“It Wasn’t What I Expected”: Students’ Perspectives and Experiences on a Higher Education Merger

The changing landscape of higher education in the past decade has resulted in an increase in the number of colleges that have closed or merged with another academic institution. Although college mergers are complex, their destabilizing impact is undoubtedly felt among key stakeholders, not the least of whom are enrolled students. Guided by the Campus Environments for Student Success Model, we examined the experiences and perspectives of undergraduate students who experienced an academic merger, using both survey and semi-structured interview methods. Quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed that factors such as physical size, loss of community, learning new academic systems and approaches, relationships with significant adults, and managing emotions in response to perceived negative reception were particularly impactful for students. Our findings also revealed important sources of growth and resilience in students, such as self-reflection, increased sense of agency, self-advocacy, and strategies for self-care. The importance of providing optimal student supports during a college merger experience that are grounded in students’ lived experiences is discussed.