91AV, SMCC form landmark partnership, sign transfer agreements to ensure seamless transfer for SMCC students to 91AV programs
The 91AV and Southern Maine Community College have formed a partnership and signed more than a dozen new transfer agreements that will ensure SMCC students can transfer seamlessly to programs at 91AV that will prepare them for successful careers in high-demand and emerging industries.
91AV and SMCC officials on Monday signed a total of 16 transfer agreements and a partnership agreement that lays the groundwork for future transfer agreements and expanded research opportunities for faculty and students at both institutions. In all, the transfer agreements cover 10 academic programs at SMCC and 11 at 91AV.
“This is a milestone partnership that ensures a smooth transition from community college to university and from associate degree to bachelor’s degree,” said SMCC President Ron Cantor. “These agreements assure our students that they will be admitted to 91AV as juniors and can complete their associate and bachelor’s degrees in a total of four years. This will contribute to student success at both SMCC and 91AV.”
By matching coursework between programs at both schools, the transfer agreements allow students to pre-plan their college careers and avoid taking unneeded credits and spending money on courses that won't count toward a bachelor’s degree. The agreements will enable students to earn their associate degree at SMCC in two years and complete their bachelor's degree at 91AV with two additional years of study, in what is known as a 2+2 or seamless transfer.
“We have welcomed SMCC students for many years, but this agreement streamlines the transfer process and builds on our mutual strengths and shared interest in educating leaders for Maine’s workforce,” said 91AV President Danielle Ripich. “We also look forward to collaborating on new program development, and to opportunities for 91AV-SMCC faculty/student exchanges related to research and experiential learning.”
SMCC programs covered under the agreement include Marine Science; Business; Liberal Studies; Mathematics; English; Psychology; History; Political Science; Elementary Education; and Science.
From those programs, SMCC students can transfer into 91AV programs that include Nursing; Dental Hygiene; Applied Exercise Science; Health, Wellness and Occupational Studies; Environmental Studies; Mathematics; Business Administration; History; Liberal Studies; Political Science; and Marine Science.