Penn State faculty alliance rallies against planned closures, calling it the university’s ‘biggest employment crisis’ – Times of India

A growing coalition of faculty at Penn State University is mounting a significant protest against a proposal to close seven Commonwealth Campuses, a move they describe as the institution’s “biggest employment crisis.” The Penn State Faculty Alliance delivered a petition signed by more than 500 faculty, staff, and supporters to university President Neeli Bendapudi, urging a halt to the campus closure process and calling for transparency and inclusive decision-making.The petition was submitted at President Bendapudi’s Old Main office just one day before the university’s Board of Trustees is expected to vote on the proposed closures. The plan targets the DuBois, Fayette, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Wilkes-Barre, and York campuses, with closures proposed following the 2026–27 academic year.Faculty protest “reckless pace” and lack of transparencyThe faculty alliance argues that the closure process has been fast-tracked, conducted largely behind closed doors, and lacks meaningful consultation with those most affected. According to the petition, as reported by State College, decisions have been made “at a reckless pace” without proper analysis of the impact on students, faculty, staff, and the communities that host the campuses.Rebecca Sarver, an assistant teaching professor at Penn State Wilkes-Barre and a lead organizer of the alliance, stated, “Every day, we connect with the people this institution is designed to serve, the students,” as quoted by State College. She emphasized that the administration had bypassed faculty with experience and insight into the needs of these campuses.Concerns over student equity and community accessFaculty members argue the closures would disproportionately affect lower-income students who depend on accessible, local education. According to the petition, many students at the targeted campuses may not be able to relocate or transfer easily, adding to their stress and uncertainty, especially amid faculty and staff departures.In a statement reported by State College, Ruth Tillman, an associate librarian at University Park, called the proposal “shameful,” saying it removes “life-changing opportunities” from vulnerable communities.Criticism of administration’s rationaleWhile Penn State’s recommendation report cites challenges such as declining enrollment, financial strain, and aging infrastructure, President Bendapudi’s own remarks—quoted during a University Faculty Senate meeting and referenced by State College—suggested the closures may not be primarily for cost-saving. This contradiction prompted the faculty alliance to question the decision-making framework, stating, “Why not invest in them and strengthen their essential role in fulfilling Penn State’s land grant mission?”Calls for immediate action and accountabilityThe petition urges the university to immediately pause the closure process, conduct a comprehensive impact analysis, and commit to a more transparent, participatory process. Faculty are also calling for assurances that all affected employees will be treated with dignity and fairness.According to State College, the alliance is also organizing with SEIU Local 668 to form a faculty union, adding another layer of organized resistance to what they view as a damaging and opaque administrative move.