tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25629913986049772852024-03-13T13:22:35.465-07:00Chancellor's BlogChancellor Frank T. BroganPennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-67371703930039864812017-09-01T06:34:00.001-07:002017-09-01T06:35:37.936-07:00Courage to ChangeIn my final blog as chancellor, I hope you’ll indulge a little reflection on my time with the State System. When I arrived here four years ago, a member of the General Assembly jokingly asked if I saw the billboard as I drove into the state that said, “Welcome to Pennsylvania. We don’t change anything.” We laughed at the time, but I have since come to realize it really wasn’t a joke.<br />
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In this remarkable place that my family and I have called home—this place that catalyzed American democracy; this place that values education; this place I have grown to love—we are in danger of losing the very thing we cherish if we’re not careful.<br />
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The State System represents the best hope for affordable, accessible, quality education for our sons and daughters, but we must be willing to change in order to ensure its existence for the next generation, and the generations after that.<br />
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Over the past four years, we’ve sounded the alarm regarding the challenges facing our 14 universities—from fluctuating enrollment, to lagging state funding, to skyrocketing operational costs. We’ve also undertaken a hard look at our State System—top to bottom—including a thorough external review to provide us even more insights.<br />
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And that is what we received.<br />
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In July, the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) presented its recommendations as part of our Strategic System Review. NCHEMS was clear that the report is not a commentary on the people in place today; rather, it’s an estimation of how decades of inertia and aversion to change have hindered the ability of people to do their jobs. Things have to change, and the real heavy lifting is only beginning.<br />
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The Board of Governors will continue to gather stakeholder input—working with our talented students, faculty, staff, administrators, trustees, and others— as it identifies next steps in the Strategic System Review. What’s crystal clear is that Pennsylvania needs the State System’s 14 universities to continue providing access to opportunity and to help fuel the economy.<br />
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Earlier this year, my family and I decided that this fall would be a good time for the next transition of our life, so I informed the Board of my decision to retire from the State System. Throughout four decades of public service—most of it in education—I've always believed that true leadership requires one thing above all: courage. In my estimation, it took real courage for the leaders of this system to launch the Strategic System Review in the first place—courage to tackle fundamental systemic issues that have lingered for decades.<br />
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Every leader wants to leave an organization better than he or she found it. Certainly we’ve made some changes that will better position the State System for the future (securing increased funding three years in a row; updating policies and procedures to enhance local flexibility; creating tools to make data-informed decisions for the future). But, the most important thing we’ve done is open the door for an honest, candid, strategic dialogue about how the State System will evolve.<br />
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This is our opportunity to make bold choices that will have a lasting impact for decades to come. This is our “moonshot,” and I’m convinced the Board of Governors and the State System will have the courage to make the hard choices necessary to ensure the future is bright for our students. Let's watch it shine.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-62856687984783493952017-08-28T06:11:00.004-07:002017-08-28T06:11:58.075-07:00Welcome! It’s a new year—one that promises to be full of possibilities and potential. This week, more than 100,000 students will be welcomed at the 14 universities within the State System by talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrators who are focused on one thing: student success.<br />
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Whether you’re a freshman arriving on campus for your first college experience, a transfer student from another institution, a returning undergraduate or graduate student, or a member of faculty, staff, or administration, you all have one thing in common: you are part of the State System family. That means you are part of something very special.<br />
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The State System continues to provide a high-quality, high-value experience all across the 14 universities that serve every region of the Commonwealth. That educational experience is what it is because of YOU. Each and every one of you contribute—in your own way—to elevating the experiences we all have. And for that, we say thank you.<br />
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So, as the year unfolds ahead of us, be sure to stay focused on success, reach for greatness, and make it a year you’ll never forget.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-86504149993438553642017-06-07T10:58:00.000-07:002017-06-07T11:00:08.840-07:00No “lazy days” of summer<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">When
we think of summer, we typically conjure up images of warm weather, vacations,
and a slower-than-usual pace in activity. That couldn’t be farther from the truth
for our students, faculty, staff, university leaders, trustees, and board
members. <br />
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Whether teaching summer courses on campus or online or guiding students through
an international experience abroad, our talented faculty continue to provide
learning opportunities that</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">contribute
mightily to our students’ success. And the students</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">who take advantage of these
opportunities—or employment and internship experiences—understand that hard
work is what will set them apart after they graduate.<br />
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Outside the classroom, the volunteers who comprise the universities’ Councils
of Trustees and the System’s Board of Governors are contributing their time,
energy, and resources to ensure we are able to continue to meet the needs of
current and future students. Not only are they heavily involved in our
Strategic System Review, they continue to be engaged in System planning and
other activities related to the future of our universities. (Click </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.nchemsproject.com/system-review"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">HERE</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> to offer your input on the Strategic System Review.)<br />
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Finally, we are all busy continually advocating for an increased investment
from the General Assembly to support our mission of providing affordable,
high-value, high-quality education to students. You can lend your voice to that
