The state Senate approved a set of reforms designed to protect the future of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
Many PASSHE schools were facing considerable financial and enrollment pressures even before the COVID-19 pandemic, and these problems have been made worse by the temporary closing of all 14 system schools due to concerns about student health.
House Bill 2171 would assist PASSHE’s efforts to redesign its system in the wake of these challenges. The bill would give the PASSHE Board of Governors the power to create, expand, consolidate, transfer or affiliate member schools. The chancellor of PASSHE would be required to conduct a thorough review of an institution and prepare a detailed implementation plan for any changes to system schools. This includes holding at least two public hearings, consulting with faculty and other stakeholders, opening a public comment period and reporting quarterly to the General Assembly.
The bill would also require shared services among all member universities when the system can show savings and efficiencies, unless member schools opt out by a two-thirds vote of the Council of Trustees.
This legislation was created with the help of the chancellor, many university presidents and staff of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
“I loved my time at West Chester University and want all Pennsylvanian families to have the opportunity of a high-quality, low-cost education close to home. Our State System of Higher Education wants to meet the needs of future students now. Today, we passed legislation that will continue to make the state system schools great centers with strong academic programs for future students. I look forward to seeing how these schools continue to evolve and meet the needs of our students, families and communities,” said Sen. Tommy Tomlinson, a West Chester alumnus who now serves as chairman of the school’s Council of Trustees.
