PA's University Consolidation Plan: What You Need To Know

HARRISBURG, PA —As soon as next month, the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education could finalize plans to merge six state universities into two. System officials currently are in the public comment period of the process and likely will hold a final vote on the plan in July.

The proposal calls for California, Clarion and Edinboro to integrate in the western part of the state; Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield would combine in the eastern portion.

The plan has sparked controversy and criticism, and at least one state senator has asked for a two-year moratorium on implementing it.

The proposal also has triggered many questions, some of which Patch will attempt to answer here.

Why is the merger being considered?

Over the past decade, the State System has lost 21 percent of its enrollment and has yet to adjust cost structures. Pennsylvania ranks 48th in the nation in terms of public funding for higher education, so a bailout from the state is unlikely. Additionally, as enrollments contract, the universities that would merge struggle to offer the full range of programs required by their students and in their regions.

If the plan is approved next month, when will the consolidation take place?

Fall 2022.

What financial benefits will occur under the merger?

The move could provide $18.4 million in savings after five years and save some of the universities from financial collapse, according to system officials. Under the plan, all six campuses would stay open and have two university teams with integrated leadership.

Will the integrated universities retain their names?

No. The two universities created by the merger would have a new name and the current universities would be branches of the newly named entity. California University of Pennsylvania, for example, would become the California campus of, say, Integrated University. A process to select a new name is expected to begin shortly after the merger plan receives final approval.

"Recognizing that our existing campus names-brands have tremendous value, each campus’s local identity and brand will be maintained, regardless of the final integrated university name," a recent system report on the merger stated.

Will the universities being integrated get to keep their individual sports programs?

That's the plan, although the NCAA would have to give its approval.

"There is a strong commitment at all integrating institutions, as well as the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, to maintain the current complement of teams at all integrating universities. Furthermore, the State System is also deeply committed to preserving and expanding athletic opportunities for students at all integrating universities," the system integration report stated.

How would faculty at the consolidated universities be impacted?

A single faculty organizational structure would be established for each integrated university by July 2022.

How would an integrated faculty affect students? Would a California student have to travel to Edinboro for certain classes, for example?

The system report states that every attempt will be made to sustain in-person instruction.

"Integrated universities must be able to sustain face-to-face instruction with a 'single' or integrated faculty and administration," the report states. "While a great deal can be done remotely, students involved in residential education have an expectation for an on-campus experience."

How would staff at the consolidated universities be impacted?

They should be concerned. Read between the lines of this portion of the merger report: "Non-faculty complement will be structured in a way that allows the efficiencies associated with integrating to be realized, particularly as it relates to executive leadership, management, and administrative support."