Integrations

On Wednesday, July 14, the Board of Governors voted to approve the Northeast (Mansfield/Lock Haven/Bloomsburg) and West (Edinboro/Clarion/California) integration plans.  With the plans approved, we will now work together on preparing for implementation.

In addition, the Board also appointed Dr. Bashar Hanna as the interim president of Mansfield University with an effective date of August 1, 2021. I look forward to working with Dr. Hanna as we transition Mansfield's leadership over the next several weeks.

I thank all of you who have been so generous with your time and expertise throughout the integration planning process. I especially appreciate your patience and thoughtfulness as we developed the plans for the Board's consideration. There is much work yet to be done, of course. As we shift toward implementation, we will continue to remain focused on our students and their success. Our shared commitment, across all three campuses, is to expand access to affordable, high-quality educational opportunities for our students while at the same time maintaining vibrant campuses within our respective communities.

In the coming weeks, you will continue to receive updates regarding next steps and important milestones in the process.

I thank you for your ongoing dedication to our students and our university.

Sincerely,

John

John M. Ulrich, Ph.D.
Acting President
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Why Integration

Centered on student success, our shared vision is to expand affordable high-quality educational opportunities for students, to position institutions for growth, and to meet regional economic and workforce needs across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. At a time when universities across the country, including our own, are financially challenged, integration will ensure that our institutions are open, vibrant, and centered on student success long into the future.

Exploring the Northeast Integration of Mansfield, Bloomsburg, and Lock Haven universities continues. Integration will be a bold investment in the communities and people of Northeastern Pennsylvania that will allow all three institutions to continue sustainably fulfilling their missions.

To do this, we will retain our unique traits specific to our campuses and communities, while coming together to become something bigger and stronger. We will stand stronger together, while continuing to stand out and be forever prideful as Mounties, Huskies, and Bald Eagles.

Through integration we are committed to:

• PRESERVING YESTERDAY: We will preserve the founding principles of each campus and the communities we serve.
• ADAPTING TO TODAY: We will answer the greatest challenges facing higher education: access, cost, opportunity, quality, and relevance.
• BUILDING A STRONGER TOMORROW: We will change the trajectory of public higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and will enhance the value of degrees from Mansfield, Bloomsburg, and Lock Haven universities.

TOP 10 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT INTEGRATION

1. IDENTITY – Our identities honor the legacy and traditions that bring all generations of Mounties, Huskies, and Bald Eagles together.
   • Each institution’s name, logo, mascot, and identity will be preserved.
     • An integrated entity name will be established and used for accreditation purposes. We appreciate you taking the time to complete our recent research survey. Data is being compiled at this time.
   • Athletics remains an important part of our campus culture, and we are pursuing a path with the NCAA where each campus will retain its current complement of athletic teams.
2. MISSION – Upholding and advancing our missions well into the future.
   • By leveraging the power of three, students will have increased access to exemplary academic programs and pathways to social mobility.
   • More pathways to move easily from high school dual enrollment through associate to bachelor, master, and doctoral programs.
3. ACADEMICS – Access a greater range of programs and faculty expertise than any single university can offer.
   • Students will be able to select from an expanded array of academic programs. This will nearly double the program options for Mansfield and Lock Haven students. This means more choices and greater momentum toward graduation.
   • A typical student will take most in-person courses at their home campus and some courses through real-time remote learning.
   • General education courses will be offered at each campus.
4. STUDENT NEEDS – Responding to the diverse needs of 21st century learners with relevant academic programs, proven modalities, and flexibility that supports a diverse learning community.
   • A program array that will prepare students for careers of the future while helping ensure timely graduation.
   • On all three campuses, enjoy on-campus housing, student clubs and organizations, athletics and a vibrant campus life.
   • Students can design a university experience that works for them with dedicated support services on each campus.
5. CAREER PREPARATION – Equipping students with the skills and connections for greater opportunity for upward mobility.
   • A wider variety of career and professional resources and experiential learning opportunities - including internships.
   • A more expansive alumni network to provide guidance and support and an employer network ready to recruit our graduates.
6. OPPORTUNITY – Expanding high-quality experiential options while also reducing the total cost of attendance.
   • A financially-responsible degree creates a faster route to career launch and upward mobility.
   • Benefit from expanded opportunities offered by a larger university – while maintaining the same personalized, small-campus experience traditionally offered at Mansfield and Lock Haven.
7. ALUMNI/DONORS – Honoring our history and our legacy to connect fellow Mounties and provide support for today’s students and tomorrow’s leaders.
   • Foundations and alumni associations will remain independent at each of the three institutions, connecting classmates with their beloved alma mater.
   • Donors will continue to be able to designate funds in support of students to their campus of choice.
8. COMMUNITY – Evolving so that each campus can continue serving the needs of its home community.
   • By expanding dual-enrollment opportunities for high school students.
   • By ensuring a thriving and vibrant campus-life experience.
   • By deepening our Town Gown relationships and expanding our partnerships to provide more internships and mentoring programs, volunteerism/service, lively arts and cultural opportunities, and more that benefit the communities we call home.
9. ECONOMIC GROWTH – Stimulating new growth opportunities for businesses and community partners.
   • We’re building toward a stronger region, strengthening and elevating the quality of life for local and regional communities.
   • We remain committed to an environment where students live, work, and engage as members of the Mansfield community.
10. WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT – Cultivating and nurturing employer relationships to stay attuned to workforce demands.
    • We are committed to working with regional and statewide employers to build short-course and credentialing programs for working professionals, as well as traditional students who are looking pick up specific certifications and credentials as they progress through their education.

PROCESS – To succeed individually, we must succeed in common.

• 500+ students, faculty, staff, trustees, and community leaders are participating in the Northeast Integration planning.
• Following the April Board of Governor’s (BOG) Meeting, there will be a 60-day public comment period. At its summer meeting, the BOG will vote regarding the integration moving forward.