Roosevelt University Plans to Acquire Robert Morris University

In case you missed this, it looks like we have some consolidation going on in the higher education space in the neighborhood (via Chicago Tribune):

Roosevelt University plans to acquire Robert Morris University, school officials announced Wednesday (on 10/2).

Roosevelt has submitted the acquisition request to the Higher Learning Commission, an institution that accredits and provides oversight to universities throughout the Midwest. Accreditation is critical to ensuring the academic quality and financial health of a school, and making students eligible for financial aid.

The merger also needs to be approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education and U.S. Department of Education, a process officials say likely would not be complete until early 2020.

Should the proposal be approved, Robert Morris would operate under the Roosevelt name and umbrella. Much of the programming, however, could continue on under a new unit called the Robert Morris Experiential College.

“We have been working with Robert Morris’ leadership team to ensure that it is a good fit for our respective students, faculty and staff,” Roosevelt President Ali Malekzadeh said in a statement. “Because of our complementary programs, and inclusive, yet distinct, missions of social justice and social equity, it is a perfect fit for both our universities’ students, faculty and staff and provides countless opportunities for everyone. We hope for this to be a model approach on how to successfully integrate two private universities.”

Probably not a great sign for higher education.  Thoughts?