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PASSHE or the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in Pennsylvania. This State has over 112,500 students studying in 14 universities. The goal of PASSHE is to foster and develop various attributes to enhance professional and personal success in students. This in turn contributes to the cultural, social and economic development of the communities of the State.

This organization is run by a Board of Governors numbering 20 who set the direction by formulating policies for the universities and systems. In order to benefit and aid in prosperity of the Commonwealth, the public higher education is harnessed by providing leadership to universities and support and advice to Board of Governors by the Executive Offices of PASSHE.

PASSHE universities and colleges are highly active harnessing funds for various activities. One of their initiatives is to build a huge broadband network in order to expand healthcare services and educational opportunities to thousands of businesses and millions of residents throughout the Commonwealth. At least a $100 million Federal Funding is being sought by health care organizations, economic development entities, universities and colleges in Pennsylvania towards this.

There is a great increase in the number of transfer students and incoming freshmen ensuring a record enrolment for the eighth consecutive year. Scoring well in national surveys, PASSHE universities are fast gaining national recognition. For instance, in a recently published review in the Princeton, IUP or the Indiana University of Pennsylvania has been included in the “Best 371 colleges” of 2010 edition. Other prominent Pennsylvania colleges that feature in the “Best North-eastern Colleges” review include the Slippery Rock, Kutztown and California universities.

The current “Best 296 Business Schools” review features John L. Grove College of Business and the IUP’s Eberly College of Business and Shippensburg University. Board of Governors of PASSHE has recently voted towards increasing tuition fee by $196 for the academic year 2009-2010.

Statistical and analytical reports are prepared and institutional research is conducted by the System Research Office. Apart from these, there are presentations that aid and support decision making, policy analysis and strategic planning for Higher Education leaders in the Pennsylvania State System.

The annual System Accountability Plan in the office provides performance evaluation information. External and internal constituents are provided with higher education state system data and strategic information by the Research Office. In partnership with the Executive Information System, the Research Office provides operation and support for the data warehouse. 

Recently, a few new degree programs in information security, nursing and liberal studies were introduced by the Board of Governors. These courses will be offered by four universities under PASSHE. The programs will also be available online. Other new programs include Cheyney University of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies, East Stroudsburg University’s Master of Science in information security, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing and California University of Pennsylvania’s Master of Science in Nursing majoring in leadership and administration.