Penn State President Graham Spanier addressed the possibility of restructuring the administration as a result of decreasing state appropriations during an open discussion session with Commonwealth Campus representatives Saturday in the HUB-Robeson Center.

Spanier said the discussion resulted from shrinking state appropriations and changing demographics at commonwealth locations that could threaten the practicality of some of the campuses.

"There will be a very small number of changes, and at students' perspectives, you won't see anything," Spanier said in response to a question asked by Harry Saylor, Penn State Berks student government vice president. Representatives were present from 17 Commonwealth Campus locations.

Spanier said a possible restructuring would increase efficiency within the administration, and would remain strictly on an administrative level.

David Mory, Penn State Lehigh Valley governmental affairs director, said decreasing state appropriations are a problem for students because of the increase in tuition.

"What tangible effects might the campuses see by increasing state appropriations?" he asked Spanier.

Spanier commended the students for organizing the Rally in the Rotunda, scheduled for March 15 at the Capitol building, and said it is important for students to take an interest.

"I think it's great that you're doing that," Spanier said. "Do things like this make a big difference? No, they make a little difference, but a little difference can help."

Spanier also addressed budget issues and the process of transferring from a Commonwealth Campus location.

Scott Soltis, Penn State Erie student government president, asked if there were any plans to decentralize the budget for Commonwealth Campuses, so there is less dependence on some of the resources from University Park.

Spanier said there are things that could benefit decentralizing the budget, citing the example of health insurance, a program that is funded through University Park.

Penn State Berks student government Public Relations Chair George Khoury asked whether students at Commonwealth Campuses who meet their major requirements early because of Advanced Placement credits would be permitted to move to University Park before their fourth semester.

Spanier said he is a firm believer in having rules to maintain orderliness, but he added that exceptions can be made for "legitimate reasons," such as meeting major requirements prior to the fourth semester.

"If we didn't have [rules], there'd be a massive flight at some campuses and an overloading of this campus," he said.

This was the first time Spanier spoke to Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG) representatives this semester.

CCSG Vice President Wendy Flynn said it is important to maintain communication with Spanier. "We all have problems and concerns, and it's a way of sitting down with administration here [at University Park] and get one-on-one time with them," she said.