Affirmative action, health care and state appropriations will be among the discussion topics as the University Board of Trustees meets today and tomorrow at the University's Hershey Medical Center.

As the highest governing body of the University, board members --who include senators, company presidents and attorneys -- serve on educational policy, physical plant or finance committees.

All of these committees will present informational reports, as will the medical center committee and a special advisory committee on diversity.

The diversity committee usually only presents a report once a year, said Terrell Jones, deputy vice provost for educational equity. This committee is expected to discuss affirmative action activities and academic assistance programs.

University President Joab Thomas will also report to the board about the status of the state appropriations request. Thomas went to Harrisburg on Wednesday to lobby for $20 million more than the University received for 1993-94.

The trustees gather six times a year -- four meetings are held at the Nittany Lion Inn, one at the medical center and one at a Commonwealth Campus.

Trustees receive the agenda before they meet, which allows them to examine background information on the issues or to telephone other trustees.