effort by emailing or writing your legislator and encouraging them to support
greater funding for the State System. (Click </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><a href="http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/index.cfm?CFID=36864881&CFTOKEN=13510674"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">HERE</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"> to find your legislator
online.)</span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">You may not run into us at
the beach or on the hiking trail, but we’ll be getting ready for a great year
in 2017-18. It’ll be here before you know it.<br />
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Enjoy the summer.</span>Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-37529421243571694242017-04-25T10:15:00.001-07:002017-04-25T10:16:59.456-07:00You can help shape the future of the State System<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">As you likely know, the Board of Governors has been undertaking a strategic review of the entire State System, including the Office of the Chancellor and all 14 universities. The goal of the review is to ensure that we are organized to meet the needs of students and the changing needs of Pennsylvania for decades to come. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A team from the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) is assisting with the review and has been meeting with students, faculty, staff, and others to gather insights. They also want to hear directly from you. As we approach the end of the semester, we want to be sure you have an opportunity to provide input directly to NCHEMS, which has created a website through which you can track the status of the review and share your thoughts. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Together, we can shape an even brighter future for the State System and all 14 universities—a future that ensures we hold true to our mission of providing a high-quality, affordable higher education. Please take a few minutes and provide your input at <a href="http://www.nchemsproject.com/system-review">www.NCHEMSproject.com/system-review</a>.</span><br />
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Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-62646166363464856872017-04-13T06:02:00.002-07:002017-04-13T06:08:36.596-07:00Students take center stage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At each quarterly Board of Governors meeting, we have a special “student spotlight” to focus on examples of how our students—working alongside talented faculty—are accomplishing remarkable things. The April meeting was no different, except that we had even more opportunities to celebrate students even beyond the student spotlight: <br />
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<li>the State System’s <a href="http://www.passhe.edu/inside/ne/press/pages/press.aspx?q=17-04-05AliZaidiAward">Syed R. Ali-Zaidi Award for Academic Excellence</a> was given to Sarah Polinski of Mansfield University; </li>
<li>previous winners of the Student Business Plan Competition shared how winning helped them make their business ideas a reality while <a href="http://www.passhe.edu/inside/ne/press/pages/press.aspx?q=17-04-05BusinessPlanCompetition">this year’s winner, Nathaniel Treichler of Bloomsburg University</a>, was announced; and </li>
<li>art and design students from East Stroudsburg University demonstrated the capability of 3D printing and how they are putting it to good use in the community. In fact, they did a live demonstration of this technology by doing a 3D scan of my head (go ahead, insert your own jokes here.)</li>
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We are also pleased to report that three students have taken their places on the Board. A little over a week before the April meeting, <a href="http://www.passhe.edu/inside/ne/press/pages/press.aspx?q=17-3-27AStudentBoardMembers">the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously confirmed these student leaders who were nominated by Gov. Wolf to serve on the Board.</a> Shaina Hilsey (CalU), Brian Swatt (IUP), and Logan Steigerwalt (Slippery Rock) are the elected heads of student government at their home universities and will serve on the Board of Governors until they graduate. The students are full, voting members of the Board of Governors and have an equal voice in helping to steer the future direction for our State System and its 14 universities. That seems fitting because everything we do—the very reason our universities exist—is for the students.<br />
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Looking at the caliber of the students we met with last week, I know the future of the State System and the Commonwealth is in very good hands. <br />
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Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-81508265239823504942017-03-03T11:57:00.000-08:002017-03-03T11:57:32.483-08:00You are our best advocate<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 105%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">During our State
of the System address earlier this semester, Board of Governors Chair Cynthia
Shapira and I discussed the pivotal year that lies ahead for the State System
and our 14 universities—including the many opportunities that can help ensure
their long-term sustainability.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 105%;">We often use the phrase<i> Infinite Opportunities</i> when
referring to what our state-owned universities can—and do—provide students and
their families, but <i>Infinite Opportunities</i> can also refer to the many
ways you can advocate for the continued investment in our universities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 105%;">We are very
appreciative of the fact that Governor Wolf proposed a third straight year of
increased investment </span><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 105%;">in</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 105%;"> the State
System. His support and that of the General Assembly underscores the value of
our state-owned universities for the Commonwealth. Despite those increased
investments, our current appropriation is about the same as we received in
1999, even though we are serving thousands more students today.<br />
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We are seeking an investment of $61 million over our current funding amount,
and we need your help to make the case on behalf of our talented students,
faculty, and staff. Everyone who believes in the State System’s mission to
provide high-quality, affordable higher education has the opportunity to share
their stories demonstrating the important role our 14 universities have in
helping to secure Pennsylvania’s future. <br />
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Individuals have the most powerful stories to tell, so I encourage you to share
your stories regarding why your State System university matters to you, your
family, your business, or your community. Use the hashtags <b><a href="https://storify.com/statesystem/invest"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">#InvestinOURuniversities</span></a></b>
and <b>#fundPAfuture</b> as you post encouraging and positive messages, images,
and videos in social media. <br />
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The more we advocate together and remind the Commonwealth how our universities
