Lock Haven University (LHU) hosted an in-person open forum on Nov. 2 for students to raise concerns about the institution and recent Commonwealth merger.
The meeting took place in Robinson Hall of Flags and was led by Robert DeAugustine, a team reviewer from the Middle States Commision on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE serves as LHU’s institutional accreditor with the purpose of offering quality education to college students. This forum marked DeAugustine’s 20th visit to Lock Haven campus within his 40-year employment at the organization. Representatives from LHU’s Clearfield campus were also in attendance via Zoom.
In an email promoting the event, Dean of Students George Rusczyk noted the importance of student attendance.
“Your role [as students] is significant as it provides to MSCHE the student perspective on how our institution continues to meet those standards through the delivery of learning experiences, support services, student activities, and campus life in general.”
DeAugustine opened the forum by discussing the collegiate merger that went into effect July 1. He highlighted how the three universities – Bloomsburg, Lock Haven, and Mansfield – joined together to form one larger institution – the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania (CUP). DeAugustine also advocated that the integration will broaden students’ course options, allowing them to have greater access across all three campuses.
In light of integration, MSCHE insists on making sure quality educational standards are met equally throughout CUP. According to DeAugustine, the organization’s goal is to create a unified university with combined benefits so that every student has the necessary services to become successful. This was the main focal point of his visit on Wednesday.
Following his introduction, DeAugustine opened the floor for student commentary. He specifically posed two questions to help guide discussion. These questions reflected the positive and negative implications of the merger as well as students’ overall concerns regarding the institutional changes.
Graduate assistant Mia Swales was the first to speak. She recognized the benefits that the merger offers from both a student and employee perspective; however, she raises concerns about the lack of student morale and engagement on campus.
“Integration provides great opportunities to expand resources for connection and network. But, there’s no school spirit here. I don’t think this is fueled by integration; however, I wished we had Penn State University energy. We need to build community.”
Other students also expressed positive perceptions regarding the Commonwealth merger while some noted that they have not seen enough changes to make a conclusive decision.
One common complaint among students was the shortened time between classes. Before the merger, Lock Haven gave students 15 minute break periods between courses. This allowed students enough time to walk back-and-forth from class if they had a loaded schedule. After the approved merger, students only have 10 minutes to get to classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
A Biology major who spends most of his day on East Campus mentioned that it is difficult to get to class on-time now that the time between courses decreased. He added that it is almost impossible to stay after class to speak with professors in fear of being late to his next class. The Biology major also noted his unsureness about whether LHU is the “right fit” for him.
“I feel like there is a lack of clubs on campus. I wish there was a choir club. It feels as though I’m missing aspects of my identity and as though a part of me is missing [being at LHU].”
Another complaint appeared to radiate in the room concerning virtual learning environments. A Computer Science major noted that his program lost several students resulting in an increase of online course options. When asked by DeAugustine if there was a greater variety of subject offerings, he denied saying that he was forced to switch his major from Cyber Security to Computer Science. Other students stated they had no problem with online courses, but would rather take in-person classes to remain more motivated and attentive.
Conversely, reports from LHU Clearfield suggest more positive online learning experiences for its campus. Interim Director Valerie Dixon vocalized her appreciation for Zoom classes as they work well for Clearfield. The branch campus operates mostly digital.
Two Communication majors also spoke negatively about online learning and expressed worry about the future of their program. Their greatest concern stemmed from the fact that upper-level management has not made attempts to hire another instructor for their department after former journalism professor Sharon Stringer retired last spring. Because of the faculty shortage, students are forced to take writing courses remotely through Bloomsburg University. One of the students, Ashley Lawson, even advocated for the need of updated technology in the on-campus television and radio studios.
“While equipment that’s seven years old may not seem ‘old’ for people outside of a media major or career, it is, and students in our Media concentration need to have equipment that’s as close to being what they use in the field as possible.”
The meeting concluded after an hour. While disappointed with student turnout, DeAugustine thanked the participants for attending and providing their insights. He assured students that their responses will be reported to higher officials within the university.
Kerri Hoover
Kerri Hoover is in her third year working on the Eagle Eye staff and currently serves as the President and Editor-in-Chief. As a Lock Haven University senior, she majors in Communication with a triple-concentration focus in Advertising & Public Relations, Electronic Media, and Journalism. With her versatile skill set, Kerri hopes to pursue a career working as a social media content creator, journalist, or video editor. On the rare occasion Kerri isn’t working in the newsroom, she can be found hanging out with her friends, working at the PUB, or creating content for the LHU Media and Journalism Department.
