Information and perspective on the merger/closings…enjoy if you wish.
http://triblive.com/opinion/editorials/11853178-74/state-system-review
http://m.thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/harsh-math-for-state-universities-1.2147711
http://www.pennlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/01/state_university_systems_organ.html
KEEPING THE STATE SYSTEM HEALTHY…
http://www.observer-reporter.com/20170131/keep_the_state_system_healthy_viable
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Interesting article on the PASSHE deficit. I found this section the most telling. It seems as if they already determined the firm that will do the study and what the recommendations will be…and I thought that PASSHE was a public system and that the sunshine laws require disclosure?
http://triblive.com/local/westmoreland/11891735-74/state-system-universities
"State System spokesman Kenn Marshall said officials are reviewing proposals from consultants who responded to a call to gather data and analyze issues including the number and location of universities, programs and personnel necessary to meet the mission of providing “high quality education to students at the lowest possible cost to students.”
Citing exemptions in the state’s Right to Know law, Marshall declined to identify the consultants who submitted proposals."
Sounds like Edinboro University is in for very difficult times…
http://www.goerie.com/news/20170216/edinboro-university-assessment-changes-will-be-made
Couple interesting tidbits on PASSHE Schools:
and
Clarion University President says they will not close…http://clarioncallnews.com/2017/02/23/whitney-oberlander-clear-up-school-closing-scare/
Updated and important news articles…“are we treating this generation different than the ones that came before”
http://www.thestate.com/news/business/national-business/article134953559.html
http://www.goerie.com/opinion/20170227/our-view-eup-charts-new-course-in-hard-times
Struggling Edinboro University plans to be more selective
FEBRUARY 26, 2017
EDINBORO, Pa. — In this rural corner of northwestern Pennsylvania, where low-cost college options are few, Austin Horner is getting a shot at a four-year education thanks to the state university here. So far, the sophomore from Warren County who hopes one day to teach, has a GPA above 3.0 and feels at home on the campus of Edinboro University with its man-made lake, deep snows in winter and a small-town feel. “It’s such a friendly environment,” he said. But too many of his peers leave campus without a degree these days or bypass the financially ailing university altogether. So after several years of accepting almost anyone who applied, yet still seeing enrollment fall by 29 percent, Edinboro is out to rebuild enrollment by doing what might seem counter-intuitive. It is tightening its admission standards, making it harder for some to enroll. The hope is that recruiting freshmen who are better prepared academically — and giving them enhanced campus support — ultimately will boost the school’s retention rate, even if freshmen numbers initially drop. The troubles facing Edinboro, a member of the State System of Higher Education, are not unique, which is why there is interest far beyond campus in how this all plays out. Some in the state Legislature and others are asking if the State System can still afford 14 distinct universities, at least as they are configured now, given steep enrollment losses, deepening budgetary woes and shifts in the job market that have softened demand for some
Why some PA Universities are in danger of closing…http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-state-university-possible-closings-reasons-20170228-story.html
Although the enrollment has declined…it has only declined to levels of 2007. At that time, there was never a consideration/conversation of closing any of the 14 PASSHE schools yet now it is the solution. Speaking from experience, the government almost never asks a question(or begins a study) that they do not already know(or will dictate) the answer to.