Combining UNL and UNMC would be the makings of a great university system that would greatly improve the college's national reputation. Plus, I think the system as whole would get more of the CIC's research dollars, because now the medical center has zero chance at that money. I love football and our national football reputation, but I would like to see the University build itself as a whole package: academics and sports. But can we even add UNMC to UNL? I am wondering the b10. If the university system(s) wised up decided to make a super university, would it have to be reapproved by the b10?
First, CIC isn't really about money, though. It's about research collaborations that lead to research grants.
Regarding whether we'd be 'allowed' to (re)combine UNL and UNMC? Sure we would. The CIC would welcome that; certainly welcome it more than when CIC schools have to drop programs due to declining state support.
The B1G/CIC is in all likelihood, though probably not publicly, going to want to see a plan from UNL to regain the AAU membership. The splitting of the national research components of the system (UNL and UNMC) from the metropolitan (UNO) and regional (UNK) parts of the system are the ONLY way to make that happen that evens the playing field with other universities in the AAU membership. Regaining AAU status without making that move is a near-impossibility, like being in the national championship conversation in football while under scholarship restrictions. It's one hand tied behind your back.
Internally, you make a great point about CIC. Whatever the egos involved, UNMC deserves CIC stature, and reorganizing to give UNMC the association with UNL would give them that.
I only ask the question about the having to re-apply to the big 10 if in the unlikely event that UNMC becomes part of UNL I remembered something I read a few months ago about the big10 wanting to clarify that UNO and UNMC will not be given CIC stature. I understand that is because they are seperate entities now, but is it possible that UNMC is not perceived as an adequate medical school, even if it becomes part of the UNL system? I really don't know how they're ranked, rated, and perceived within the medical community.