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Articles by Tyler Nolt
Three executive branch tickets participate in annual UPUA debate
Leading up to the University Park Undergraduate Association’s (UPUA) annual election on Wednesday, the student government has historically hosted a debate to showcase the candidates to the student body. Each executive ticket — Mann-Calderon, Hogan-Lopez and Hatch-Smith — was given a chance to introduce themselves and their platform. Each ticket was then asked questions by the UPUA’s election commission, which comprises the judicial branch.
Penn State rebounds from years of low free speech rankings, but FIRE warns its gains could be at risk
Editor’s Note: Part of the Collegian’s commitment to transparency is telling our readers when and how AI was used in our reporting. The writer used Microsoft Copilot to help sort and analyze data for this story. Click here for more details on how it was used and what we did to fact check it.
DATA: How comfortable do students feel expressing
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UPUA’s public relations practices hinder transparency Original
I was the only reporter present the night the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) removed Rasha Elwakil from her position as president of the 20th assembly. I sat in on all 10 general assembly meetings during the spring semester to report on key discussions, legislation and resolutions — but April 23 was different. I was tipped off about a rumored impeachment plan as early as April 3, just one day after Elwakil’s victory was announced.
UPUA releases statement explaining former President Rasha Elwkail's removal
University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) Speaker Kat Hogan and Vice Speaker Maguire Younes released a statement Friday afternoon explaining the removal of former President Rasha Elwkail from the assembly. Chairing the discussion to remove Elwakil was then-Vice President Fletcher Port, who will be taking over as president.
UPUA votes to remove President Rasha Elwakil from the Assembly
The University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) President Rasha Elwakil was put up for a vote of removal from the Assembly a week after being sworn in. MENA Caucus representative E Saba motioned for the removal of President Rasha Elwakil. That motion was then seconded by at-large representative Josh Meert. Immediately following, motions were made for the condition under which discussions would proceed.
UPUA elects leaders of the legislative branch
Every year following the swearing in of the new assembly, the assembly nominates and votes on who amongst them should oversee the legislative branch. Previously held by now Vice President Fletcher Port, the speaker of the assembly position has been passed off to Katarina Hogan – the 19th assembly’s justice and equity committee chair.
‘We have a lot of work to do’ | UHS, CSGD hosts sexual health panel
Correction: The headline has been updated to reflect that the event was hosted by University Health Services and the Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, not It's On Us. This clarification has also been added to the story. Five expert panelists came together for an event titled, ‘Let’s Tac’obout Sexual Health’ in the HUB-Robeson Center’s Lion’s Lair on Tuesday.
Meet Penn State’s 2025-26 UPUA president, vice-president
After weeks of campaigning, the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) announced that the Elwakil–Port ticket would serve as president and vice president for the 20th assembly. The announcement came less than an hour after the polls closed on April 2. Elwakil, a third-year studying geography, served as the vice president in the 19th general assembly under Zion Sykes. She worked closely alongside her running mate, Fletcher Port, a third-year studying mechanical engineering.
UPUA hosts Executive Debate before Election Day
There are three tickets Elwakil–Port, Fowler–Lindgren and Meert–Conway running to be the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) next president and vice president. All six candidates met Tuesday evening in the Freeman Auditorium for the Executive Debate, where both the Elections Commission and the student body had a chance to ask the questions most important to them before Election Day on Wednesday. Each candidate was given one minute and 30 seconds to answer.
Meet Rasha Elwakil and Fletcher Port: UPUA presidential and vice presidential candidates
This article is part of the Collegian’s series on the UPUA presidential and vice presidential candidates in this year’s election. The University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) holds its yearly election, where students run to help meet the unique needs of their peers at Penn State. This year, the season began when registration opened on March 3, and will close on Election Day, April 2.
UPUA's last 19th Assembly meeting passes 12 bills, 15 resolutions to raise awareness, fund events
In the final official meeting of the 19th Assembly for the UPUA, numerous bills and resolutions were passed to shed light on problems on Penn State campus. The first piece of legislation passed was Policy #07-19, marking the completion of revising the UPUA constitution. Every year, UPUA leadership takes suggestions on things that could make them more efficient. After discussion and passionate debate, the assembly updates their bylaws to reflect the majority consensus.
UPUA hosts debate between College Democrats and Republicans
Correction: An earlier version of this article mistakenly identified College Democrats as the winners of the debate. The debate was not scored. The Daily Collegian apologizes for this error. The University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) hosted its semesterly debate between Penn State’s College Republicans and College Democrats Tuesday night in the Freeman Auditorium.
