Integrated university name revealed, but ‘will not be public-facing’
Image created by Kira Loomis
Earlier today, the PASSHE Board of Governors approved the long-awaited name for the Northeast Integration, which trailed notably behind the Western Integration’s name reveal in October. Consisting of Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield Universities, the integrated entity will be known as “Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.” Research and input from stakeholders helped to determine the name.
The name was previously said “to be determined in Summer 2021,” though more recent integration news has indicated it would be announced this spring. Research and input from stakeholders helped to determine the name.
BU president, Dr. Bashar Hanna, informed students of the announcement in a letter sent via email late Wednesday afternoon. According to the email, each university will “continue to use its respective location name.” Commonwealth University is strictly for accreditation and contractual purposes.
“Our new combined entity name will not be public-facing. It will enable us to legally and compliantly become one entity while maintaining our strong public-facing brands in our regions and beyond,” wrote Dr. Hanna, who, as of Feb. 4, 2021, has also been serving as the interim president of Lock Haven University, and of Mansfield University since July 30, 2021.
As promised, the email stated that each university will retain their respective logos, colors and mascots. An individual’s diploma will “prominently display” the name of their “location of choice” (Bloomsburg University, Lock Haven University or Mansfield University).
Athletic programs will continue to operate as usual with their logos, colors, mascots and traditions. As of now, these commitments haven’t been cleared by the NCAA, though “leadership is working with the NCAA to confirm this path in the spring.”
There will be no changes to the existing alumni associations and foundations. Donors still have the authority to designate their funds to a specific campus or beneficiary.
Dr. Hanna thanked all “who have worked tirelessly to get us to this point and will continue to endeavor to launch one university.”
“You are owed a debt of gratitude for your tireless contributions in service to our campus communities, and most importantly our students,” he wrote.
View more information about the integration and today’s announcement on BU’s integration page.
