Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) held its quarterly Board of Governors meeting in Harrisburg, PA on Feb. 16. During the meeting, the 20-member Board of Governors and distinguished guests addressed developments and upcoming changes regarding PASSHE and its universities.
The success of students pursuing higher education in Pennsylvania was centralized as the most important objective of the prospective changes discussed.
The Board is actively working toward the creation of more opportunities for current and prospective students. They wish to better help student success, allowing them to forward to their personal, academic, and career goals.
Frances Cortez Funk, president of The State College and University Professional Association (SCUPA), stated that “we are the rainmakers of transformational change.”
Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees (PACT) President, Richard Frerichs, stated that “we have decided to be all-inclusive as we maneuver the challenges of representation in the face of integration.” Representatives from each of the universities in the PACT are working together to improve higher education, including LHU representative, Krystjan Callahan.
A lingering point of discussion throughout the quarterly meeting was the innovative educational opportunities being implemented throughout Pennsylvania. PASSHE is currently revitalizing its vision and version of public higher education.
Innovations in higher education are designed to allow individuals to pursue new careers, broaden the labor market, and provide clearer pathways to careers. Hope Lineman, Strategic Advisor on Workforce Innovation, stated that “it is essential that strategies and programs include increasing the educational attainment of low and middle income, underrepresented minority, non-traditional, and adult students.”
The Credly badge program was piloted by East Stroudsburg University. Credly badges are digital credentials earned as a student completes their major. They highlight areas of expertise and endorse this knowledge. These badges provide a competitive advantage on electronic resumes, job applications, and job posting sites.
The implemented Credly badge program would allow every learner the opportunity to obtain industry-recognized credentials of all levels and types. Lineman stated, “it is not about competition, it is rather about enhancing relevancy and being career-ready institutions.”
Sylvester Williams, dean of Business and Management for East Stroudsburg University, said “we are really trying to be on the cutting edge of using the badging system as a mechanism to represent skills for students.”
Board members expressed concerns and questions regarding the badging and certificate systems. There were questions regarding if PASSHE universities would be prepared to take on curriculum projects of this size, specifically for universities undergoing curriculum redesigns of their own due to integration.
Senator Judith Schwank discussed concerns regarding if the degree and badging programs are designed for schools specializing in professional studies. “Is this maybe more appropriate for a community college or our career and technical schools?” she asked. “Why is it for us?”
Dean Williams responded by saying “The role of education is changing.” The opportunity to receive industry-recognized credentials could be a step forward in the future of education for students, faculty, and universities.
The hesitations surrounding credentialing were related to the capacity of universities and their programs, staff, and faculty. There was indecision if credentialing relates to and belongs within higher education.
The Board provided statistical data regarding American Rescue Plan Act fund investments. These investment funds are being used to increase student success through recruitment, progression, and affordability. In addition, funds were used to create a new student information system, create more opportunities and programs for students, and drive forward workforce-aligned programming initiatives.
During the PASSHE quarterly Board of Governors meeting, a resolution was passed that requires PASSHE universities and/or the System Office to develop and maintain policies, standards, and procedures that promote inclusive environments for all students, faculty, and staff. This inclusivity should be regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, disability, political affiliation, sexual origin, gender identity or expression, or national origin.
An agreement was also passed unanimously that allows faculty of consolidated universities to apply for reassignment to another primary campus of the integrated universities. This agreement affects the two consolidated universities within the PASSHE system: Commonwealth University and PennWest University.
It is possible that some of the faculty, staff, and professors from Lock Haven University’s campus will be reassigned and replaced with faculty members from Bloomsburg or Mansfield universities.
The final action of the Board was the appointment of Laurie Bernotsky as the Interim President of PennWest University. She stated, “I am deeply committed to the mission of the state system of higher education.”
The PASSHE Board of Governors is utilizing innovative ideas and technology to improve the public higher education system. Their efforts are designed to create more diverse and inclusive environments for the students, faculty, and community members of PASSHE universities. By designing new innovative educational programs, PASSHE aims to create new and stronger ties within local communities, job forces, and labor markets.
Cleia Stern
Cleia Stern is a first-year pursuing an undergraduate in Exploratory Studies. She is a staff writer for the Eagle Eye. Cleia holds the 2022 GOODE Waterski National Overall Champion title, as well as multiple regional and state titles. Cleia’s passions include water-skiing, tennis, and weightlifting. Aside from her athletic achievements, Cleia hopes to pursue writing into the professional setting with dreams of publishing a collection of poems.
