Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE): An Overview
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) stands as the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Overseeing 10 state-owned universities, PASSHE plays a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of the state.
Historical Development
The foundation of PASSHE can be traced back to the Normal School Act of 1857, passed on May 20, 1857. This act led to the creation of 12 normal school districts, establishing private corporations accountable to the State Superintendent of Common Schools. Over time, these normal schools evolved into state normal schools, then state teacher's colleges, and finally into state colleges. The School Code of 1911 solidified the Commonwealth's commitment to these institutions by mandating the purchase of all normal schools.
Structure and Governance
A 20-member Board of Governors oversees the system, setting general policy and making recommendations regarding tuition and university technology fees. The Board of Governors is funded from the operating funds available to the State colleges and State-owned university, but shall not exceed one-half of one per centum (.5%) of such funds. Act 188 of 1982 details the structure and responsibilities of the Board. The board establishes "broad educational, fiscal, and personnel policy, and oversees the efficient management of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The governor of Pennsylvania appoints board members to four-year terms, and the state Senate confirms their appointments. Three students, selected from among the universities' student government associations presidents, serve on the board until graduation. The majority and minority leaders of the state Senate and House of Representatives select four legislators.
Key Statistics
PASSHE serves a large student body, with more than 82,000 undergraduate and graduate students attending its universities. A significant majority of these students are Pennsylvania residents, and a large percentage remain in the state after graduation, contributing to the local workforce. Nearly 20 percent of the total student population are underrepresented minority. The university campuses encompass approximately 4,700 acres (19 km2), with 862 buildings providing classrooms, residences, administrative offices, and student support services. The State System employs more than 13,700 professional and support staff, most covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Transfer Opportunities
Students who earn an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree from the Community College of Philadelphia are guaranteed admission to any PASSHE university, although not necessarily to specific majors. It is important that the Community College of Philadelphia degree parallel bachelor degree requirements as closely as possible. Several associate degrees are approved as statewide program-to-program agreements and shall have satisfied the general education requirements at the receiving PASSHE university. Exceptions may be made for the following, provided that these exceptions do not extend the student’s time to the degree: (a) One signature general education course (up to 3 credits), if applicable; (b) Any prescribed general education course required for the major, if not satisfactorily completed; (c) General education overlays satisfied in advanced courses in the major.
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Challenges and Transformations
PASSHE has faced challenges, including state higher education funding cuts. Pennsylvania saw an almost 34% cut in state funding from 2008 to 2018. In the early 2000's they received over $700 million adjusted to 2022's dollars by the state.
In response to these challenges, PASSHE has undergone significant restructuring efforts, including the consolidation of six universities into two multi-campus institutions. Under the plan, two sets of three schools would merge into single institutions effective July 1, 2022-Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield in the state's northeast, and California, Clarion, and Edinboro in western Pennsylvania. Each three-school group would have a new name, but the plan called for all institutions involved in these mergers to retain their current campus identities and athletic programs.
This plan faced opposition from various groups, including the Lock Haven City Council, the Clinton County Commissioners, the Clear Coalition, the Party for Socialism and Liberation Chester County, PASSHE Defenders, AFSCME Council 13, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, APSCUF and from public comments. Groups like APSCUF, AFSCME, and the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO held a press conference May 3, 2021, to speak out in opposition to the consolidation. PASSHE Defenders & the Party for Socialism & Liberation Chester County held rallies across the state at the campuses slated for consolidation and at the state capital Harrisburg. A report from the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) of the University of Massachusetts Amherst projected disastrous effects from the state system redesign. The report titled "The Economic Impact of the PASSHE Employment Reductions" outlines "[The] large cuts in staffing, both of faculty and of professional and classified staff in good unionized jobs, constitute the core of the restructuring. The comment period originally was set to have two public comment hearings throughout the 60-day public comment period as outlined in Act 50, only taking place on June 9 and 10.
Current Structure
As a result of these changes, the system includes institutions like Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, comprising the former Lock Haven, Bloomsburg, and Mansfield universities. State System universities also operate four branch campuses.
Distinctions
It's important to differentiate PASSHE from the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, which includes Pennsylvania State University, its related campuses, and three historically private universities (Temple University, Lincoln University, and University of Pittsburgh).
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