The course is being offered as a 2-credit course, or for non-credit. Classes will meet at the Fayette campus on Monday evenings, 6-9 p.m., from Feb. 20-April 16.

For more information or to register, call Jan Jordan at the Fayette campus at: 724-430-4211.

Penn State’s Sustainable Landscape Technology Certificate program is not only designed for the beginning landscaper, but as a refresher course for established landscape contractors.  It is a six-course, 17-credit program that can be completed in as little as 15 months. After completion of the certificate program, students are prepared to work in the green industry, using appropriate sustainable methods—from the identification of native plant material versus invasive and exotic plants to the implementation of integrated pest management and weed management strategies.

The goal of the meeting is to solicit comments and ideas concerning the plan from students, faculty, staff, administrators and community partners. Presenters will meet with members of the campus, share the draft of the plan and hear about Penn State Fayette’s sustainability initiatives and future plans. Meeting participants will watch an eight-minute video, “Sustainability at Penn State: We are just getting started,” and participate in group brainstorming and open discussion about the plan.

Penn State already has a number of sustainability initiatives in teaching, research, operations and outreach; there are classes, a new minor in sustainability leadership, workshops on incorporating sustainability across the curriculum, student clubs, “green teams,” recycling programs, energy conservation efforts and community engagement efforts, such as Farmers Markets and mass transit initiatives. The Penn State Sustainability Strategic Plan will recognize, support and expand these efforts.

For further information on this initiative, please refer to the following online resources:

• To read the article about the Sustainability Strategic Plan, visit http://live.psu.edu/story/54760.
• For FAQ about the Strategic Plan for Sustainability, visit http://live.psu.edu/story/54759.
• For a list of some sustainability initiatives already underway, visit http://green.psu.edu/psudoing.
• For Penn State sustainability teaching and research, visit http://www.cfs.psu.edu/ and http://green.psu.edu/research.
• For more about the University Sustainability Council and the sustainability plan’s progress, visit http://green.psu.edu/SustPlan/committee.asp.

Eight members of the faculty and staff at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus have been recognized for excellence in 2011. The Advisory Board of Penn State Fayette funds these awards annually to recognize individuals for their outstanding accomplishments and to acknowledge the contributions of those who have served the University well.

Dr. Francis Achampong, Chancellor, says “We are proud to honor the hard-working and dedicated individuals who help make Penn State Fayette the wonderful place that it is.”

Those honored for their excellence in 2011 include:

Administrative Excellence – Rita Gumbert, assistant to the financial officer, for her professionalism and personal investment in the campus, including her participation with the campus’ Emergency Management Team, her assistance with international students and her support of the Fayette campus’ athletic teams.

Scholarly Excellence – Joseph Shostell, associate professor of biology, was recognized for the scope, quality, and consistency of his publications, as well as the collaborative nature of his work as professor and researcher. He routinely involves his students in his important research, and he served as the faculty advisor for the first place winner of the spring 2011 Learning Fair.

Support Services Excellence – The Financial Assistants Team of Earla Knoyer and Sharon Rendine were recognized for their dedicated professionalism in working with faculty, staff, and students to enforce the financial policy and procedures of the university.

Teaching Excellence – Janet Knott, nursing instructor, was honored for her consistent and effective performance as a teacher and for her contributions to her profession. Through a grant, she was able to obtain needed equipment for the nursing department to enhance the teaching environment.

Adjunct Teaching Excellence – Shirley Dempsey, a lecturer in psychology, was recognized for her vested interest in her students and their abilities to achieve academic success within the classroom. As a licensed psychological counselor, she uses life experiences and employment off-campus to educate and relate to her students.

The Ellen M. Laun Advising Excellence Award – Lawrence Hunchuck, instructor and program coordinator for mining technology, was honored for his recognizable passion for teaching and his ability to clear the way to help students perform at a high level. He is always available to his students, but most especially at critical times of need during the year.

The Barbara B. Solesky Staff Assistant Excellence Award – Michelle Henrish, for exceptional service in improving communication for the Nursing Program coordinator, eight full-time faculty, six part-time faculty and approximately 100 nursing students.

The Uniontown Hospital Auxiliary recently contributed $10,000 to the Nursing Scholarship Program at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. The donation resulted from proceeds of the volunteer corps Festival of Trees Holiday Event held annually at Uniontown Hospital. The scholarship provides financial assistance to area students pursuing degrees in nursing at Penn State Fayette.

Prospective students and their families are invited to attend the Winter Open House at Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus. The Open House will take place on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to noon in Room 110 in the Eberly Building.

The Open House is an opportunity for potential students to become acquainted with the campus and Penn State’s academic programs. Jason Broadwater, director of Enrollment and Student Services at Penn State Fayette, says, “This open house event is a great way for prospective students to begin preparing for their academic future, and it’s a great opportunity to learn more about what the university has to offer.”

Options for the day include a campus tour, student panel, admissions and financial aid presentation, and a chance to learn more about Penn State’s 200-plus majors from Penn State faculty.

The Open House is available for current and prospective college students, as well as high school students. Students may apply on the spot and receive a $50 fee waiver. Interested high school students should bring their official transcripts and SAT/ACT test scores.

To R.S.V.P. for the Open House, contact Penn State Fayette Admissions at 724-430-4130. Walk-ins are welcome.

The course includes strategies and techniques for taking the test and a review of verbal and math concepts. Students will also work on how to tackle the essay portion of the test. The 2012 spring SAT test dates are March 10, May 5 and June 2.

Two sessions of the SAT Prep Course are being offered at the Fayette campus:

• Five Thursdays, Feb. 2-March 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• Five Thursdays, March 29-April 26, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The course costs $99 (the textbook is included) and will use The Official SAT Study Guide: For the New SAT. Anyone who has a copy of the text may deduct $20 from the fee. Tuition for individuals repeating the course for the second time is $49. Both sessions of the course will be taught at Penn State Fayette’s Corporate Training Center in the Eberly Building.

Registration deadline for the Thursday, Feb 2.-March 1, course is Tuesday, Jan. 31. Registration deadline for the Thursday, March 29-April 26, course is Tuesday, March 27.

For more information or to register, call 724-430-4211 or visit the website at www.fayette.psu.edu/CE.