The Penn State Board of Trustees will assemble today at the Nittany Lion Inn, 200 W. Park Ave., to discuss a number of university topics, including several proposed campus construction projects.

The board will discuss sketches for a proposed parking deck to be located near Lot 80, said Gary Cramer, university spokesman. The deck would provide parking for the new business administration, food sciences and forest sciences buildings and the University Creamery that are all slated for construction in four to five years, Cramer said.

"This is just part of the master plan for the eastern part of campus," he added.

A proposal for the possible expansion and renovation of Redifer Commons will also be presented to the trustees for deliberation.

The plans call for a significant increase in the size of the commons' dining area. Cramer said the extension would accommodate the more than 700 undergraduate students that are expected to live in Eastview Terrace's dorms upon its completion in 2004.

Board members will also discuss the appointment of an architect for the new Blue Band practice facility that is set for a September 2003 groundbreaking. Cramer said the Office of Physical Plant selected the architect after a lengthy and comprehensive search.

"They're shooting for right next to the practice fields up by north campus, where the trailer currently sits," Cramer said. "That's the place they seem to like."

Additionally, the board will continue a discussion that took place at September's meeting regarding the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life's informational report.

The report -- which addressed the perceived strained relationship between the greek system and Penn State administration -- caused a spirited discussion amongst board members, resulting in a time overrun. Trustees agreed to continue the dialogue at their next meeting.

Scott Phelan, director of fraternity and sorority life, said the extended session would allow for a free-flowing question-and-answer forum, where greek leaders can address concerns and suggestions from the board. The dialogue, he added, should also provide some insight into where the fraternity and sorority system is headed in the future.

"We're looking for more support for fraternities and sororities," Phelan said.

Plans to approve the sale of Circleville Farm in Ferguson Township were removed from today's agenda to provide a longer time window for requests for proposals, university spokesman Bill Mahon said. The move came after people complained the time period was too short to submit the requests, he added.

The College of Agricultural Sciences will instead offer a presentation regarding the college's master plan and Circleville Farm.

Penn State President Graham Spanier will present his annual university progress report to begin the day's proceedings.

The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m. and is open to the public.