Three colleges have joined together to take over the campus of the University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Conn.
The Fairfield Patch reports that the University of Bridgeport has formed a partnership that will see Sacred Heart University, Goodwin University and Paier College of Art take over the campus under the name Bridgeport University Park.
"Higher education is in turmoil right now," Goodwin President Mark Scheinberg says. "You can't go it alone."
Some programs will likely be combined or moved from one school to another, and new programs will also be introduced. Sacred Heart, Goodwin and Paier will acquire many of the University of Bridgeport's current offerings. The colleges will serve students separately but in a centralized setting, enabling them to move from one school to another when appropriate.
"You get them all at the University of Bridgeport," Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont says. "… It's a new form of education."
Sacred Heart President John Petillo says partnership will lead to expansion of programs.
"This collaboration is not a salvage operation," he says.
Goodwin, based in East Hartford, is known for its healthcare and manufacturing programs, and will likely provide offerings in those disciplines at the Bridgeport campus..
The transition won't be immediate. The University of Bridgeport will continue to operate independently under its Board of Trustees.The timeline of the proposed partnership is dependent upon approval from accrediting organizations.
"In some form or format, University of Bridgeport will continue to exist," he said.
Current University of Bridgeport students will be able to finish their intended courses of study on time and with comparable financial aid packages, officials say.
“This is an exciting time for the University of Bridgeport as higher education is reimagined in collaboration with three institutions that are each known for excellence in academic concentrations,” Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim says in a news release.
“I am looking forward to seeing these expanded opportunities become reality for students as they strive to reach their educational goals and employment dreams. Bridgeport welcomes the educational leadership with this innovative plan as businesses and organizational structures are reinvented in our city and throughout the state.”
