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The House hearing for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education was held Feb. 20. Click here to watch the footage. Here are our collated posts:

PASSHE’s House budget-appropriations hearing begins 10 a.m. today. Watch live here: www.youtube.com/live/CWKKbS3…

We’ll be live-posting here on Bluesky.

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— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 9:58 AM

Rep. Jordan Harris begins the hearing with introductions. This hearing covers community colleges as well as the State System.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:11 AM

Rep. Paul Friel begins questions. He asks about long-term plans for declining enrollment, overlap with other universities.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:14 AM

Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino focuses question to address state-related campuses. We need to start having conversations about competition, coordinating, Fiorentino says. Community colleges talk about rightsizing, collaborative partnerships, including with Cheyney.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:16 AM

Friel asks about transfers from community colleges to PASSHE. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino underscores commitment to transfer agreements. Transferring 95%+ of credits and examining other 5%, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:18 AM

Rep. Jeff Olsommer asks about population decline and projected enrollment decline. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about this trend’s history and continuation. He discusses need to focus on aligning resources, variety of students. Community colleges talk about retainment.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:21 AM

Olsommer asks if universities, colleges have employees who make minimum wage, how change to minimum wage would affect universities, colleges. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino explains that most employees unionized and make above minimum wage. He mentions student workers.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:23 AM

Rep. Abigail Salisbury asks about returning students, interest in online. Community colleges talk about online programs.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:27 AM

Rep. Jamie Barton asks about learning loss, behavioral issues in wake of pandemic. Community colleges talk about making up pace, remediation time being reduced. Starting to see rebound, including in enrollment, they say.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:29 AM

Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says PASSHE seeing different types of problems over time as students move through academic careers. Fiorentino talks about support staff identifying and targeting gaps. Community colleges talk about mental-health support for students, faculty, and staff.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:31 AM

Barton asks about workforce development. Fiorentino says about 21,000 grads per year, about 2/3 in high-demand fields. He talks about certifications. Barton asks about coordination with local economies.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:34 AM

Rep. Regina G. Young talks about parent concerns in wake of pandemic. Need to make sure children are well-rounded, have basic and mental health needs, she says. She asks about programs for basic needs such as food and housing.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:36 AM

Interim Chancellor Fiorentino discusses food pantries on campuses. “Shocking” how many students use on a regular basis, he says. Lots of fundraising, giving around this, he says. He talks about students whose only residence is on campus, keeping campuses open during holidays for those students.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:38 AM

Rep. Ann Flood talks about cost of higher ed scaring people away. She talks about importance of higher ed. She asks about effects of FAFSA challenges.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:43 AM

“We’re all working very hard to right that ship,” Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says. He talks about moving deadlines to help students.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:44 AM

Rep. Tim Brennan asks about capital funding, backlogged projects at community colleges. Community colleges talk about age of buildings, need for upkeep. He also asks about workforce development. CCs talk about programs that respond to current needs.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:50 AM

Rep. Marla Brown asks about community-college projects that could be affected by lack of funding. CCs elaborate on variables, importance. She asks about progress of project process.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:55 AM

Rep. Aerion Abney what can be done to make higher ed more affordable. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino notes national affordability issues. He talks about PASSHE tuition freeze and desire to freeze again this year: passhe.edu/news/release… He discusses increased financial support.

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— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 10:58 AM

Community colleges discuss savings of starting at community colleges, dual enrollment.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Rep. Marci Mustello asks about “underutilization” of facilities on PASSHE campuses. She asks about an inventory list of buildings and their statuses.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:04 AM

PASSHE does track, says Sharon P. Minnich, executive vice chancellor for administration and finance. Mustello asks for examples of partnerships. Minnich talks about Cheyney, PennWest partnerships.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:05 AM

Rep. Emily Kinkead, a Bloomsburg grad, asks for overview of process for holding university presidents accountable.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:08 AM

Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about 360-degree evaluations (underway now). Board “looks at (votes of no confidence) very seriously.” Presidents given great autonomy and held accountable for outcomes, he says. “There is true accountability on the presidents,” he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:09 AM

Kinkead asks about process for removal. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about processes for different circumstances.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:11 AM

Rep. Eric Davanzo asks community colleges about dual enrollment. CCs talk about growth and quality of programs.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:14 AM

Rep. Kyle J. Mullins asks for update on consolidations. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about economies of scale, preservation of opportunities. Still a great deal of work to be done, he says. All schools must ensure appropriate array of programs within budgets, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:17 AM

Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about progress being made at consolidated universities. Fiorentino talks about importance of realigning resources.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:19 AM

Rep. Kristin Marcell asks about workforce programs at community colleges. CCs talk about how funding could benefit programs and access to them.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:23 AM

Rep. Gina H. Curry talks about dual-enrollment in her district, calling it a gateway for students to enter higher ed. CCs talk about educational, social value.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:29 AM

Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino shares his experience with dual-enrollment when he was at West Chester University. “Students are capable of doing this work,” he says. Need to provide opportunity. Seeing variety of students, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:30 AM

Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa asks what work still needs to be done at consolidated universities. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about stabilizing existence of schools. Need to continue to rightsize, he says. Need to reduce number of programs, he says. Must teach out, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:33 AM

Have gone through demographic decline, he says, and another on horizon. Need to maintain “flexibility,” he says. Ongoing challenges, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:37 AM

Krupa asks about programs to be cut. Fiorentino offers to track down info, mentions software system to enable System to offer programs to students at other universities. Need deliver programs efficiently, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:38 AM

Krupa mentions complaints about name of PennWest. She asks about students unable to take courses at their campus. Fiorentino says courses available online. Krupa asks about new programs. Fiorentino talks about STEM, engineering.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:38 AM

Rep. Joshua Siegel talks about higher ed still being “deeply unaffordable.” He mentions PA Promise, asks chancellor to talk about importance of such a program. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about expense. He talks about how costs kept down for most vulnerable students.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:42 AM

Siegel lauds faculty, staff, coaches who serve students. He asks about support for public-sector disclosure act, relationship with collective-bargaining units.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:45 AM

Relationship is critical, Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says. He talks about grounds crew and look of campus. Would follow and maintain law, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:45 AM

Rep. Eric R. Nelson also talks about dual enrollment. He asks about graduation times, why not earlier with dual credit. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino shares State System data.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:49 AM

Nelson also asks about students who have experienced foster care. CCs talk about connections. Chancellor talks about housing aid.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:50 AM

Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes asks about ways to advocate for Black maternal health, community-college training. CCs talk about doula program, partnership.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:53 AM

Rep. Torren C. Ecker mentions PASSHE report: passhe.edu/offices/publ…. He asks about focus.

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— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:57 AM

Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about graduates and students who stay in PA, impact on Commonwealth. Focus on program arrays, downsizing, he says. “We need to be focusing on creating as much flexibility as possible,” Fiorentino says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 11:57 AM

Ecker asks about what higher ed is doing for agricultural industry. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about noncredit opportunities and minors.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 12:00 PM

Rep. Joshua D. Kail talks about employers who do not require four-year degree. CCs talk about training programs, trades. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about noncredit credentials for people looking for skill set, not degree.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 12:03 PM

Kail asks about possible medical school at IUP. “Long process” and early in process, Fiorentino says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 12:04 PM

Rep. James B. Struzzi II, Republican chair, asks if all funding will be used to freeze tuition. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says requested amount would enable operation without increasing tuition. Struzzi asks about removing buildings to save money. System confirms savings.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 12:07 PM

Rep. James B. Struzzi II asks about timeline for program creation. Approval is a process, Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says. Must be careful when assessing need, he says. He talks about need to be agile.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 12:10 PM

Struzzi asks about delays with financial aid. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about working with PHEAA, software issues.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 12:11 PM

Chair Rep. Jordan A. Harris ends with shoutout to his alma mater, Millersville University, and concludes hearing.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 20, 2025 at 12:12 PM

The Senate hearing for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education was held Feb. 18. Click here to watch the footage. Here are our collated posts:

We’re live-posting from today’s Pennsylvania Senate budget-appropriations hearing for PASSHE. Watch live: www.pasen.gov/Video/nob.cfm
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— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:01 PM

Sen. Lindsey M. Williams, minority chair, asks what PASSHE needs from Pennsylvania. Interim Chancellor Christopher M. Fiorentino talks about how System has kept tuition frozen. Asked about community colleges, he talks about how PASSHE has been working with community colleges on transfers, savings.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:06 PM

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is also included in this hearing. Williams now directs questions to James H. Steeley, president and CEO of PHEAA.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:10 PM

Williams asks interim chancellor about no-confidence vote. Fiorentino discusses 360-degree review of Hanna. Williams urges accountability. More about the vote: www.apscuf.org/faculty-coac…

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— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:13 PM

