University of Bridgeport

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University of Bridgeport
Established 1927
Type Private
Endowment US $13,111,000[1]
President Neil Albert Salonen
Academic staff 117 full-time
Undergraduates 2,248[1]
Postgraduates 3,295
Location Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA United States
Campus Urban 86 acres (350,000 m2)[1]
Colors Purple and White          
Athletics NCAA Division II
Sports 12 Varsity Teams [2]
7 women's; 5 men's
Nickname Purple Knights
Mascot Purple Knight
Affiliations ECC
Website www.bridgeport.edu

The University of Bridgeport is a private, independent, non-sectarian, coeducational university[1] located on the Long Island Sound in the South End neighborhood of Bridgeport, Connecticut. The University is fully Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC-CIHE).[3] The University is known for its diverse student population, currently ranking as the eleventh most racially diverse national university in the country by U.S. News & World Report.[4] The students of Bridgeport University are from 80 countries and 46 states.[5] In 2010, the graduation rate of students that participated in an English as a foreign or second language (ESL) program was one of the nation's highest at 5%.[6] The University School, a high school, is also on the University's grounds.

The University had financial troubles in the 1990s and was the subject of controversy when the trustees were obligated to enter into serious negotiations with and subsequently gave control of the institution to the Professors World Peace Academy (PWPA), an affiliate of the Unification Church, a new religious movement founded by Sun Myung Moon in Seoul, South Korea in 1954, in order to save it from closure.[7]

In January 2012, the University faced criticism regarding its alleged failure to protect a student from sexual harassment and allegations that school officials racially profiled the student as a terrorist based on her being an African American Muslim.[8][9]

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Founding

The school was founded in 1927 as the Junior College of Connecticut, under a charter by the state legislature. In 1947 it became the University of Bridgeport, when it gained state authority to grant baccalaureate degrees. The university acquired Arnold College, formerly of Milford, Connecticut, in 1953.

[edit] Expansion and decline

The University grew rapidly in the 1960s by capitalizing on the increased number of people seeking to attend a U.S. college resulting from the baby boom, Vietnam War veterans eligible for a higher education under the G.I. Bill, and international students who wanted to attend college in the United States. Enrollment peaked at 9100 students in 1969.[10] Enrollment declined in the 1970s and 1980s after the waves of baby boom and Vietnam era veterans eligible for the G.I. Bill declined. By 1990, the University had cut tuition, room and board fees to $18,000 per year, but the school's reputation had not improved. More than a third of the 50 campus buildings were empty. To cut costs, the university decided to terminate 50 tenured faculty, and asked the other faculty to accept a 30% wage cut.[11] In addition, the University decided to eliminate its liberal arts college, alienating many students.[12][12] This led to the longest faculty strike in the history of American higher education. Dr. Greenwood, the president at the time, quit abruptly, and around 1,000 students left the school, contributing to the cash crisis.[13]

[edit] PWPA and Sun Myung Moon

In 1990, discussion began about affiliating or possibly merging the University with either the University of New Haven or Sacred Heart University.[14] The University was approached by the Professors World Peace Academy (PWPA), an affiliate of the Unification Church, but their offer to bail out the University was spurned by the trustees who said the school was "not going to have anything to do with the offer" and were concerned that such an affiliation would damage the University's reputation.[7][12][15]

Problems continued to plague the University; enrollment fell to 1,300 in 1991. Debt rose to over $22 million in 1991–92. Serious plans to merge the University with Sacred Heart fell through in 1992; the law school instead wanted to associate with Quinnipiac University, but Sacred Heart maintained that any takeover would have to include the law school.[16] There were other universities willing to take over the school, but were unwilling to take on its debt.[7] The University's charter required the trustees to enter into "serious negotiations",[7] and they accepted the offer, giving the PWPA sixteen spots as trustees, constituting a majority.[17] The PWPA invested $50.5 million in the university on May 30, 1992,[18] enabling the university to keep its accreditation.[19]

A two year faculty strike, started in the midst of the University's financial troubles, intensified when the trustees gave control to the PWPA. Eventually, sixty-six professors and librarians agreed to a "divorce" with the University in return for compensation of up to a year's salary. In a similar move, the law school decided to cut ties with the University,[17] separating from it. In order for the law school to remain open it had to merge with a financially-sound university. The law school faculty and students voted to merge with Quinnipiac University and the name was officially changed to the Quinnipiac University School of Law.[17]