shape the future, the stronger our universities will be for years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-72645953532845893702017-01-18T07:51:00.001-08:002017-01-18T07:51:39.335-08:00Gaining a competitive edgeWhen our students return to campus next week after a well-deserved break, those competing in the 2016-2017 State System Business Plan Competition will be busy putting the final touches on months’ of work that will be judged by a panel of business experts. Thanks to private sponsors, we will be awarding $17,000 in cash investments that will help get three of the most promising business plans off the ground. While we often talk about the winners, and rightfully so, what shouldn’t be forgotten is all of the hard work that goes into getting each of the 200+ business plans ready for center stage.<br />
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Perhaps the best way for me to convey the lasting impact of this competition is through the eyes of a former student who competed in 2012-2013 and who now helps support current students with their own business development efforts. Joshua Domitrovich, who holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Clarion University, is the coordinator for career mentoring and internships at Clarion’s Center for Career and Professional Development. While Joshua was a student, Dr. Kevin Roth introduced him to the competition during an entrepreneurship course.<br />
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Joshua assisted his classmate, Andrew Naugle, with developing <i>Maddie’s Promise</i>—a non-profit designed to provide elderly individuals with the opportunity to make one last wish a reality. While the plan didn’t win, Joshua found the experience he gained in the process immeasurable: the exposure to successful high-profile professionals, the feedback he received to make the plan a reality, and the relationships he developed with faculty.<br />
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I encourage everyone across the State System to congratulate all of the students who made the commitment to this competition last fall, and to thank the faculty and administrators who have helped them along their journey. We know that each student will walk away with the skills they need to compete.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-13504065283539159472016-12-16T06:40:00.000-08:002016-12-16T06:40:50.328-08:00Giving of OurselvesThis time of year, it’s hard not to get caught up in the stress that comes with the end of the semester and the start of the holiday season. For some students, the countdown to graduation is entering its final days. To all students—no matter where you are in your academic journey—I’ll remind you to take the time to consider how you got here today. The hard work you put in each and every day, the sacrifices that you—and perhaps your family—have made, and the unending guidance provided by faculty and friends have made this year possible. <br />
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I like to remind our 11-year-old son that amid all of the excitement of the holidays this is also the time of year to think about others. And that is something I’m proud to say our students, faculty, and staff do extraordinarily well. Many from all across the State System have chosen to lend a hand in their local communities during this holiday season. As examples, Bloomsburg, Cheyney, and Mansfield held clothing and food drives; California students hosted a holiday event for the community; East Stroudsburg, IUP, and Slippery Rock collected money, toys, and stuffed animals for families in their communities; and Edinboro students participated in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program through the local chapter of the American Red Cross. Add those to the efforts at Clarion, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Millersville, Shippensburg and West Chester, and the list goes on and on.<br />
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While education will always be our top priority, serving others should never be far behind. Those experiences help shape our students into the global citizens they will need to be after they graduate. On behalf of the Board of Governors and everyone at the Office of the Chancellor, I extend our best wishes for a happy holiday season and a great 2017.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-37249425557444704452016-11-23T07:45:00.001-08:002016-11-23T07:45:22.923-08:00A Season of Thanks<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt;">
To our faculty, staff, and all university supporters, please know that we are blessed to have so many talented and dedicated individuals helping our 100,000 students and their families attain their piece of the American dream. Your contributions to their success and your support of the State System are invaluable, and for that we are all thankful.</div>
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To our students, we hope that you take a few days to recharge, rest up, and prepare to finish strong as the end of the semester quickly approaches. Your success is our reward.</div>
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Have a very happy and safe Thanksgiving.</div>
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Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-67697259079518899112016-11-09T06:08:00.002-08:002016-11-09T06:08:58.860-08:002016 State System Summit focuses on diversityAs society has become more diverse, it’s essential that we all strive for greater cross-cultural competency. And our universities are doing just that. In a very real sense, these campuses can be microcosms of society that serve as examples of how communication and engagement can help to create a rich and inclusive environment for learning.<br />
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Toward that goal, faculty, staff, and students from our 14 universities came together last week for the ninth State System Summit, which was held this year at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). I was honored to offer remarks at the Summit, which was appropriately titled, “Rising to the Challenge: Making Inclusion Matter.”<br />
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Sessions such as “Pursuing Faculty Diversity” and “The Cost of Integration” allowed attendees to think critically about racial and gender equity, while sessions on campus disability inclusion at IUP and a transfer learning community pilot at West Chester showcased some of the strong work our universities are doing to provide opportunities to all of the populations we serve.<br />
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We’ve long recognized the importance of social equity and have leaders on university campuses and in my office to ensure dialogue continues with faculty, staff, and students. As Dr. Pablo Mendoza, IUP’s assistant to the president for social equity, said, “Opportunities like this make the System stronger…we become more united because we learn what our colleagues are doing across the System and around the country.”<br />
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I couldn’t end without mentioning the tremendous support from students during this year’s summit. The student poster session was very well done—showcasing research-based engagements between students and faculty from across the System. Students from the IUP Department of Theater performed <i>We are Proud to Present</i>, which reminded everyone of the need to develop cross-cultural communication skills. Also, the <i>Voices of Joy</i> choir shared their talents at the welcome reception.<br />
