 2013 and the status of completed items to-date shows the commitment to reaching that goal.

A complete update of status and actions Penn State has taken based on the recommendations is available here and will be updated monthly.

As part of its aspiration to be at the forefront of national efforts toward prevention and therapy for child maltreatment, the University has begun a "cluster" hire that will include clinical and research tenure-track faculty members who are focused on the complex and pervasive problem of child maltreatment.

"As a university dedicated to the discovery of knowledge that can address difficult social and human problems, we will hire up to 12 new faculty over the next three years to improve the chances of eradicating these wrongs against children. This academic initiative will build on Penn State's longstanding tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration and excellence in the area of children, youth and families," said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. "The child maltreatment field is extremely small and within that discipline, the research into child sexual abuse is even smaller. Penn State can make a significant contribution by helping to educate the next generation of researchers and clinicians about working together to address this challenging problem.”

Erickson said the goal of the new hires is to not only bring new expertise to the University, but to also spur existing faculty to think about their own research and its implications for child maltreatment. Penn State already counts among its ranks at least 400 faculty members whose research, teaching and service focus on the well-being and development of children and youth. The newly hired faculty are expected to connect with existing University researchers to draw on their expertise in areas such as prevention, research methods and statistics, neuroscience, and family dynamics to advance knowledge in child maltreatment. The work of the whole will serve as a catalyst for faculty to incorporate study of child maltreatment into their ongoing research programs.

"Researchers across Penn State can be a part of national and international efforts aimed at combating child maltreatment," said Susan McHale, director of the Children, Youth and Families Consortium (CYFC), a unit within the University’s Social Science Research Institute (SSRI).

In fact, the CYFC with the 400-plus faculty members will serve as the umbrella organization, linking faculty and their collaborative activities within various units and disciplines as part of the Network for Child Protection and Well-Being. Network faculty will be focused on generating new knowledge about child abuse in all of its forms, including creating evidence-based prevention and therapy approaches.

The proposal for forming the University-wide Network was developed by the Presidential Task Force on Child Maltreatment. Charged by President Erickson in December 2011, the Task Force was comprised of 35 faculty members from colleges and schools across the University.

McHale, who coordinates the Network, said that Penn State has a longstanding tradition of excellence of research, teaching, clinical practice and outreach focused on children, youth and families. The Network is designed to build on the strengths of four Centers of Excellence in Children, Youth and Families at Penn State: The Child Study Center in the College of the Liberal Arts; The Center for the Protection of Children in the College of Medicine; The Prevention Research Center in the College of Health and Human Development; and the Center for Children and the Law at the Dickinson School of Law. Faculty members who join Penn State as part of the Network cluster hire will be affiliated with one or more of these centers.

"Penn State has a solid foundation of research and practice in child behavior, health and development. But to advance Penn State's capacity we need more researchers and clinicians whose primary focus is on child maltreatment, " said Benjamin Levi, director of the Penn State Hershey Center for the Protection of Children, a part of Penn State Hershey's Children's Hospital.

"We are in an excellent position to build upon Penn State's existing faculty expertise for how to intervene with parents at risk for mistreating their children; identifying protective factors that reduce the risk of child abuse; and developing and implementing sustainable, evidence-based strategies for detection, diagnosis, prevention and therapy for children who have suffered maltreatment," Levi said. A professor of pediatrics and humanities at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine. Levi became director of the Center for the Protection of Children in August.

Network coordinator McHale said possible growth opportunities within the Network include fellowships in child abuse; educational opportunities for Penn State students, including new courses and programs of study, as well as internships; and the ability through clinical work and outreach to put new knowledge to work in community settings.

"We will work hard to make all of our efforts useful to community members and institutions," McHale said. "Our research and practices must be informed by community needs and by community partners if we are ever going to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children."

More information on the Network on Child Protection and Well-Being can be found at http://www.ssri.psu.edu/thenetwork online.

"Julie is an outstanding choice for this position," said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. "As she begins her work here at Penn State, she will draw on more than two decades of experience in higher education and the U.S. military. Her track record of success in athletics oversight and operations, student affairs, logistics and institutional planning has given her valuable experience that will serve the University well."

Del Giorno’s position was created as part of the University’s work to fulfill the requirements of the Athletics Integrity Agreement entered into in August 2012 among the NCAA, the Big Ten and Penn State. The position will be in addition to the compliance officer already working within Intercollegiate Athletics. Del Giorno will oversee compliance with obligations of integrity, civility, ethics and institutional control. The position is expected to report to the University-wide chief compliance officer, a position currently being filled by the University.

Beginning in 2006, Del Giorno served as the senior administrator with athletic oversight for the Moravian College NCAA Division III Intercollegiate Athletics program, working to ensure compliance with NCAA rules and related institutional standards. She also served as the college’s chief of staff, with responsibilities for implementing administrative initiatives across the organization, as liaison to the Board of Trustees and served as the college’s Title IX coordinator, among other duties.

"I am honored and humbled to be selected to serve as the first ever athletics integrity officer at Penn State," Del Giorno said. "I will commit myself fully to the position and will work diligently to ensure that policies, procedures and practices are developed and implemented that will ensure Penn State’s compliance with the requirements set forth in the Athletics Integrity Agreement. I look forward to working in partnership with members of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, to include student-athletes, and with members of the faculty and staff on this critical work."

Previous to her time at Moravian College, Del Giorno served as interim vice president for student affairs at East Stroudsburg University, in East Stroudsburg, Pa., where she was responsible for providing leadership and guidance to the Division of Student Affairs and its programs. Also at East Stroudsburg, DelGiorno served as assistant to the president and academic coordinator for Intercollegiate Athletics.

She has held coaching positions at the University of Central Arkansas, and coaching and administrative positions at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. From 1986 to 1995, Del Giorno served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, including tours of duty during combat operations in the Persian Gulf War and in Somalia. She is a recipient of the U.S. Army’s Bronze Star Medal.

She earned a master of business administration degree from the University of Central Arkansas in 1998; a bachelor of science degree from the U.S. Military Academy in 1986; and is a 2000 graduate of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators (NACWAA) / Higher Education Resource Services (HERS) Institute for Administrative Advancement.

She maintains professional associations with the NACWAA and the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education (NAPAHE).

This first payment was made by the Athletics Department through an internal loan from the University’s reserves and carries an interest rate of 4 percent for 30 years.  Interest rates and loan durations for the future payments to the endowment will not be determined until each payment is made year-by-year, and will based on interest rates in effect at the time of disbursement and other conditions.

