Integration provides the best path forward to ensure a vibrant university experience
for future generations.
Integration focuses on student success. The goal is to create new opportunities for
students, including expanded academic programs and support services, and to hold down
costs for students at all three campuses while financially strengthening our institutions.
California, Clarion and Edinboro universities all bring strengths and will be equal
partners in integration.
Act 50 specifically states universities cannot be closed. We will continue to invest in and maintain our
bricks-and-mortar buildings.
Integration is purposeful in retaining names tied to our campus locations and preserving
each campus’s history, traditions and distinct identity; school colors and mascot;
campus experiences and value proposition. Each campus name holds power that is important
to our future.
Students will find that an integrated university with multiple locations, including
a virtual campus, offers an expanded array of academic programs, courses and faculty
expertise, and potential access to more internships and experiential learning opportunities.
Integration will help our campuses remain financially sustainable through shared services
and systems and combined faculty and staff, freeing funds to reinvest in the integrated
university and grow new markets.
By strengthening campuses, integration will ensure that students from communities
throughout in western Pennsylvania, including our rural areas, have access to affordable,
high-quality education that is close to home.
Integration will allow us to work together to recruit, retain and graduate students,
not compete with one another in a crowded market.
Increasing online enrollment grows resources that will support the on-campus experience;
the goal is to serve new student populations, especially working adults who are looking
to add or complete a degree.
The western integration process is inclusive: More than 425 students, faculty and
staff engaged in the planning process; participation and engagement continue to expand
in the project’s implementation phase.
Key Takeaways
Our California, Clarion and Edinboro campuses are not closing. Students will continue
to come here to live, learn and participate in a traditional on-campus or commuter
experience.
Our campuses are NOT moving totally online. Our virtual campus will serve adult learners and others who
prefer online education.
Athletics will continue. We will remain proud Vulcans, Golden Eagles and Fighting
Scots.
Large-scale layoffs are NOT part of the plan. Workforce reductions will occur slowly, over time, through retirement
incentives, normal attrition and non-replacement of positions.
Together, California, Clarion and Edinboro are building a strong and sustainable future
that will serve students for decades to come.
Regardless of integration, we are committed to financial sustainability. This includes
aligning costs with revenues; we will make every effort to do this in a way that limits
impact on employees.
This plan was developed to create stronger institutions for our students, our communities
and the commonwealth.
