Penn State delays making a decision about closing its campuses.

 New Kensington, Pennsylvania

 The announcement by Penn State on which of its western Pennsylvania campuses might be closed has been delayed.

 The announcement was delayed by the institution until mid-May, following the conclusion of spring commencement.  Four nearby campuses—Greater Allegheny in McKeesport, New Kensington, Beaver, and Fayette—have uncertain futures until then.

Neeli Bendapudi, the president of Penn State, made the announcement Thursday.

 Penn State New Kensington engineering student Colin Miller worries that the closure may affect his academic standing.

 Miller pointed to his leg and remarked, "There's a very good chance that I would not be able to get a college education because I cannot drive myself because of that."  "One of the primary reasons is that it's close by and that I can have someone else drive me here.  Therefore, I suppose I'm out of luck if this closes.

 Miller has a degenerative illness that affects his legs, so he depends on family friend Sharon Manley for transportation.

It's very unfortunate that he won't be able to finish his degree if they close within the time range they're considering," Manley said.

 Several campuses in western Pennsylvania, including Penn State New Kensington, could be in jeopardy.  Proponents have come together to highlight the potential and accessibility these schools offer.

 "Penn State is massive, and I also think that, being a land grant university, they should be thinking about helping ordinary folks," Manley stated.  "And many of these students would never have the chance to attend university if this campus didn't exist.

I am positive about that.  It was a great experience for some of the students and their families to come here.

 Since enrolling, Miller has even directed the closing night of a show and started a theatrical club—achievements he feels would not have been feasible otherwise.

 According to Bendapudi's statement, seven of the biggest campuses—Abington, Altoona, Behrend, Berks, Brandywine, Harrisburg, and Lehigh Valley—will continue to operate.

 According to Bendapudi, the campuses account for 67% of professors and staff and approximately 75% of all Commonwealth Campus enrollments, along with Great Valley, which will also continue to operate.

By the end of this semester, a panel of Penn State leaders will make recommendations about which of the university's twelve remaining campuses should remain open and which should close.

 "While it is clear that not all 12 campuses can continue, it is equally clear that a number of them will," Bendapudi stated.

 According to Penn State, no campus will close before the conclusion of the 2026–2027 academic year, and new students will still be accepted at all sites this autumn.

 "Every student who begins a Penn State degree will have the opportunity to complete it at Penn State," the statement continued.