California, Clarion and Edinboro universities are being consolidated into a singular institution called Pennsylvania Western University, or PennWest for short, as per a decision by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education on Thursday.

PASSHE, which oversees 14 universities throughout the state, voted at its quarterly meeting in July to consolidate California, Clarion and Edinboro into one entity, and Bloomsburg, Mansfield and Lock Haven universities into one entity.

The new name will become official in July 2022, and the PASSHE Board of Governors said the individual universities will retain their campus names and individual branding, but the board is working on a uniform branding that the consolidated schools will use.

“Naming has been a thoughtful and data-driven process that began by listening to our students, our faculty, our staff, our alumni, our trustees and multiple stakeholders,” said Dale Pehrsson, who served as president for Clarion and Edinboro universities. “Students will participate in a vote to choose the branding process.”

The combined universities will be overseen by a single president and council of trustees, and each campus will keep its individual athletic functions.

The changes coming to the affected universities are being met with different reactions.

Lauren Pesci, of Butler, graduated from Clarion University in 2013, and said that although she enjoyed her time there, she is not overly attached to the school itself.

“While I was there, they were constantly tearing down buildings and building new ones, so I never felt too attached,” Pesci said. “If it saves money and the staffers still get paid well, that's what I care about.”

Pesci also said higher education institutions are constantly changing, and their most important aspect is the education and experience they give. “My grandfather went there when it was called a normal school,” she said. “It was a normal school, then a college, then a university, now it'll be a combined school.”

Kevin Motko, of Butler, graduated from Edinboro University in 2018, majoring in graphic and interactive design. He said he's interested to see how classes are integrated between the schools.

“Especially with graphic design, the hands-on aspect of learning is really important,” Motko said. “We're all used to Zoom a little bit more, so it's not a complete culture shock, but it'll be interesting to see how they combine in-person abilities with online classes.”

Motko also said that he has some attachment to the culture of the school, although it isn't paramount to him.

“I think as an alumni you are attached to your school's identity at least a little,” he said. “It will be interesting to see how they merge the identities together and keep their own strong identities and values.”

Dan Greenstein, chancellor of PASSHE, said there will be a transitional period as the universities merge into one uniform institution. The board will eventually appoint a president to oversee PennWest as well as a council of trustees.

Greenstein admitted there is a lot to do before the July 2022 official change.