UPUA representatives discuss upcoming election process, campaign experiences
Every spring semester, the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) holds an election for the next academic year’s representatives. Falling on a Wednesday to satisfy the UPUA’s constitution, students will have the opportunity to vote for a president on April 2. The 20 at-large representatives, including one from each academic college, and a Faculty Senate student representative, will also be on this ballot.
UPUA passes 7 resolutions, recommends heated bus stops, local food, changed major requirements
At this week's General Assembly meeting, the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) passed seven resolutions, including heated bus stops, local food and changing major requirements. Three of the seven resolutions were in support of physical addition to campus, including the addition of more trash cans across campus, heaters at bus stops and a gaga ball pit outside of Pollock Halls.
Black student leaders bring ‘different set of tools’ to UPUA, amplify underrepresented voices
Christian Ragland, the president of the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) 5th Assembly in 2010-11, recently visited his alma mater and sat in on a UPUA General Assembly meeting. He was invited by Zion Sykes, the current president of the 19th assembly, to attend and meet the representatives. “I met Christian after being interviewed by Culture Central,” Sykes, a fourth-year studying global and international studies and political science, said.
UPUA Assembly fills 5 at-large representative positions
At this week's University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) General Assembly Meeting, five at-large representative positions were up to be confirmed for the 19th Assembly. In the fourth academic week of each semester, the UPUA opens a representative application for all open spots. The process involves a blind application review, an interview and the chance to speak and answer questions before being voted upon by the assembly.
UPUA passes bill for dietary restriction survey incentives
At the General Assembly meeting on Wednesday, Bill #54-19, which provides funding for dietary restriction survey incentives, was passed unanimously. The survey followed up on the previously passed Resolution #05-19 Initiative 5: Launching a Dining Services Feedback Survey. The resolution states that, as implied by the name of the bill, a survey should be distributed to the student body in order to gather feedback on campus dining options, specifically the dietary needs of students.
Associate Justice confirmed, sworn in at UPUA meeting
Associate Justice Charis Liu was confirmed and sworn in at UPUA’s General Assembly meeting Wednesday to fill the only open seat in the Judicial Branch before the upcoming election cycle. There are eight associate justices in the UPUA, serving as second in judicial rank to Chief Justice Hunter Steach. To begin the process, Liu, a fourth-year studying international politics and comparative literature, was given the floor to introduce herself to the assembly.
Penn State professors raise concerns about potential branch campus closures amid rumors, budget cuts
At last week’s Faculty Senate meeting, Penn State professors raised questions and concerns about possible branch campus closures. Penn State has more than 20 campuses across the state. In July, the university announced that its commonwealth campuses will receive a $49 million budget cut for 2025-2026 fiscal year.
UPUA passes resolution: Know Your Rights Initiative for ICE Actions
At Wednesday's General Assembly meeting, the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) unanimously passed a resolution titled “Protecting Student Rights and Well-Being: Know Your Rights Initiative for ICE Actions.” While this wasn’t originally on the agenda for the meeting, it was quickly added by Noah Youcheff, chair of the Academic Affairs Committee.
UPUA swears in new representatives, passes legislation
The first University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) General Assembly meeting of the semester took place Wednesday night. Following the lead of President Zion Sykes, four new representatives were sworn in. This included Panhellenic Representative Mary O’Connor, Latino Caucus Representative Judith Rojas, College of Education Representative Ayden Meise and Disability Alliance Representative Reva Nallani. Following this and a 5 minute break, 3 bills were passed unanimously.
Penn State UPUA leaders share goals for spring semester
As the Penn State community enters into the second half of the school year, the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) is looking back at a successful fall semester. According to UPUA President Zion Sykes, last semester’s focus was on making UPUA more inclusive of other organizations.
Penn State Center for Sexual, Gender Diversity holds annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil
Over 40 locals gathered for a Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil to honor transgender individuals who died over the past year. The annual event, hosted by the Penn State Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, took place in the Flex Theater in the HUB-Robeson Center on Friday. Upon entering, attendees were offered itinerary pamphlets, battery powered candles and items, such as “trans lives matter” buttons and handheld trans flags.
'There’s a lot more quiet Republicans on campus than people realize' | Students react to Trump win
Penn State students, like a majority of the country last night, watched the electoral race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris intensely. After President-Elect Trump was announced as the winner by AP News, students shared their emotions and opinions on the incoming 47th president. Djamond Axuzm said he was surprised by Trump’s victory, having thought more members of Gen Z would’ve shown to the polls in support for Harris.
