Virtual Hearing: PASSHE Consolidation

State Representatives Pete Schweyer and Emily Kinkead hosted a virtual House Democratic Policy Committee hearing with Chairman Ryan Bizzarro to discuss the proposed consolidation of schools in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

The hearing was held at 1 p.m Thursday, May 20 online at www.pahouse.com/policy or the Policy Committee's Facebook page -- @PADemPolicy. 

 

 


HEARING DETAILS

External Link >>>

Virtual Hearing: PASSHE Consolidation

(May 17, 2021)

A virtual hearing on the proposed PASSHE consolidation Read more

 

IN THE NEWS 

External Link >>>

PASSHE consolidation, potential impacts focus of virtual House Democratic Policy Committee hearing

(May 20, 2021)

ERIE, May 20 – Positive and negative impacts of the proposed consolidation of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education were vetted at today’s House Democratic Policy Committee virtual hearing. The hearing, hosted by committee Chairman Ryan Bizzarro, and state Reps. Peter Schweyer and Emily Kinkead, included testimony from educators, facility management, PASSHE leadership and students. The committee heard testimony from Dr. Sam Claster, Sociology Department Chair, Edinboro University; Lydia Laythe, Washington Township Councilperson in Erie; and Mary Jo Campbell, Professor Emeritus, Edinboro University; who all cautioned that moving forward without hearing from those directly involved in educating students and keeping schools in operation and how consolidation without addressing investment and system strains may not have the desired intention. “The bottom line is Pennsylvania ranks 48th in investment in higher education. If we want to attract and retain Pennsylvania students and prepare them for a successful future, we must address the system’s shortcomings and invest in students so we can build a stronger higher education system that positions Pennsylvania with a vibrant workforce,” explained Bizzarro. “We do need to take our time and take an approach that can have positive, longstanding impacts on our commonwealth.” Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Daniel Greenstein and Clarion Read more

 
External Link >>>

Proposed PASSHE consolidation focus of Thursday’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing

(May 19, 2021)

HARRISBURG, May 18 – The impact of a proposed consolidation of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education on students, staff and communities will be the focus of Thursday’s virtual House Democratic Policy Committee hearing hosted by state Representatives Ryan Bizzarro, Peter Schweyer and Emily Kinkead. The virtual hearing will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 20 and can be viewed online at www.pahouse.com/policy . The public and media are encouraged to tune in and may submit questions via email to policy@pahouse.net . Bizzarro, D-Erie and chairman of the committee will join with Schweyer, D-Lehigh, and Kinkead, D-Allegheny, to discuss how consolidation will impact educational opportunities, extracurricular offerings, employment and the economic impact of the communities state system schools call home. PASSHE’s first plan—the west integration plan—aims to consolidate California University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University, and Edinboro University. The second—the northeast integration – would consolidate Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University and Mansfield University. Read more

 
External Link >>>

Edinboro professors, alumna want more time, details on PASSHE integration plan

(May 22, 2021)

Members of the Edinboro University community told the House Democratic Policy Committee Thursday that consolidating six state schools, including Edinboro, into two would result in a loss of identity, place local communities at risk, and fail to address the core problems facing higher education. Read more

 

AGENDA + TESTIMONY 

External Link >>>

Virtual Hearing: PASSHE Consolidation - Testimony

(May 20, 2021)

Testimony from a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on the proposed PASSHE consolidation Read more

 

PUBLIC COMMENT: The public is encouraged to submit their comments regarding the proposed PASSHE consolidation. Click on the link below for more information. 

External Link >>>

Public Comment Period: PASSHE Consolidation

(May 20, 2021)

We want to hear from you! We invite you to read the plans and offer comments through any of the following opportunities: Northeast Plan West Plan ? Read more