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 Community college graduates now have an easier path to many private colleges and universities. Last month North Carolina Community College System President Scott Ralls and Independent Colleges and Universities President Hope Williams signed a comprehensive articulation agreement that spells out the requirements and process community college students must meet to successfully transfer to 24 specific private colleges and universities in the state. (A complete list of institutions follows.)
“I can’t imagine a state with more education opportunities than North Carolina,” said Dr. Ralls. “This agreement is an indication of the collaborative relationship that exists between our institutions and helps to provide a more seamless transition for our community college students to a four-year degree.” A recent report showed that 2,135 North Caroling community college students transferred to a private college or university last year. Dr. Williams noted that those students were well prepared for the baccalaureate experience. "This agreement provides a great opportunity to show the partnership that exists,” said Dr. Williams. She pointed out that while 24 of the 36 private colleges and universities are signatories on the agreement, the other 12 institutions have existing bilateral agreements with individual community colleges that remain in effect. The agreement parallels the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement between the Community College System and UNC System that went into effect in 1997. It defines a block of courses to transfer without case-by-case analysis and guarantees junior status for the transferring students. It will encourage community college students to complete an associate degree before transferring to a four-year institution. Another major benefit from the agreement is a heightened opportunity to meet the growing demand for teachers, nurses, and engineers. A targeted development of transfer and two-plus-two programs will bring advanced degrees to community college campuses in these three critical workforce areas. “The majority of community college students are adult learners with work and family responsibilities,” said Blue Ridge Community College President Molly A. Parkhill. “Many private colleges and universities have adult completion programs designed to meet the specific needs of those students. Night and weekend classes enable them to stay home and complete their degree.” Signatory Institutions of the NC Independent Colleges and Universities: Barton College, Belmont Abbey College, Bennett College for Women, Brevard College, Campbell University, Catawba College, Chowan University, Gardner-Webb University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lees-McRae, Livingstone College, Louisburg College (Two-year), Mars Hill College, Montreat College, Mount Olive College, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Peace College, Pfeiffer University, Queens University of Charlotte, St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Saint Augustine’s College, Shaw University, Warren Wilson College, and Wingate University. For more information about transfer programs at Blue Ridge Community College, contact Student Services at 694-1800 or 883-2520. (Image provided by Blue Ridge Community College.)
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