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick asks about savings from sale of buildings and rightsizing of dorms. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about strategies being used.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:15 PM

Sen. Pennycuick asks about future consolidations. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says not actively pursuing consolidations at this point. He talks about efficiencies that can be achieved without consolidating. PASSHE still in process of rightsizing, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:16 PM

Sen. Judith L. Schwank, who served on PASSHE Board of Governors, asks about programs and high-demand areas. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says it’s important to give students choice but must ask about ability to deliver. Talks about strategy of how programs are offered.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:20 PM

Schwank talks about possible medical school at IUP. Fiorentino discusses hiring, fundraising. “They’re working towards that goal,” he says of multi-year process.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:21 PM

Schwank asks about universities carving their own paths. Fiorentino talks about autonomy and guidance from PASSHE.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:22 PM

Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill asks about PASSHE coordinating with other universities about right-sizing. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about working closely with community colleges. State-related universities make decisions independently, he says, mentions shrinking demographics.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:24 PM

Phillips-Hill talks about competition in higher ed and taxpayer funding. She talks about enrollment drop. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about graduates who take jobs and stay here in Commonwealth. Our universities remain an investment, he says. Phillips-Hill calls for rightsizing.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:28 PM

Sen. Elder A. Vogel Jr. asks about advertising and recruiting from other states. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says recruiting done now not likely to be seen by general public: intense electronic communication in target market.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:30 PM

Vogel asks about enrollment decline and PennWest. Fiorentino talks about online programs, nontraditional learners, other markets, rightsizing. Vogel asks about Pell-grant retention.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:32 PM

Sen. Patty Kim asks about best practices Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino brings from West Chester, from which he retired as president. Fiorentino talks about WCU’s size, avoiding temptation to keep adding programs. WCU focused on optimizing use of resources at all times, he said.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:35 PM

Kim asks about AI. Fiorentino talks about how we cannot pretend it’s not there.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:36 PM

Kim asks James H. Steeley, president and CEO of PHEAA, about FAFSA difficulties. He discusses challenges.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:39 PM

Sen. Cris Dush asks if other universities have asked to merge. Fiorentino says no. Dush asks about closure of Commonwealth Lock Haven’s Clearfield campus. Fiorentino talks about teachout. Read more www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-t…

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— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:41 PM

Dush talks about business owners who say graduates don’t have skills. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about critical skills achieved in general education, strengths of liberal arts.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:43 PM

Sen. Art Haywood, now on the PASSHE Board of Governors, talks about his Enough report: www.pa.gov/content/dam/… He asks about enrollment.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:48 PM

Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about how PASSHE schools are inclusive. If students don’t feel welcome on a campus, they’re not going to attend that campus, he says. Must provide students with welcoming community, support, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:48 PM

Sen. Rosemary M. Brown asks whether students required to have financial-literacy classes. Not a curricular requirement as far as he knows, Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says. Support offered for financial literacy, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:50 PM

Brown asks about new funding formula from three years ago. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino breaks down fixed components and enrollment elements. He explains adjustments for school size. Must continue to make sure it’s working effectively.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:53 PM

Sen. Jarrett Coleman asks about “dear colleague” letter and PASSHE stance. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about need for legal counsel. Coleman asks about implementing executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:57 PM

Fiorentino reiterates that PASSHE universities admit inclusively. Coleman asks about name change of Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance at WCU. “If it waddles like a duck and it quacks like a duck, it’s certainly a duck,” Coleman says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 1:59 PM

Sen. Sharif Street begins time talking about discriminatory laws in this country, equity issues. Street asks about alignment with industry needs. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about programs in high demand, certifications. Street asks about continuing ed.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:04 PM

Sen. Joe Picozzi asks about student debt, affordability. He asks questions about costs. PASSHE’s funding request and information: passhe.edu/offices/publ… Picozzi asks about educating on student debt.

