What happened: Commonwealth University recently hosted a meeting with an eight-member evaluation team from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) as part of the university’s accreditation review.
Why it matters: This event, held during the commission’s campus visit, provided a valuable opportunity for students to share their thoughts, experiences, and concerns, particularly regarding the 2022 merger of Bloomsburg, Mansfield, and Lock Haven universities. Students could discuss how the merger has shaped their academic and campus experiences, offering a range of perspectives on its impact.
Chaz Kasuba, the newly elected CGA President, spoke positively about the meeting, emphasizing the importance of students having the chance to engage directly with the MSCHE team. He noted that the panelists were genuinely interested in hearing student feedback and fostering an open, constructive dialogue. Kasuba appreciated the team’s receptiveness, making the session meaningful and productive. He felt the students’ voices were honestly being heard, a hopeful sign for the university’s future development.
Merger discussions
A central topic of discussion was the ongoing impact of the merger. Students shared positive and negative experiences, but the conversation remained constructive and solutions-focused. Many students highlighted the benefits of increased collaboration across campuses and expanded access to online and hybrid courses, which have particularly benefited non-traditional students. However, there were concerns about the effect on more minor majors, as some programs have been impacted by hiring freezes, leading to reduced course offerings. Graduate Assistants also raised issues regarding reduced working hours, which have created financial strain for those relying on their positions to support their tuition and living expenses.
Another challenge raised was the issue of cross-campus supervision, with some department heads located on different campuses than their staff. This arrangement has led to communication difficulties, as faculty and staff often feel disconnected from leadership. The physical separation has created challenges in coordinating efforts, sharing resources, and maintaining consistent policies. Delays in feedback and support have led to feelings of isolation and frustration among staff, while students noted inconsistencies in experiences across campuses, particularly regarding administrative decisions and program offerings. This highlighted the need for improved communication and more streamlined supervision to foster a unified environment for faculty and students.
Communication across campuses
Although administrative communication has improved, students noted that transparency remains an issue, especially regarding updates on university-wide changes and initiatives. Many students mentioned that they often learn about essential developments through campus newspapers rather than receiving direct communication from the administration. This communication gap has led to frustration and a sense of being disconnected from the decision-making process.
Despite these challenges, the Registrar’s Office received praise for its efficiency, although students still experienced confusion, particularly regarding registration for hybrid courses and campus assignments. Some students also expressed that first-year seminars could benefit from more major-specific options to align early academic experiences with their fields of study.
International students raised concerns about the difficulties they may face in maintaining their visa requirements with the increased reliance on online learning. Military students also discussed challenges with tuition assistance programs, particularly how changes to university policies could affect their access to financial support. Upper-level students and academic advisors expressed confusion about changes to program tracks and degree completion timelines.
Lack of Commonwealth representation
Notably, no Lock Haven or Mansfield students attended the meeting, but the session was still a success with a strong showing of Bloomsburg students. Their participation ensured a broad and insightful discussion about the university’s current state and the impact of the merger. Though the absence of students from the other campuses was noted, the large turnout from Bloomsburg allowed the meeting to remain productive and representative of a significant portion of the university community.
Conclusion
The MSCHE evaluation team, which included representatives from institutions across the country, including Puerto Rico, will compile its findings into a formal report. The final report, expected to be released soon, will offer a comprehensive assessment of the university’s strengths and areas for improvement. The evaluation will provide valuable feedback to guide the university in enhancing its academic offerings, student services, and overall governance.
Kasuba expressed cautious optimism about the accreditation process. He views the meeting as important in addressing student concerns and fostering positive change within the university. He believes that continued open dialogue will help the university improve and provide a better experience for all students.
Students are encouraged to visit the university’s accreditation webpage for ongoing updates on the accreditation process and to stay informed about future changes.
