What exactly is a 'University College'? I've noticed at least three schools that have a 'University College' division. The University of Cincinnati, University of Maryland, and University of Denver. For starters, it just seems to be a total mouthful to say "I graduated from University of Maryland University College". But, back to my original statement: Can someone please explain what a "University College" is? Grazie!
In my opinion, it is a way for a school to try to trick (may be too harsh of a word) people to believe they are one in the same. I think the rule is the less known / accredited school is the "University College" that is trying to get people mixed up with the other school. University of Maryland Univeristy of Maryland University College Geeeesh is right!!
University Colleges are very much a British Commonwealth animal. Note the following: University College London (UK) - http://www.ucl.ac.uk University College Worcester (UK) - http://www.worc.ac.uk Canterbury Christ Church University College (UK) - University College Dublin (Ireland) - http://www.ucd.ie University College Cork (Ireland) - http://www.ucc.ie Malaspina University College (Canada) - http://www.mala.bc.ca/www/discover/main.htm Okanagan University College (Canada) - http://www.ouc.bc.ca Here's a whole range of info I collected some time back on the uni college model which will help in searching for a definition. Cheers, George Leadership and the role of the CEO in educational advancement Keynote address by the Warden of Trinity College, the University of Melbourne, Professor Donald Markwell, to the National Conference of ADAPE (the Association of Development and Alumni Professionals in Education), Sofitel Hotel, Melbourne, 17 September 2002, 9 a.m. In the mid-13th century, the Lord Chancellor of England, Walter de Merton, decided to create a university college. He did so by buying up, and then giving to the new foundation, land in Oxford and in many other places in England. Thus richly endowed, Merton College which dates its founding to 1264 was to become what it remains today one of the most distinguished colleges in the University of Oxford Source: http://www.adape.org.au/Conference/Presentations/ Markwell%20ADAPE%2017%20Sept%202002.pdf http://www.oireachtas-debates.gov.ie/index.html?http://www.oireachtas-debates.gov.ie/D/0008/D.0008.192407180049.html University College London Act 1996 See http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/locact96/Ukla_19960003_en_1.htm and http://www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/locact99/19990002.htm From the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher education, UK at http://www.qaa.ac.uk/public/heguide/power.htm Universities, and a small number of specialist institutions founded by Royal Charter, may award degrees of any type, for study at undergraduate or postgraduate (taught and research) level. Other institutions may be granted the power to award degrees in respect of taught programmes of study, or programmes of research. Research degree awarding powers are normally granted in conjunction with university title, but some specialist institutions also have their own research degree awarding powers. An institution with taught degree awarding powers may use the title 'university college'. Higher education institutions without their own degree awarding powers usually prepare their students for degrees awarded by a university or university college under a licensing or 'validation' arrangement. Further education colleges normally offer higher education programmes designed and approved directly by a degree awarding institution, under a sub-contracting or 'franchise' arrangement. They may also offer programmes leading to higher national awards, which are qualifications of a national awarding body. University Status In 1989, the College stepped out from under the umbrella of the County Council and became one of the UK's new independent Higher Education Corporations. It was at this time that the College made a strategic commitment to become a polytechnic institute by 1992 en route to attaining University Status. In 1992 it became a College of Brunel University, creating the largest University organisation to the West of London. In March 1999, Buckinghamshire College was awarded University College status by the Government, becoming Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College in recognition of its high standards of teaching, training and research. The University College now has its own degree awarding powers and is the principle provider of university education in the region. http://www.bcuc.ac.uk/main.asp?page=306 http://www.lifelonglearning.co.uk/dearing/dr9004.htm [DOC]INSTRUMENT OF ACCREDITATION File Format: Microsoft Word 97 - View as HTML ... At the present time, Chester College of Higher Education and Liverpool Hope University College are seeking degree awarding powers with wholehearted support ... www.liv.ac.uk/commsec/ordsregs/colleges/ioa.doc - Similar pages [ More results from www.liv.ac.uk ] http://www.dpc.vic.gov.au/domino/web_notes/pressrel.nsf/3a88765920dce9544a25620d002c1efe/01bc524375ddf5c74a2561f1002e6317?OpenDocument 1st Kennett Ministry NEWS RELEASE From the Office of the Minister for Tertiary Education and Training June 1, 1993 PANEL TO EXAMINE BALLARAT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE STATUS The State Government has appointed an expert panel to examine Ballarat University College's claim for full university status. The appointment follows the recent visit to Ballarat by Premier Jeff Kennett, who indicated the Government was considering the college's application for recognition as a university on the basis of nationally accepted guidelines. There have also been extensive discussions between officials of the college and the Minister for Tertiary Education and Training, Haddon Storey, and local members of Parliament. Mr Storey said today the process for examining the application had been set in place in accord with the Government's election commitment to determine university status on the basis of educational outcomes and viability, rather than on the size of a particular institution. The panel will be headed by the president of the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee and Vice-Chancellor of the University of New England, Professor Bob Smith. Other members are the Vice-Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology, Professor Denis Gibson, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Tasmania, Professor Alan Gilbert, and the Director of Policy and Planning in the Victorian Education Department, Dr Ian Allen. "The panel will consider Ballarat's request in relation to Government policies on tertiary education, paying particular attention to criteria relating to its level of research activity, involvement in higher degree studies, staff qualifications, the quality of facilities and level of resources," Mr Storey said. "It will also take account of the need for university education and the arrangements for planning and delivery of tertiary education in the Ballarat region." Mr Storey said he was aware of the strong support for the college's bid for university status. ..../2 -2- "Through its recent affiliation agreement with the School of Mines and Industries, the college has taken a significant step towards the closer integration of higher education and TAFE programs in the area." Mr Storey also paid tribute to the work of Ballarat MP's -- Paul Jenkins, Barry Traynor, Dick de Fegely, the Housing Minister, Rob Knowles, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Stephen Elder -- in discussions with the college and their liaison with the Ballarat community on this issue. Further information: Contact Kevin Balshaw 03-651 5000
In the US, "University College" is often the term used for the Continuing Education department of a school. Off the top of my head, Northeastern University in Boston uses that term for their CE division. Boston University uses "Metropolitan College".
