Report offers action plan for future of state university system
The National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) has delivered its final report on the strategic review of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education — a report commissioned by Chancellor Frank T. Brogan and the Board of Governors.
The NCHEMS report builds on the consultant’s public presentation to the Board of Governors by providing additional information regarding each of its recommendations.
“Chancellor Brogan and the Board of Governors have demonstrated real courage and leadership in choosing to undertake this system review — looking at every level of the organization and beyond,” said NCHEMS President Sally Johnstone. “They recognized that decades of mounting issues had to be addressed in a new way and have taken action to bring them to the forefront.”
“With the final report in hand, we will be able to take a much deeper look at the findings and recommendations as we determine the path forward for the State System,” said Board of Governors Chairwoman Cynthia D. Shapira. “We will review the report thoroughly in the coming weeks and use it to help shape an action plan for the future that focuses on students first, and ensures they continue to have access to high-quality, high-value education that leads to a career path, at each of our 14 universities.”
The report is the result of a widely inclusive process that included more than 120 meetings across the state, including sessions held on each of the State System campuses with students, faculty, staff, alumni, business and community leaders and elected officials. In addition, more than 800 individuals offered comments and suggestions through the website established for the project. NCHEMS also analyzed student, program and financial data, as well as regional and national trends in higher education and workforce demands to provide insights and recommendations.
“The NCHEMS recommendations are rightly focused on the overall organizational challenges facing our System—including its complicated governance structure,” said Ms. Shapira. “We must tackle these foundational issues in order to ensure a strong future for our universities. Several of the recommendations focus on issues that the board, Chancellor Brogan and I have pointed to as critically important.”
As examples, the report calls for treating the State System more like other higher education entities rather than like a government bureaucracy — thus reducing the regulatory burden that accompanies its status as a state agency. The report also recommends giving the role of the chancellor—supported by the board—more authority in the area of policy making.