In the face of financial challenges, many educational institutions are grappling with the difficult decision of cutting programs and laying off staff. However, a new initiative from Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) aims to tackle these issues head-on by enhancing course accessibility for students across its 14 campuses.
PASSHE has unveiled a strategic plan to implement a course-sharing initiative that will allow students to enroll in specialized courses offered at other campuses without the burden of travel or additional costs. This innovative approach is designed to ensure that students can pursue their academic interests, even if their home campus does not offer the desired course.
At its full potential, this initiative will enable students to take courses remotely, earning full credit while participating in classes from the comfort of their home campus. For instance, a student interested in special education can attend a course offered at a different campus without the need for long commutes.
While the full implementation of this vision is still a few years away, a pilot program is set to launch in the fall of 2026. This pilot will initially focus on sharing foreign language courses across all campuses, along with select history courses and a Deaf education program between two institutions. The outcomes of this pilot will guide the future expansion of the initiative.
Some courses may already be available online, while others will require adjustments to their delivery methods. For example, students may attend classes at their home campus while connecting with professors and peers from other locations in real-time. Over the next year, PASSHE will work on refining the technical aspects necessary for successful course delivery.
PASSHE is not alone in exploring course-sharing as a means to enhance educational access and efficiency. Other higher education systems, such as those in Hawaii and Missouri, have successfully implemented similar models. Numerous colleges and universities across the nation are also part of course-sharing networks, which aim to improve student retention and reduce costs.
This initiative is part of PASSHE’s broader strategy to address budgetary constraints amid declining enrollment numbers. Between the 2019-20 and 2024-25 academic years, enrollment dropped by nearly 14 percent, prompting the need for innovative solutions to maintain a diverse range of academic programs.
Christopher Fiorentino, the chancellor of PASSHE, emphasized the importance of adapting to changing enrollment trends. He noted that while many students are graduating from a limited number of programs, there is still significant interest in other fields. The course-sharing initiative aims to provide students with more options without the need to eliminate low-enrollment programs.
As institutions across the country face similar challenges, many are making tough decisions regarding program offerings. Recent announcements from various colleges indicate a trend of program closures, particularly in the liberal arts and humanities.
PASSHE’s course-sharing initiative seeks to prevent the closure of established programs with lower enrollments, such as economics and history, by providing students with alternative pathways to pursue their academic interests. Fiorentino stated, “Instead of simply cutting programs, we are exploring collaborative opportunities that link campuses and foster cooperation.”
This initiative also addresses program gaps, particularly in rural areas, where access to higher education has been diminishing. Despite having a high number of colleges, Pennsylvania has seen a decline in enrollment over the past 15 years, leading to campus consolidations and closures.
Enhancing Technological Support
Course sharing is not limited to low-enrollment programs; it also extends to high-demand fields facing workforce shortages. For instance, the upcoming Deaf education pilot aims to address the statewide need for qualified educators for hearing-impaired students.
Fiorentino highlighted the importance of technology in supporting this initiative, stating that faculty concerns about technological readiness must be addressed. PASSHE is committed to building the necessary infrastructure and expertise ahead of the pilot’s launch.
To prepare for this transition, over 500 faculty members have undergone training to enhance their online and in-person teaching skills. Additionally, a recent grant will enable 165 faculty members to learn best practices for implementing the course-sharing model.
Jeff Ruth, chair of the Department of Modern Languages, Philosophy, and Religion at East Stroudsburg University, expressed enthusiasm for the pilot, noting that it will allow for innovative approaches to reach more students. He emphasized the importance of language and cultural competency for all students and hopes that course sharing will facilitate greater access to these essential skills.
PASSHE is also working on a centralized student information platform that will streamline course selection, grade tracking, and financial aid management across all campuses. This system is already operational at several locations, with full implementation expected next year.
Fiorentino remarked on the flexibility this system provides, allowing for easier credit transfers and a broader range of opportunities for students. Ruth Johnston, a vice president at the National Association of College and University Business Officers, noted that such a platform could lead to cost savings by centralizing course management systems.