Chapman University uses it for their extension activities on military bases (and elsewhere) around the world. Tom Nixon
"University College" is different... Not to pick a debate between Bruce and George Brown, let me start by observing Mark Twain's old quip about England (and her Commonwealth breathren) and the US being two nations divided by a common language. Adult or "alternative" routes in higher American education, especially to a two-year degree or as entre to a four-year degree, used to be known as "General College" - Boston University, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and the University of Pennsylvania use the appelation. But in the past 20 years, the term "University College" has gained favor instead. At Minnesota, degree completion through "University College" within the University of Minnesota, or "University College" at Washington University at St. Louis, and places named above have taken up what has had a very different meaning abroad. These places really speacialize in adult degree completion. My sense is that the term "University College" was underbranded in the US - and therefore has been ripe for exploitation and differentiation from large universities' with continuing education programs, typically in large urban areas. The latter may grow too large and unwieldy to denote a respected and respectable institution through which degree completion - or even graduate degree competion - occurs. Hence the development that occasions this thread. --Orson
<<What exactly is a 'University College'? I've noticed at least three schools that have a 'University College' division. The University of Cincinnati, University of Maryland, and University of Denver.>> In the case of the University of Maryland, it's not a trick. University of Maryland refers to the brick and mortar campus in College Park. University of Maryland University College (UMUC) refers to the system of distance learning here in the state of Maryland. In actuality it's not one school, but rather a network of numerous RA schools throughout the state. For example, if you were to enroll in a DL program at UMUC, you might take courses from the University of Maryland, Towson University, Bowie State, etc...but your degree would be issued by UMUC. Pug
As I understand it... It is my understanding that the following two schools are totally unrelated to each other, despite the similarity of their names: University of Maryland University of Maryland University College (trying saying it 3 times really fast) Many people incorrectly assume that the University of Maryland University College is a subdivision of the University of Maryland, but nay, it is not. While they are both within the state university system of Maryland, they are seperate and distinct from each other and are autonomous, one from the other.
On my home turf a University College is a name given to private colleges (all church run) that offer reasonably comprehensive programs. In Alberta, all 4 universities are government controlled and funded.
University College History Just 175 years ago, the benefits of a university education in England were restricted to men who were members of the Church of England; University College was founded to challenge that discrimination. Eg. UCL was the first university to be established in England after Oxford and Cambridge, providing a progressive alternative to those institutions’ social exclusivity, religious restrictions and academic constraints.
Well, damn.. I never expected this question to generate so many responses. I genuinely appreciate everyone's input.
Many of us have been perplexed by the title "University College" and that is why there are so many responces. It is sort of like saying "University School" or "College School" or "police cop." Why say it twice? I still want someone to try and say the following, three times really fast: University of Maryland University College Boy, what a tongue twister!!!
When I was at the University of Noth Dakota the University College was the entrance college that all incoming freshmen were enrolled in. It focused on meeting your introductory general education requirements (if I remember correctly it offered a few associate degrees too). Once the freshmen year was completed successfully the student was then transferred to a degree granting College of the university offering a major. For example, transfer to the College of Arts and Sciences was simply done through the declaration of your major. Other schools such as the College of Engineering required a separate application and a suitable GPA. Obviously, there are other uses for a University College as noted by previous posts. I have come to the conclusion that it depends on how the university wants to designate and utilize a University College. John
Re: University College History Quite correct, zvada. Now, given previous observations, can we say not only does American usage exploit the underbranded term (in the US), "university college" - but moves futher in the direction of the tradition established by UCL. That is, towards public availability and opportunity? I think so. --Orson
