When universities’ powers combine

If there’s anything we learned from the ’90s cartoon show “Captain Planet,” it’s when powers combine, the bad guy doesn’t stand a chance.

Cleveland State University wants to start a collaborative project between four state universities to address the issue of funding. If Kent State combines its power with Cleveland State University, the University of Akron and Youngstown State University, it might not create Captain Planet, but it could lead to lower tuition.

Cleveland State University has made the move to establish the new committee, which will be called the Northeast Ohio Public University Higher Education Council. Kent State and the other two universities need to sign on.

All we hear about lately in higher education is funding cuts and increases in tuition. This council is a possible solution to both of these problems. We don’t believe it will magically drop tuition by 10 percent. But why not work together to get a broader discussion started and try to harness our collective influence?

We have a new president who wants to initiate improvements, and with new leadership comes change. This proposal offers a change for the better.

Think about it: What university in the state doesn’t need more money? Funding for higher education is lagging across the board, so why not work together on something that benefits us all?

These four parties are all working individually toward the same goal right now. They all have similar targets. So logically, combining their interests will make them more powerful and make it easier to get stuff done.

The upcoming gubernatorial elections will impact Ohio’s universities, regardless of the victor. With a new administration comes new opportunities, and it will be harder for the governor to ignore four universities as opposed to one. Maybe this is even the start of a state-wide policy, making state universities a force to be reckoned with.

These colleges already work together on several levels, most of which involve academic programs. This proposal sets the stage for the most collaboration. This will cement the bonds that have already be made and give way to future connections. We need an alternative to excuses and higher tuition.

The Northeast Ohio Public University Higher Education Council is a step in the right direction. It’s not a traditional solution, but it makes sense. This council will also look into new ways to help these four universities work together. How can this be a bad thing?

Kent State, join the party.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board.