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Our diversity makes us stronger, and important events such as this foster the kind of dialogue and discovery that help unite us.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-45946550220633883042016-08-30T12:01:00.000-07:002016-08-30T12:01:49.879-07:00A Year of Potential and PromiseAs an educator, this is my favorite time of year. With students returning for the start of a new academic year, college campuses everywhere are bursting back to life. Whether they are first-time freshmen or returning students, students’ faces beam with excitement, while those of their families and friends radiate with pride. They are all full of promise and potential.<br />
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In many ways, each new year starts the same—with our talented, dedicated faculty and staff preparing to welcome students to the 14 universities within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. But, for those who are coming to campus for the first time, there is nothing routine about this experience. No doubt, it can be both exasperating and exhilarating all at the same time.<br />
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I’ve always believed that when we embrace both the challenges and opportunities that come with new experiences, great things can happen. If you doubt that, just look at some of the phenomenal things students and faculty from each of our universities have accomplished. On our website (<a href="http://www.passhe.edu/stories">www.passhe.edu/stories</a>), you can read stories about these remarkable people and their achievements.<br />
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As examples, read about an Edinboro student and a faculty member collaborating on cutting-edge forensic research; a Cheyney student who was selected to serve as an ambassador for an important White House initiative; an IUP student’s summer internship with electric car maker Tesla; and an East Stroudsburg alumna’s experience in the Peace Corps.<br />
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More than 100,000 students are back on campus at our State System universities. All of us must work together to help ensure each of those students receives the high-quality, high-value education they expect—and deserve.<br />
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As Pennsylvania’s public universities, we bear a special responsibility not just to our students, but to the entire Commonwealth. Nearly 90 percent of our students are Pennsylvania residents; almost 80 percent will remain here after earning their degree—to live, to work and to raise their families. In a very real way, Pennsylvania’s economic success depends on our universities’ success.<br />
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We must ensure the success and sustainability of the System, and the Board of Governors is committed to that. Our chairwoman, Cynthia Shapira, recently said, “We must define what it means to provide an excellent educational experience in our System.” Toward that goal, the Board of Governors is undertaking a top-to-bottom review of the State System. That review will engage all of our stakeholders and will involve asking important questions: What will this System look like in the next decade? What will our universities look like? How do we ensure our mission of providing a high-quality, high-value education?<br />
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As our students return for the fall semester and start another year of classes, we offer a special welcome to each, and a pledge to do our best to help them prepare for their futures, as challenging and promising as it might be.<br />
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Yes, these are interesting times, but we are optimistic that the System’s future can be brighter than its past.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-79676068445467025042016-07-19T12:54:00.000-07:002016-07-19T12:54:27.765-07:00Summer doesn’t always mean “vacation”If you’ve spent even a few minutes this summer on the social media pages of our 14 universities, you’ve probably seen photos of students and faculty doing great things across the globe—from Belize to Italy and everywhere in between. You also might have seen students and faculty continuing to support their campuses and local communities all summer long. Here are just a few examples:<br />
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<ul>
<li>At East Stroudsburg University, Dr. Beth Sockman and speech pathology student Kourtney Lark are researching the impact of the “E with J Scholars,” a cooperative relationship between a local elementary school and the university.</li>
<li>At California University, members of the Horticulture Club are tending to a vegetable garden and orchard. Produce from the garden has been served on campus, and the fruit is expected to go to the campus food pantry. </li>
<li>At Kutztown University, members of the campus community joined others in the local community to plant a garden at the “Welcome to Kutztown” sign. The garden was designed by Brook Leister, a recent Kutztown graduate with a degree in environmental science, as her senior capstone project.</li>
<li>At Edinboro University, Dr. Mary Jo Melvin and Dr. Kristen Webber created a free summer reading experience in response to frequent requests from the parents of schoolchildren who struggle with reading. Students in undergraduate and graduate reading programs are working directly with the children.</li>
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Here at the State System office, the summer is always a busy time as we do our part to help the universities prepare for the Fall semester. While we are pleased that the General Assembly and the Governor have chosen to invest $10 million in additional funding for our universities this year, we know that advocacy is a year-round effort as we share the story of our 14 universities. Those countless stories—like the ones you’ve read about here—highlight how our students, faculty, and staff demonstrate their willingness and ability to positively impact their regions—economically and academically—in remarkable ways. They are what makes the State System such an integral part of Pennsylvania.<br />
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Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-46080423957883572722016-06-14T08:49:00.000-07:002016-06-14T12:40:55.702-07:00Important DecisionsThe State System faces some important decisions to make again this year.<br />
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We are grateful for the additional 5 percent increase ($20.6 million) that was included in the 2015-2016 supplemental budget—the first new money our 14 state-owned universities have seen in eight years. This came after the Board of Governors had to make the tough decision to raise tuition—albeit modestly—after significantly cutting university budgets yet again last year. In fact, over the last decade $300 million has been trimmed from university budgets. The System is operating at a 1999 funding level while trying to compete in a 21st century educational environment.<br />
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Governor Wolf has recommended another 5 percent increase for the System in 2016-2017, and we are hopeful it will come to fruition as the Commonwealth works to create a balanced budget. This funding is vitally important as the faculty, staff, and administrators at our universities strive to meet the changing needs of more than 100,000 students across our System, who are our top priority.<br />
