UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – An announcement about which Penn State University campuses will close won’t be made until mid-May.
Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi announced Feb. 25 that some of the university’s campuses will close due to declining enrollment. Twelve campuses, including Penn State Shenango in Sharon, are under consideration for closure. In February, the president said the decision would be made before spring commencement.
In a letter Thursday to the campus community, Bendapudi said the decision will be made and announced in mid-May instead.
“Final exams and commencement are rapidly approaching – activities of great significance for our entire community,” Bendapudi wrote. “My team has consulted with students, faculty, and staff on the timing of any announcements, and I agree with their broad recommendation to hold until after these milestone events.”
The university’s trustees will meet in mid-May to consider the president’s commonwealth campus recommendations.
“Until action is taken by the board, no decisions are final,” the president’s letter said.
Following the meeting, Bendapudi and other leaders will communicate immediately.
“We also know that some of you may be away from campus at that time, so we are preparing both in-person and virtual opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to come together, ask questions, and support one another,” she said in the letter. “I know this delay may bring mixed emotions – relief for some, renewed frustration for others.”
She said a lot has been asked of the students, faculty and staff at commonwealth campuses over the past several months.
“The uncertainty that has accompanied this process has not been easy, and I remain deeply grateful for the resilience, grace, and dedication you’ve shown during this time,” Bendapudi wrote.