The severance package also will be included in information provided in the University’s Right to Know form to be filed with the state in May 2013.

The National Press Club was closed on Monday, Oct. 29, and its Tuesday Newsmaker event on Oct. 30 was canceled, also because of storm-related concerns.

Erickson will give a status report on the state of the University in a major speech as part of the club’s Speakers Luncheon Series. Erickson will discuss what the University has learned from the child sex abuse scandal, reforms it has put in place, and its ongoing commitment to its core mission of teaching, research and service.

Erickson’s remarks on Nov. 2 will underscore some of the University’s outstanding accomplishments this year: Penn State’s ranking as one of the top 50 world universities; the University’s student-athlete 88 percent graduation rate that tops the NCAA Division I average; the robust growth of Penn State’s research enterprise with more than $807 million in research expenditures; and the $10.7 million Penn State students raised last year for THON -- the largest student-run philanthropy in the world, which annually raises funds and awareness for the fight against pediatric cancer.

Gold medalist and Boxing Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard spoke Monday at Penn State's Child Sexual Abuse Conference, recounting the abuse he suffered at the hands of two men who guided his amateur career in the 1970s and the anguish he endured before disclosing the ordeal in “The Big Fight: My Life in and Out of the Ring,” his 2011 autobiography.

“For 40-something years, I beat myself up,” he said, repeating, “I beat myself up. It was killing me.”

Introduced by Penn State football coach Bill O'Brien, who recalled how “blinding speed, tremendous power and great charm” turned the fighter into an immediate media sensation, Leonard confessed to crying on the plane ride from Los Angeles and in the morning prior to his speech at The Penn Stater.

However, in its report released today, Moody's indicated that Penn State's research, fund-raising and enrollments remain strong. "We expect that Penn State will remain a leading U.S. public university with favorable student demand, positive operating performance, high donor support and a strong research position," the report read.

"This action will have no impact on tuition, and fortunately, due to historically low interest rates and no anticipated borrowing in the near future, will have a negligible financial impact," said David Gray, senior vice president for Finance and Business/Treasurer.

The following statement was released today by Penn State President Rodney Erickson regarding the Jerry Sandusky sentencing

"Our thoughts today, as they have been for the last year, go out to the victims of Jerry Sandusky’s abuse. While today’s sentence cannot erase what has happened, hopefully it will provide comfort to those affected by these horrible events and help them continue down the road to recovery."

“Since July, Penn State has received input from a variety of sources with respect to the structure and operation of the endowment, which we have passed along to the NCAA,” said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. “The NCAA has determined that at least one quarter of the annual disbursements from the endowment will be reserved for Pennsylvania organizations. However, recognizing that child sexual abuse is a national issue, the NCAA has determined that grants from the endowment will be available in other states as well. Penn State appreciates the commitments of the task force on this important endeavor that will help countless victims of child sexual abuse.”

Levi succeeds center inaugural director Andrea Taroli, M.D., who will focus on development of the Children’s Hospital’s clinical program for child protection—along with Kate Crowell, M.D., and Laura Duda, M.D., who are the founding members of this clinical team—a program integral to the center’s overall mission to improve the detection, treatment, and prevention of child abuse.

The two-day conference will feature discussions with Sugar Ray Leonard and Elizabeth Smart, both of whom suffered sexual abuse as children. Leonard, an American boxing icon and Olympic gold medalist, will deliver a keynote address and participate in a Q&A with attendees, while Smart will serve as the conference’s closing speaker. The event will also include nationally recognized experts in the field of child sexual abuse and child trauma from across academia, including:

]]> 2012-08-15T13:17:07+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-states-accreditation-remains-intact http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-states-accreditation-remains-intact#When:16:13:22Z A recent warning from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education related to Penn State's accreditation does not involve the academic quality of Penn State or its programs. The University's accreditation remains intact and its leaders are confident they will satisfy the commission's concerns.

"This warning has no bearing on our educational programs or the integrity of those programs," said Penn State President Rodney Erickson. "What's being looked at are issues of governance, integrity and institutional resources related to the fallout from the child sexual abuse scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky."

In addition, those interested may also call in to the following conference call number, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis with a limit of 50 people: 1-866-393-1766. The following access code is required: *1855# (star, 1855, pound key).

To read the NCAA consent decree, visit http://www.ncaa.com/content/penn-state-conclusions online. President Rodney Erickson's statement regarding NCAA consent decree can be found at http://live.psu.edu/story/60475 online. Statements also have been made by the Board of Trustees (http://live.psu.edu/story/60509), Penn State Acting Athletic Director David Joyner and Head Football Coach Bill O'Brien (http://live.psu.edu/story/60478); Penn State's varsity athletic coaches (http://live.psu.edu/story/60489); and members of the football team (http://live.psu.edu/story/60506).
 

We look forward to working with former Maine Senator, George Mitchell, who will coordinate with the University, including the Athletics Department, to ensure that the University complies the terms of the Athletics’ Integrity Agreement. His extensive experience on the boards of major companies, such as Xerox, Fedex, Staples and Disney, and deep understanding of the sports industry, make him uniquely qualified for this position. University representatives hope to meet with Senator Mitchell soon to discuss how we will work together.

The Way Forward For Penn State

Since the news about Jerry Sandusky broke last fall, the most challenging chapter in Penn State’s history has unfolded in the glare of the national spotlight. Those of us in leadership roles at Penn State have faced questions for which there is no playbook. I have spent many nights — and many more with our leadership team — considering the actions we must take to ensure that this university endures as an institution of which we can all be proud and one that learns from the past to be a brighter light for the future.

I knew when I accepted the position of president in November — and the Board of Trustees strongly agreed — that, for Penn State to move forward, we would need to uncover and expose the full scope of the university’s knowledge of Sandusky’s actions. We could not wait for courts to bring evidence to light. So, knowing that we would need to accept accountability for whatever was discovered, the board asked former FBI director Louis Freeh to lead an independent investigation.

The full article can be found here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-way-forward-for-penn-state/2012/07/27/gJQABmenEX_story.html
 

The interview is scheduled to air on Face the Nation (CBS) on Sunday, July 29 at 10:30 a.m. ET/9:30 a.m. CT.

