HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Daniel Greenstein appeared in front of lawmakers in Harrisburg on Wednesday, asking both chambers to support the more than 80,000 college students in the state system of higher education.
"They need our help and they need your help," Greenstein told the Pa. House Appropriations Committee.
PASSHE schools are asking for $38 million in additional funding this year. It's a 6.5% increase that would bring the total funding to almost $624 million.
Greenstein said it would allow PASSHE to freeze tuition for a sixth consecutive year and limit the burden on students.
"We’re seeing improvement in our enrollments because we’re becoming increasingly affordable as we freeze tuition and we’re seeing improvement in our student outcomes, specifically in terms of retention," Greenstein said.
Lawmakers questioned where the money would end up.
"How much of that money is going to actually go to the students?" asked Rep. Marci Mustello, a Republican representing Butler County.
"It’s almost an impossible question to answer and here’s why; because our faculty are the direct avenue into our students," Greenstein replied. "An investment in your faculty is an investment in your student, if that makes sense."
Greenstein said PASSHE would not consider a faculty salary freeze. He said the new funding would be an investment in the state’s future workforce.
"Most of our students come from Pennsylvania, most of our students stay in Pennsylvania. Most of our students get great jobs and they contribute back to their community," Greenstein said.
These conversations are happening amid discussions about PASSHE’s future. Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal included the creation of a new governing body that would combine PASSHE and community colleges into one.
Lawmakers and the chancellor said they had not yet seen the full details of that plan.
"Did you play any role in developing this proposal?" asked Rep. James Struzzi, a Republican representing Indiana County.
"I know that there are groups being convened currently to flesh out some of the detail that we’re looking for," Greenstein responded.
Shippensburg University President Dr. Charles E. Patterson released the following statement following Wednesday's hearing:
"As educators, we are acutely focused on the intersection of student success and the workforce needs of the Commonwealth. A unified system encompassing four-year universities and community colleges can offer different pathways for students at various stages of their academic and professional journey, including enhanced transferability and articulation between institutions. By closely aligning educational programs with the workforce demands of current and future employers, a unified system can also ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in an ever-changing job market. This responsiveness to industry needs enhances the State System’s relevance and contributes to a stronger regional economy and statewide economic prosperity."
The potential of a reorganization will play a significant role in any new funding. Under the governor’s proposal, 10 PASSHE Universities and 15 community colleges would be governed by one body and would receive additional funding.
FOX43 will keep you updated as these budget conversations continue.