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— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:09 PM

Beginning second round of questions, Sen. Lindsey M. Williams talks about how PA needs students / future workers of all kinds. She asks about programs for adult learners. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about making sure programs offered are convenient to them — often online.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:11 PM

Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill talks about bill for “fairness in women’s sports.” She asks about compliance with president’s executive order. Interim Chancellor Fiorentino talks about how PASSHE part of PSAC, which follows NCAA guidance, expects to continue. Phillips-Hill asks for assurance.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:21 PM

Sen. Judith L. Schwank asks about effects of possible federal funding loss, Department of Education going away. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about need to adapt but hard to know without more information.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:23 PM

Sen. Elder A. Vogel Jr. asks PHEAA questions during his followup time.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:27 PM

Sen. Sharif Street asks about importance of PASSHE schools to community economies. He confirms they are not selective institutions. He talks about programs that benefit campus diversity as well as PASSHE and Commonwealth financial health.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about need to attract students from different populations to meet PA workforce needs.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:31 PM

Sen. Cris Dush talks about construction and deferred-maintenance costs whether “project-labor agreements” required. He talks about contractors available and budget requests. View the System’s funding request: passhe.edu/offices/publ…

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— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:37 PM

Sen. Rosemary M. Brown talks about mental-health services. Asks about access for students on Medicaid. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says he will look into issue described.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:40 PM

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick asks about PASSHE veterinary school. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says he’s not aware of conversations about creating veterinary school.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:41 PM

Sen. Jarrett Coleman says Shippensburg and West Chester “force students to complete a three-credit diversity course.” Coleman says, “I can’t find any required coursework on the topics of democracy, the United States Constitution, or the operation of free markets and capitalism.”

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:46 PM

Coleman quotes from letter. He says, “all of you pay attention to the executive orders and follow the law, so that you’re not coming back to us asking for more funding.”

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:47 PM

Sen. Joe Picozzi asks more questions about student debt, why it’s higher for PASSHE versus state-related. Length of time to graduation or family incomes, he asks. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says income and age.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:52 PM

Picozzi asks about graduation, retention, placement rates.

View PASSHE funding request data: passhe.edu/offices/publ…

View more System data: passhe.edu/system-data/…

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— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:53 PM

Picozzi asks about what PASSHE is doing to improve rates. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about identifying impediments to success, adding personnel who are supporting the work of the faculty. Seeing gaps starting to close, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:54 PM

Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, in third round, asks about student-teacher stipends. She asks about suggestions for Year 2.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:56 PM

Sen. Cris Dush talks about son who attended Slippery Rock and changed major. He asks about fifth- and sixth-year students and asks what is being done to “get kids out and into the marketplace instead of tying them up to bring more revenue into the schools.”

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 2:59 PM

“No student should ever be unable to complete their degree within the time that they want to complete it because we were unable to offer the courses that they needed,” Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM

Typically 5, 6 years means other circumstances are in play such as having to work, changing major, interim chancellor says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:02 PM

Sen. Vincent J. Hughes talks about history of discriminatory American laws. Calls out ugly history. Adding to populations is good for whole community, he says. “Additive, not exclusionary,” he emphasizes.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:06 PM

We look to education to be the vehicle to grow communities that respect and are responsive to different kinds of individuals — because of a very ugly history, Sen. Vincent J. Hughes says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:08 PM

Hughes also asks about student-teacher stipend program. PHEAA describes first year.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:10 PM

Hughes talks about proposed federal cuts, taxes affecting affordability. “We’re going to have to pick up the slack, if this stuff comes to fruition,” Hughes says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:13 PM

“This is the entry point for many families who don’t have an entry point,” Hughes says of PASSHE.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:13 PM

Sen. Vincent J. Hughes asks for responses to federal proposals. “They impact the work that we have to do,” Hughes says. This makes it less affordable, makes it harder for PA students to go to college, he says. He asks for response.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:17 PM

“The direction of everything you just described would be to make it more expensive,” Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino responds. Devil will be in details, PHEAA says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:19 PM

Sen. Scott Martin wraps up questioning, talks about Grow PA program: www.pheaa.org/funding-oppo…

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— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:26 PM

Martin asks about System promoting the program. “We’re ready to go,” Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:28 PM

Martin, who served on PASSHE Board of Governors and went to Millersville University, said he was always blown away by “presence” of West Chester University out of state. He asks about marketing.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:31 PM

“You have to do things,” Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says. He mentions campaigns in Penn Station, Long Island Railroad, Union Station. “Part of it is a mindset,” he said. He talks about reaching today’s students and importance of marketing. He talks about digital marketing strategies.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:34 PM

Fiorentino also talks about in-person connection.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:34 PM

Sen. Scott Martin asks about programs. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about how some programs are small — in itself not a reason not to do something. Some fields don’t need huge numbers of graduates.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM

Fiorentino talks about students picking a school and determining major later. “We need to make sure that we’re offering a sufficient array of programs so that they can get what they ultimately need,” he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:40 PM

“We need to be very thoughtful about how we operate,” Fiorentino says, to maintain affordability.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:41 PM