Video: Penn State responds to sanctions
ESPN
http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/53814/video-penn-state-responds-to-sanctions
Rodney Erickson, Dave Joyner and Karen Peetz speak with John Barr from ESPN regarding the NCAA sanctions

Against this backdrop, Penn State accepts the penalties and corrective actions announced today by the NCAA www.ncaa.com. With today’s announcement and the action it requires of us, the University takes a significant step forward.

A press conference to announce NCAA corrective and punitive measures for The Pennsylvania State University.

WHEN:                

Monday, July 23 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time

WHO:

Ed Ray, NCAA Executive Committee chair and Oregon State University president
Mark Emmert, NCAA President

With the release of Judge Freeh’s Report of the Special Investigative Counsel, we as a community have had to confront a failure of leadership at many levels. The statue of Joe Paterno outside Beaver Stadium has become a lightning rod of controversy and national debate, including the role of big time sports in university life. The Freeh Report has given us a great deal to reflect upon and to consider, including Coach Paterno’s legacy.

The recent release of the Freeh Report marked one of the most sorrowful days in what has been without a doubt the most difficult chapter in our University's history. I am certain that many of you have read or heard about the report's findings, and you may have seen President Rodney Erickson's recent message on this topic. As the Chairman of the Board of Trustees since January of this year, I would like to also share my perspective on the Freeh report and our path forward as a Penn State family.

The conference, was held at the Dayton/Taylor Conference Room at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center in Scranton, Pa. The University's initial response statement on the Freeh Report can be found here: http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/story/penn-state-issues-statement-on.

Judge Freeh and his team conducted a rigorous eight month investigation into all aspects of the University’s actions to determine where breakdowns occurred and what changes should be made for the future. We like many others have eagerly anticipated Judge Freeh's Report of the findings of his investigation.

His 267 page report has just been released at http://www.thefreehreportonpsu.com/REPORT_FINAL_071212.pdf and we are currently reviewing his findings and recommendations. We expect a comprehensive analysis of our policies, procedures and controls related to identifying and reporting crimes and misconduct, including failures or gaps that may have allowed alleged misconduct to go undetected or unreported. We will provide our initial response later today.

Despite a year that was marked by unprecedented challenges for the Penn State community, the support of the University’s alumni and friends remains strong as it continues to advance its $2 billion fundraising effort, For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students. Since the For the Future campaign began on January 1, 2007, $1.6 billion has been secured toward the goal of $2 billion by June 2014. The campaign continues to run ahead of schedule.

]]> 2012-06-05T11:24:55+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-re-launches-information-website http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-re-launches-information-website#When:12:44:22Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State President Rodney Erickson today announced the re-launch of the "Openness" website at http://progress.psu.edu.

The new version of the website is the next step in the University’s work to ensure broader communications with key Penn State stakeholders, including current and prospective students and their families, alumni, faculty and staff, local communities, and state and national media. The “Progress” website includes new functionality and features that make it easier to find, receive and share information.

]]> 2012-06-04T12:44:22+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/board-of-trustees-launches-new-website http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/board-of-trustees-launches-new-website#When:17:49:05Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The Board of Trustees website has a new design that puts key information at the fingertips of those who visit.

"This is just the first iteration," said Karen Peetz, chair of the board. "We'll have more changes soon as we work to make the information on the site even easier to find and read. This is, of course, a continuation of the board's pledge for openness and for providing more and better information to the Penn State community and beyond. It's an ongoing process."

]]> 2012-05-16T17:49:05+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/frazier-provides-update-on-special-investigations-task-force http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/frazier-provides-update-on-special-investigations-task-force#When:18:14:49Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State has made further progress on interim recommendations from Louis Freeh, whose team's independent investigation continues, Kenneth Frazier, chair of the Board of Trustees' Special Investigations Task Force reported on Friday (May 4).

The task force in November retained Freeh, a former FBI director and federal judge, and his firm to conduct an independent, external investigation into how the alleged acts of the November 2011 grand jury presentment related to former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky could have happened at Penn State, where breakdowns occurred and what changes should be made for the future.

]]> 2012-05-04T18:14:49+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/faculty-senate-recaps-2011-12-activity-for-board-of-trustees http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/faculty-senate-recaps-2011-12-activity-for-board-of-trustees#When:18:11:30Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Daniel R. Hagen, immediate past-chair of the University Faculty Senate, reported to the Board of Trustees Friday (May 4) on the activities of the Senate for the 2011-12 academic year.

Hagen noted that the year was "likely to be remembered as one of the most unusual and stressful Senate years ever," because of the issues surrounding the child sexual abuse allegations surrounding Jerry Sandusky, a former Penn State assistant coach.

]]> 2012-05-04T18:11:30+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-donates-more-than-2.6-million-to-abuse-prevention-efforts http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-donates-more-than-2.6-million-to-abuse-prevention-efforts#When:18:19:19Z Penn State has infused more than $1.1 million into its newly established Center for the Protection of Children, based at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital. That figure is more than twice the amount promised in December, when creation of the center was announced. The University also donated $1.5 million in December to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR).

]]> 2012-05-02T18:19:19+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-retains-edelman-and-la-torre-communications http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-retains-edelman-and-la-torre-communications#When:18:40:12Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State announced today that it has retained Edelman and La Torre Communications to immediately support the University in corporate communications, media relations and stakeholder engagement.

The primary objective of this work is to ensure broader and more transparent communications with key Penn State stakeholders, including current and prospective students, alumni, faculty and staff, parents, local communities, and state and national media. The firms also will support the University throughout upcoming litigation, ensuring rapid and accurate dissemination of information to the extent possible given the ongoing investigations.

]]> 2012-04-25T18:40:12+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-strengthens-administrative-policy-for-minors-on-campus http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-strengthens-administrative-policy-for-minors-on-campus#When:18:41:26Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State officials have enacted a significant revision to a policy overseeing the supervision and treatment of minors involved in University-sponsored programs or programs housed or held at any Penn State campus.

Administrative Policy 39 (AD39) has been updated as part of the University’s comprehensive review of all of its policies, particularly those that involve children in the wake of sexual abuse charges against a retired assistant coach.

]]> 2012-04-17T18:41:26+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/town-and-gown-join-april-17-to-endorse-our-community-covenant http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/town-and-gown-join-april-17-to-endorse-our-community-covenant#When:18:45:38Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A diverse group of local and county leaders will unite in a ceremony on April 17 to commit publicly to the ideals of a just and responsible community.

