After months of rumors swirling and a-bit of controversy, decisions surrounding the future of Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses – are now being acknowledged by the University President. We are learning new details as some of Penn State’s Campuses could be closing.
Last week during a State Legislative hearing, Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi signaling-changes are coming for the Commonwealth Campus System. Bendapudi saying: “We’ve talked about it for a while sir. From the get-go, I’ve been open in saying all options are on the table.” On Tuesday, Bendapudi saying Penn State wants to keep seven of the largest campuses open — including Altoona, along with Abington, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg And Lehigh Valley.
For the other 12 campuses, their fates uncertain now with a final decision expected in May. With dwindling campus enrollments, and Penn State trying to close a budget deficit, Bendapudi saying “We have reached a moment where doing nothing is no longer an option. It has become clear we cannot sustain a viable Commonwealth Campus Ecosystem without closing some campuses”. Bendapudi continued: “That is the challenge. That we have these incredible Campuses that do so much. We need to look at what kind of student experience is it? What are we delivering on it, and where is the investment, what is our future?”
Enrollment at Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses has declined by nearly 30 percent in the past 15 years.