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Even if the System receives this increase, the System will still face a sizable deficit and will find it challenging to cover mandatory costs such as healthcare and pension contributions. This does not even take into account salary adjustments and contracts currently being negotiated.<br />
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You might remember that the System asked the General Assembly for a 20 percent increase earlier in the year to cover those costs and to provide new investment for programs and system enhancements. We’ve been working hard to advocate for greater investment. STEM degrees are the fastest growing areas of study in the System, both in terms of student demand and documented need across the Commonwealth. While these degrees are equipment- and technology-intensive, investment in these programs not only benefits our students, it also benefits the Commonwealth’s economic growth far into the future.<br />
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The System will continue to seek additional funding to fulfill its mission to provide a high-quality, high-value education to our students, but tough decisions related to budget cuts and tuition will still need to be made. We are committed to keeping tuition as low as possible and building on the renewed partnership with the Commonwealth as it considers greater investment in our public universities.<br />
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At the end of the day, the System’s goal remains the same: to offer a high-quality, high-value educational experience that prepares students for life, career, and the responsibilities of citizenship in this great Commonwealth and beyond.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-27693046703378849182016-05-05T11:00:00.000-07:002016-05-05T11:00:35.674-07:00The ultimate investmentThis week, more than 17,000 students will participate in commencement ceremonies across the System, proving—yet again—why these students are worth the investment of the state’s financial resources. They are also worth the investment of time—the time our dedicated faculty spend to help students find the right major, develop a plan to get their degree, and help them achieve success.<br />
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One of those faculty members—Dr. Robert Ziegenfus, a professor of geography at Kutztown University—will be retiring after more than 33 years of service to his university and alma mater. He invested time into the university for two reasons: first, he wanted to serve the next generation of students as a way to repay, in some small way, the gifts he received when he was a student at Kutztown University; and, second, he hoped to serve as a role model for students to demonstrate that they, too, can be successful as a graduate. By all accounts, Dr. Ziegenfus succeeded at doing both.<br />
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So to our graduating class, don’t forget about the investment so many have made to see you succeed. While commencement is a time to celebrate your hard work with friends and family, be sure to say “thank you” to that special faculty member, staff person, or administrator for all the time and energy they’ve spent to help you achieve your goal.<br />
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And finally, I’ll leave our graduates with one last piece of advice from Dr. Ziegenfus:<br />
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“Commencement means, of course, to begin. To begin a new phase of life in graduate school or a career is entering into the largely unknown future. Graduates should do so with confidence while remembering this, too, requires more learning!”<br />
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Frank T. Brogan<br />
Chancellor<br />
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Watch a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOo3NnBm-mE">special video message</a> to the graduating class. <br />
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Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-33557695891542305902016-04-13T06:51:00.003-07:002016-04-13T06:51:53.912-07:00Everyone has a hand in student successThe State System’s annual Business Plan Competition provides student entrepreneurs a real-world opportunity to pitch their business plans and to win funds to assist in the start-up of their businesses. While last week’s awards ceremony highlighted the work of 10 finalists, including this year’s winner Blaise Delfino of East Stroudsburg University (ESU), the hard work all 223 teams put into their projects is a direct result of the support each received at their universities along the way.<br />
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For example, Blaise started graduate school at ESU in the Fall of 2015 and learned of the competition through the ESU Career Development Office. For his winning entry, he proposed developing ear plugs that provide hearing loss protection. ESU’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Center Coordinator, Gerald Ephault, met with Blaise weekly to go over his business plan and provided him with contacts and ideas to implement his concept. Perhaps most notable, three faculty members in the Speech-Language Pathology Department—Drs. Susan Dillmuth-Miller, LuAnn Batson-Magnuson, and Rachel Wolf—were part of Blaise’s research team that helped measure the effectiveness of the product. Their experience was invaluable to the ultimate success of his business plan. <br />
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I’m certain similar stories would be told by many of the participants, which reaffirms the fact that our students’ success as entrepreneurs cannot be achieved alone. Our dedicated faculty and staff support students and go the extra mile every day. As Blaise so eloquently pointed out, “faculty members truly care about the success of their students.” I couldn’t agree more.<br />
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On behalf of the entire State System, I offer congratulations to all the students who participated in the 2016 Business Plan Competition and express sincere gratitude to everyone behind the scenes for making student success a priority across the system.<br />
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Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-46812279104848168002016-03-31T06:40:00.000-07:002016-03-31T06:48:14.303-07:00Access, Success, and Completion<div class="MsoNormal">
“Access, Success, and Completion” was the focus of the
second annual joint meeting of the State System and Community College
presidents and chief academic officers this Wednesday in Harrisburg. This was
another historic meeting between these public higher education partners that
continue to work together to better serve the students of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Did you know that nearly half of the new undergraduate
students who transferred to the State System’s 14 universities last year came
from one of the 14 community colleges of Pennsylvania? That’s an impressive
number, but we can do more. A recent study by the Georgetown University Center
on Education and the Workforce notes that, by 2020, 60% of jobs in Pennsylvania
will require some post-secondary education or training. In order to fill this
demand, partnerships and collaborations that remove barriers and focusing on
access will be vitally important. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The landmark <a href="http://www.passhe.edu/reversetransfer/Pages/ReverseTransfer.aspx">Reverse Transfer Agreement</a> that was announced
during Wednesday’s meeting is a great example of how both the universities and