The "Our Community Day" initiative will be launched at a noon media event at the Arboretum at Penn State and will include individuals and groups from across the Centre Region and Penn State in support of "Our Community Covenant."

]]> 2012-04-16T18:45:38+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/center-for-women-students-caps-aid-female-and-male-violence-survivors http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/center-for-women-students-caps-aid-female-and-male-violence-survivors#When:18:22:01Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Peggy Lorah wants Penn State students to know that men have an important place at the Center for Women Students.

"Although most victims of sexual and relationship violence are female, men also encounter abuse directly and indirectly, and we have always seen male victims at the Center for Women Students," said Lorah, the center's director and a licensed professional counselor.

]]> 2012-04-16T18:22:01+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/the-medical-minute-sexual-abuse-can-have-long-term-effects http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/the-medical-minute-sexual-abuse-can-have-long-term-effects#When:18:46:34Z April has been designated as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Sexual assault is, unfortunately, a rampant issue. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), someone in the United States is sexually assaulted every two minutes.

Approximately two-thirds of these assaults are committed by someone the victim knows. As a community, we need to recognize the devastating effects of sexual abuse. The impact is not just at the time of the event, but also long-term.

]]> 2012-04-13T18:46:34+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-trains-employees-to-build-a-safe-community-for-children http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-trains-employees-to-build-a-safe-community-for-children#When:18:51:44Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State is focused on developing a sustainable professional training program for its employees to recognize and report child abuse. The program will be broken into two phases, one that will begin April 18, in a face-to-face format to meet immediate needs for summer programs and the other, an online interactive training, to be launched in the fall.

“There is an immediate need to train employees who will be responsible for children this summer at numerous camps and summer offerings, so we're quickly moving forward,” said Susan Cromwell, director of Workplace Learning and Performance in the Office of Human Resources at Penn State.

]]> 2012-04-12T18:51:44+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/students-launch-drive-to-fight-child-sexual-abuse http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/students-launch-drive-to-fight-child-sexual-abuse#When:18:52:19Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Throughout the month of April, Penn State students will be banding together to raise awareness and funds for the prevention of child sexual abuse. The One Heart Campaign will secure contributions for the Vision of Hope Fund of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR).

“Studies suggest that one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday,” said Dan Rost, a founder of the One Heart Campaign and a sophomore finance and accounting major from Waynesboro, Pa. “This issue has shaken the Penn State community, and I have spoken to so many students who want to take action. Our goal is to build upon the relationship that the University has already established with PCAR and reach out to alumni, corporate partners, and other individuals and groups across the country who believe that Penn State and Penn Staters can make a difference for victims and families.”

]]> 2012-04-10T18:52:19+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-hires-clery-compliance-coordinator http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-hires-clery-compliance-coordinator#When:18:56:02Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State Police and Public Safety has hired Gabriel Gates to be its new Clery compliance coordinator. Gates, who began his new duties on March 26, will report to Steve Shelow, assistant vice president for Police and Public Safety, in order to provide administrative and advisory support to senior management and the University-wide community.

"Gabe will work collaboratively with various offices at the University to develop, implement and oversee programs that ensure the institution's overall compliance with the Clery Act and associated regulations at all campuses," said Shelow. "He also will work with various University offices to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Sexual Assault Victim's Bill of Rights and Drug Free Schools and Safe Campuses regulations."

]]> 2012-04-09T18:56:02+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/workshop-to-discuss-kids-sexual-health-and-safety http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/workshop-to-discuss-kids-sexual-health-and-safety#When:18:54:32Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Janet Rosenzweig, interim executive director of Prevent Child Abuse Pennsylvania, will present a workshop, titled "Promoting Sexual Safety and Health for Kids," from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18. The workshop, which will take place in the Living Center, room 110 Henderson Building, on Penn State's University Park campus, is sponsored by the Centre Alliance for Healthy Relationships, the Pennsylvania Learning Academy for Sexuality Education, Prevent Child Abuse Pennsylvania and Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development.

]]> 2012-04-09T18:54:32+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/libraries-create-research-guide-for-child-abuse-and-neglect http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/libraries-create-research-guide-for-child-abuse-and-neglect#When:19:00:30Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Responding to the need for more education on the topic of child abuse and neglect, the University Libraries have compiled a research guide that pulls together a wide array of materials and databases expected to help researchers and the general public in delving deeper into the topic of abuse and maltreatment.

]]> 2012-04-06T19:00:30+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/pinwheels-event-to-support-child-abuse-prevention http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/pinwheels-event-to-support-child-abuse-prevention#When:18:58:22Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Faculty, staff and students from Penn State’s College of the Liberal Arts hope to raise $5,000 by April 18 through a public fundraising event, “Pinwheels for Prevention,” to support Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA). PCAA is a national organization whose mission to prevent the abuse and neglect of our nation’s children. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

]]> 2012-04-06T18:58:22+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/events-across-university-note-sexual-assault-awareness-month http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/events-across-university-note-sexual-assault-awareness-month#When:19:26:51Z Several Penn State campuses have scheduled events to recognize April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. This list will be updated as additional events are announced. Please check back for updates.

]]> 2012-04-02T19:26:51+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/april-events-promote-sexual-assault-awareness-child-abuse-prevention http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/april-events-promote-sexual-assault-awareness-child-abuse-prevention#When:19:11:44Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). Penn State, as a partner with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC), is continuing its efforts to increase public awareness, education and research toward greater prevention of and response to sexual violence. Several events at Penn State campuses are being held in conjunction with SAAM's 2012 campaign theme, "It’s time ... to talk about it."

]]> 2012-04-02T19:11:44+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-park-campus-hosts-sexual-assault-awareness-month-events http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-park-campus-hosts-sexual-assault-awareness-month-events#When:19:07:33Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Across the University, Penn State departments and organizations are holding events in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). At the University Park campus, the Center for Women Students and the Department of Women's Studies, along with the Centre County Women's Resource Center, are presenting a three-day "teach-in" of educational, scholarly and community events. Held April 2-4 at the University Park campus, the series is titled "Feminist Responses: Sexual Assault, Social Power, Personal Healing."

]]> 2012-04-02T19:07:33+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-resources-assist-sexual-violence-victims http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-resources-assist-sexual-violence-victims#When:19:02:49Z The following are resources available to Penn State students who have experienced sexual assault and relationship violence.

