Check your email. Nomination Ballots for this year's Penn State Board of Trustees Alumni Elections should be dropping tomorrow.

[PSUFTG]

Beginning tomorrow, Penn State Alumni should be receiving their ballots to submit nominations for candidates in this year's Alumni Trustee elections.

Alumni who don't receive a ballot, or who haven't voted in past elections, can request a ballot here: 2022 Alumni Trustee Nomination Ballot Request (office.com)
The three incumbent Trustees, who are up for re-election, are Bill Oldsey, Barbara Doran, and Ted Brown

Candidates who have announced a bid for nominations include:

Barry Fenchak
BARRY FENCHAK FOR PENN STATE TRUSTEE – Responsible governance. For a change. (barryfenchak4trustee.com)
Maribeth Roman Schmidt
Maribeth Schmidt - Maribeth Roman Schmidt for Penn State University Trustee. Export More. Nominate and Vote Today. (schmidt4psutrustee.com)
And a slate of three candidates calling themselves Penn State Forward:
ABOUT | Penn State Forward (psuforward.org).
The specific candidates for Penn State Forward are not currently listed on the group's public website.
Penn State Forward is underwritten by a 501(c)(3) organization known as The Boarding School. The Boarding School is a group that was formed in 2019, with the idea of placing advocates on the Boards of large US Universities - in order to promote the group's causes. Those causes were initially focused on pressuring Universities to remove "fossil fuel" holdings from their endowment investments. Since 2020, those causes have broadened to include a roster of DEI and Social Justice issues.

 

[BobPSU92]

F*ck the boarding school.

For Maribeth, it’s Expect More.

 

[Nitt1300]

nope- won't waste time opening it

 

[91Joe95]

Beginning tomorrow, Penn State Alumni should be receiving their ballots to submit nominations for candidates in this year's Alumni Trustee elections.

Alumni who don't receive a ballot, or who haven't voted in past elections, can request a ballot here: 2022 Alumni Trustee Nomination Ballot Request (office.com)
The three incumbent Trustees, who are up for re-election, are Bill Oldsey, Barbara Doran, and Ted Brown

Candidates who have announced a bid for nominations include:

Barry Fenchak
BARRY FENCHAK FOR PENN STATE TRUSTEE – Responsible governance. For a change. (barryfenchak4trustee.com)
Maribeth Roman Schmidt
Maribeth Schmidt - Maribeth Roman Schmidt for Penn State University Trustee. Export More. Nominate and Vote Today. (schmidt4psutrustee.com)
And a slate of three candidates calling themselves Penn State Forward:
ABOUT | Penn State Forward (psuforward.org).
The specific candidates for Penn State Forward are not currently listed on the group's public website.
Penn State Forward is underwritten by a 501(c)(3) organization known as The Boarding School. The Boarding School is a group that was formed in 2019, with the idea of placing advocates on the Boards of large US Universities - in order to promote the group's causes. Those causes were initially focused on pressuring Universities to remove "fossil fuel" holdings from their endowment investments. Since 2020, those causes have broadened to include a roster of DEI and Social Justice issues.

So who's underwriting the 501c that sounds like a communist treatise? Maybe they got a government grant or something.

 

[Nitt1300]

So who's underwriting the 501c that sounds like a communist treatise? Maybe they got a government grant or something.

one thing about the Communists- they didn't spend a lot of time worrying about the environment

 

[Midnighter]

Beginning tomorrow, Penn State Alumni should be receiving their ballots to submit nominations for candidates in this year's Alumni Trustee elections.

Alumni who don't receive a ballot, or who haven't voted in past elections, can request a ballot here: 2022 Alumni Trustee Nomination Ballot Request (office.com)
The three incumbent Trustees, who are up for re-election, are Bill Oldsey, Barbara Doran, and Ted Brown

Candidates who have announced a bid for nominations include:

Barry Fenchak
BARRY FENCHAK FOR PENN STATE TRUSTEE – Responsible governance. For a change. (barryfenchak4trustee.com)
Maribeth Roman Schmidt
Maribeth Schmidt - Maribeth Roman Schmidt for Penn State University Trustee. Export More. Nominate and Vote Today. (schmidt4psutrustee.com)
And a slate of three candidates calling themselves Penn State Forward:
ABOUT | Penn State Forward (psuforward.org).
The specific candidates for Penn State Forward are not currently listed on the group's public website.
Penn State Forward is underwritten by a 501(c)(3) organization known as The Boarding School. The Boarding School is a group that was formed in 2019, with the idea of placing advocates on the Boards of large US Universities - in order to promote the group's causes. Those causes were initially focused on pressuring Universities to remove "fossil fuel" holdings from their endowment investments. Since 2020, those causes have broadened to include a roster of DEI and Social Justice issues.

How do you know this about PSU Forward? I see you have to register to read any content on their webpage. Is it listed there? Just think it’s good practice to make sure you can back this kind of accusation up with facts.

 

[GrimReaper]

Wait a minute, you have to have a log-in to access Penn State Forward's site?