community colleges are committed to improving student completion rates. The
agreement will allow State System students who began their studies at a
Pennsylvania community college to receive their associate’s degree while
continuing their education. Those who earned at least 45 credits at their
community college before transferring to the university are able to reverse
transfer credits back to their community college once they have earned enough
to apply for an associate’s degree, at no additional cost. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Why is this so important? The completion of an associate’s
degree would enhance the student’s earning potential as they work toward a
bachelor’s degree, certification, or other credential from a State System university.</div>
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I applaud our community college and university leaders for
taking this step forward, together. It’s crucial for all of us to continue to
think of ways to partner with others to better meet the needs of students and
employers.<o:p></o:p></div>
Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-74648071523720411572016-03-24T07:37:00.000-07:002016-03-24T07:37:26.487-07:00100,000+ Students: A Worthy InvestmentBy now, you’ve already heard the numbers: 90 percent of students who attend State System universities are Pennsylvania residents, and 80 percent of all graduates will remain in Pennsylvania after graduation and go on to contribute to the state’s economic future.<br />
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But who are these students we so often talk about? Recently, I had the pleasure of getting to know Drew Johnson, East Stroudsburg University’s Student Senate president, as he joined me on a panel that appeared before both the House and Senate appropriations committees during the State System’s 2016-17 budget hearings. Drew spoke from the heart about how the lack of funding is affecting the educational experience of students at all 14 universities. Members of the General Assembly appreciated his openness and thoughtful remarks. <br />
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Drew is just one example of the many students who are worth our investment, and I’d like to introduce you to a few more:<br />
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Edinboro University student Katherine McAtee aspires to be a speech language pathologist to work with children to help overcome speech delays or impediments; IUP student Erika Fenstermacher will pursue a Ph.D. in clinical psychology thanks to the opportunities to participate in research as an undergraduate; Mansfield University student Marquise Isaac-Rivers will continue his education with the goal of being a leader in student affairs; and Bloomsburg University student Rebecca DeMuth believes everyone has the right to a healthy environment and plans to make a difference in the world through environmental justice.<br />
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Browse through our <a href="https://storify.com/statesystem/investinme2016">“Invest In Me” site</a>, where you can see more students who are worth the investment. They are helping with a social media advocacy campaign designed to let the voices of our 100,000+ students be heard leading up to the 2016-17 State System’s Advocacy Days at the Capitol (April 5-6) .<br />
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When the Commonwealth invests in our State System universities and students, there is a tangible, measurable return on that investment—many times over. So, now is the time to invest!Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-67587150504677302182016-02-05T05:33:00.000-08:002016-02-05T05:57:12.478-08:00Be engagedFebruary is Black History Month, a celebration of African American culture and its enormous contributions to the United States and the world. We must never take for granted—nor take lightly—our opportunities to stand up for and act upon our beliefs in a way that will promote positive results. Through courageous advocacy, great things can be accomplished.<br />
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Black History Month serves as a reminder of that simple but profound fact.<br />
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Whether it is participating in the electoral process by supporting your candidate for president of the United States, advocating for increased investment for our universities, or simply volunteering in your community, each of us can be involved in shaping the future of our nation, our Commonwealth, and our universities. Don’t pass up that opportunity.<br />
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Our universities are bursting at the seams with exceptional men and women who are eager to help improve the lives of others, both on- and off-campus. Day in and day out, our students, faculty, and staff give back to the communities that are such gracious hosts for our universities. That campus and civic engagement is what makes State System universities such great places in which to live, learn, and work.<br />
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We all must recognize and appreciate the privileges and opportunities afforded to us as a result of the dreams and determination of individuals who came before. And it all begins with being engaged. Your words, your actions, and your influence matter.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-71397464026399610862015-12-21T05:35:00.002-08:002015-12-21T05:35:58.449-08:00A few words of adviceAs we bring 2015 to a close, I want to offer this message to our students—recent, current, and future. First, we all extend congratulations to our recent graduates who were joined by family and friends last weekend to celebrate the conclusion of a very important chapter in their lives. Commencement is a testament to all of the hard work and dedication these students demonstrated throughout their time at one of our 14 State System universities. My advice to them: remember that as this chapter closes, a new one will begin. Whether you choose to pursue graduate school or launch your career, you have been given invaluable tools by university faculty and staff—tools such as critical thinking and communication skills—that will equip you for success in life.<br />
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For our returning students, who are still working toward their degrees, consider 2016 as an opportunity to start fresh. My advice to them: reflect on how far you’ve come; take pride in those things you knocked out of the park; and double-down on your effort with those things that are most challenging. Your friends who walked across the graduation stage last week are living proof that you can achieve this goal.<br />
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If I didn’t mention high school seniors, I would be remiss. My advice to them: the year ahead will require very important decisions for your future. Finding the right path to fulfilling your dreams is extremely important. Take a hard look at all of the opportunities that universities, community colleges, and technical schools provide, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If one of our 14 State System institutions is the best place to start your next chapter, we’ll be excited to welcome you into our family of more than 107,000 students.<br />
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To the students, faculty, staff, and administration, we extend our wishes for a very happy holiday season and look forward to an exciting new year.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-80596820800207121222015-11-10T05:54:00.000-08:002015-11-10T05:55:12.032-08:00Embracing Innovation<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Now in my third year as