]]> 2012-04-02T19:02:49+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/sunday-starts-sexual-assault-awareness-child-abuse-prevention-month http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/sunday-starts-sexual-assault-awareness-child-abuse-prevention-month#When:19:30:41Z The month of April is both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Throughout the month, there will be a variety of programs, activities and awareness opportunities held University-wide. Details will be published throughout April on Penn State Live. In addition, Penn State has a variety of resources available:

]]> 2012-03-30T19:30:41+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/childrens-alliance-to-help-educate-faculty-and-staff http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/childrens-alliance-to-help-educate-faculty-and-staff#When:19:35:37Z April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in an effort to educate faculty and staff about child abuse prevention, Penn State Berks has partnered with the Children’s Alliance Center. Representatives from the Children’s Alliance Center will give a presentation at Penn State Berks from 1 to 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, in room 5, Luerssen Building. This presentation will focus on mandatory reporting processes and procedures, and it is only open to faculty and staff of the campus.

]]> 2012-03-28T19:35:37+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/campus-to-hold-events-for-sexual-assault-awareness-month http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/campus-to-hold-events-for-sexual-assault-awareness-month#When:19:35:59Z April is Sexual Assault Awareness month and Penn State Altoona is hosting several events surrounding it.

On March 27, the Health and Wellness Center will hold its annual Sex on Campus from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Adler Athletic Complex. This event, open to Penn State Altoona students only, will allow them to gather information and participate in interactive education on abstinence, sexually transmitted infections, sexual assault, sexual decision-making and contraceptive methods. Adagio Health also will present the Safe Sex Olympics.

]]> 2012-03-22T19:35:59+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-announces-confidential-child-abuse-counseling-services http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-announces-confidential-child-abuse-counseling-services#When:19:37:04Z Penn State President Rodney Erickson and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Karen Peetz announced today (March 21) that the University has partnered with Praesidium Inc. to arrange counseling services for those who may have suffered abuse from Jerry Sandusky.

When they assumed office, Erickson and Peetz both said that one of their top priorities is the children who may have been harmed. Peetz announced in January that the University would pay for counseling for the affected individuals. The University has now finalized the process for such counseling and is providing notice to affected individuals of these free services.

]]> 2012-03-21T19:37:04+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/statement-regarding-additional-subpoenas http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/statement-regarding-additional-subpoenas#When:19:44:05Z "The Pennsylvania Attorney General has served personal subpoenas on a number of other University employees. We believe it is appropriate that it be left up to them and their attorneys whether to reveal their identities. The University will have no further comment, consistent with our past policies regarding the ongoing investigations."

-- Cynthia Baldwin, General Counsel for Penn State University

]]> 2012-03-16T19:39:39+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/faculty-senate-hears-from-board-of-trustees-leadership http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/faculty-senate-hears-from-board-of-trustees-leadership#When:19:48:02Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's University Faculty Senate on Tuesday (March 13) heard from Board of Trustees Chair Karen Peetz and Vice Chair Keith Masser, who explained the board's role in University governance, potential committee changes, and also answered questions.

Peetz said "transparency, change and reform" are the themes for the board under her and Masser's leadership, noting that they "are interested in opening up a debate… of what is the best practice Penn State can have in terms of how we govern ourselves and how we move forward."

]]> 2012-03-14T19:48:02+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/lecture-to-introduce-center-for-the-protection-of-children http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/lecture-to-introduce-center-for-the-protection-of-children#When:19:45:13Z Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital will introduce the Penn State Hershey Center for the Protection of Children to the Penn State community, children’s advocacy groups and other community stakeholders with a lecture by a nationally known child abuse expert on March 22.

]]> 2012-03-14T19:45:13+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/report-of-the-board-of-trustees-concerning-nov.-9-decisions http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/report-of-the-board-of-trustees-concerning-nov.-9-decisions#When:19:54:01Z The removal of Graham Spanier as Penn State president and Joe Paterno as football coach

The Pennsylvania State University Board of Trustees has been asked by members of the Penn State community, including students, faculty, staff and alumni, to state clearly its reasons for the difficult decisions that were made unanimously on the evening of Nov. 9, 2011 -- to remove Graham Spanier as president of the University and Joe Paterno as head football coach for the remaining three games of the 2011 season. Our decisions were guided by our obligation as Trustees, always, to put the interests of the University first.

]]> 2012-02-25T21:20:27+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/u.s.-attorney-issues-subpoena http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/u.s.-attorney-issues-subpoena#When:21:22:39Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State received a subpoena on Feb. 2 from the U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania requesting certain information from 1998 to the present about Penn State, Graham Spanier, Tim Curley, Gary Schultz, Jerry Sandusky and the Second Mile organization, as well as any records of any payments by Board of Trustees members to the University or to third parties on the University's behalf.

]]> 2012-02-24T21:22:39+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/task-force-continues-initiatives-to-help-abused-and-neglected-children http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/task-force-continues-initiatives-to-help-abused-and-neglected-children#When:21:26:56Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Moving ahead with the promise to help prevent and treat child abuse, a Penn State task force has started to marshal the University's research and expertise in these areas.

The Presidential Task Force on Child Maltreatment brings together a broad spectrum of faculty from across the University to coordinate and develop research, clinical practice, outreach and education on child maltreatment.

]]> 2012-02-21T21:26:56+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/moodys-removes-penn-state-from-watchlist-and-confirms-aa1-rating http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/moodys-removes-penn-state-from-watchlist-and-confirms-aa1-rating#When:21:59:09Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State officials have learned that the University has maintained its longterm rating of Aa1 from Moody's Investors Service and has been removed from the company's "Watchlist for Possible Downgrade," where it was placed on Nov. 11, 2011.

"Penn State’s Aa1 rating is the second-highest category of Moody’s 21 possible ratings and reflects the University’s top financial position in U.S. public higher education," said Joseph Doncsecz, the University's associate vice president for finance and corporate controller. "This rating is on par with peer research universities and reflects our position as a leading public university with many fundamental strengths."

]]> 2012-02-17T21:59:09+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-strengthens-academic-programs-related-to-child-sexual-abuse http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-strengthens-academic-programs-related-to-child-sexual-abuse#When:22:04:40Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State is strengthening a host of academic programs in its resolve to combat the widespread and complex social problems of child sexual assault, abuse and neglect. It also is broadening the study and awareness of sexual assault to include victims of all ages.

As an initial step, an inventory of undergraduate courses was compiled that identified courses and academic programs University faculty currently teach on topics addressing critical issues of sexual abuse.

