Pacific Index

A recent poll about how people feel about the Pacific/Willamette merger reveals not so positive results 

   It’s been a few months since Pacific announced their intended merger with Willamette University—and since then, even though the logistics of the proposed merger are squishy, it seems as if the opinions about the decision have solidified. 

   According to announced plans, the merger will mold the two Oregon universities into one entity— namely, the University of the Northwest; although the title will umbrella the whole institution, Pacific and Willamette will both still retain their individual names and identities. One way to visualize the merger is in the form of a tree with the University of the Northwest making up the body of the tree, and Pacific University, Willamette University, and the Pacific Northwest College of Arts (PNCA), sprouting as branches. 

   To carry the metaphor further, the branches, in theory, will form a canopy of student opportunity, historical influence, financial support, and academic improvements— at least that’s what the university heads have presented on their websites. 

   But is the administration’s sunshiny prognosis shared by students, staff and faculty? To find out, the Pacific Index conducted a poll, posting three basic questions about the proposed merger to our Instagram. Over two weeks early in Spring Term, more than 100 students, staff and faculty shared their own thoughts. 

How do you feel about the Pacific/Willamette merger?

1. Positive 14%
2. Negative 33%
3. Neutral 54%

Should staff have been told of the merger earlier?

1. Yes 95%
2. No 5%

The merger will make Pacific more appealing?

1. Agree 25%
2. Disagree 34%
3. Neutral 40%

   As the polls suggest, positive remarks about the merger are sitting pretty low.  That said, there is also a large body of responders who simply don’t seem to have an opinion either way. Out of the 132 respondents regarding the first question, over half admitted that they had no feelings about the merger. 

   The second question was responded to by 115 participants who majorly agreed that Pacific professors were snubbed in their lack of notice of the merger. Lastly, the third question was the most evenly balanced, with the largest share of 124 responses pledging neutrality—while one out of three said the merge will not make Pacific more appealing, while one out of four said it would.