UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Work continues in many areas to support the ongoing transition across Penn State’s Commonwealth Campuses. Recent updates include the launch of a new feedback platform for collecting questions and comments, the completion of initial engagement sessions with stakeholders in closing-campus communities, and the introduction of new workstreams to guide closure planning and implementation.
“I have been eager to spend time at each of our campuses over the summer to hear directly from faculty, staff and student leaders,” said Renata Engel, interim vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor. “Those conversations have been invaluable in shaping my perspectives and guiding our collective approach to the many challenges and opportunities we face. We have laid a strong foundation for the work to come, and as we move forward this fall, I am confident that our areas of progress will continue to expand.”
Collecting feedback
As a joint initiative of the University Faculty Senate and the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, a new feedback page on Penn State’s Road Map website is now available. The page provides a space for faculty, staff and students to share questions and comments related to the Commonwealth Campuses.
Individuals may choose to provide their contact information to have submissions posted on a public message board, or they may submit anonymously. Submissions will be reviewed by transition workstreams, contribute to frequently asked questions, and inform future community updates.
“This effort is an important step in making sure voices across the University have an opportunity to be heard,” said Frantisek Marko, distinguished professor of mathematics at Penn State Hazleton and chair of the Faculty Senate. “By gathering feedback in a transparent way, we can bring a wide range of perspectives into the process and work together on solutions to the complex challenges ahead. I am excited the Senate and the University are collaborating in this way, as it strengthens our ability to approach these transitions thoughtfully and inclusively.”
Engaging with community stakeholders
Initial meetings with local stakeholders in each closing-campus community concluded the final week of August. Engel; Mike Stefan, vice president for Government and Community Relations; and Robert Fenza, Board of Trustees member and retired chief operating officer of Liberty Property Trust, met with business leaders, elected officials and community members to discuss their perspectives and ideas on potential future uses of the campuses and facilities.
“Penn State is committed to working closely with these communities — along with local, state and federal officials — on how the locations can support local needs, as well as regional innovation and economic development in the future,” Stefan said. “Across our discussions, we have been greatly encouraged by the proactive approaches being taken and the thoughtful consideration of a broad range of opportunities. This work is still in its very early stages, and we look forward to continued discussions and collaboration as we consider next steps.”
Charging new workstreams
The workstreams introduced last spring to guide planning and implementation related to campus closures have been updated to reflect current and future needs. Each newly charged workstream includes one or more executive-level leads and one or more operational leads. For some, there are standing workstream teams while others will reach out to subject matter experts as they move forward. The workstreams and executive leads are:
Students: Educational Experience, Engagement, and Support
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Kathy Bieschke, senior vice provost and interim dean of Undergraduate Education
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Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs
Employees: Transition and Support (Faculty/Staff)
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Kathy Bieschke, senior vice provost and interim dean of Undergraduate Education
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Jennifer Wilkes, vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer
Curriculum: Program Portfolio and Offering Campus
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Rick Brazier, dean of University College and senior associate dean for faculty and research
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Gary Liguori, chancellor of Penn State Abington
Facilities: Relocation and Disposition of Physical Assets
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Faye Chadwell, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications
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Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for Finance and Business, treasurer and chief financial officer
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Alyssa Wilcox, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations
Financial Stewardship
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Fotis Sotiropoulos, executive vice president and provost
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Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for Finance and Business, treasurer and chief financial officer
Communications
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Rachel Pell, vice president for Strategic Communications
Data and Information
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Lance Kennedy-Phillips, vice provost for Planning, Assessment and Institutional Research
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Matt Melvin, vice president for Enrollment Management
Records Coordination
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Faye Chadwell, dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications
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Sara Thorndike, senior vice president for Finance and Business, treasurer and chief financial officer
“With the new workstreams now in place, we are well positioned to make steady progress,” Engel said. “This structure allows us to stay organized, establish clear deliverables, and ensure that faculty, staff, students and community partners are meaningfully engaged. While this will take time, the framework gives us a strong foundation to move forward consistently and transparently.”