Centre County Elections Office evacuated after non-credible bomb threat
The Centre County Elections Office in Bellefonte was evacuated earlier tonight due to a bomb threat sent via email, according to a release from the Centre County Board of Commissioners. Employees reentered the office as of 8:20 p.m., after the state and local police did a sweep of the building to ensure that the threat received was non-credible. John Franek, Jr., Centre County administrator, emphasized the importance election integrity took in addition to the safety of the workers.
'People are going to be influenced by that hatred' | Protesters oppose Milo Yiannopoulos, Martin Shkreli
Editor’s Note: One of the names in this story has been changed to protect the identity of the individual involved. The Daily Collegian has verified through fact-checking that this individual exists. In response to Uncensored America’s event hosting Milo Yiannopoulos and Martin Shkreli, about 30 individuals organized outside of the Bryce Jordan Center to protest Monday evening.
Trump protesters fill State College streets, display disapproval
Editor’s Note: Two of the names in this story have been changed to protect the identity of the individuals involved. The Daily Collegian has verified through fact-checking that these individuals exist. Starting at the corner of East College Avenue and South Garner Street, five organizations co-sponsored a protest disapproving of former president and 2024 presidential candidate Donald Trump’s rally Saturday in the Bryce Jordan Center. Both Penn State students and local residents participated.
Palmer Museum of Art showcases ‘Politics and Daily Life’ exhibition in gallery talk
The Palmer Museum of Art showcased its Politics and Daily Life exhibition in a gallery talk led by Alicia Skeath, the exhibition’s main contributor, on Wednesday evening in the Philip A. Greider Family Gallery. The gallery, live from Sept. 21 - Dec. 15, is categorized into three sections: events, people and symbols. While a piece labeled “events” may focus on a political protest, one labeled “people” may place more emphasis on the qualities of a discriminated individual.
PSU Votes holds presidential debate between student leaders
The PSU Votes Presidential Debate, organized by the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), was held between Penn State College Republicans and Democrats Presidents Ryan Klein and Baybars Charkas on Tuesday evening. The pair discussed the political arguments of 2024 presidential candidates Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, making arguments on their behalf.
Penn State student organizations rally for immigration, anti-racism justice
Numerous student organizations came together to organize a rally for immigration and anti-racist justice on Monday in front of the Allen Street Gates. The hosting organizations included the Penn State Latino Caucus, Penn State Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), United Socialists at Penn State (USPSU) and the Penn State Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Caucus.
UPUA hosts Takac vs. Hollen debate for House of Representatives seat
The University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA) hosted a debate between the two Pennsylvania House of Representative candidates for District 82, which includes Penn State’s campus, on Thursday in the Flex Theater. The Democratic and Republican candidates, respectively, were current Representative Paul Takac and his challenger, Therese Hollen. After opening statements, two student moderators asked each candidate for their top three policy priorities.
Latina/o Studies Program hosts group conversation on immigration misinformation
The Latina/o Studies Program held a group discussion on politics, immigration and misinformation Wednesday in the Lion’s Lair Lounge of the HUB-Robeson Center from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Those walking by were invited to join in the discussion. The event hosted three Penn State professors as speakers: Dr. A.K. Sandoval-Strausz, Dr. Julia Szabo and Dr. Jennifer Van Hook.
Fact-checking the 2024 vice presidential debate
Ohio Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faced off in the 2024 vice presidential debate on Tuesday night, where they tackled many issues that could impact Penn State students. Here are some debate claims from both candidates that have been fact-checked by Collegian politics reporters: Vance: “What (Harris has) actually done instead is drive the cost of food higher by 25%, drive the cost of housing higher by about 60%.” This is misleading.
Uncensored America hosts Doyle vs. Destiny political debate
Uncensored America hosted a debate between Donald Trump-supporting YouTuber John Doyle and Kamala Harris-supporting Twitch streamer Steven Kenneth Bonnell II, better known by the username “Destiny,” on Monday night in the HUB-Robeson Center’s Heritage Hall. About 150 people were in attendance and around 700 people watched through a live stream. Uncensored America is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting for freedom of speech, according to its website.
Penn State student organizations hold emergency "All Out For Lebanon" protest
Editor’s Note: One of the names in this story has been changed to protect the identity of the individual involved. The Daily Collegian has verified through fact-checking that this individual exists. Five Penn State student organizations held an emergency "All Out For Lebanon" protest in front of the Allen Street Gates in downtown State College on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The protest was in response to the recent conflict between Lebanon and Israel.