Chancellor of the State System, I find that sometimes we may be tempted to
fixate on our immediate challenges and lose sight of the remarkable
opportunities that are right in front of us. It is important to pause, raise
our sights, and recognize the excellence that permeates our universities. In
the recent “State of the System” address, I talked about how our 14
universities are embracing innovation as we continue to deliver Pennsylvania’s
best value in higher education. In this month’s blog, I wanted to highlight
just a few examples of the kind of innovation that proves we are a force to be
reckoned with in the 21</span><sup>st</sup><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> century.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Innovation in the
classroom</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span><a href="http://www.iup.edu/templates_old/newsItem.aspx?id=206451&blogid=2291&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social_media&utm_content=2015-10-28&utm_campaign=labor_relations"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">IUP’s Department of Employment and Labor Relations</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> uses a unique technology that brings students from
all over the country into the classroom…virtually. This goes way beyond Skype,
allowing an almost unlimited number of students to be live on-screen while
enabling the students to interact with the professor and other class members in
real-time. Students who can’t get to campus now have access to the same rich
classroom experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Innovation in the
marketplace:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> David Tini, a music
education major at </span><a href="http://www.sru.edu/news/100915b"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Slippery Rock University</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> and trumpet player in the Marching Pride, noticed the
need for a mouthpiece warmer during a cold game at Edinboro University. So, he
created a device called “HotLips” that heats the mouthpiece of an instrument
prior to use. SRU’s Sustainable Enterprise Accelerator is working with him to
develop a business plan to bring the product to market. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Innovation in society</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">: </span><a href="http://quantum.esu.edu/insider/esu-goes-green-with-commencement-ceremonies/"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">East Stroudsburg University</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> is providing all graduating seniors at winter commencement
with environmentally friendly gowns made of recycled plastic. The new regalia,
which won’t cost any more than traditional gowns, will be used in all future
commencement ceremonies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">While these universities
aren’t the first to demonstrate innovation, they show that our students,
faculty, and staff are contributing to the success of the Commonwealth and its
future. I hope you will share with me your stories of innovation, by emailing <a href="mailto:chancellor@passhe.edu">chancellor@passhe.edu</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">You can also check out </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRDHzk4XFug"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">this
episode</span></a><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> of <i>Infinite Opportunities </i>to
see even more examples of innovation in the State System. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-37451407999736368082015-08-26T10:25:00.002-07:002015-08-26T10:27:48.413-07:00A few thoughts for the new yearThe start of the academic year is an exciting time for everyone. For new students, the questions range from ‘what will classes be like?’ to ‘where can I get coffee?’ No matter how big or small the questions seem, teams of faculty, staff, and other students across our 14 universities make it a priority not only to answer the questions, but to welcome students into their extended families.<br />
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My son is entering the fourth grade, so I know how important it is for students to have leaders on campus to help him navigate the right path. Let’s face it, no matter if you are 10, 18 or 35, you want to know that the time you spend as a student will be rewarding and fulfilling. So, don’t be afraid to ask questions. After all, this whole experience is about seeking, learning, and sharing knowledge.<br />
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For our newest students, remember that the title of “freshman” is just that—a title. Soon enough, first-week jitters will fade away as students of all ages and backgrounds come together in classrooms and laboratories all across our campuses to take a few steps closer to fulfilling their dreams. And while it’s important to lean on your past successes for motivation, know that it’s what you do today and tomorrow—and the tomorrows to come—that will matter most. Successes and failures…learn from them all.<br />
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Now, I hope you’ll take a minute to view<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAppeG0X964"> a short video message from me</a> and <a href="https://storify.com/statesystem/fall-2015-move-in-day">some images from move-in day across the State System</a>.<br />
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Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-91078005365451201442015-06-26T06:49:00.000-07:002015-06-26T06:49:08.659-07:00Big decisions ahead for the State SystemIt’s June. For college students, that means the summer break is half over. For those of us who work in higher education, we are spending these days closing out the fiscal and academic year and preparing for the next. And for the State System’s Board of Governors, that means a very full agenda for its July meeting. Amid all of the important initiatives underway, I want to point out a few that will be key to shaping the future of our System.<br />
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For the first time in the State System’s history, all universities have developed multi-year Action Plans that outline their goals and aspirations, strategic priorities, challenges, and opportunities. The plans will be discussed in the coming weeks and will be updated annually to provide our stakeholders with a transparent opportunity to understand the future path of each university.<br />
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Obviously, a big part of that effort will be ensuring the proper mix of academic programs. As the Commonwealth’s economy continues to evolve, the State System is changing right along with it. Next month, the Board will consider 16 new academic programs—bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees—that have been designed to meet the needs of the 21st century. In fact, many of the new programs were developed with direct input from business and industry partners; several will be offered online and be available to students virtually anywhere, anytime.<br />
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Even during these challenging fiscal times, we must invest in the future. That means not only developing and offering new academic programs that better align with changing times, but also making strategic decisions involving existing programs. (And on the operational side of the house, we must continue to maximize shared services and System collaboration.)<br />
