Were learning more information on the possible closure of some Penn State Commonwealth Campuses.
The information comes after a court hearing focusing on a University Trustee who despite not being re-elected is still facing a legal challenge on how long he will remain on the board.
Last Friday its announced, Trustee Barry Fenchak’s write in campaign to get re-elected as a trustee falls short. His current term ends in six weeks, at the end of June.
Monday, Penn State, represented by three attorneys is in Centre County Court arguing for a judge to lift an injunction issued last year that kept the trustees from removing Fenchak from the board.
A Penn State attorney states if the injunction is lifted, the Trustees could then possibly vote on Fenchak’s board membership status, arguing it should be a board decision not a judge’s decision.
During his testimony Fenchak talks about the decision looming on closing Penn State Commonwealth Campuses. Until about a month ago, Fenchak says it was decision that was going to be made solely by Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi.
Then, just a few weeks ago Fenchak testifies, the campus closings becomes something the Trustees will vote on. He says Trustees want more information especially on three questions what happens to the faculty and students at campuses that will be closed.
What happens to the properties and buildings on closed campuses, and does the State have any oversight on the closings.
Over the weekend, Penn State issues a legal notice indicating the Trustees will probably vote this coming Thursday, May 15th, on the Commonwealth Campus closings.
But then Monday, the University issues a new legal notice about Thursday’s meeting, that says nothing about Commonwealth Campuses, while stating it will be a Trustee Executive Session.