Ivy Bridge College of Tiffin University is a private for-profit online extension of Tiffin University, an independent coeducational university. Tiffin University was founded in 1888 and it established Ivy Bridge College in 2008 with the purpose of offering online education at the associate degree level. The mission of Ivy Bridge College is to provide high quality education to prepare students to pursue rewarding entry-level careers or gain admission to first-rate four-year institutions of higher education. It focuses on connections and collaboration and values the experiences that all students and instructors bring to the learning environment. Ivy Bridge College also prides itself on acting as an effective stepping-stone toward achieving a bachelor degree or advanced educational opportunities. It helps students choose appropriate classes to increase transferability of credits to other institutions.
Ivy Bridge College has a solid understanding that effective support is essential for academic success through the transitions from high school to college and to higher education opportunities. It implements a pioneering educational approach in pairing associate degree students with success coaches who provide guidance and inspiration. All students have their own success coach who communicates with them on a regular basis to help with adjustment to college life, offer advice on which classes to take, talk about assignments and concerns, and assist with setting short- and long- term academic, personal, and professional goals. Success coaches also help students with time management and study skills. Success coaches work around the schedule of students and strive to build personal relationships. Students are able to keep contact with success coaches through various means such as scheduled phone calls, text messages, e-mail, chat, and social networking.
Ivy Bridge College promotes the sense of community with small courses with no more than 25 students and constant communication with classmates, instructors, and advisors. All courses feature qualified and experiences professionals and do not include teaching assistants or graduate student instructors. Instructors at Ivy Bridge come from various backgrounds and are committed to helping students succeed. The college also features rolling admissions to enable students to enroll quickly and finish programs in as little as 16 months. Students are able to register for classes and purchase required course materials at any time.
Ivy Bridge College offers programs that are delivered exclusively online and result in an associate degree. Students are able to set their own schedules and pace for completing courses and log on at anytime 24 hours a day. Students are able to talk openly with instructors through email, weekly online office hours, group discussions, newsgroups, and online chats. They also communicate with fellow classmates from around the world. The programs promote critical thinking abilities and creativity and their applications to various academic challenges. Programs offered include an Associate of Arts in General Studies, Associate of Criminal Justice in Law Enforcement, and Associate of Business Administration in accounting, business, healthcare administration, and computer and information technology.
Ivy Bridge College also focuses on student support and provides access to various student services. Its SMARTHINKING tutoring service features trained staff members who offer expert advice and student-centered tutoring on an array of course subjects in any degree program. The tutors also help increase motivation by assisting students acquire learning skills and techniques that they can use throughout their academic experience. Students have access to the online library, which offers full-text journals, research databases, and interlibrary loans. The Office of Career Development offers career counseling and various online assistance programs such as how to conduct job searches, write resumes and cover letters, and improve interviewing skills.
Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA) accredits Ivy Bridge College of Tiffin University. The Ohio Board of Regents also authorizes it.
Financing Options
Ivy Bridge College participates in various financial aid programs to help students finance their education. Federal programs include Federal Pell Grants, Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, and Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), and Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants. Other financial aid programs include state grants and private alternative loans. Ivy Bridge College also offers a payment plan that enables to spread payments out over 10 months with no interest for a one-time fee.
Credit Earning Options
Ivy Bridge College offers a Post Secondary Program that enables high school students to complete college courses prior to graduation. t also collaborates with various partner universities and has established partner agreements to accommodate students seeking to pursue higher education. The partnerships increase the transferability of course credits and help students gain acceptance into four-year institutions.