Lt. Gov. Mark Singel said he supported adding a sexual orientation clause to the University's non-discrimination policy when he met with student leaders yesterday.

"The (University) Faculty Senate has spoken overwhelmingly, and the University should be guided by that mandate," Singel said. "I know (President Thomas) is making an honest effort to reduce discrimination."

Singel, who spoke to the leaders in the HUB Gallery Lounge, also fended off questions about the state and University budgets.

"Although the state is in a difficult budget situation, we are in better shape than many states in the East and Midwest," Singel said. "The governor is open to any suggestions on how to fix the budget situation."

"We wanted to know where the state budget as well as the University's budget currently stood," said Kelly Glazier, co-director of Student Coalition for Commonwealth Education. "It's a step in the process of examining the possibilities of opening the University's budget."

For 45 minutes Singel answered questions about opening the University budget, improving facilities at Ritenour Health Center and cutting funds earmarked to expand the HUB and other buildings.

Singel also praised the University on its status as a "world-class" research institution but said he would like to see its undergraduate teaching improve.

Commonwealth Campus Student Government Coordinatior Brian Donaldson asked Singel about the System Wide Equality Fund, a proposal created by Commonwealth campus students to increase Commonwealth campus tuition to match tuition at University Park. The increase in Commonwealth campus tuition would be returned to campuses to match funds already being received for new buildings, Donaldson said.

Although Singel said he thought it was a good idea, he declined further comment.

On issues such as Ritenour and the bumping of a HUB expansion and other construction from the state budget, Singel said students should petition the state government to make legislators aware of the issues.

Singel also discussed the possibility of extending the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Association to a five-year program.

Although many student leaders invited could not attend, those who did were glad Singel had come.

"He has met with students prior to this meeting, and he's always very willing to do it again," USG Senate President Kurt Derr said.

Tony Dutzik, a USG senator, said: "He has proven to be very accessible and receptive, especially to University students."

"I thought the meeting went very well," Donaldson said. "I was very impressed that he spent time to talk to us."

Singel is a University graduate and the governor's representative to the University's Board of Trustees.

The invitation for Singel to come and address student leaders went out two weeks ago, when the Student Coalition for Commonwealth Education asked him to come to campus during a recent trip to Harrisburg. The coalition sponsored the event.

Others attending included student Trustee E.J. Shaffer; Black Caucus President Nicole Batts; Nichol Barlett, president-elect of the Organization for Town Independent Students; and Melissa Pressler, president of the Association of Residence Hall Students.