Moments before signing a key partnership agreement with Bridgewater State University in front of dozens of educators, Bristol Community College President Dr. Jack Sbrega held up his hand and intertwined two fingers.
That simple gesture symbolized a bond between the two institutions that grew stronger after Dr. Sbrega and BSU President Frederick W. Clark Jr. made official a new program called BCC2BSU, a guaranteed dual-admission initiative set to debut this fall for targeted undergraduate programs.
“We aspire to be a next generation university and this won’t be just another transfer agreement. We’re going to invest in it,” President Clark told the audience during the initiative signing ceremony on Wednesday morning at BSU and BCC’s joint Attleboro campus. “We want to build and expand upon the [Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s] Commonwealth Commitment program, and I think we’re going to do that through this partnership.”
Through the initiative, applicants to BSU can be granted a conditional admit should they enroll at BCC and participate in BCC2BSU.
While at BCC, participants will have access to BSU’s campus, as would any other BSU student, and will not need to re-apply to BSU. They will also enjoy collaborative and intensive academic advising, as well as deep engagement of peer mentors, faculty members and administrators to ensure their success.
Qualifying students can also participate in a summer residential program at BSU.
Dr. Sbrega credited BSU President Emeritus Dana Mohler-Faria and President Clark for leading the way with the program, which also exists with Massasoit Community College as MCC2BSU.
“As always in southeastern Massachusetts, we set the model for the rest of the commonwealth. This is an exciting opportunity and a momentous opportunity,” said Dr. Sbrega. “Providing pathways for students is dear to President Clark’s heart and our hearts. We have an incredible partnership with BSU — not just in this connection, but in the day-to-day interactions that we at BCC have with BSU.”
A steering committee will be formed to activate the agreement, and a new hire will oversee the pioneering new program, President Clark said.
The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education’s Commonwealth Commitment is an agreement between the state’s 15 community colleges and four-year institutions that freezes tuition and fees upon program entry while offering other rebates. Students attending BSU through the Commonwealth Commitment would realize about a 40 percent savings.
“The state needs us to produce more college-educated workers. It’s a desperate crying need in all corners of the state,” President Clark said. “We’re going to focus on gateway cities and underserved populations.”
According to Dr. Sbrega, BCC students would find unmatched value in the ability to utilize BSU resources and access events on Bridgewater’s campus.
“The dual admission is a crucial breakthrough,” said Dr. Sbrega. “Our students will really feel that they are part of the BSU/BCC family. It will provide our students with a sense of belonging, and they’ll feel connected with BSU even before beginning classes there.”
The two presidents were joined at the signing by BSU Dean of Continuing Studies David Crane and BCC Board of Trustees Chair Joe Marshall.
“We need to make a difference for many more students than we’re making now,” said President Clark. “That’s the whole point of it – to make a difference.” (Story and photos by Charlie Peters, University News)
