FAQs — CBU & Lewis Explore Partnership

The Letter of Intent (LOI) is a formal agreement between Christian Brothers University and Lewis University to explore the possibility of a partnership. It signals both institutions’ commitment to carefully evaluate how they might work together to expand academic offerings, expand opportunities for students, and build a more sustainable future. The LOI is not a binding contract or final partnership agreement — it is the first step in a thoughtful, collaborative exploration process.

Like many universities nationwide, CBU is navigating enrollment shifts, economic pressures, and evolving student needs. While we’ve made progress — including increased philanthropic support, reduced expenses, and a projected budget surplus — long-term sustainability requires swift but thoughtful strategy.

All six U.S. Lasallian universities have been exploring opportunities to collaborate more closely. Among them, Lewis University stands out with a strong track record of successful partnerships, a growing enrollment of nearly 8,000 students, 80 undergraduate majors, and more than 35 graduate programs. Lewis is strategically expanding its reach while maintaining a commitment to mission-driven education. Their momentum, academic depth, and institutional strength align well with CBU’s vision and goals – making them a natural strategic partner.

This process could lead to more robust academic options, access to new programs like aviation, broader health science and graduate business degrees, online and hybrid learning and stronger resources to support your success — both in the classroom and after graduation.

Over the coming months, CBU and Lewis University will engage in a comprehensive evaluation process, including forums, listening sessions, and strategic planning. At the Community Convocation held in August, Lewis and CBU administration plan to provide an update. A decision on whether to move forward with a full agreement is expected later this fall, with implementation details worked out during the 2025–26 academic year.

Yes. The Letter of Intent (LOI) affirms that if a partnership with Lewis University is formed, Christian Brothers University will retain its name and Catholic institutional identity. Our identity as a Lasallian, student-centered institution remains central to who we are and will continue to guide our mission moving forward.

No. Over the next 12 months both CBU and Lewis University are exploring a potential partnership that would not go into effect until Fall 2026, at the earliest. In the interim, we expect the upcoming school year to proceed as usual with regard to academic offerings.

It doesn’t. CBU remains a fully accredited institution and is on track to achieve a budget surplus by the end of the current fiscal year (May 31, 2025), directly addressing the sole concern cited by SACSCOC. As a result, we anticipate that CBU could be removed from probation for good cause as early as December 2025. We remain in regular communication with SACSCOC, and they are fully informed of the Letter of Intent with Lewis University.

Enrollment continues to be a challenge, however, thanks to strong philanthropic support, CBU expects a surplus budget this fiscal year (May 31, 2025). Relying on donor support is not a viable long-term strategy, thus CBU’s interest in the potential partnership with Lewis University.

It doesn’t. The published tuition, fees and housing rates will be honored for the 2025-26 academic year. Additionally, qualifying students will receive the financial aid and/or scholarships articulated to them upon acceptance to CBU for the upcoming year.

Any gift or commitment made to CBU will be used to support CBU directly. All donor contributions will continue to be invested in CBU’s students, programs, and campus initiatives — consistent with the donor’s intent.

No immediate changes to academic programs are planned, and we expect the upcoming school year to proceed as usual with our scheduled academic offerings. If a formal partnership is established, it is likely that CBU will be restructured both administratively and academically. This may include the addition of new programs and degrees, consolidation of departments and resources, and changes to CBU’s leadership structure.

At this exploratory stage of the potential partnership, it is too early to determine how CBU might be restructured or what specific outcomes may result for individual jobs or departments. No decisions have been made, and many important conversations and evaluations are still ahead.

Should a partnership be formed, it could create new resources, roles, and collaborative pathways. We remain hopeful and confident that the values and talents of our CBU community will continue to be central to any future we build together.

Academic programs will be evaluated based on market demand and financial viability.

CBU is committed to limiting disruption to the student experience during the 2025-26 school year. Enrolled students should not notice or experience significant changes during this time. Academic programs, classes, and student services will continue as planned, ensuring students receive the same high-quality education and support they expect from CBU.

There are no immediate changes to your classes, degree plan, and academic path. If any changes are considered in the future, we will work with you over the upcoming academic year to support you through any transitions that may take effect for the 2026-27 school year.

All current and incoming student-athletes will retain eligibility throughout the 2025-26 academic year. Our athletic teams are set to compete through spring 2026 with no changes to their scheduled competitions. CBU has a proud tradition of supporting athletics, and we remain committed to sustaining that legacy into the future.

To responsibly explore interest by both Lewis and CBU to enter into an LOI, it was important for early discussions to remain confidential. A tremendous amount of due-diligence, board discussion and external research has been conducted in a relatively short period of time. The outcomes of that work led the leadership of both institutions to comfortably engage in the next phase of this potential partnership, meanwhile not distracting from the important academic work and celebrations for our graduating class.

Yes. CBU and Lewis leadership are committed to transparency and open communication throughout the process. Over the next six months, both institutions will host forums, town halls, listening sessions, and collaborative planning activities. Insights from our campus community will be essential in evaluating academic alignment and operational success models.

Regular updates will be shared through campus emails, a dedicated webpage, town-halls and listening sessions. Faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders will have opportunities to ask questions, share feedback, and stay informed throughout the process.