 

[PSUFTG]

How do you know this about PSU Forward? I see you have to register to read any content on their webpage. Is it listed there? Just think it’s good practice to make sure you can back this kind of accusation up with facts.

It wasn't an accusation.

They are definitely underwritten by The Boarding School. It is not like that is a secret, it is disclosed by both groups. The Boarding School's mission is also clearly delineated on their own website - and through their efforts since 2019, which started at Harvard and are well-documented and public. People who follow University Governance are well aware. They also had their slate of candidates - with their bios and position statements - on their public website, but recently took those down. I know who they are, but didn't list them since it is not public anymore. If they do go back up on their public website, and I see it, I will link it in as well.

 

[91Joe95]

one thing about the Communists- they didn't spend a lot of time worrying about the environment

Which seems fitting given how quickly the group is pivoting away from their 'hook'.

 

[PSUFTG]

X

 

[Thorndike2021]

I wrote myself in. My platform includes:

* Bring back Gentle Thursday, but celebrate it every Thursday!

 

[BobPSU92]

I wrote myself in. My platform includes:

* Bring back Gentle Thursday, but celebrate it every Thursday!

My platform:

Bring back Chicken Cosmos. Make lunch great again.

 

[91Joe95]

Vote me in, the BOT needs more ********.

 

[Fizz1]

Beginning tomorrow, Penn State Alumni should be receiving their ballots to submit nominations for candidates in this year's Alumni Trustee elections.

Alumni who don't receive a ballot, or who haven't voted in past elections, can request a ballot here: 2022 Alumni Trustee Nomination Ballot Request (office.com)
The three incumbent Trustees, who are up for re-election, are Bill Oldsey, Barbara Doran, and Ted Brown

Candidates who have announced a bid for nominations include:

Barry Fenchak
BARRY FENCHAK FOR PENN STATE TRUSTEE – Responsible governance. For a change. (barryfenchak4trustee.com)
Maribeth Roman Schmidt
Maribeth Schmidt - Maribeth Roman Schmidt for Penn State University Trustee. Export More. Nominate and Vote Today. (schmidt4psutrustee.com)
And a slate of three candidates calling themselves Penn State Forward:
ABOUT | Penn State Forward (psuforward.org).
The specific candidates for Penn State Forward are not currently listed on the group's public website.
Penn State Forward is underwritten by a 501(c)(3) organization known as The Boarding School. The Boarding School is a group that was formed in 2019, with the idea of placing advocates on the Boards of large US Universities - in order to promote the group's causes. Those causes were initially focused on pressuring Universities to remove "fossil fuel" holdings from their endowment investments. Since 2020, those causes have broadened to include a roster of DEI and Social Justice issues.

Barry Fenchak and Maribeth Roman Schmidt have shared content for all to see, including their competition. I can't see any information about candidates and platforms for the "psuforward" slate on their site. I need to sign up on a mailing list first?

 

[Midnighter]

I say this every year but I cannot believe Barry can’t get on the ballot. Only takes 250 signatures. I know he rubs a lot of people the wrong way but he might be what the BOT needs. Or is everyone okay with where we are?

 

[BobPSU92]

I say this every year but I cannot believe Barry can’t get on the ballot. Only takes 250 signatures. I know he rubs a lot of people the wrong way but he might be what the BOT needs. Or is everyone okay with where we are?

Slow and steady wins the race.

 

[AvgUser]

I wrote Barry in again this year

 

[TiogaLion]

This ballot is NOT the election, it is a Nomination Ballot so that people can actually be listed on the election ballot, which will take place after the nominations close. If you don't receive one within the next few days you can request a ballot by filling out the form found at:

Microsoft Forms

forms.office.com

 

[Nitt1300]

I say this every year but I cannot believe Barry can’t get on the ballot. Only takes 250 signatures. I know he rubs a lot of people the wrong way but he might be what the BOT needs. Or is everyone okay with where we are?

not at all ok, but Barry isn't the answer

 

[GrimReaper]

not at all ok, but Barry isn't the answer

There are no answers short of restructuring the Board. That ain't happenin' so might as well elect Barry and enjoy watching the fireworks.

 

[BobPSU92]

There are no answers short of restructuring the Board. That ain't happenin' so might as well elect Barry and enjoy watching the fireworks.

It would be entertaining until they booted BARRY. in a back-room “emergency session”.

 

[Bertrand]

No board no matter how ineffectual should be held captive by anyone unable to work constructively with other board members. Opinions can vary, discussions can get heated, but members have to have some semblance of emotional intelligence to make meetings manageable. No one likes dealing with constant negativity. While problems exist like every other public university on the planet, there are some real positives at Penn State as well.

 

[TiogaLion]

not at all ok, but Barry isn't the answer

What we have sure isn't the answer. But I guess that's ok with you that no one evens tries.

 

[TiogaLion]

No board no matter how ineffectual should be held captive by anyone unable to work constructively with other board members. Opinions can vary, discussions can get heated, but members have to have some semblance of emotional intelligence to make meetings manageable. No one likes dealing with constant negativity. While problems exist like every other public university on the planet, there are some real positives at Penn State as well.

