The Sate System of Higher Education is in the midst of a self-assessment of its operations, but the state Senate Education Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved its own review on the long-term sustainability of the state-owned university system.
The study proposed by Senator David Argall of Schuylkill County would be undertaken because – in his words – “…there are always some concerns when a system studies itself as to how independent, no matter how hard they try, their study may be.” Results of the Senate study would be required by December 1st. Some of the issues Argall proposes be studied include revenue and expenses for the State System and for its universities, long-term debt, employee benefits, and infrastructure.
Stats System Chancellor Frank Brogan opposed an independent study during Senate budget hearings, and Spokesman Kenn Marshall didn’t exactly seem to embrace the idea, saying they would “welcome the Legislature’s interest in the system and its future”, but adding that the System would seek legislative input “as part of the strategic review (they) are currently undertaking.”
The full Senate could vote on undertaking the State System review by mid-April.