“The inventory demonstrates a substantial range of topics and faculty expertise that spans diverse academic programs,” said Madlyn Hanes, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses.

]]> 2012-02-15T22:04:40+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-defends-rights-and-files-suit-against-insurer http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-defends-rights-and-files-suit-against-insurer#When:22:02:44Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State today (Feb. 15) filed a lawsuit in the Court of Common Pleas of Centre County against its primary general liability insurer, Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association (PMA) Insurance Co.

The policies provide a legal defense and coverage of a lawsuit filed against the University regarding the alleged misconduct of Jerry Sandusky. PMA filed a lawsuit Jan. 31 in Philadelphia asking the court to excuse it of obligations regarding its duty to defend and to pay for a civil lawsuit filed against the University in relation to the Sandusky matter.

]]> 2012-02-15T22:02:44+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-launches-new-website-for-information http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-launches-new-website-for-information#When:22:07:57Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State President Rodney Erickson and the University's Board of Trustees today (Feb. 13) announced the creation of a new "openness" website at http://openness.psu.edu online.

"This is a reminder of the commitment to open communication to the fullest extent possible," said Erickson.

The site is designed to be a resource for the Penn State community and other stakeholders to find answers to their questions regarding ongoing investigations and related matters.

]]> 2012-02-13T22:07:57+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-harrisburg-community-forum-to-discuss-child-abuse http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-harrisburg-community-forum-to-discuss-child-abuse#When:22:09:37Z An upcoming community forum at Penn State Harrisburg will discuss understanding and reporting child abuse. The event is free and open to the public.

The event will be held from 11:50 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. on Jan. 31, in the Morrison Gallery in the campus' library.

]]> 2012-01-23T22:09:37+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/frazier-provides-update-on-independent-investigation http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/frazier-provides-update-on-independent-investigation#When:22:11:25Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Board of Trustees member Kenneth Frazier, chair of the Special Investigations Task Force, provided an update Friday (Jan. 20) on the work of the independent team looking into issues related to the allegations against Jerry Sandusky.

Below is his report to the board. In addition, the board agreed that the University would focus its efforts on the five areas spelled out below.

]]> 2012-01-20T22:11:25+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/newly-elected-chair-of-the-board-of-trustees-delivers-remarks http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/newly-elected-chair-of-the-board-of-trustees-delivers-remarks#When:22:09:43Z Karen B. Peetz, vice chairman and chief executive officer at The Bank of New York (BNY) Mellon, was elected chair of Penn State's Board of Trustees Jan. 20. Peetz made the following remarks during a press conference following the board's Jan. 20 meeting.

]]> 2012-01-20T22:09:43+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/guidelines-for-reporting-of-child-abuse-sexual-assault http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/guidelines-for-reporting-of-child-abuse-sexual-assault#When:22:17:11Z Talking about any type of abuse is difficult, according to experts, and even more difficult is acknowledging that sexual abuse of children occurs all too frequently. The fight against child abuse cannot be the job of one individual or one agency; it has to be a collaborative effort. It is important for every member of our University community to clearly understand the imperative and expectations, legal and moral, to report incidents or suspicions of child abuse and sexual assault as soon as possible, whether they are directly observed or reported to them by others. Below are guidelines to help faculty, staff and students in reporting abuse.

]]> 2012-01-17T22:17:11+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/board-chair-and-vice-chair-issue-statement-on-questions-about-paterno http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/board-chair-and-vice-chair-issue-statement-on-questions-about-paterno#When:22:20:29Z Steve Garban, chair of the Board of Trustees, and John Surma, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees, issued the following statement in response to questions raised regarding Joe Paterno at President Rodney Erickson's town hall meeting on Jan. 11, 2012:

]]> 2012-01-12T22:20:29+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/new-york-alumni-town-hall-meeting-to-be-streamed http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/new-york-alumni-town-hall-meeting-to-be-streamed#When:22:26:45Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Alumni who are unable to attend the upcoming town hall-style meetings with Penn State President Rodney Erickson on Jan. 11, 12 and 13 in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York City will be able to watch the New York City meeting live on the Internet.

The live program will be streamed from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at http://www.alumnitownhall.psu.edu online. The Alumni Town Hall meetings can be followed on Twitter using the hashtag #PSUdialog.

]]> 2012-01-10T22:26:45+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-president-erickson-signs-employment-contract http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-president-erickson-signs-employment-contract#When:22:25:45Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- In a display of confidence in Penn State's 17th president, the leadership of the Board of Trustees on Jan. 10 announced that Rodney Erickson has signed an employment contract with the Pennsylvania State University that runs through June 30, 2014.

"Rod Erickson is a proven leader with 34 years of experience at Penn State in a number of top-level positions," said Steve Garban, chair of the Board of Trustees. "He brings extensive experience in every facet of higher education. The board is extremely pleased to have him as the president of our University."

]]> 2012-01-10T22:25:45+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/panel-discussion-responding-to-child-sexual-abuse-set-for-jan.-24 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/panel-discussion-responding-to-child-sexual-abuse-set-for-jan.-24#When:22:22:26Z Penn State University Dickinson School of Law will host a panel discussion "Responding to Child Sexual Abuse: Legal, Medical and Ethical Perspectives" from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24, in the auditorium of Lewis Katz Building on the University Park campus of Penn State and be simulcast to the auditorium of Lewis Katz Hall, Carlisle, Pa. The event also will be available via webcast -- a link will be available at http://law.psu.edu/events/child_abuse on the day of the event.

]]> 2012-01-10T22:22:26+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/affirmative-action-vice-provost-presents-sexual-harassment-workshop http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/affirmative-action-vice-provost-presents-sexual-harassment-workshop#When:22:30:40Z Kenneth Lehrman, vice provost for affirmative action, conducted a sexual harassment workshop for faculty and staff at Penn State Abington last week. Chancellor Karen Wiley Sandler initiated Lehrman's visit to further the goal of creating a safe environment for all in the wake of the abuse scandal.

Lehrman concentrated on the numerous and varied options available to report sexual harassment with confidentiality and to protect against retaliation. He also reviewed Penn State’s official policies, offering real-world examples and answering questions from the packed audience.

