With spring and summer comes the scent of freshly cut grass, warm evening breezes and now -- more new professors at the University.

Premiering this summer, the Distinguished Scholars In Residence program will bring new dimensions not only to University Park, but to several other Commonwealth campuses as well.

Advertised nationally in the Chronicle of Higher Education, the University hopes to attract qualified minority scholars from across the United States to its campuses, through the program, said Robert Kidder, director of employment and procedures.

The program targets minority scholars, primarily black and Hispanic, who are not sufficiently represented at the University, said Nancy Tischler, director of the Office of Summer Sessions.

"We hope that some will come and enjoy teaching and possibly be interested in future positions at the University," Kidder said.

Applicants will be selected by deans and department heads from each college on the basis of scholarship and availability of positions in their particular field, Tischler said.

The University is not creating new positions for the interested scholars; instead it is matching applicants' credentials with available teaching positions, Kidder said.

Tischler said summer residency is an attractive way to introduce new faculty to the University at a delightful time of year. Besides benefitting the University, the program provides an opportunity for scholars to further their careers by working in an institution of higher education and using various research facilities provided by the University, she added.

Tischler said summer is also an opportune time to experience the many cultural activities such as lectures, concerts and art exhibitions provided by the University.

The University looks forward to the prosperity of the program over the years and the cultural diversity it will add to the campuses, Tischler said.

Applications for the program will be accepted through March 1.