Since November, all of Don Lamuth's research, studies and meetings have been in anticipation of today -- his debut as the new student trustee on the University Board of Trustees.

As the new student trustee, Lamuth (junior-finance) plans to "take it slow at first" to gain the other trustees' respect.

"You don't want to come in there, slap this down on the table and say, 'This is the way it's going to be,' " Lamuth said, adding that he wants to spend the first few meetings learning.

This meeting will mark the beginning of Lamuth's three-year term as student trustee, during which he will attend 18 meetings. Lamuth will advise the board on student issues and give his opinion on student concerns. He is a voting member of the board.

Despite his decision to ease into his new role, Lamuth already has many goals. He plans to focus on keeping tuition down, increasing minority scholarships and cultural programs, and encouraging continuing-education students to enroll at the University.

Trustee Marian U. Coppersmith Fredman said the trustees have always tried to establish a good rapport with the student trustees and work with them on their goals.

"He certainly has taken the initiative, and I think he will be an excellent trustee," Fredman said.

Lamuth also wants to keep in touch with students to give them a voice with the board.

"I envision myself being a little bit more active than past student trustees," Lamuth said. "I want to be very accessible."

And likewise, Lamuth believes the board is hungry for student input, and that student concerns are taken seriously by administrators and the board.

Lamuth said he also plans to keep in contact with other student leaders to get student input and to explain his votes.

"It's important for me to report back to the students and say, 'This is what happened at the board meeting, and this is why I voted this way,' " Lamuth said.

Chris Saunders, Undergraduate Student Government president, said he wants to work with Lamuth but is skeptical that Lamuth will be able to accomplish his goals.

"I don't think any student trustee has ever been able to use the position effectively," Saunders said.

Since his nomination was approved, Lamuth has undergone a rigorous orientation process during which he spent many hours meeting administrators and other trustees.

"It's a pretty intensive orientation," Lamuth said, adding that he has found less time for classes and schoolwork.

But despite his busy schedule and new responsibilities, Lamuth said he is gaining a valuable education that cannot be taught in a classroom.

When students graduate, they are not going to remember what was taught in their classes as they are going to remember what they learned in clubs, organizations and as student leaders, Lamuth said. Although he is prepared for his new role and thinks he is a welcome addition to the the board, he is still nervous.

"The first time I press the button for the microphone and go to actually speak, that'll be a little bit of a tense moment," Lamuth said.

The University Board of Trustee's meeting will be at 8:30 a.m. today in the Nittany Lion Inn Boardroom.