]]> 2012-01-09T22:30:40+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/website-consolidates-sexual-assault-resource-information http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/website-consolidates-sexual-assault-resource-information#When:22:27:58Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's Office of Student Affairs has updated the Center for Women Students website to include information about sexual assault resources available at each Penn State campus. The new resource page can be found at http://studentaffairs.psu.edu/womenscenter/resources/ccsar.shtml online, and includes campus-specific PDF files containing contact information for medical assistance, emotional support, campus referral information and advocacy, and transportation.

]]> 2012-01-09T22:27:58+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/erickson-to-hold-alumni-town-hall-meetings http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/erickson-to-hold-alumni-town-hall-meetings#When:22:32:40Z Alumni will have a chance to ask questions and raise concerns in person at three town hall-style meetings with Penn State President Rodney Erickson on Jan. 11, 12 and 13 in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New York City.

]]> 2012-01-03T22:32:40+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/great-valley-campus-starts-penn-staters-against-child-abuse-campaign http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/great-valley-campus-starts-penn-staters-against-child-abuse-campaign#When:14:19:51Z In response to recent allegations against Penn State, Penn State Great Valley has initiated, “Penn Staters against Child Abuse,” a campaign to raise donations for and build awareness of child abuse prevention efforts. Aligning with the Exchange Club Family Center, a nationwide network of child abuse centers with an office situated in Family Service of Chester County in West Chester, Pa., the campus community raised $440 and recently presented the donation to Voni Moore Mastovich, director of the center. In addition to continued financial assistance, Penn State Great Valley has pledged to support the center’s abuse prevention efforts and awareness campaign.

]]> 2011-12-26T14:19:51+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-pledges-continued-cooperation-with-ncaa-inquiry http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-pledges-continued-cooperation-with-ncaa-inquiry#When:14:21:05Z In light of several ongoing investigations and inquiries at the University, Penn State has requested additional time to respond to questions asked by NCAA President Mark Emmert in a Nov. 17 letter.

In a letter dated Dec. 12, Penn State Vice President and General Counsel Cynthia Baldwin said that, in the course of conversation with the NCAA on this matter, "it became evident that the questions being asked in your letter might be answered in the course of the investigations currently in progress."

]]> 2011-12-20T14:21:05+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/a-message-from-president-rodney-erickson http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/a-message-from-president-rodney-erickson#When:14:23:50Z Common Questions
Since I was appointed president nearly six weeks ago, I have received thousands of letters and emails from individuals across the University and around the world. These notes run the gamut from strong support to questions to suggestions to dissatisfaction with my decisions or the pace of our progress. I appreciate all of the input — I value your opinions and I am committed to listening to your concerns. We weigh many factors in our decision-making process, and your feedback is important.

]]> 2011-12-13T14:23:50+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/blue-out-canning-efforts-raise-47000-to-fight-child-abuse-rape http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/blue-out-canning-efforts-raise-47000-to-fight-child-abuse-rape#When:14:33:33Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A movement started by two graduate students at Penn State has resulted in $47,000 being raised for two nonprofit organizations fighting child abuse and sexual assault.

Laura March, a graduate student in the College of Arts and Architecture, and Stuart Shapiro, a first-year student in the Penn State Smeal College of Business MBA Program, started the campaign to "blue out" Beaver Stadium by having all fans wear blue for the Penn State Football game against Nebraska on Nov. 12. Blue is the color of ribbons displayed in support of child abuse awareness.

]]> 2011-12-12T14:33:33+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/as-lawmakers-review-child-abuse-laws-erickson-expresses-support http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/as-lawmakers-review-child-abuse-laws-erickson-expresses-support#When:14:31:44Z Penn State President Rodney Erickson sent a letter of support and cooperation to Sen. Robert Casey on Monday, Dec. 12, a day in advance of a Senate hearing on protecting children from abuse and neglect.

"We at Penn State share your deep concerns about this issue, and for all the victims of child abuse," Erickson said. "We understand that the sexual abuse allegations at Penn State have brought about a renewed focus on how to confront the problem of abuse. We agree with you that the abuse of children in any form is terribly wrong."

]]> 2011-12-12T14:31:44+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/berks-students-hold-fundraiser-to-benefit-childrens-alliance-center http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/berks-students-hold-fundraiser-to-benefit-childrens-alliance-center#When:14:36:18Z Hundreds of students gathered to raise awareness of child abuse during Penn State Berks’ student fundraiser to benefit Reading’s Children’s Alliance Center from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 7, in the Perkins Student Center on campus. The theme of the event was “We Care,” and students demonstrated that to be true, turning out in force for the event and purchasing T-shirts and bracelets to benefit the Children’s Alliance Center.

The fundraiser was organized by students from the college’s Communication Arts and Sciences (CAS) degree program in collaboration with the Student Government Association. The event featured keynote speaker April Reed Schmehl, vice president of the Children’s Alliance Center, who discussed issues related to child abuse in the Reading area. As a Penn State graduate, Reed Schmehl expressed gratitude to the organizers of the fundraiser.“I was just blown away that students wanted to do this,” commented Reed Schmehl. “It’s been very touching.”The event also gave students an opportunity a chance to express their feelings and voice their concern for the victims of child abuse.

]]> 2011-12-09T14:36:18+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-to-create-center-for-the-protection-of-children http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-to-create-center-for-the-protection-of-children#When:14:37:56Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State's share of football bowl game revenues not only will be used for a newly formed partnership with an advocacy group for victims of sexual violence, but now also will help launch a center for the study, research, prevention and treatment of child abuse.

Following allegations of child sexual abuse against a retired assistant coach, Penn State officials are establishing the Center for the Protection of Children, which will eventually be home to hundreds of child abuse experts from across Penn State.

]]> 2011-12-08T14:37:56+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/a-message-from-president-rodney-erickson-the-days-ahead http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/a-message-from-president-rodney-erickson-the-days-ahead#When:14:40:00Z As we begin the final two weeks of this semester, exams, papers and performances are upon us. Although our University has not returned to a normal routine, there is a comforting sense that collectively we are returning to the urgency and importance of the academic work that fundamentally defines who we are.

]]> 2011-12-06T14:40:00+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/board-executive-committee-reaffirms-ratifies-earlier-decisions http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/board-executive-committee-reaffirms-ratifies-earlier-decisions#When:14:47:13Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- In a conference phone call today (Dec. 2), the executive committee of Penn State's Board of Trustees met to formally reaffirm and ratify personnel decisions made the week of Nov. 6. Due to extraordinary circumstances during that week, the Board of Trustees needed to act swiftly and decisively on University leadership matters. The decisions were reported at the board's regular public meeting Nov. 11.

