Newswise — The merger of Union Graduate College into Clarkson University has received unanimous approval from the boards of trustees of each institution this week. These board actions represent a merger of strengths as well as a national model for delivering world-class higher education to serve a new generation of students, businesses and industries. The affirmative votes keep the process moving toward a planned January 1, 2016, actualization date.
The merger is unique in higher education by bringing together two entities that are financially strong, stable and well respected. In so doing, students, faculty and alumni of both institutions will have access to a richer pool of resources, which will provide heightened opportunities for meaningful collaboration, enhanced course offerings, cutting-edge research, expanded career services, and enriched corporate and alumni networks.
The merged entity will be called Clarkson University, with Union Graduate College in Schenectady to become the Clarkson University Capital Region campus.
“This merger represents a watershed moment, certainly for each institution but also within the rapidly evolving world of higher education,” said Anthony G. Collins, Ph.D., President of Clarkson University. “To bring together two strong, stable and financially viable institutions, and to leverage their complementary curricula and significant resources to provide exceptional educational and career opportunities for our students, is an opportunity that is simply too good to pass up. We look forward to continuing to work to complete this merger and to joining forces with Union Graduate College through a partnership that sets the stage for a bright and prosperous future.”
“Amid a shifting national landscape in higher education, this merger is a proactive and pioneering step forward that will deliver a world-class educational experience for our students and ensure a highly skilled workforce to support the companies and industries of the 21st century,” said Laura Schweitzer, Ph.D., President of Union Graduate College. “We are delighted to join with Clarkson University, and to provide critical expertise that will play an integral role in recruiting students, growing programs, and driving innovation to address the needs of businesses and spur regional economic growth.”
Both institutions are known for their robust industry connections, rigorous academic programs and personalized approach to student support services that prepare graduates for the evolving marketplace. Current students and alumni from Union Graduate College will start to have immediate access to Clarkson’s alumni and corporate partner networks.
The Schenectady campus will serve as an integrated hub for program marketing, student recruitment and admissions for master’s programs. Clarkson will expand its graduate offerings by continuing distinguished bioethics, healthcare management and education offerings currently offered at Union Graduate College. Clarkson’s nationally ranked engineering, science, management, physical therapy and physician’s assistants programs will reinforce existing programs at Union Graduate College in those related disciplines, and offer additional resources to benefit students and alumni of each school.
In an effort to make the merger as seamless as possible during a transition period, all programs will continue to be offered in their current locations, with the existing calendars, curriculum and faculty remaining intact. Members of Union Graduate College’s staff will continue as part of the Clarkson staff following the merger.
The merger was approved by unanimous votes of the boards of trustees of Clarkson University and Union Graduate College on May 9 and May 11, respectively. The target date for implementation is January 1, 2016, pending final approval by the New York State Board of Regents and Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
About Clarkson University: Clarkson University launches leaders into the global economy. One in five alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world's pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and the health professions, the University spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise. For more information, visit www.clarkson.edu.
About Union Graduate College: With graduate programs originally founded at Union College, Union Graduate College was established as an independent college in 2003. As a graduate-only institution, Union Graduate College is dedicated to providing exceptional master’s programs in management, healthcare management, secondary education, engineering, and bioethics. For more information, visit www.uniongraduatecollege.edu.
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