Urging The Pennsylvania State University and its President to use transparency in closing any of its Commonwealth campuses.
Impact
The potential closure of 12 Commonwealth campuses, as indicated by university administration, poses significant challenges for local communities. Resolutions like HR179 emphasize the need for thorough community engagement and transparency, ensuring all stakeholders, including students, faculty, and local residents, are considered in the decision-making process. The proposed changes may lead to reduced educational, cultural, and economic resources within these communities, negatively impacting job availability and local spending.
Summary
House Resolution 179 urges The Pennsylvania State University and its President to prioritize transparency in the decision-making process regarding the potential closure of any Commonwealth campuses. The resolution highlights the critical role these campuses play in providing educational opportunities, especially to residents in rural and underserved areas of Pennsylvania. The impending closures, if enacted, could greatly diminish access to affordable higher education, which has been a cornerstone of the university's mission since its establishment as the state's land-grant institution.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR179 appears to reflect a strong desire for accountability and open communication from university leadership. Supporters of the resolution likely believe that maintaining transparency is essential for public trust in the university's commitment to its land-grant mission. Tasked with educating over 3 million Pennsylvanians, many community members, and social stakeholders see this resolution as a necessary step toward protecting educational access and resources, while opponents might express concerns regarding the necessity of any campus closures.
Contention
As the resolution emphasizes the importance of using transparent criteria when deciding on the closure of campuses, it touches on a broader conflict between cost-saving measures and the institution's responsibility to its student body and surrounding communities. Notable points of contention may arise not only around the closures themselves but around the methods of communication and the criteria for such decisions. How the university proceeds in this context could significantly influence public perception and community relations moving forward.
Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.
Recognizing the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Esports Association as the official Scholastic Esports State Championship of the Commonwealth; and designating the month of October 2023 as "Scholastic Esports Month" in Pennsylvania.
Designating the week of February 12 through 18, 2024, as "THON Week" in Pennsylvania and honoring the work of The Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon student volunteers.
Designating the week of February 13 through 19, 2023, as "THON Week" in Pennsylvania and honoring the work of The Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon student volunteers.
In Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark Licensing Fund, for injunctive relief, for rules and regulations and for purpose, repealing provisions relating to definitions and further providing for qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.
Congratulating The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on its 11th National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship and Pennsylvania residents who competed and placed during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Wrestling Championship.
In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry Promotion Board and for Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Program Board; and, in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, establishing the Pennsylvania Distilled Spirits Industry Promotion Board.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.