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Over the last five years, the universities have introduced more than 60 new degree and certificate programs and minors. During the same time, more than 150 programs that no longer meet student demand or needs of the Commonwealth have been placed into moratorium or discontinued, and more than 60 have been reorganized or reinstated to meet new market demands. It is that kind of flexibility that will foster the long-term viability of all of our universities.<br />
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Summer will soon have come and gone, but the important decisions we make in the coming weeks will help our state universities ensure they are ready and able to serve the students of the Commonwealth for years to come.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-41471692219769958412015-05-13T10:30:00.000-07:002015-05-13T10:30:17.241-07:00Supporting our students’ successAt commencement ceremonies held all across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania this past weekend, nearly 17,000 students became alumni of our 14 State System universities. More than 80 percent of those will remain here to live, work, and raise their families—making them vitally important to Pennsylvania’s economic future. To each and every one, we say, “Congratulations!”<br />
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The education that our graduates received at their universities—both inside and outside of the classroom—has prepared them for success in the future. As they succeed, so will our state. As they thrive, so will our state. We need their knowledge and expertise to drive the economy of Pennsylvania and to create a foundation that future graduates can ultimately build upon.<br />
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So how do we continue to support our students’ success?<br />
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That’s easy. Give them the tools and resources they need to reach their greatest potentials. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to that purpose, and we are working now to secure more state funding as part of that equation. The State System generates $11 in positive economic impact for every one dollar invested by the Commonwealth. That’s an investment that will benefit us all.<br />
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On Saturday, I saw firsthand the great things our students can achieve. Those freshly minted graduates are optimistic about what lies ahead. Not only do they want to build a greater future for themselves and their families, but also to help shape the success of our state moving forward. They are ready and prepared for the next chapter, and I know their spirit and courage can show us all why the affordable, high-quality education provided by the State System is worth the investment of time and treasure.Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-54542193600583976492015-04-20T07:55:00.000-07:002015-04-20T07:55:06.529-07:00State System Day on the HillLast week, approximately 140 representatives from our 14 universities descended upon the Capitol for our yearly advocacy day. The group worked as one to share the important message of investing in the System. Our students—who are the best ambassadors for the State System and our universities—took center stage as they shared their educational experiences with legislators, many of whom went through the same experiences, sometimes at the same schools. It’s a valuable connection from both perspectives.<br />
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We also announced the results of an economic and employment impact study that revealed the State System has a $6.7 billion total positive impact on Pennsylvania. That means the State System produces nearly $11 in economic impact for every $1 invested by the Commonwealth through its annual appropriation. This funding is an investment—not an expenditure—in a reinvented system that is dedicated to the success of 110,000 students. This return on investment is a tremendous added benefit to the high-quality, high-value education the universities provide to students.<br />
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(<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fBgrI1QGgs">Watch the press event held in the East Wing Rotunda of the Capitol during State System Day on the Hill to release the results of the study.)</a><br />
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We know there are many other groups that ask the General Assembly for support, but I think it’s fair to say that our well-informed representatives and our economic impact study made a very compelling case on the System’s behalf.<br />
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While our advocacy day on the hill is over, our job is not. Advocating for investment in the System can be accomplished by everyone in various shapes and forms throughout the year. The stronger our unified message is, the harder it will be for anyone to doubt what the State System can and will do for the students we serve and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.<br />
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Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2562991398604977285.post-7460336669555361782015-03-05T09:23:00.001-08:002015-04-06T08:43:59.207-07:00Investing for the FuturePennsylvania is at a crossroad as we enter the time of year when decisions will be made regarding how to invest the public’s hard-earned money. Governor Wolf’s support of higher education rang loud and clear this week with his proposal to increase investment in the State System’s 14 universities by 11 percent. This is welcome news after seven years without an increase in state funding.<br />
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We all recognize the important role our universities have in providing access to opportunity for 110,000 students. Our state universities are engines of economic development for the communities they serve and the entire Commonwealth—providing the talent that fuels business and industry across Pennsylvania.<br />
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Providing a high-quality, high-value education has always been the mission of the State System. Even as it has endured significant budget cuts for much of the past decade, we have limited tuition increases to around the rate of inflation in most years.<br />
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The Governor has challenged publicly supported colleges and universities to hold the line on tuition. We are answering that call. The Board of Governors said in October that base tuition could be frozen next year if the State System received enough funding to fill next year’s budget gap. That continues to be our position, and we are grateful for the Governor’s leadership on this issue.<br />
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We are engaged in this important dialogue with the Governor and our friends in the General Assembly as they begin their work on the budget, which will not be an easy task. Our students are a great investment, and every tax dollar allocated toward our universities provides a real return on investment.<br />
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Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Educationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07400532400819969260noreply@blogger.com0