I'm gonna say this, don't hate me for it:

UT should merge with BG, similar to MCO. The student pop would almost double, they wouldn't be dividing the recruits, tv or fan base. They would make a much more marketable team to a power conference.

(11-25-2015 08:54 AM)Rocket_Tree Wrote:  I'm gonna say this, don't hate me for it:

UT should merge with BG, similar to MCO. The student pop would almost double, they wouldn't be dividing the recruits, tv or fan base. They would make a much more marketable team to a power conference.

Yep. BG can become the "Wood County" campus for the University of Toledo!

(11-25-2015 08:54 AM)Rocket_Tree Wrote:  I'm gonna say this, don't hate me for it:

UT should merge with BG, similar to MCO. The student pop would almost double, they wouldn't be dividing the recruits, tv or fan base. They would make a much more marketable team to a power conference.

If by "merge" you mean absorb and liquidate unneeded assests then I agree. We could knock down a few buildings, expand the cemetery and lease the rest to Cherry St Mission, maybe make some federal and county housing so those escapees to Wood Country will have to pay their share of the social upkeep.

yes - a merger should be all about improving the football team and athletic conference. It would be better if they stayed like they are and became our junior varsity. We pick among the best to join our team when we need them, have a few "dress varsity" and let the others be practice fodder....

sorry - sarcastic humor again.

In reality a merger of sorts would probably be a good thing, but I don't see how it would work and I'm pretty sure it will never happen - but you never know.

(11-24-2015 10:32 PM)owen Wrote:  

(11-24-2015 12:38 AM)Sleepy Wrote:  I never realized that UT is one of the smaller schools by enrollment in the MAC

Kent State 41,365
Ohio 35,000
Akron 29,699
Buffalo 29,049
Central Michigan 28,311
Western Michigan 25,086
Northern Illinois 23,850
Eastern Michigan 23,341
Toledo 21,500
Ball State 17,728
Miami 17,557
Bowling Green 17,234

Toledo's enrollment has declined over the last 15-20 years

UT enrollment in the late 80's was closer to 14,000. There was also a larger percentage of students living off-campus. Although we're still largely a commuter school, a significant investment in on-campus student housing has assisted in making UT appeal to more than just high school grads living in Lucas Co.

would be interesting to see what undergrad enrollment on the main campus is for each MAC school. That would give you a more accurate measuring stick. I think Ohio's main campus undergrad enrollment is closer to 18K.

(11-25-2015 08:54 AM)Rocket_Tree Wrote:  I'm gonna say this, don't hate me for it:

UT should merge with BG, similar to MCO. The student pop would almost double, they wouldn't be dividing the recruits, tv or fan base. They would make a much more marketable team to a power conference.

Actually, not a terrible idea. But, instead of forming one university (thereby eliminating the unique, historic identities of each institution), they should instead consider merging into a common “system”, with shared administration, branding, procurement, and (certain) resources and departments, to achieve greater scope and scale (and scalability options) at a lower cost. Also, if implemented properly, it could give students more flexibility, as they would be able to enroll throughout the system, subject to certain restrictions.

(11-26-2015 12:06 PM)Blitz Wrote:  

(11-25-2015 08:54 AM)Rocket_Tree Wrote:  I'm gonna say this, don't hate me for it:

UT should merge with BG, similar to MCO. The student pop would almost double, they wouldn't be dividing the recruits, tv or fan base. They would make a much more marketable team to a power conference.

Actually, not a terrible idea. But, instead of forming one university (thereby eliminating the unique, historic identities of each institution), they should instead consider merging into a common “system”, with shared administration, branding, procurement, and (certain) resources and departments, to achieve greater scope and scale (and scalability options) at a lower cost. Also, if implemented properly, it could give students more flexibility, as they would be able to enroll throughout the system, subject to certain restrictions.

Which is pretty much the path that set UT into a spiral along with several other former metropolitan universities. It's an age of survival and CLEAR identity and purpose. A merger of that sort would be the death knell of both.


Most universities have that transfer agreement in place already. Mutual search for grants and other research can be beneficial but for a tech school like UT, there are better alternatives than BG, whether for tech or for liberal arts. We only add them strength and dollars and access to federal funds for urban research. What's their contribution? Nada.

ONE Admin. ONE logo. ONE identity. ONE chain of command is the only way such a merging would work IMO. Anything else worsens the pissing contest that goes on anytime the two work a joint project. The better alternative to that if the present system continues to suffer is both schools downsizing in purpose and scope, concentrating on the things best done. If transferring assets and personnel to the other school is agreeable, then do that.