Sen. Scott Martin asks about students being able to take course at other PASSHE universities. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about upcoming student-records system that will enable such opportunities.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:43 PM

Sen. Scott Martin asks about enrollment, financial outlook at PennWest. Continues to be a challenge, Fiorentino says. He talks about recruiting variety of students. Need to continue to face reality of demographics, that enrollments are down, he says. He talks about matching resources.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:46 PM

Sen. Scott Martin asks about funding. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino talks about hard decisions being made. They both laud IUP President Driscoll.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:48 PM

Sen. Scott Martin asks for update about Mansfield, now part of Commonwealth University. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino says it’s “part of a bigger operation that is gaining strength.” It’s going to be stabilized, he says. Need to continue to realign, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:51 PM

Sen. Scott Martin talks about low completion rate of FAFSA in Pennsylvania and completion bill. Interim Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino quotes former Chancellor Greenstein, “Why should we leave money on the table?” Need to get people access, he says.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:54 PM

That wraps the hearing. PASSHE’s House hearing is slated for 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20.

— APSCUF (@apscuf.org) February 18, 2025 at 3:55 PM

Faculty and coaches at the Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield campuses of Commonwealth University took a no-confidence vote on University President Bashar Hanna this week. Click here to read the full release.

Click here to read more in The Philadelphia Inquirer, and follow APSCUF on social media for more coverage.

The Feb. 6 Board of Governors meeting streamed via YouTube. Below are Dr. Kenneth M. Mash’s comments as prepared.

Chair Shapira, Interim Chancellor Fiorentino, governors, presidents, and guests,

I want to thank Interim Chancellor Fiorentino and Brian Mbuu, the State System representatives, and my colleagues for the quick but thoughtful negotiation on the ESLP. It was done quickly but thoughtfully. And I hope we can soon reach agreement on the contractual side letters necessary, should the Board approve the programs associated with IUP’s College of Medicine.

Madam chair and governors, I want to thank you also for your actions to audit university practices with regard to the ADA. My colleagues who attended the last meeting spoke from their hearts, and they will be pleased that the Board is taking real action. I know that I appreciate the attention to the issue for the faculty, coaches, and all of the employees at our universities.

Last, I would like to thank the Board — especially given the current environment — for appointing an interim vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion and for reaffirming through that step the System’s commitment. Please notice that I did not call it DEI. Too many who use the acronym and dismiss its importance allow themselves the luxury of avoiding saying the words.

Those who oppose “DEI” should say which words they disagree with. Do they disagree with the word “diversity”? “Equity”? “Inclusion”? We understand that it is easy to demagogue the acronym and not say the words. But I want you to know that we, the faculty and coaches, will always support diversity, equity, and inclusion. We will teach it and the need for it, we will study it, and we will do our best to live according to its principles.

Academic studies support the fact that diversity, equity, and inclusion lead to better, more innovative solutions.

We respect our students. We want them to feel included. We value diversity among our colleagues and our student body. We know that people cannot understand the present without understanding the past — the real past — the good, the bad, and the ugly. And when one understands the past — and even the present — one comes to understand the need to emphasize equity and fairness.

I have personally learned so much from colleagues from different backgrounds, whether those differences be in ideology, nationality, lived experience, etc. I cannot even fathom a world in which others do not feel that they have something to learn from those who are different from themselves.

Particularly disturbing is the use of the acronym as a dog whistle meant to imply that people are automatically unqualified for their jobs, their presence in the university classroom, or on a college team, etc. It is dismissive, brutally unfair, and a dog whistle aimed directly at people who are in too many instances already vulnerable. It allows them to dismiss people without knowing them, without looking at them as individuals.

Academia, Madam Chair, is about the pursuit of truth. And while words may be banned, what cannot be halted is our faculties’ and our coaches’ — and I dare say our university administrations’ and staffs’ — drive to study and speak truth, even when it means speaking truth to power. The vast majority of my colleagues view their work not merely as a profession but as a calling. And we will not be deterred.

I beg your indulgence because I know that many if not most or all of you feel similarly, if not precisely as I do. I do not presume to look into anyone’s heart. And while you, the board, are taking the initiative to fill the position at least on an interim basis, I still think it necessary — given all that is happening — to say the words diversity, equity, and inclusion in every public forum possible.

Thank you for your attention.

 

Following Gov. Josh Shapiro’s budget address, Dr. Kenneth M. Mash, president of the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties, released a statement about support for our State System universities. Click here to read the full release.