Valparaiso University and Ivy Tech Community College Partner to Benefit Region Students

April 20, 2022 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University (Valpo) and Ivy Tech Community College Statewide have entered into articulation agreements in support of students looking to transfer into Valpo’s computer science, biology, psychology chemistry and various engineering programs. Through these agreements, Ivy Tech associate of science graduates will be able to seamlessly transfer to the Valpo bachelor of science degree program after completing the preparatory coursework.

“I look forward to collaborating with Ivy Tech and providing students a seamless transition to Valparaiso University when advancing their degrees,” said José D. Padilla, J.D., president of Valparaiso University. “This partnership reinforces our region’s efforts in educating and retaining a strong workforce.”

Valparaiso University was recognized as a transfer-friendly institution earlier this year by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and this partnership represents the University’s commitment to helping students in the area achieve their academic goals. These agreements allow Valparaiso University and Ivy Tech Community College to pursue a closer relationship for the benefit of their students and provide a clearly outlined pathway for them to complete their educational goals at a premiere institution without the stress and barriers often associated with transferring in higher education.

“Developing transfer agreements that will offer opportunity to our students to matriculate to Valparaiso University to advance their post-secondary education is very exciting,” said Aco Sikoski, Ivy Tech Community College campus chancellor. “This partnership will offer opportunities to earn a four-year degree without relocating from our thriving communities.”

The academic fields encompassed in the agreement are quickly evolving, and keeping up with that evolution will require a close communication and cooperation between the two institutions. As per the agreements, Valparaiso University and Ivy Tech Community College will be in regular dialogue pertaining to any changes in their curricula that need to be addressed to ensure students are appropriately prepared for their program.

The agreements cover each of the disciplines within Valparaiso University’s College of Engineering — the top-ranked undergraduate engineering program in the Chicagoland area. The other majors fall within the College of Arts and Sciences, which is home to a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, placing it in the top 8% nationwide for academic excellence in the arts and sciences. Additionally, Valpo’s computer science program was recognized as one of the nation’s best by US News & World Report.

Pursuing this relationship will provide members of the community with a new avenue toward high quality education while providing employers in our region and beyond with a highly qualified workforce.