Introduction

Greetings from the President

Welcome to The University of Bridgeport! You have now become part of one of America’s truly unique institutions of higher learning.

Here at UB on our beautiful seaside campus, we welcome outstanding students from 79 different countries and 35 states, from many different religions and cultures. Nowhere in America will you find greater diversity! All are equal and all are welcome! Both in the classroom and in social activities, UB students interact with their counterparts from all corners of the globe. The small average class size helps to ensure that all students receive the personal attention of their professors as well as opportunities to participate in informative, often exciting discussions.

You may have come to UB to acquire a high-quality liberal arts education, a knowledge of computer science and engineering, academic training in business, the arts or the healing sciences and you will certainly leave here well equipped in your chosen field. In addition, you will have had many opportunities to gain first-hand insights and perspectives on world issues and cultures.

We at the University of Bridgeport believe that beyond career preparation, another key goal of education is personal development. Our students are encouraged to involve themselves in one or more of our student clubs, as well as theater productions, student government, and community service. It is often in these enjoyable extra-curricular activities that we have the opportunity to explore and develop as yet untapped aspects of our character.

It is our sincere hope that you will come to call UB your home away from home. Our peaceful campus, located on the New England shores of Long Island Sound, has a proud, 81-year tradition of educating students who have gone on to make a difference in the world. We encourage our students to take advantage of the many opportunities afforded them here on campus and in the region, including New York and Boston’s many cultural offerings.

We take pride in knowing that enrollment at UB begins a gratifying lifelong association, first as a student and later as a member of our distinguished and accomplished alumni.

We will be glad to answer any questions you may have and always appreciate your feedback. I look forward to getting to know you.

Neil Albert Salonen
President

Greetings from the Division of Student Affairs

We would like to extend a warm University of Bridgeport (UB) welcome to those of you who are the newest members of our community and a welcome back to our students returning for continued studies at UB.

The "Key to UB" is our student handbook.  The handbook is intended to acquaint everyone with the University to better understand our philosophy, goals, policies and procedures. It is an important reference book for students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

Please note, students from the Colleges of Naturopathic Medicine and Chiropractic should refer to the student handbooks specific to their college as well as the Key to UB.

We hope that this academic year will prove to be a productive learning experience for you – one that will be conducive to intellectual discovery and personal growth and development; for the University of Bridgeport is a very special place! Our students come over from 80 different countries and from more than 35 states in the United States. Our diversity is a big part of what makes us special; therefore, enjoy and respect it. Understand that with our diversity comes the potential for misunderstanding. If we all recognize that the way we interpret information, the way we respond to situations, and the way we view life’s challenges may be very different for each of us. Outside of the United Nations, there are few institutions that are fortunate to have this diversity. We are privileged!  

At any time, if you have any questions regarding the University of Bridgeport, student life, its policies and/or procedures, please feel free to contact the Dean of Students Office, in the Student Center, Room 116.  We can also be reached via phone (ext. 4392), or by email: deanofstudents@bridgeport.edu.

We wish you all the best for a successful and exciting year!

Best regards,

The Divison of Student Affairs Staff 

 About your School: The University of Bridgeport

What was to become the University began in 1886, the year in which the Arnold College was founded. The Arnold College was the nation’s first co-educational school of physical education. The Junior College of Connecticut, the oldest continuous ancestor of the University of Bridgeport, was founded in 1927. It was the first junior college chartered by a legislature in the eleven northeastern states. In 1947, responding to the increased student demand, the Governor of Connecticut issued a new charter creating a four-year institution out of the former Junior College. Shortly thereafter, UB moved from its original site on Fairfield Avenue to the former P.T. Barnum estate at Seaside Park, gradually expanding from 22 acres in 1950 to 50 acres today.

The range and diversity of the University was established in these early years. With the Junior College as a basis, the newly chartered University added colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Nursing, Education and Engineering. To the Junior College itself were added the Weylister Secretarial School and the Fones School of Dental Hygiene. Fones was the first such school in Connecticut and only the second school of Dental Hygiene in New England.

Now, through its International College, Schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Resources, Engineering, Continuing and Professional Studies, Fones School of Dental Hygiene, the College of Chiropractic, the College of Naturopathic Medicine, the English Language Institute, the Acupuncture Institute, and the Human Nutrition Institute, the University of Bridgeport offers many challenging courses and degree programs in many areas of study. These include many programs where a certificate or an Associate Degree may be earned.

The University also offers Doctoral degrees in Educational Leadership, Computer Science and Engineering, Naturopathic Medicine, as well as a Doctor of Chiropractic Degree.  The University today services students from nearly half the countries in the world and from more than 35 states.

Mission Statement

The University of Bridgeport offers career-oriented undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees and programs for people seeking personal and professional growth. The University promotes academic excellence, personal responsibility, and commitment to service. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse supportive learning environment prepare graduates for life and leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. The University is independent and non-sectarian.

 Symbol

Though the usage of four different quadrants, UB’s symbol represents the University of Bridgeport. Shown in the upper right quadrant of the symbol is the tree of life, representing personal and institutional growth; in the lower right, the Perry Arch, symbolizing tradition, solid foundations, and performance; in the lower left, the seascape illustrating the University’s unique campus environment on Long Island Sound; and, in the prominent upper left quadrant, the traditional lamp of learning, which has been the main element of the official UB seal since 1931.