Public input sought on Pa. universities’ consolidation

By CHRISTINE HAINES
chaines@yourmvi.com

Public input continues to be gathered on the proposed integration of six state-owned universities into two, with changes to the plan being made in response to the suggestions.
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Chancellor Daniel Greenstein Wednesday updated the PASSHE Board of Governors on how public input is being utilized. The proposed integration plan would combine California University of Pennsylvania, Clarion University and Edinboro University in the west and Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield Universities in the northeast.
“We’re committed to documenting and showing any improvements to the integration plans based on public comment before final plans are presented to the Board for their consideration,” Greenstein said. “Transparency is key to the success of integrations. So too is the involvement of stakeholders from the grassroots all the way to university and System leadership. We are the public’s higher education system, and as such, we’re committed to continuing to be consultative and transparent to stakeholders across the Commonwealth.”
Four public hearings have been scheduled. They will take place via Zoom 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m June 9 and 10. Participants will be given two minutes to comment.
“We decided to make this a listening opportunity for the board,” said PASSHE Assistant Chancellor Randy Goin Jr. “We will not be answering questions during the hearing….We want to preserve as much time as possible to hear the public.”

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