Pennsylvania Higher Ed System Board Votes to Advance School Merger Plan

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Board of Governors has voted 17-2 Wednesday to advance a plan that would merge six of the state’s state universities into two regional schools, WHYY reported.

The board voted to start public review of the plan. This opens a 60-day comment period.

PASSHE is planning to have at least two virtual forums June 9 and 10. In July, the board will vote on the integration plan.

The goal is to save the system $18.4 million over five years and reverse enrollment decline.

Opponents argue that the integration plan would cost more than $25 million to enact.

Some worry that the merger of programs across universities will force students to take classes online to complete certain majors.