State university system advances consolidation plan

By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com

The Board of Governors of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Wednesday voted to move a plan to merge six state universities into two universities with branch campuses into the public comment phase.
There was only one dissenting vote to moving the plan forward. That vote came from state Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery County, one of four state lawmakers on the board, who cast the lone no vote. Briggs criticized the report for not including information on the financial impact to the host communities of the six universities, which include California University of Pennsylvania.
“I don’t see a need to accept this plan today. But I anticipate it will be approved. I hope we take these 60 days for comment very seriously. Today my vote will be no,” Briggs said.
A final vote could be scheduled for July, with implementation in time for the 2022-23 school year.
“This is not approving plans as is,” board Chair Cindy Shapiro said at the close of the two-hour online meeting. “This is saying, ‘We are at a point where we can continue to move forward, not go back to the drawing board, unless somehow out of public comment that appears to be the best solution.’”
Under the consolidation plans, Bloomsburg, Mansfield and Lock Haven universities in northern Pennsylvania would merge into one institution and California, Clarion and Edinboro in western Pennsylvania would merge to become another.
The two institutions being formed would be the accredited entity, with a single management team, faculty, academic program array, budget and enrollment management strategy. Accreditation for the new entity would be sought through the Middle States Association once the merger is approved. The MSA could potentially vote on the matter next spring. It will also get a new name, yet to be determined, but to be selected from options that are market-tested for their appeal. All six campuses would remain open, with its own identity and brand, and the administration’s aim of ensuring that each of the six campuses to retain its sports teams, though that would be a decision of the NCAA.
“Middle States doesn’t say yes or no. They will simply evaluate the institution against the standards that they have. It’s a dialogue. They are not in a position to say don’t integrate and neither is the NCAA,” Greenstein said.
Two formal virtual hearings on the plan are scheduled for June 9 and 10. The details have not yet been released. One board member asked if there would be additional opportunities to offer feedback. Chancellor Daniel Greenstein said members of the public may offer input on the PASSHE website and the comments will be collected. Greenstein said the plan could be adjusted based on the feedback.
“I want to be sure that people know they can be heard. Our stakeholders are everyone in the commonwealth. We own the system,” said Sen. Judy Schwank, D-Berks County, who sits on the board.
“Many of the universities are holding informational events,” Greenstein said.
Where there has not been a general public meeting in California Borough, Cal U Vice President for Communications and Marketing Christine Kindl said there have been a number of informal meetings with various groups in the community.
“Since taking office in February, interim University President Robert Thorn has answered questions and discussed the integration plan with a variety of community groups, including the local education, clergy and business leaders who attend Cal U’s quarterly Community Breakfast. Most recently, he spoke to California Rotary members about integration. More community conversations are planned,” Kindl said.
A significant issue in the plan and for the state system as a whole is long-term debt among the universities related to the construction of non-instructional buildings such as dormitories and conference centers.
“The long-term debt is a significant issue throughout the state system. There are a variety of strategies of dealing with this. We are continuing to talk to the General Assembly,” Greenstein said.

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