Penn State proposes closing 7 campuses, affecting over 500 workers and hundreds of scholars
Penn State College President Neeli Bendapudi has proposed the closure of seven commonwealth campuses, a transfer that would impression over 500 workers and greater than 3,100 college students.The proposal, revealed in inner information obtained by Highlight PA, seeks to consolidate Penn State’s presence in Pennsylvania, citing sustained enrollment declines and monetary pressures.Based on paperwork reviewed by Highlight PA, the campuses really useful for closure are DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York. The college acknowledged that its present statewide mannequin “subsidizes decline,” and that sustaining a four-year campus in each area is not sustainable.Why the closures are being proposedThe inner report shared with college trustees explains that the closures might save Penn State roughly $50 million yearly and keep away from almost $200 million in upkeep prices. The plan is a part of a broader effort to “right-size” the college and focus investments in areas with higher prospects for development.In her letter to the board, President Bendapudi wrote, “Fulfilling our land-grant mission doesn’t require a four-year campus in each nook of Pennsylvania.” As a substitute, Penn State would increase on-line choices and redirect sources to bigger campuses with rising scholar populations, as reported by Highlight PA.The college emphasised that the choice was not taken evenly and got here after reviewing enrollment tendencies and monetary information from the previous decade. Regardless of greater than $1 billion invested between 2010 and 2024—$105 million of which occurred underneath Bendapudi’s management—enrollments on the smallest 12 campuses continued to say no, Highlight PA reported.Campus-specific causes and demographic challengesEvery of the seven campuses confronted distinct challenges. For instance, DuBois was cited for “sustained and substantial enrollment decline,” linked to getting older and shrinking populations in close by counties. Fayette was deemed “underutilized,” with low demand for in-person schooling and robust regional competitors, based on Highlight PA.Mont Alto and New Kensington confronted enrollment points and rising per-student prices as a consequence of underused housing. Shenango’s native financial challenges had been stated to “basically restrict the potential for future enrollment stabilization.” Wilkes-Barre lacked compelling tutorial packages that would not be replicated elsewhere, and York had no housing choices to draw non-commuter college students, as detailed within the inner information reviewed by Highlight PA.Impression on college students and workersThe proposed closures would have an effect on round 520 full-time workers. Whereas some workers could also be rehired at different campuses, severance prices are anticipated to be the most important expense, although no estimate was offered, based on Highlight PA. Affected college students could be supplied monetary support, gasoline playing cards, and “navigation coaches” to assist with the transition.In fall 2024, the seven campuses collectively enrolled over 3,100 college students—3.6% of Penn State’s whole enrollment. The college believes different campuses can take up these college students with out including workers.Resolution pending trustee voteWhereas board Chair David Kleppinger expressed frustration over the leak of the proposal earlier than trustees might talk about it, he additionally emphasised that the board should make a considerate choice. Trustees had been scheduled to vote on the plan on Could 6, however the vote was delayed amid rising issues and questions from board members, as reported by Highlight PA.Trustees will now meet privately on Thursday to proceed deliberations. Though some board members have voiced opposition publicly, previous voting patterns recommend most measures cross with little dissent, Highlight PA famous.Penn State will cease accepting new purposes for the affected campuses after fall 2025.
