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| Inside this edition: Penn State provides update on Commonwealth Campuses, Jay-Z enters one of Pa.’s messiest political fights, and our new brew ☕ |
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About 21% of eligible employees at Penn State Commonwealth Campuses accepted buyout offers as part of the university’s Voluntary Separation Incentive Program.
The 383 people account for a 10% reduction in employees, according to a news release from Penn State.
The program “was launched as a tool to help reduce that deficit by incentivizing employees to depart Penn State to pursue other opportunities or retire,” the release said.
Penn State previously said it intended to cut $49 million from the Commonwealth Campuses, as part of overall university spending reductions totaling almost $100 million. The university cited declining enrollment at the campuses, which it said have decreased, in aggregate, by almost a quarter in the past decade.
According to the news release, the value of “salary and fringe expense” associated with those employees is $43 million. But the actual savings is not yet clear, because some positions might be backfilled.
“We don’t know what the numbers look like at the campus level, so it’s not clear what the impact on student services, advising, and other critical areas will be. I know the chancellors have been working with the VP for Commonwealth Campuses to plan for how to address needs for this academic year and beyond. I hope we hear more details about that soon,” Michele Stine, chair of the Penn State Faculty Senate, told the Centre Daily Times.
Additionally, the university intends to move to a “regional leadership model” for the campuses.
“Over time we will refine the campus leadership structure as needs evolve to support a streamlined and responsive educational experience for students across our campuses,” Margo DelliCarpini, vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor, said in the news release.
“It’s important to note that our campuses will maintain their individual identities,” she said. “Each one has strengths, and our goal is to build on those and scale them across the commonwealth.”
The university also announced that President Neeli Bendapudi has committed up to $20 million from the president’s fiscal year 2026 strategic funds to the Commonwealth Campuses. |
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» Cyber charter changes that could save public schools $530M may be in this year’s budget
» Secret opioid cash meetings criticized by Pa. lawmaker after Spotlight PA and WESA reporting
» QUEERING THE NEWS: Join us TONIGHT from 6-7 p.m. ET on Zoom for a free discussion with a panel of experts on Pennsylvania’s queer media landscape — past, present, and future. Register for the event here and submit your questions to events@spotlightpa.org.
» PROPERTY VALUE: Join us Thursday, June 20 from 6-7 p.m. ET via Zoom for a free panel discussion about how outdated property assessments affect schools, roads, and more. Register for the event here and submit your questions to events@spotlightpa.org. |
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 | Daniel Fishel / For Spotlight PA |
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| Spotlight PA launched a new weekly newsletter focused on caregiving and caregivers across Pennsylvania. Every Tuesday, “How We Care” features original reporting and perspectives on how we care for one another at all stages of life, the huge economic and policy questions ahead, and how it’s affecting the lives of millions of people across the state. You can sign up for How We Care here. |
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Fishing in Sinnemahoning Creek at dusk, via Karyl S.
Have a north-central Pennsylvania photo to share? Send it to us by email, use #PAGems on Instagram, or tag us @spotlightpennsylvania. |
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Want us to list your event? Send it to us.
» June 14: The Elk County Historical Society hosts its annual Strawberry Festival in Ridgway.
» June 14-15: Celebrate Father’s Day weekend at the Historic Bellefonte Cruise in Centre County.
» June 14-15: Downtown State College, in Centre County, celebrates Juneteenth with an art exhibition opening and block party.
» June 14-16: Live music, arts and crafts, games, and food vendors highlight DuBois Days in Clearfield County.
» June 14-23: Centre County chefs whip up new dishes only available during Happy Valley Restaurant Week.
» June 16-29: “Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of music” at Penn’s Woods Music Festival held at multiple locations on Penn State’s University Park campus in Centre County. |
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An anagram is a word, phrase, or name formed by rearranging the letters of another. For example, “spotlight” also forms “stoplight.”
Decode the anagram and send your answer to talkofthetown@spotlightpa.org. We’ll shout out winners here, and one each week will get some Spotlight PA State College swag.
M E L O N
Good luck! Last week’s answer: LeviedThere were no new winners this week. Send this newsletter to your friends so they get a shot at receiving Spotlight PA State College swag! Those who answered correctly: Don H., Amy Z., Michael T., and Frederick H. |
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