Slippery Rock University officials remain optimistic as the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education investigates integrations.

“I think this is going to end up being advantageous for the schools, but we all have to go in with an open mind,” said SRU President William Behre.

As part of its years-long redesign effort, the PASSHE board of governors authorized Chancellor Daniel Greenstein to review the financial impacts of integrating operations at selected system universities.

One suggested integration model calls for SRU and Edinboro University to join their educational programs into one, driving down costs and coordinating enrollment strategies. It is also expected to strengthen and broaden available academic programs.

System officials said in a news release Thursday that the integration of some of its 14 universities could boost sustainability and provide better, more affordable education for students.

“We have a unique opportunity to shape the future of public higher education in Pennsylvania, ensuring it continues to act as an engine of social mobility and economic development for all,” Greenstein said.

State legislators afforded the PASSHE board of governors' the ability to integrate schools through Act 50, passed with bipartisan support and signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf earlier this month.

Over a timeline of two years, Act 50 requires PASSHE to pursue affiliation with a detailed, transparent and broadly consulted review, planning and implementation process.

Behre said the board had to move as quickly as possible to stay within the proper timeline, hence why the decision was made in the midst of a pandemic.

“I think people get very concerned about uncertainty. Ambiguity makes people really nervous. I think it's amplified by the uncertain time within which we live,” Behre said.

Behre said integration for staff and students could mean a number of things. It could result in traveling between campuses, or it could mean more online learning. He said none of these pieces of the plan have been developed, since this is the first stage of the process.

He said while PASSHE investigates the financial impacts, he plans to develop groups to begin planning administrative decisions. He said the planning process will likely begin in the next few weeks, but it will ramp up when students and staff return from break.

“I think we have to build the infrastructure,” Behre said.

Behre said finalized integration may happen as described, it may not happen at all, or it may look different from the initial format.

One point he stressed is the current approach and the one he hopes comes to fruition maintain the identity of both universities. He said Edinboro and SRU students today are going to get Edinboro and SRU degrees when the time comes.

“Their individual identities and brands would remain intact,” Behre said. “A student's experience will be the experience of their home campus, plus the opportunities provided by another campus.”