Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education was established on July 1, 1983, although the
14 universities that comprise the State System have a much longer history. The mission of the System is as relevant today as it was at its founding: to increase educational attainment in the Commonwealth; to prepare students at the undergraduate and graduate levels for professional and personal success in their lives; and to contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of Pennsylvania’s communities, the Commonwealth, and the nation.
The universities combine to enroll the largest number of Pennsylvania residents among all four-year colleges and universities in the Commonwealth. With more than 93,000 degree-seeking students and thousands more enrolled in certificate and other career-development programs, the State System is a vital contributor to the Pennsylvania economy. Collectively, the State System universities offer
more than 2,300 degree and certificate programs in more than 530 academic areas. The universities have nearly 800,000 living alumni, the vast majority of whom reside in Pennsylvania.
The State System is
currently redesigning itself to ensure the long-term sustainability of all 14 universities so that each may continue to serve students, its region and the Commonwealth.
A 20-member
Board of Governors is responsible for oversight of the State System. The Board establishes broad educational, fiscal, and personnel policies. Among other tasks, the Board appoints the chancellor and each university president, approves new academic programs, sets tuition, and coordinates and approves the annual State System operating budget. Additionally, each university has a Council of Trustees that serves as a policy-setting board for the university.
The
Chancellor is the Chief Executive Officer of the State System and is responsible for its management. The Office of the Chancellor is housed at the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg and includes:
Faculty Shared Governance
The Faculty Shared Governance Commission was formed to strengthen faculty shared governance by making recommendations that led to the creation of a system-level Faculty Council.
The
Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Trustees (PACT) conducts conferences and workshops on topics of common interest, updates on System issues and national trends in higher education, as well as opportunities for professional development and an exchange of ideas with trustees from other State System universities.
The
Board of Student Government Presidents is a unified board of 14 student government presidents that exchanges ideas, discusses common issues and interests, and serves the interests of State System students. The group also works to influence policy decisions and advocate on behalf of the State System.