]]> 2011-12-02T14:47:13+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/town-hall-forum-video-posted http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/town-hall-forum-video-posted#When:14:45:24Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Those who missed the Penn State Town Hall Forum held on the University Park campus on Wednesday, Nov. 30, can view the event at http://youtu.be/xFYbgDrztTM online.

The event, hosted by Penn State's University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG) and Graduate Student Association (GSA), was designed to provide a forum for students to engage University administrators in an open discussion about the recent events at the University Park campus.

]]> 2011-12-02T14:45:24+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-pa-coalition-against-rape-join-to-fight-child-sexual-abuse http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-pa-coalition-against-rape-join-to-fight-child-sexual-abuse#When:14:51:03Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State has formed a partnership with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape and the National Sexual Violence Resource Center to extend the collective reach of their programs in preventing and treating sexual abuse and violence throughout the state and nation. The University has committed $1.5 million to fund a variety of initiatives the partnership will undertake. The funds will come from Penn State's share of this year's Big Ten bowl revenues.

]]> 2011-12-01T14:51:03+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/campus-and-community-show-support-for-child-abuse-victims http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/campus-and-community-show-support-for-child-abuse-victims#When:14:50:48Z More than 100 Penn State York students, faculty, staff and members of the York community took part in a “Blue Out” and candlelight walk to support the awareness and prevention of child abuse on Thursday, Nov. 17 at the campus.  Students in the Human Development and Family Studies (HD FS) Club organized the event to show their support of the victims of the recent events at Penn State and all victims of abuse. To see photos from the event, visit http://goo.gl/8NEIT.

]]> 2011-12-01T14:50:48+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-town-hall-forum-provides-open-discussion http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-town-hall-forum-provides-open-discussion#When:14:56:03Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa -- Penn State's University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG) and Graduate Student Association (GSA) hosted a Penn State Town Hall Forum with the administration on Nov. 30, in Heritage Hall of the HUB-Robeson Center on the University Park campus. The event was designed to provide a forum for students to engage University administrators in an open discussion about the recent events at the University Park campus.

]]> 2011-11-30T14:56:03+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-faculty-offer-teachable-moments-from-difficult-events http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/penn-state-faculty-offer-teachable-moments-from-difficult-events#When:15:01:35Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – While the University community continues to cope with the gravity and complexity of issues related to the Jerry Sandusky allegations, several Penn State professors have integrated it into the classroom to help students share their thoughts about the issues and learn from them, too.

The Power of Words: Feature Writing and Journalism Ethics
At the beginning of every semester, Russell Frank, Penn State associate professor of communications, tells his journalism ethics class that something big is going to blow up in the media. So big, in fact, that they will be able to cover half of the topics of the class from one media story. What Frank didn’t know was that during this semester, that story would be about Penn State.

]]> 2011-11-28T15:01:35+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-launches-victim-resource-hotline http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-launches-victim-resource-hotline#When:14:57:39Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's Office of Student Affairs has set up a new victim resource hotline. Penn State's Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Hotline, which was activated today (Nov. 28), is run by ProtoCall,which provides service to wide range of colleges and universities across the country.

"Provision of this service is an additional part of Penn State's commitment to make sure victims and observers of victimization have access to a full spectrum of campus and community resources," said Peggy Lorah, director of the Center for Women Students at University Park.

]]> 2011-11-28T14:57:39+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-prepares-for-clery-act-review http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/university-prepares-for-clery-act-review#When:15:05:55Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The U.S. Department of Education will launch a campus security program review into Penn State's compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act). The review was sparked by allegations of sex offenses on campus by former football assistant coach Jerry Sandusky. The Department of Education notified the University in a letter sent on Nov. 9 that it would send representatives to the University Park campus beginning Monday, Nov. 28.

]]> 2011-11-26T15:05:55+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/president-gives-thanks-for-penn-state-communitys-support http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/president-gives-thanks-for-penn-state-communitys-support#When:15:07:09Z In a video message to the Penn State community and the nation released Nov. 23, Penn State President Rodney Erickson expressed thanks for the continued support of students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends. "We appreciate all who have led by example, especially those seeking to raise awareness of child abuse. They embody the true character of Penn Staters," Erickson said.

]]> 2011-11-23T15:07:09+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/a-message-from-president-rodney-erickson-moving-forward http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/a-message-from-president-rodney-erickson-moving-forward#When:15:09:23Z In the last two painful weeks, Penn State has been shaken to our foundation. But we are moving forward, and with every decision we’re committed to doing the right thing for the victims, their families, and the Penn State community. You have all played a role in helping us define a path for the future. You have inspired us with your resilience, generosity, and hope. You have given me your confidence and encouragement.

]]> 2011-11-21T15:09:23+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/ncaa-to-launch-inquiry-of-penn-state-athletic-programs http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/ncaa-to-launch-inquiry-of-penn-state-athletic-programs#When:15:11:51Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State has learned via letter from NCAA President Mark Emmert that the governing body of collegiate sports will launch an inquiry of the University's athletic programs in the wake of allegations of sexual abuse by a former assistant coach and charges of perjury against to two senior University officials.

]]> 2011-11-18T15:11:51+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/joyner-named-acting-athletic-director http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/joyner-named-acting-athletic-director#When:15:12:14Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — David M. Joyner has been named acting athletic director for Penn State, effective immediately. Joyner, a Penn State Distinguished Alumnus and a member of the Board of Trustees since 2000, will suspend his membership on the board to take on his new role.

"Dave Joyner has served the board with integrity, and he is internationally known for his work with the U.S. Olympic Committee. I am confident that he will bring that same integrity to his new role," said Penn State President Rodney Erickson.

]]> 2011-11-16T15:12:14+00:00 http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/pangborn-named-acting-executive-vice-president-and-provost http://progress.psu.edu/resource-library/pangborn-named-acting-executive-vice-president-and-provost#When:15:14:02Z UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Rob Pangborn, vice president and dean for Undergraduate Education, has been named acting executive vice president and provost, effective immediately. Pangborn is stepping into the role formerly held by Rod Erickson, who was named president of the University by the Board of Trustees last week.

"Because of his current role in Undergraduate Education, Rob is the most experienced person and has the broadest knowledge regarding the duties of the provost's position. I am confident that he will be highly effective in his new leadership role and keep the University moving forward," Erickson said upon making the announcement.

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