As the ACPHS-Russell Sage merger continues to move forward, we would like to share this brief update highlighting the structure, leadership, and collaborative efforts guiding this work.
Collaboration in Action
Over the past several months, the transition has been marked by meaningful joint
engagement:
- Joint Board of Trustees meetings and a Cabinet Leaders Retreat
- Cross-campus faculty, staff, and student forums
- Jointly hosted alumni engagement sessions
- Community-building events, including a shared holiday gathering
These efforts reflect a strong commitment to collaboration, relationship-building, and a
shared institutional purpose.
Regulatory and Accreditation Progress
Required submissions and notifications related to the merger have been completed or
are underway with the following agencies:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) – Complex Substantive Change application submitted and under review, and a visit from MSCHE substantive change reviewers will occur sometime this year. (Date pending.)
- New York State Education Department (NYSED) – Coordination and required filings in progress
- U.S. Department of Education (USDE) – Federal notifications underway
- Programmatic accreditors relevant to academic offerings (including health and science programs) have been notified, with formal updates aligned to regulatory timelines
These processes are designed to ensure academic quality, institutional integrity, and continuity for students, faculty, and staff throughout the transition.
Transition Team Structure and Leadership
The merger is being advanced through a series of joint Transition Teams, each with leadership from both colleges, and each focused on a key functional area. These teams ensure that planning is coordinated, transparent, and aligned with institutional priorities.
Each team meets regularly and collaborates across campuses to support continuity, academic quality, and the long-term success of the merged institution. A few of the teams have named subgroups (again, co-led) in order to get at slightly more granular issues.
Current Transition Teams:
- Academic Administration (includes Faculty Workloads, Student Supports, and Libraries)
- Academic Programs (includes Academic Calendar/Schedule and General Education)
- Accreditation and Regulatory
- Athletics
- Board Governance
- Communications, Marketing, and Message
- Culture and Change Management
- Employee Handbook and Benefits
- Enrollment Management
- Facilities
- Faculty and Academic Affairs (includes Faculty Handbook)
- Finance, Budget, and Pro-Forma
- Government and External Relations (Includes Donor Relations and Alumni Relations)
- Information Technology
- Research and Sponsored Programs
- Staffing and Organizational Design
- Student Affairs (includes Residence Life)
- Vendors, Services, and Contracts
Recent Transition Team Highlights:
- The Information Technology transition team engaged in several collaborative meetings and studies, resulting in a decision to use the Ellucian Colleague Student Information System (rather than the CoreCampus product, Campus Café.) The group will pursue updates to the Colleague system once a transition is stable.
- The Libraries subgroup of the Academic Administration transition team has nearly completed a Shared Services Agreement, allowing for unified Interlibrary Loan Services, beginning this semester, for students on both campuses.
- The Academic Affairs Team has chosen Canvas as the learning management system of choice for the merged entity.
- The Research group has identified an opportunity to consolidate training efforts through CITI. More updates to come on this.
- Faculty Handbook updates are being made to preserve best practices at both institutions.
- The HR and Benefits team are working to present a proposal that will serve the employees of the merged entity.
Ongoing Communication
We recognize the importance of clear and consistent communication during times of change. To support this, the institution will share a Transition Team Update Snapshot every two months as the work progresses, continuing through the finalization of the merger. These updates will highlight key milestones, collaborative efforts, and areas of focus across the Transition Teams.
Thank you for your continued engagement, professionalism, and care for our shared academic community.