Cambridge Education Group has announced the re-opening of ONCAMPUS Boston in partnership with Curry College, following the temporary suspension of operations after its host institution, Wheelock College, was acquired by Boston University in 2018.
The re-opening comes as CEG closed other US centres in a move the company put down to “strategic and long term financial analyses”, which were in consultation with the universities and partners. Despite this, the re-opening of ONCAMPUS Boston is “key” to the company’s US growth strategy, according to the pathway provider.
“Curry College will benefit too from an increased globally-representative student body”
The Boston centre, based at Curry College’s main campus in Milton, Massachusetts, will begin enrolling students in fall 2019.
“The reopening of ONCAMPUS Boston is excellent news for our further growth and development in the US, and partnering with Curry College is an exciting next step in our efforts to bring the unique values and opportunities of a US education to international students around the globe,” Michael Ioakimides, CEO of CEG said in a statement.
Centres where CEG is ceasing operations include Cal State Monterrey Bay, University of Rhode Island and Morrisville College, while it continues to work with the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago to offer direct entry to undergraduate and graduate programs. CEG will also establish a pathway program at IIT, with enrolments beginning in early 2020.
The decision taken is against a backdrop of squeezed enrolment figures for international tertiary enrolments in fall 2018; Open Doors data revealed a 6.6% decline in new enrolments (equivalent to almost 20,000 students) for the 2018/19 academic year.
In addition to offering direct entry to undergraduate and graduate programs CEG is also establishing a pathway program at IIT, with first enrolment planned for early 2020. Photo: CEG
Meanwhile, the re-opened centre at Curry College will offer international students the opportunity to progress to study at various universities around the US, or a guaranteed place at Curry College for all successfully completing students.
CEG hopes that Curry College’s “distinct tradition” of core modern liberal arts education values, will attract students seeking an “environment which fosters independent, critical thinkers”.
Incoming international students will bring added benefits to the college’s current students, provost of Curry College, David Szczerbacki noted.
“Our diverse and inclusive community creates a teaching and learning environment that will provide an excellent higher education experience in the Boston area for the students from around the world,” he said.
“Curry College will benefit too from an increased globally-representative student body, which will enrich the academic and cultural experiences of our students, faculty, and staff.”
