For Penn State faculty, skies may seem a bit more blue. Last year, in an attempt to keep student tuition down, faculty were denied salary raises. With the 2010-2011 proposed budget, the university plans to end the freeze.
This year, the university is hoping to get a 3.9% increase, or around $360.9 million, in state funding. StateCollege.com cites the fact that this is one of the lowest increase requests in 50 years. While nothing is official until the board convenes in July, President Spanier believes the raises are likely.
Proposed raises are not all encompassing, rather they are based on individual merit. Assistant Director of Public Information Annemarie Mountz explains, “There is no set amount given to all employees. Some people may get a very small raise -- or even no raise at all -- while others may get a larger than average raise."
Update (6:01): An earlier version of this post mistakenly lacked proper quote attribution.
Over Memorial Day weekend the Hooters on 538 E.College Ave. unexpectedly closed its doors, leaving employees a little less perky. The once delightfully tacky restaurant will be replaced with “a very kid-friendly” Kildare’s Irish pub.
According to StateCollege.com, the Hooters staff was let go with little notice over the weekend. Renovations will begin almost immediately in order to have the new restaurant ready to open by next fall.
This move to State College is part of a larger effort by the Kildare's brand to establish itself in college towns throughout the country. Dave Magrogan, CEO of the West Chester-based Kildare's group told StateCollege.com that other locations are being developed near Ohio State, Notre Dame and Michigan State.
According to Thorstein Veblen, the pseudonymous creator of the "anti-authoritarian" watchdog blog, Left of Centre, Penn State has some egg to clear off of its face. Citing Bill Shackner's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article, Mr. Veblen believes that Penn State has cheated its way out of full compliance with Pennsylvania's Right-To-Know Law, legislation which requires institutions of higher learning to release fiscal information.
Update 10:00pm: We have included a response from a Penn State representative.
Read on to learn more about the alleged controversy.
April showers bring May flowers, and following flowers comes...June weddings?
According to this recent Penn Stater article by Lori Shontz, one of her favorite spots on campus, "the Rose and Flower Garden", is becoming another popular wedding destination.
Find out more about popular places for Penn State weddings after the jump.
Now that summer is officially here (I'm from New England—therefore I refuse to wait for June 21 lest it start snowing again) it's time for that great tradition: the Memorial Day cookout. The usual burgers and steaks are a must, but Chris Raines, assistant professor of meat science and technology in the College of Agriculture has highlighted some new and unorthodox trends.
See his suggestions after the jump.
If you are a long-term theater lover or just looking for an escape from the oppressive heat that State College has been experiencing lately, June is shaping up to be a decent month. Pennsylvania Centre Stage will be kicking off its 25th year on June 2nd with "Wait Until Dark."
The production is entirely and professionally cast from Penn State alumni and current students. Included in this group is the omnipresent Bob Clendenin, known for his roles in "My Name is Earl," "Cougar Town," and "Scrubs."
Read on to find out more about the play and how to get tickets for this season's shows.