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Students studying psychology or sociology at North Carolina’s community colleges now can seamlessly transfer to a number of private colleges and universities in the state to complete a bachelor’s degree in one of these disciplines. NC Community College System (NCCCS) president Thomas Stith and North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) president Hope Williams signed articulation agreements Wednesday. The articulation agreement includes all 58 community colleges.

“I am most pleased to sign another agreement that lets us simplify processes and remove barriers for students to continue their education in North Carolina,” said Stith. “We appreciate this needed opportunity to better align with partners within NCICU to accelerate student progress.”

“NCICU and NCCCS have worked together on statewide articulation agreements since the 1990s,” said Williams. “Being recognized nationally for the importance of this work is an honor and the Teagle Foundation Grant is allowing us to provide even greater support to our transfer students.”

This agreement provides a progression degree plan that includes required general education and prerequisite courses that are acceptable to all signatory programs. The NCICU Board approved the agreements on April 14 and the State Board of Community Colleges approved them on April 16. The agreements will go into effect immediately this semester and includes all 58 community colleges.

Pathways in psychology and sociology were mapped out by 14 NCICU institutions paired with 14 two-year colleges (13 community colleges and one private two-year college), including Stanly Community College and Pfeiffer University. (Pfeiffer will offer psychology through this plan.)

The colleges are working together to create a “culture of transfer” that ensures students receive the most comprehensive information and are advised from their first year at a two-year college until graduation with a bachelor’s degree.

Work on this agreement was funded by a grant from the Teagle Foundation through the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and includes a component of advising and policy development for financial aid to nontraditional students.

“The advising and financial aid components of the grant will provide critical supplemental support to help these students be successful in completing their baccalaureate degrees,” Williams said.