Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education

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Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE)

Overview
PASSHE is a state agency in Pennsylvania that oversees 10 state-owned universities. It is the largest provider of public higher education in the state. All member schools participate in NCAA Division II and are affiliated with the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). PASSHE is separate from the Commonwealth System of Higher Education, which includes Penn State and other universities.

History in brief
- The system traces its roots to the Normal School Act of 1857, which created normal schools (teacher training).
- Over time, normal schools evolved into state colleges and then state universities.
- In 1982, Act 188 established PASSHE as a formal system, converting the former state colleges into universities. PASSHE began operation on July 1, 1983.

2022 consolidations
- Starting in the 2022–2023 academic year, PASSHE consolidated six campuses into two multi-campus universities:
- Pennsylvania Western University, consisting of the former California, Clarion, and Edinboro universities.
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, consisting of the former Lock Haven, Bloomsburg, and Mansfield universities.
- Each group retains its campus identities and athletic programs for branding, but operates under a single administrative structure. The NCAA would need to approve continued separate athletics for the merged institutions. The PASSHE board approved the merger in 2021, with the process expected to take several years.

Funding
- State funding for higher education nationwide has faced cuts, and PASSHE has seen reductions in Pennsylvania. From the early 2000s to the early 2020s, state funding for PASSHE dropped from well over $700 million (in 2022 dollars) to under $500 million in the 2021–2022 period.

Universities and related entities
PASSHE includes ten universities located across Pennsylvania:
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania (Cheyney)
- Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, Mansfield) [three universities operating under one system name]
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (East Stroudsburg)
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania (Indiana)
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania (Kutztown)
- Millersville University of Pennsylvania (Millersville)
- Pennsylvania Western University (California, PennWest California), with its campuses California, Clarion, and Edinboro
- Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania (Shippensburg)
- Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania (Slippery Rock)
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania (West Chester)

Governance
- The system is overseen by a 20-member Board of Governors. The Board sets broad policy and makes recommendations on tuition and other matters.
- Councils of Trustees at the individual universities share governance responsibilities.
- Act 188 of 1982 outlines funding principles and meeting rules for the Board.

Enrollment and alumni
- PASSHE serves more than 82,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs, with many students staying in Pennsylvania after graduation.
- The system has more than 800,000 alumni, including more than 518,000 living and working in Pennsylvania.

Facilities and staff
- PASSHE campuses cover about 4,700 acres with around 25 million square feet of buildings.
- The system employs more than 13,700 professional and support staff, most covered by collective bargaining agreements.
- Libraries across the system are connected via the Keystone Library Network.

Mission
- The core mission, defined in Act 188 of 1982, is to provide undergraduate and graduate education to and beyond the Master’s degree in liberal arts, sciences, and applied fields, including teaching.
- PASSHE aims to offer high-quality education at the lowest possible cost to students.

Notes
- The Office of the Chancellor is in Harrisburg, the state capital.
- PASSHE emphasizes accessibility and affordability for Pennsylvania residents, many of whom intend to remain in the state after completing their studies.