Penn State's Future: Navigating Campus Closures and Reuse with a Human-Centered Approach
The University's Delicate Balance: Navigating Campus Closures and Reuse
As the sun sets on the spring 2027 semester, seven Penn State Commonwealth campuses will bid farewell to their students, faculty, and staff. But the story doesn't end there. The university is now focused on the future of these properties, faculty, and staff, and the journey ahead is anything but straightforward.
In a written statement, Penn State emphasized that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to planning for the future use of campus properties. The university declined an interview request, leaving the Centre Daily Times to piece together the puzzle. But the pieces are slowly coming together, and the university's commitment to engaging with local stakeholders is evident.
A Complex Endeavor
Renata Engel, vice president for Commonwealth campuses and executive chancellor, along with Mike Stefan, vice president for government and community relations, and Robert Fenza, member of the board of trustees, provided an update during an executive committee meeting. The board approved the closure of the DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York campuses after the spring 2027 semester. But the work is far from over.
Fenza acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, 'It's infinitely more challenging than the other path we could have chosen, which is putting up sales signs and walking away.' The team is committed to finding and delivering solutions for the seven communities affected. They have three or four 'potential deals emerging,' but the details remain under wraps.
A Human-Centered Approach
The university is taking a human-centered approach, prioritizing the needs of students, faculty, and staff. Engel highlighted the workstream teams' efforts to implement suggestions for the current and remaining semesters at the closing campuses. Students enrolled at closing campuses can now take more than 19 credits a semester without an additional tuition surcharge, ensuring they can make progress towards their degrees without financial strain.
Additionally, the student-initiated fee, determined by a student group, will not be assessed during the next academic year for campuses that are closing. Students will still have access to the support and engagement opportunities that the fees typically provide. The roadmap site has been updated for students, including scenario guides, and a survey through the advising system, Starfish, is gathering information on enrollment intentions and support needs.
Supporting Faculty and Staff
The university is also supporting faculty and staff through the hiring priority process, which started in the summer. This process ensures non-tenure-line faculty and staff at closing campuses have priority hiring for posted positions. Engel confirmed they're making progress on the tenure-line reassignment process, with reassignments not taking effect until fall 2027. The university is actively identifying where faculty are needed and working through the reassignment process.
Curriculum Planning and Program Expansion
In terms of curriculum planning, Engel highlighted the identification of programs that will open at new campuses, including wildlife and forestry technology programs at the Altoona campus. The biomedical engineering technology and radiological sciences associate degree programs at the New Kensington campus will be relocated to Penn State Greater Allegheny. Engel noted the impressive growth in associate degrees at Greater Allegheny, attributing it to early decisions made.
As the year progresses, the university will continue to navigate the complexities of campus closures and reuse, prioritizing the needs of its community members and striving for successful outcomes. The journey ahead is a testament to the university's commitment to thoughtful decision-making and engagement with local stakeholders.