After the PWPA assumed control of the University, the trustees retained the president at the time, Dr. Edwin G. Eigel, Jr. (1932–2008). Eigel served as president till 1995. He was succeeded by distinguished professor and former PWPA president Dr. Richard L. Rubenstein, who served from 1995–1999.[20] Neil Albert Salonen, a member of the Unification Church, was the Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees when he was chosen to serve as ninth University president in 1999. He had earlier managed several Unification Church related organizations, and had served as President of the Unification Church of the United States from 1973 to 1980, and as Chairman of the International Cultural Foundation, prior to becoming the chief executive of the university.[21]

The University of Bridgeport received funding from the PWPA from 1992 until 2002. In 1995 the University awarded an honorary degree to Moon.[22] Since 2003 the University has been financially independent from PWPA. Members of the Unification Church hold other administrative positions at the University besides the presidency: the University's Board of Trustees includes Gordon L. Anderson and has included Chung Hwan Kwak. The PWPA considers University of Bridgeport one of its affiliates.[23]

[edit] Admissions

Enrollment has grown dramatically in recent years, from 1,383 total students in 1992 to 5,323 students in Fall 2008.[24]

[edit] Academics

In its 2011 rankings, University of Bridgeport placed in Tier 2 of National Universities by U.S. News and World Report.[1] According to the university's website incoming students have an average GPA of 2.8, and an average SAT score of 1000 (Math and Verbal), 80% go on to get their masters.[25] In its 2006 annual college rankings, The Washington Monthly ranked University of Bridgeport 147th of all 245 National universities, with criteria based on research, community service, and social mobility.[26] The University of Bridgeport is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The University is also accredited by the Board of Governors of the Connecticut Department of Higher Education.[27] Health Sciences Division: Programs in Chiropractic Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Physician Assistant, Human Nutrition, Acupuncture, Dental Hygiene

[edit] Campus safety

The University, in the South End of Bridgeport, has had numerous instances where students' safety and security have been threatened. This is true on campus, but especially in surrounding areas.[28] To ameliorate this, the University instituted a program whereby students were issued portable alarm units that pinpoint their position and enable campus security to get to them in under two minutes, earning the school the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Award.[29][30] Reduced crime has been attributed to increased security on campus, but problems still arise in surrounding areas because relatively few students live on the campus.[28][29]

[edit] Sexual Harrassment and Racial Profiling

A Muslim student, Balayla Ahmad, is suing the University of Bridgeport, alleging that the school failed to investigate her claims that a fellow student sexually harassed her and instead dismissed her from the University after reporting to the FBI a false claim that she was a terrorist.[8] Ahmad claims that the student made repeated sexual advances and graphic comments about wanting to have sex with her.[31] When Ahmad finally met with the dean after reporting the incident to teachers in April 2009, the dean reportedly said "My hands are tied. What do you suggest I do?"[8]

Ahmad said that she was approached by two security directors from the University who told her someone had made allegations against her and they threatened to call the FBI and have her arrested.[8] According to Ahmad, the University told her in April 2009 that her sexual harassment complaint had been closed and that she was being referred to a disciplinary committee.[31] In June, she said the university dismissed her. The University has not commented on its version of the events alleged.[8][31]

[edit] Traditions

[edit] University Seal

Bridgeport's seal combines 4 core elements of its traditions and distinct character. In the upper left quadrant, the lamp of learning, which has been an element of the official Bridgeport's seal since 1931, is shown. In the upper right quadrant of the seal, the tree of life is shown, symbolizing personal and institutional growth. The lower left shows Bridgeport's seascape, illustrating the university’s campus on Long Island Sound. The lower right quadrant shows the Perry Arch, representing tradition, solid foundations, and performance.[32]

