“Earlier this semester, reports suggested a possible merger between Cleveland State University and the University of Akron. However, such reports were never substantiated. In the wake of the merger rumors, another rumor has appeared suggesting CSU may be near closing.”
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Earlier this semester, reports suggested a possible merger between Cleveland State University and the University of Akron. However, such reports were never substantiated.

In the wake of the merger rumors, another rumor has appeared suggesting CSU may be near closing.

According to CSU officials, the idea of closing is far off in a land where anything is possible.

The closing of Cleveland State University is one of the most preposterous rumors I have ever heard, said Brian Johnston, director of marketing and public affairs at CSU.

Johnston said CSU’s view toward a merger is the same as when the idea was first addressed by the institution’s president, Michael Shwartz.

There has not been broad consultation about this idea, Shwartz said in an Oct. 3 statement. In addition, there is no statement about what benefit such a merger would have for either institution, and more directly to the point, there has been no statement that I have either seen or heard about what benefit would accrue to the students at both institutions in the event of such a merger.

Recently, however, CSU and UA did agree to a collaborative research program.

In the program, UA’s Research Foundation will initially perform technology commercialization and intellectual property management services for CSU as they are requested.

Ken Preston, associate vice president of research at UA said CSU has requested assistance from UA because they lack employees.

The University of Akron offered to assist CSU in management of intellectual property. Currently, many administration positions (at CSU) are vacant, Preston said. It appeared that they didn’t have the manpower to appropriately manage the technology.

The University of Akron is well staffed, and offered help to CSU in any way possible.

The closing of a university would generate more than rumors.

Closing Cleveland State would be a big deal, Preston said. A more likely scenario is that there would be a greater collaboration between Akron U and CSU to make more effect use of resources before one of them closes.

As for further hints to UA mergers, Preston said There are always rumors.

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