By Kiara Catanzaro
News Editor
On Monday, Feb. 24, both Board of Trustees members from St. Bonaventure University and Hilbert College affirmed moving forward on a feasibility.
Twenty years ago, St. Bonaventure University and Hilbert College joined forces to create graduate opportunities for their students.
Now, both schools hope to extend their available opportunities for their students withthe study.
Emily Sinsabaugh, vice president for university relations, said the study will help explore opportunities for students.
“The reason for this feasibility study starts – and ends – with students, who deserve the very best higher education experience we can provide, and access to the great minds and energy in both institutions,” Sinsabaugh said. “The study is designed to determine if there are ways we can more closely collaborate to enhance the experience and opportunities for current and future students of both St. Bonaventure University and Hilbert College. That is the process in which we are currently engaged.”
Sinsabaugh said there will be a focus on governance, academics, and finance, which will be significant to the feasibility study.
“Based upon advice from experts who have experience in such processes, these are the most important issues to examine at this point,” Sinsabaugh said. “In particular, there need to be academic and financial opportunities in order for an expanded partnership to make sense.”
Sinsabaugh said there are many beneficial outcomes from performing the feasibility study with St. Bonaventure and Hilbert College.
“Higher education institutions have to do more to create synergies between institutions to drive program and curriculum innovation, attract top students and faculty, keep rising costs in check, and offer life-changing educational opportunities,” Sinsabaugh said. “The outcome of the feasibility study will determine if we proceed with a strategic alliance. We will make decisions on the final outcome after the data is analyzed and the respective boards consider all the options.”
Sinsabaugh said there will be ten appointed members from each school, who will make up the Academic Task Force. Both institutions’ boards of trustees have appointed the Strategic Alliance committees.
St. Bonaventure’s committee, chaired by Board Chair Raymond Dee, is composed of: William Collins, Timothy Fidgeon, Timothy Finan, Al Horton, Fr. Dominic Monti, O.F.M. and Linda Wilhelm
“The cabinets at both institutions act as the administrative team working on the study,” Sinsabaugh said. “We will be appointing the academic planning task force with a short-term assignment. More permanent committees will be created when the feasibility phase is finished.”
During at least three daylong sessions, the Academic Task Force will meet to discuss opportunities for growth by building on current academic portfolios, as well as developing new academic initiatives, according to Sinsabaugh.
The next combined meeting of the Boards of Trustees will take place on Friday, March 21 on the St. Bonaventure campus, in conjunction with the previously scheduled board of trustees meeting. There will be updated information for the campus community on any results or outcomes of that meeting the following week. Students, faculty and staff can also expect to be kept informed of the progress and outcomes of the feasibility process.
“We’ve expanded over the years to include sharing of facilities, curriculum development and a complementary culture,” Sinsabaugh said. “This relationship has blessed our students with extraordinary learning opportunities they never would have experienced otherwise. As we move forward and consider options, we will keep in mind the importance of the college years for our students, and the need to preserve the heritage, culture, and close-knit Franciscan communities that make us unique.”
If students, staff or faculty members have ideas, questions or any other concerns regarding the strategic alliance feasibility study they can give feedback via email at FeasibilityStudy@sbu.edu.
cantanzka12@bonaventure.edu