[edit] Notable alumni

[edit] Notable faculty

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e Best Colleges – US News & World Report
  2. ^ University of Bridgeport – NCAA Official Athletics Site
  3. ^ Roster of Institutions - New England Association of Schools and Colleges: Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE)
  4. ^ Best Colleges: Racial Diversity: National Universities – US News & World Report
  5. ^ http://www.bridgeport.edu/Media/Website%20Resources/documents/life/IntOrientation.pdf
  6. ^ http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/the-short-list-college/articles/2011/12/20/10-us-colleges-with-highest-esl-participation-rates
  7. ^ a b c d Judson, George (April 17, 1992). "Making the Hard Choice at Bridgeport U.: Opting to Stay Alive". The New York Times (The New York Times Company): p. B5. http://www.nytimes.com/1992/04/17/nyregion/making-the-hard-choice-at-bridgeport-u-opting-to-stay-alive.html. Retrieved October 6, 2009. 
  8. ^ a b c d e [Muslim student sues University of Bridgeport, http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/muslim-student-sues-conn-university-says-she-was-harassed-falsely-accused-of-terrorism/2012/01/11/gIQA78rRrP_story.html]
  9. ^ [Connecticut Muslim Student Reports Sexual Harassment Gets Reported to FBI for Terrorism and Expelled from University, http://thinkprogress.org/security/2012/01/18/406061/connecticut-muslim-student-reports-sexual-harassment-gets-reported-to-fbi-for-terrorism-and-expelled-from-university/]
  10. ^ Schaffer, Robert Illustrated History of Bridgeport NY: Wislow Publishing, 1992, p. 52.
  11. ^ Davey, Robert “Moon Over Bridgeport” Connecticut Magazine (July, 1994), p. 69
  12. ^ a b c Judson, George (November 27, 1991). "University To Eliminate Liberal Arts". The New York Times (The New York Times Company): p. B1. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/27/nyregion/university-to-eliminate-liberal-arts.html. Retrieved October 6, 2009. 
  13. ^ Judson, George (December 24, 1991). "Bridgeport U. Nears Accord With Banks". The New York Times (The New York Times Company): p. B5. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/24/nyregion/bridgeport-u-nears-accord-with-banks.html. Retrieved October 6, 2009. 
  14. ^ Associated Press (December 8, 1991). "Merger of New Haven U. and Bridgeport Proposed". The New York Times (The New York Times Company): p. 63, Section: 1. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/12/08/nyregion/merger-of-new-haven-u-and-bridgeport-proposed.html. Retrieved October 6, 2009. 
  15. ^ McQuiston, John (October 22, 1991). "U. of Bridgeport Refuses Aid From Moon's Group". The New York Times (The New York Times Company): p. B1. http://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/22/nyregion/u-of-bridgeport-refuses-aid-from-moon-s-group.html. Retrieved October 6, 2009. 
  16. ^ Judson, George (January 17, 1992). "University of Bridgeport Plans Takeover by Sacred Heart". The New York Times (The New York Times Company): p. B4. http://www.nytimes.com/1992/01/17/nyregion/university-of-bridgeport-plans-takeover-by-sacred-heart.html. Retrieved October 6, 2009. 
  17. ^ a b c Judson, George (August 13, 1992). "Bar Group Approves Transfer Of U. of Bridgeport Law School". The New York Times (The New York Times Company): p. B7. http://www.nytimes.com/1992/08/13/nyregion/bar-group-approves-transfer-of-u-of-bridgeport-law-school.html. Retrieved October 6, 2009. 
  18. ^ The New York Times staff (May 30, 1992). "Bridgeport U. Closes Deal to Cede Control". The New York Times (The New York Times Company): p. 25, Section: 1. http://www.nytimes.com/1992/05/30/nyregion/bridgeport-u-closes-deal-to-cede-control.html. Retrieved October 6, 2009. 
  19. ^ The New York Times staff (June 27, 1992). "Bridgeport U. Will Stay Accredited, Official Says". The New York Times (The New York Times Company): p. 28, Section: 1. http://www.nytimes.com/1992/06/27/nyregion/bridgeport-u-will-stay-accredited-official-says.html. Retrieved October 6, 2009. 
  20. ^ Richard Rubenstein: A Brief Biographical Note
  21. ^ Featuring Neil Albert Salonen in The American Chiropractor, July 30, 2005.
  22. ^ U. of Bridgeport Honors Rev. Moon, Fiscal Savior, New York Times, September 8, 1995
  23. ^ http://www.pwpa.org/main/
  24. ^ Public colleges lead state enrollment rise Connecticut Post November 19, 2008
  25. ^ Quick Facts - University of Bridgeport
  26. ^ [1]
  27. ^ Accreditations and Memberships - University of Bridgeport
  28. ^ a b [Crime Report, https://www.bridgeport.edu/pages/4255.asp]
  29. ^ a b Yardley, William (January 8, 2006). "Does It Work? Campus Security – Finding Safety in Numbers". The New York Times (The New York Times Company). http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/08/education/edlife/doesitwork_.html. Retrieved October 6, 2009. 
  30. ^ Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Award Recipients For 2003
  31. ^ a b c [Muslim student sues Univ of Bridgeport, http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Muslim-student-sues-Univ-of-Bridgeport-2470806.php]
  32. ^ University of Bridgeport Student Handbook - Introduction
  33. ^ Cuomo, Chris and Vlasto, Chris (May 4, 2010). "A Life Thrown Away: Faisal Shahzad Went From MBA to Alleged Terrorist". ABC News. http://abcnews.go.com/WN/TheLaw/shahzad-leaves-traces-life-thrown/story?id=10555970. 

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Coordinates: 41°09′57″N 73°11′28″W / 41.16586°N 73.19109°W / 41.16586; -73.19109

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