The Bridgeport, Conn-based University of Bridgeport and Marlboro College (Marlboro, Vt.) recently announced they have signed a letter of intent to merge. According to a U. of Bridgeport press release, "The move is a way to expand geographic and educational opportunities for students while creating a sustainable future for one of New England's storied liberal arts colleges [Marlboro] at a time of rapid change in the higher education landscape."
In a letter to the University of Bridgeport community, university President Laura Skandera Trombley said the merger "will draw on the strengths of both institutions to create an expanded university with deeper connections between professional programs and the liberal arts. Experiencing the same challenges as liberal arts colleges throughout the Northeast, Marlboro began the process of seeking a strategic partnership last year. The College ranks among the best Northeastern Colleges by the Princeton Review and is located less than two hours north of Bridgeport."
A similar letter to the Marlboro College community from college President Kevin F.F. Quigley and Board of Trustees Chair, Richard H. Saudek, noted that the merger "would retain Marlboro's faculty, students, and campus as part of the new Marlboro College of Arts and Sciences within the University of Bridgeport, while significantly increasing educational opportunities for students on both campuses." The letter also noted the reason for the college's outreach for an educational partner: "significant revenue challenges resulting from a rapid and accelerating decline in the number of college-aged students in New England and beyond."
According to the University of Bridgeport, the merger will create opportunities for students on both campuses as soon as spring 2020. To read the full Bridgeport press release and letters from both institutions in their entirety, click here.
Editor's Note: After we went to press, it was widely reported that Bridgeport had pulled out of the merger. Look for follow-up in the November issue.
In a landmark development, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has reached a $2.8 billion settlement to resolve antitrust claims brought by health care providers, including chiropractors. The lawsuit accused BCBS of dividing the nation into exclusive regions and limiting competition, which resulted in lower reimbursements for providers. Although BCBS denies any wrongdoing, the company agreed to the settlement to avoid lengthy litigation – and you can get a piece of the pie.
The World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) Board of Directors passed a “Policy on Non-Interference and Respect for National Authority” at its Q3 2024 meeting. Upon reading this, some might ask if the WFC policy is targeting the activities of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) in providing international membership to Japanese individuals who do not hold a chiropractic degree from an accredited institution.
Part 3 of this three-part article on recogizing and diagnosing delayed-onset motor-vehicle acident (MVA) injuries in clinical practice coversspinal cord injury linked to cervical stenosis and spondylosis; alar sprain; and delayed instability. Part 1 discussed traumatic subdural hematoma, stroke due to MVA and traumatic central disc herniation; part 2 discussed traumatic Schmorl's nodes, post-concussion syndrome and posttraummatic syrinx.