DAYBREAKER’s ‘Purple Tour’ urges community to ‘party to the polls’
The Purple Tour, described as a “party to the polls,” made a stop in State College on Sunday from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Basement Nightspot. The event was sponsored by DAYBREAKER, a company that brings traditional nightlife to the morning in a healthy and energizing way, while also spreading awareness about voting. Timothy Patch, chief operating officer of DAYBREAKER, discussed the non-profit initiative that aims to bring positivity and celebration to the voting process.
'There’s no balance' | Charlie Kirk brings ‘You’re Being Brainwashed Tour’ to Penn State
Editor’s Note: Two of the names in this story have been changed to protect the identities of the individuals involved. The Daily Collegian has verified through fact-checking that these individuals exists. The Penn State chapter of Turning Point USA hosted Charlie Kirk’s "You're Being Brainwashed Tour” on the HUB-Robeson Center lawn at noon Thursday, Sept. 19. Kirk, a conservative political activist, founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and has made stops at colleges all across the country.
Fact-checking the presidential debate: How candidates addressed key issues impacting Penn State students
Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in the 2024 presidential debate on Tuesday night, tackling many issues that could impact Penn State students.
'We're constantly reminded to never forget' | Penn State College Republicans host 9/11 memorial
Penn State College Republicans held a memorial service in front of Old Main today in honor of the lives lost during the 9/11 attacks. “Every year, our organization hosts this memorial service to honor and remember the 2,977 souls tragically lost on Sept. 11,” Ryan Klein, president of Penn State College Republicans, said. The 10 Penn Staters who died in the attacks were paid tribute with roses carried by current students at the service.
The Daily Collegian staff named finalist for 3 College Media Association awards
Founded in 1954, the College Media Association (CMA) works to support student media programs across the United States. With over 600 members, the CMA supports advisers of collegiate media programs through conventions, workshops, publications and national networking. The CMA is also well known among student writers for the awards they present for exceptional reporting during the academic year. The Daily Collegian’s staff is currently a finalist for three of CMA’s 2024 Pinnacle Awards.
William Sitzabee steps down as Penn State's vice president for facilities management, planning
William Sitzabee, Penn State vice president for facilities management and planning, will be stepping down from his position as leader of the Office of Physical Plant (OPP). His last day will be Sept. 6, the release announced on Thursday. His position will be temporarily filled by Thomas Rodgers, OPP assistant vice president of administration.
State College community commemorates annual March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
On Wednesday evening, members of the State College community gathered to commemorate the 61st anniversary of the 1963 March on Wasington for Jobs and Freedom — commonly known for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s delivery of his “I Have A Dream” speech.
A look into 5 of the most unique majors at Penn State
With over 42,000 undergraduate students at Penn State, distinguishing one’s self from the crowd can be difficult at times; especially when it comes to studies. That said, there’s a total of 275 bachelor degrees available. Though this may seem like a lot, there’s a hypothetical average of about 154 people pursuing each degree when considering the total student population.
Penn State Health banner wins first place at Arts Fest
Two years ago, Penn State Health created the “From Our Kids to Your Kids” campaign, which brings together children from State College to create artwork with patients at the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey. At last year’s Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts Children & Youth Day, Penn State Health partnered with the Murals Talk Foundation and brought along a banner to be painted by attendees of Arts Fest Kids Day.
Arts Fest Kids Day offers outlet for creativity
The 58th Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts kicked off with its annual Children and Youth Day on Wednesday — a long-awaited day of fun for children and families in State College. Young artists and performers ages 8-18 lined the streets, participating in creative activities and selling their art to crowds of people walking by. State College Area High School student Audrey Yabiku, 16, made and sold crochet plushies at this year’s festival.
Important issues for student voters in 2024 presidential election
From the stock brokers on Wall Street to the farmers of the Great Plains, voting is meant to ensure the selection of a leader that represents each American’s concerns and visions for the future of their country. This includes the students of Penn State. Being a college student certainly entails a much different life than that of stock brokers and farmers. Here are a few issues students should consider to cast the vote that’s best for them in the fall.
Incoming Penn State freshmen look for clubs to ‘connect with people’
From the Climbing Club in the Intramural Building to Blooms & Shrooms in Buckhout Laboratory, student organizations are everywhere on campus. With over 1,000 orgs, it’s easy for students to find their niche. Blake Krupinski played hockey and volleyball in high school — something he intends to continue through club sports at Penn State.
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