Last modified: Friday, September 10, 2004
Biotechnology articulation agreement to be signed by IUB and Ivy Tech
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Officials at Indiana University Bloomington and Ivy Tech State College-Bloomington will sign an articulation agreement Monday (Sept. 13), which provides the framework for the transfer of credits earned in the Ivy Tech State College-Bloomington associate degree program in biotechnology to the bachelor of science degree program in the College of Arts and Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington.
This is the second such agreement between IU and Ivy Tech. The first was signed in December and allowed students to transfer credits toward a general studies degree between the two institutions. More than 90 general education courses from Ivy Tech are accepted at IUB.
Biotechnology represents a rapidly growing and strategically signficant sector of Indiana's economy. With greater demand for a professional workforce possessing skills in technology and the biological sciences, articulation argeements between higher education institutions are instrumental in developing and facilitating the flow of knowledge workers into the marketplace.
"Since most of the students who attend Ivy Tech are residents of Indiana, we see this as another valuable way to support the mission of Indiana University," said Kenneth R.R. Gros Louis, interim senior vice president and chancellor of the IU Bloomington campus. "This is a great opportunity for students to move from a two-year degree to a four-year degree program. This particular degree also contributes significantly to the economic development of the state. It is a pleasure to work with Ivy Tech in this endeavor, and we appreciate the hard work the faculty on both campuses have done to make this possible."
"We are again delighted to partner with Indiana University Bloomington to bring another transfer opportunity to Ivy Tech students," said John Whikehart, chancellor of Ivy Tech State College-Bloomington. "Faculty and administration at both educational institutions have worked closely to ensure that our biotechnology curricula are aligned for smooth transition to Indiana University's baccalaureate program. Our joint intent is to develop highly skilled workers for local biotechnology, medical manufacturing and pharmaceutical companies. This initiative will keep our graduates effectively employed and in the state -- a win-win situation for both our students and the life sciences industry."
Gros Louis and Whikehart will sign the agreement, as will James O. Smith, academic dean at Ivy Tech, and Catherline Larson, associate dean for undergraduate education for IU's College of Arts and Sciences. The signing will take place in the chancellor's office at Ivy Tech State College-Bloomington on Monday at 2:30 p.m.
