Penn State Faculty Express Worries Over Campus Closures as University Faces Financial Strain

In a recent meeting with Penn State faculty, leaders of the university’s commonwealth campuses refrained from giving a clear answer regarding the potential closure of some campuses across the state. This uncertainty has left many faculty members, especially those at campuses outside the main University Park location, deeply concerned about the future of their jobs, students, and community involvement.

Penn State’s commonwealth campuses, which serve a more racially diverse student body and a higher percentage of first-generation college students, have long been an integral part of the state’s educational infrastructure. The potential closure of any of these campuses would have a profound impact, not only on the students who rely on them but also on the families and communities that depend on the university for employment and economic stability.

Unclear Future of Commonwealth Campuses

The topic of potential campus closures was discussed at a recent Penn State Faculty Senate meeting, where university officials, including President Neeli Bendapudi and Margo DelliCarpini, Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses, avoided giving direct answers to questions about the future of these campuses. The lack of transparency and clarity around these potential changes has raised questions about the future of the university’s statewide presence.

DelliCarpini spoke extensively during the meeting about the challenges facing the university, including declining enrollments and changing student demographics. She emphasized the importance of student success and how difficult it is to navigate through the stress that comes with such significant change. However, her comments did not directly address the question that many were asking: Will Penn State close any campuses?

President Bendapudi echoed these sentiments but did not provide further details, leaving faculty members frustrated and anxious. Julie Gallagher, a professor of history at Penn State Brandywine, expressed the worries that many faculty members were grappling with. She highlighted how the uncertainty of their future was affecting their personal and professional lives.

“I’m begging you, please be clear with us,” Gallagher said, pointing out that faculty members are struggling to plan their lives due to the uncertainty. “Do I buy a house? Do I not buy a house? Do I put my kids in the school system? Do I not put them in the school system? These are people’s lives. And they’re so profoundly committed to our students.”

Financial Pressures Leading to Campus Restructuring

The potential closure of any of Penn State’s commonwealth campuses comes as part of a broader effort by the university to manage its finances amidst an ongoing budget deficit. Penn State has already taken steps to reduce costs by consolidating leadership positions at several campuses and offering buyouts to nearly 400 employees. These actions have resulted in projected savings of approximately $43 million in future budgets.

Over the past two fiscal years, Penn State has cut around 15% of the budgets at its Abington and Brandywine campuses, with additional reductions of over 10% at other campuses such as Great Valley, York, and Lehigh Valley. Additionally, the university is planning to slash another $54 million from the statewide system starting in July.

While these budget cuts may be seen as necessary to maintain financial stability, they have raised concerns about the long-term viability of the commonwealth campuses, especially given the significant drop in enrollment numbers. According to university data, enrollments at these campuses have fallen by 24% over the past decade, with some individual colleges seeing reductions as high as 50%.

The Importance of Commonwealth Campuses

One of the primary concerns among faculty members is the role that Penn State’s commonwealth campuses play in providing accessible higher education to residents of Pennsylvania. Compared to the flagship University Park campus, the commonwealth campuses enroll a more racially diverse student body and have a higher percentage of Pennsylvania residents. More than three-quarters of students at these campuses are from within the state, compared to just over half at University Park.

The importance of these campuses was highlighted in a 2017 report by the Pennsylvania Auditor General, which pointed out that University Park regularly enrolled more out-of-state students than in-state residents, despite the university’s mission as a land-grant institution. The report emphasized that this trend put Pennsylvanians, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, at a disadvantage.

For many students, particularly those from underrepresented groups, the commonwealth campuses provide a crucial path to higher education. Shutting down these campuses could limit access to college for many of these students, making it harder for them to achieve their academic and career goals.

Faculty Concerns About Lack of Transparency

Another significant issue raised by faculty members is the lack of transparency in the decision-making process. In 2024, the Faculty Senate offered an agreement to President Bendapudi, requesting increased transparency regarding budget decisions and the potential for campus consolidations. However, Bendapudi declined to sign the agreement, arguing that she had already addressed some of the faculty’s concerns but would work to improve governance.

At the recent Faculty Senate meeting, Julio Palma, a chemistry professor at Penn State Fayette, read out several public statements made by President Bendapudi in which she expressed strong support for the commonwealth campuses. He asked the president to clarify what had changed in the administration’s approach.

“I stand by every single one of those words, that I believe in our commonwealth campus system,” Bendapudi responded, reiterating her commitment to the campuses, but without offering any concrete details about what would happen next.

The Path Forward for Penn State

As Penn State navigates these difficult decisions, faculty members and community members alike are waiting for clarity. While no official decision has been made regarding campus closures, the university’s leadership has acknowledged that changes are being considered. A spokesperson for Penn State told Spotlight PA that the university is weighing several options but has not yet made a final decision.

“We are in a strong and stable position,” the spokesperson said, “but this is a complex process that involves many factors and perspectives. We will move thoughtfully but as quickly as possible.”

As the university continues to grapple with budget deficits and declining enrollments, it is clear that tough decisions lie ahead. However, for the faculty, staff, and students who depend on these campuses, the uncertainty surrounding their future is causing growing anxiety and frustration.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

About The Author