UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has published the recommendation report regarding the future of the Commonwealth Campuses that President Neeli Bendapudi shared with the Board of Trustees. The document was shared with the board late last month to provide its members with time to review and discuss the recommendation in advance of a yet-to-be-scheduled public meeting to vote on the matter. It was not previously shared publicly because the recommendation is not final until the board votes on it, however, the University has learned that the document has been leaked to members of the media.
“I am truly sorry that our community is learning of the recommendation through media coverage, rather than hearing about it with additional context directly from me or the board,” said Bendapudi. “I understand the concern this will cause on our campuses until the decision is finalized — during an already distressing time for those who may be affected. I believe the recommendation balances our need to adapt to the changing needs of Pennsylvania with compassion for those these decisions affect, both within Penn State and across the commonwealth, in part because of the two-year period before any campus would close. As we work through the next steps, we will be taking steps to support every student in any needed transition and, we will take every step to provide opportunities to faculty and staff to remain part of Penn State.”
The recommendation was informed by work that has spanned multiple years including data collection and analysis and engagement with faculty, students, staff, local employers, policymakers, and members of the communities surrounding the Commonwealth Campuses. In February, Bendapudi asked Vice President for Commonwealth Campuses and Executive Chancellor Margo DelliCarpini, Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Tracy Langkilde, and Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Michael Wade Smith to co-lead a group to deliver to her a recommendation on the future composition of the Commonwealth Campus ecosystem. Bendapudi accepted that recommendation and shared it with the board.
“The Board of Trustees charged President Bendapudi and her team two years ago with conducting an analysis of the Commonwealth Campus ecosystem and the evolving needs of the commonwealth,” said Board of Trustees Chair David Kleppinger. “The result is a robust, data-informed review of the Commonwealth Campus ecosystem, enrollment trends, demographic projections, financial performance, and other factors.”
The board discussed the recommendation in executive session on May 9, and a public meeting had been tentatively scheduled for May 15 to vote on the recommendation. Following the May 9 discussion, the May 15 meeting was changed to an executive session to allow more time for the board to deliberate before a public meeting to vote on the recommendation. Penn State will publicly notice any special meeting of the Board of Trustees where action on this recommendation would take place.
“It’s disappointing that a trustee or trustees have prioritized their own self-interests above both the best interests of the University we serve and the people these decisions will affect,” Kleppinger said. “This has only heightened emotions and created anxiety and uncertainty among the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and local communities we serve.”
The University planned to provide additional information on these steps as well as other support options for students, faculty and staff when the plan was finalized and will still do so.
These plans include, for students:
- Every student who begins a degree at a closing campus will have the opportunity to complete their degree at Penn State.
- Each impacted student will receive personalized guidance and advising so that they clearly understand degree completion options, timelines, and pathways to other Penn State campuses, including online options through Penn State World Campus.
- Because of the two-year period until campuses close, all current or admitted students at closing campuses will have the opportunity to complete associate degree coursework there.
- Bachelor’s degree students can continue at the campus where they are enrolled through the 2026-27 academic year. Depending on the number of credits needed and other degree requirements, they may be able to complete their degrees at that location or transition to another campus.
- Penn State will admit student applicants and transfers at all campuses for the fall 2025 semester. The University will not accept student applicants or transfers at closing campuses for beyond fall 2025.
For faculty and staff:
- The University will support our Commonwealth Campus faculty and staff throughout this transition.
- Penn State will honor tenure and non-tenure-line contracts.
- For tenure-line (those who are tenured as well as those in their probationary period) faculty at closing campuses, the University will offer need-driven reassignments to remaining campuses, including Commonwealth Campuses and University Park.
- For impacted non-tenure-line and staff employees, the University will offer priority hiring consideration for those applying to open roles across all Penn State locations. The University will do all it can to support employees who want to continue their careers at Penn State.
More information is available on the Penn State Roadmap website and will continually be shared with the Penn State community following the board’s vote, which has not yet been scheduled.
The following support resources available for community members:
- For faculty and staff : Penn State Human Resources is offering resources for campus employees and their families focused on finance and retirement; career transitions and opportunities; and mental health and wellness, including access to the University’s SupportLinc employee assistance program.
- For students:
- The Penn State Crisis Line (877-229-6400) and the Crisis Text Line (text “LIONS” to 741741), which are open 24/7 to Penn Staters dealing with both crisis and non-crisis situations — including faculty, staff and students at all campuses who have a question about a student. The licensed professionals with the Penn State Crisis Line can help evaluate each individual situation, offer guidance, and help connect callers with further resources if appropriate.
- Counseling & Psychological Services: Counseling and mental health services available through CAPS, which can be reached at 814-863-0395 for University Park students, or via Counseling Services at Commonwealth and Other Campuses and Health Services at the Commonwealth Campuses.