University Integration

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.

Shared Vision for Student Success

Information Brochure (pdf)

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 – We’re excited to share with you the academic program array (majors and concentrations) for the Northeast integrated university that will be available to students in the future. As you will see from the linked array , the Northeast integrated university academic programs include a robust set of more than 80 degree programs across a wide variety of disciplinary fields.
   • As a reminder, we will come together as an integrated university in Summer 2022. However, the academic programs will be phased in over a three-year period as our faculty design the curriculum for these programs.
   • Please note, all current students will be able to complete the degree in which they are enrolled in now . Also, all incoming students for Spring and Fall 2022 will also be able to enroll in any currently available academic programs at each campus. Nothing changes for current students or for students who enroll in Spring 2022 and Fall 2022.
   • A typical student will take most in-person courses at their home campus and potentially some through real-time remote learning.
     
     
   • General education courses will be offered at each campus and online.
     
     
   • The Northeast integrated university will have five academic colleges* that include:
     
     
     
   • Zeigler College of Business
   • College of Education and Human Services
   • College of Health Professions
   • College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities
   • College of Science and Technology
     
     

   Interdisciplinary & Multidisciplinary Studies: In addition to the above, students will have the opportunity to design a program of study that will meet their career goals.
   
   * Pending Middle States Commission on Higher Education approval.

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.