HCC Articulation Agreement

Housatonic Community College graduates in 17 programs can have a seamless transfer into the University of Bridgeport under an agreement reached between the two schools.

The agreement, which takes effect October 2006, applies to HCC graduates in Accounting, including the Accounting Assistant Option; Banking; Business Administration, including Management, Customer Service/Marketing, Finance, Health Care Management, Human Resources Management, Non-Profit Management, and Small Business Management/Entrepreneurship options; Fine Art; General Studies; Graphic Design, including the Computer Graphics Option; Human Services; and Journalism/Communications.

It will enable them to enroll in their junior year in the appropriate Accounting, Banking, Business Administration, Management, Marketing, Arts, General Studies, Graphic Design, Human Services or Journalism/Communications program at UB.

Anita T. Gliniecki, acting president of Housatonic Community College, and Neil Albert Salonen, president of the University of Bridgeport, sign articulation agreements Wednesday linking their programs to allow students at the two-year college to complete their studies for a bachelor's degree at UB.

“The agreement presents another opportunity for our students,” said HCC Acting President Anita T. Gliniecki at a formal signing of the agreement Wednesday (10/11). “It builds on a long history of cooperation between HCC and UB that will enable our students to effect a smooth transition into a quality four-year university to further their academic careers.”

University of Bridgeport President Neil Albert Salonen concurred. “This is an example of the long and close working relationship Housatonic and UB have developed to better serve the people of the Greater Bridgeport region,” Salonen said. “Education is the key to growth and prosperity for individuals, and for our communities,” he said.

“An educated population produces the leadership in government and politics, business and industry and the innovation to keep our region in the forefront as an economic force,” he added. “These are outstanding academic programs both at Housatonic and UB, and these agreements underscore that.”

Gliniecki noted that agreements such as this are starting to take hold.

“We’re witnessing the beginning of a trend,” added Gliniecki. “More and more, community colleges in the Northeast, as have others throughout the country, are being recognized as transfer institutions. They’re being seen as a source of qualified students who can successfully complete a four-year program.”

Anita T. Gliniecki, acting president of Housatonic Community College, and Neil Albert Salonen, president of the University of Bridgeport, cut a cake Wednesday to celebrate the signing of articulation agreements linking their programs to allow students at the two-year college to complete their studies for a bachelor's degree at UB.

“These transfer agreements stand as an excellent example of how a community college and a four-year university can work together to provide an outstanding educational opportunity for students,” she said.

UB was the first university in the state to grant full junior status to students completing the associate degree program at Housatonic when the colleges entered into their initial agreement many years ago.

At that time, the university enhanced the “seamless transfer” program by adding a community college merit scholarship program that made its private school education program “very affordable.” It also started a reduced room and board rate (“Easy Living Plan”) for students entering with their associate degree.

In the new agreement, the two colleges spell out all the prerequisites that a Housatonic student must complete to gain “seamless” admission.

“This makes it a win/win situation for both graduating and incoming students,” said Gliniecki. “This will enable graduating students to know which courses to take at UB and gives incoming students a plan to follow that will help them meet the transfer requirements.”

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