Bellevue College is one of 11 community colleges in Washington, Idaho and Oregon which are partnering with The University of Idaho to provide a seamless process for students wishing to complete four-year degrees.
Through campus-to-campus articulation agreements and program-to-program cooperation, the University of Idaho has created more than 700 four-year curriculum plans with the partner institutions. Degree options range from the arts and social sciences, to education, business and the physical sciences.
The partnerships offer students four-year guides in each of the 700 programs so that when they complete their associate degrees at the community college, and then enter the University of Idaho, their general education requirements and any necessary prerequisites are already completed toward a baccalaureate degree.
“Transfer students are one of our top growth areas,” said Steve Neiheisel, University of Idaho assistant vice president of enrollment management. “In fact, our new transfer student numbers for this fall are up 12 percent and still growing.”
According to a report issued last month by the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), community colleges comprise the largest single sector of American postsecondary education, and enroll more than 40 percent of all undergraduates. The same report shows that within six years of their initial enrollment at a community college, roughly half of these students complete a credential or transfer to a four-year college.
“We saw a real opportunity to help these students be successful and complete their degree programs,” said Nancy Krogh, University of Idaho registrar. “These plans provide an easy-to-follow guide for both students and advisers to ensure the student stays on track. We work closely with these partner institutions to develop student services and advising tools to assist the students.”
The university’s Web site maps out specific programs and coursework plans at www.registrar.uidaho.edu/transfer-guides/articulation-agreements.html.
