YSU signs on to NE Ohio Regional Higher Education Compact

Youngstown State University is among nine public colleges and universities in Northeast Ohio that have teamed up to create a consortium agreement to improve efficiency and effectiveness, strengthen educational offerings, provide collaborative pathways to degrees and support the region’s workforce.

The agreement — known as the Northeast Ohio Regional Higher Education Compact — brings together YSU, Cleveland State University, Cuyahoga Community College, Kent State University, Lakeland Community College, Lorain County Community College, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Stark State College and the University of Akron.

Presidents from the institutions gathered last week at Cuyahoga Community College for the official signing of the agreement.

“A sense of urgency drives this collaborative effort to help the residents of Northeast Ohio gain the education and skills needed for well-paying, meaningful jobs,” Cuyahoga Community College President Alex Johnson said. “As these stalwart institutions find new ways to work together, we become better positioned to improve student outcomes and expand opportunity for our region.”

John Carey, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, added: “This significant collaboration between our colleges and universities in Northeast Ohio aligns with the priority that Governor (John) Kasich has given to connect higher education and workforce development. I know it will lead to greater student success and the continued development of a skilled workforce for this region and beyond.”

The compact will focus on many key goals, including, but not limited to:

• Reducing administrative costs and creating operational efficiencies.
• Examining whether unnecessary duplication of academic programming exists among the consortium.
• Developing strategies to address the workforce education needs of the region.
• Enhancing the sharing of resources, such as courses, curriculum and programs.
• Minimizing the time required to earn a degree.
• Examining how to allow graduates of Ohio Technical Centers to obtain college technical credit hours toward a degree.
• Enhancing career counseling and experiential learning opportunities through partnerships, co-ops, internships and workshops.

After one year, members of the compact will send a report to state leaders outlining the group’s progress.