Are you happy with our "ineffectual" board? If so, no need to change.

 

[oldpsubear]

nope- won't waste time opening it

Agree unless there is away to remove those special appointed members what little input the rest have is useless and ineffective . Hence the fiscally irresponsible contract for Franklin . The whole board didnt even see it or vote on it . The special committee was all it took

 

[Nitt1300]

What we have sure isn't the answer. But I guess that's ok with you that no one evens tries.

it isn't, but until the powers that be in Harrisburg get their heads out of their as..ses there will be no change- and PA's voters seem to be perfectly fine with the situation as it is

so you're right- no one is even going to try

 

[BobPSU92]

there are some real positives at Penn State

I don’t get it.

 

[BobPSU92]

it isn't, but until the powers that be in Harrisburg get their heads out of their as..ses there will be no change- and PA's voters seem to be perfectly fine with the situation as it is

so you're right- no one is even going to try

BARRY. tries, but I’m sure he knows he won’t effect change. If he were elected, the most he could do is make points that need to be made and hope people are listening. However, with his penchant for name-calling and other ugliness, I doubt he would survive a term.

 

[Nitt1300]

BARRY. tries, but I’m sure he knows he won’t effect change. If he were elected, the most he could do is make points that need to be made and hope people are listening. However, with his penchant for name-calling and other ugliness, I doubt he would survive a term.

That's it. Unless you are an absolute ruler, you have to get people to work with you- and that's not exactly Barry's forte.

 

[PSUFTG]

it isn't, but until the powers that be in Harrisburg get their heads out of their as..ses there will be no change- and PA's voters seem to be perfectly fine with the situation as it is

so you're right- no one is even going to try

"Nothing matters unless there is change in Harrisburg" is just an alibi, truly, for inaction. It is just another version of "There is nothing I can do / My vote doesn't count", so I need not trouble myself to put forth any effort.
A lot of people would like to see the State Assembly, or the Governor, get more involved. But that isn't going to happen - certainly not unless there is first some level of transparency, exposure, and true responsible governance at least attempted within the Penn State Board. That has been quite clear - and well-documented - for a decade or more. Has it not?

So, as Penn Staters, we can continue to sit back and hope that the Princess-kisses-the-Frog fairy tale of Harrisburg taking charge happens (And, even if it did, without responsible governance within the Penn State Board, what good would that do? And maybe more harm than good, if that were even possible)- or we can actually take some responsibility, as little as it may be, to support responsible governance at home, at Penn State. So far, for the most part, with few exceptions, we have been taking the lazy man's path. You reap what you sow.

 

[PSUFTG]

BARRY. tries, but I’m sure he knows he won’t effect change. If he were elected, the most he could do is make points that need to be made and hope people are listening.

That, actually, would be a very good start - would it not? Maybe that is exactly what needs to happen - it surely couldn't hurt.
Do you know anyone else who has the ability and commitment to do that? I'm all ears. Someone like that, if they are willing to run, I'll vote for them as many times as possible.

 

[Midnighter]

My nomination ballet was in my junk mail - FYI.

 

[Nitt1300]

My nomination ballet was in my junk mail - FYI.

good place for it

 

[Midnighter]

good place for it

 

[BobPSU92]

That, actually, would be a very good start - would it not? Maybe that is exactly what needs to happen - it surely couldn't hurt.
Do you know anyone else who has the ability and commitment to do that? I'm all ears. Someone like that, if they are willing to run, I'll vote for them as many times as possible.

It would be a good until you got booted. Even if you didn’t get the boot, nothing would change, but I would applaud you for trying (with civility).

 

[TiogaLion]

It would be a good until you got booted. Even if you didn’t get the boot, nothing would change, but I would applaud for trying (with civility).

Than fill the form out for: Barry J Fenchak, 1984

 

[91Joe95]

No board no matter how ineffectual should be held captive by anyone unable to work constructively with other board members. Opinions can vary, discussions can get heated, but members have to have some semblance of emotional intelligence to make meetings manageable. No one likes dealing with constant negativity. While problems exist like every other public university on the planet, there are some real positives at Penn State as well.

That's simply not true, and to imply Barry would only be there to cause trouble is misleading. Everything you listed as a positive for dissent Barry exhibits.

 

[91Joe95]

Are you happy with our "ineffectual" board? If so, no need to change.

Remember when Lubrano held the board captive with his lawsuit against the ncaa? It's an absurd and counterproductive notion that everyone has to get along or else.

 

[Midnighter]

Are the incumbents running again?

 

[PSUFTG]

Are the incumbents running again?

Yes. At least they have announced their intentions to do so.

Of course, at this point it is all about nominating others to be on the ballot - along with the incumbents.
This period, the Nomination Period, runs through February 25th. After that, the incumbents, assuming they do indeed run, along with those who received 250 or more nominations, will be on the ballot for the election - which starts, usually, late March or early April.