Revised Agreement Helps WPCC Students Transfer to Independent Universities

Presidents of the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) and the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) recently signed a revised Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) which better defines transfer options for students between each system. This could potentially shorten the time it takes for Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC) students to reach degree attainment while also allowing them to save money on educational costs.

“This new Independent Colleges Comprehensive Articulation Agreement provides more transfer options to WPPC graduates and opens the way to a more seamless transition for our students,” said Rhia Crawford, WPCC’s vice president for academic affairs.  “Through these pathways, students can now meet their educational goals in a more timely and efficient manner.”

Independent colleges and universities signing the agreement include Barton College, Belmont Abbey College, Bennett College, Brevard College, Campbell University, Chowan University, Guildford College, Lees-McRae College, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Livingston College, Mars Hill University, Meredith College, Methodist University, Montreat College, North Carolina Wesleyan College, Pfeiffer University, Salem College, Shaw University, St. Andrews University, University of Mount Olive, William Peace University and Wingate University.

While Lees McRae College and Montreat College have a presence in Burke County at the Foothills Higher Education Center, many students start WPCC on the transfer pathway to colleges listed on revised agreement. For example, several WPCC students transfer to Lenoir-Rhyne University every year.

“We are excited to be part of the new articulation agreement between NC Community Colleges and NCICU.  This agreement helps make the transfer process much less intimidating for students and provides them with even more higher education opportunities than ever before,” said Stacey Brackett, registrar in enrollment management at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

“We take great pride in servicing the Unifour community and with this agreement; even stronger relationships with our area community colleges will be fostered.”

The NCICU Board approved the revised ICAA at its annual meeting in March 2015, and the State Board of Community Colleges officially adopted the revised articulation agreement in May 2015. Since that adoption, 22 of the state’s 36 independent colleges and universities have signed the agreement.

The ICAA moves community college students toward their four-year degree goals by clearly defining transfer pathways and how earned credit hours fit into the requirements of signatory institutions. The ICAA:

Identifies foundational courses that will transfer to all signatory institutions to meet general education requirements

• Improves the success of transferring students through required coursework that ensures students will map their academic pathway to the desired independent institution
• Encourages community college students to complete an Associate in Arts (AA) or an Associate in Science (AS) degree before transferring by guaranteeing entry as juniors with full transfer credit

The ICAA is consistent with the recently signed comprehensive articulation agreement between North Carolina Community Colleges and the University of North Carolina system, meaning students will have the same transfer guarantees regardless of the type of senior North Carolina institution they attend.

Approximately 2,000 community college students transfer to one of North Carolina’s 36 independent higher education institutions each year. The revised ICAA, updated from the previous articulation agreement signed in 2007, is effective for new college transfer students in the fall of 2015 at the signatory colleges and universities.

For more information on entering Western Piedmont Community College as a transfer student, contact Amanda Rhea, WPCC transfer counselor at arhea@wpcc.edu or by calling 828-448-3159.

Western Piedmont Community College is situated in the picturesque rolling foothills of Morganton, North Carolina, and has served the citizens of Burke County since 1964.  In addition to creating $177.8 million in added regional income, the College offers more than 100 degree, diploma and certification programs designed to provide accessible, high-quality education that improve lives and promote growth in Burke County.  For more information, visit wpcc.edu.