Tennessee State’s Community College Initiative Fulfills Dream for Many Seeking Four-Year Degree
Targeted News Service |
When
Clark did not have to look far. Just a few miles from her
"I'm married with two small boys which made it difficult at times to get my college education," said Clark. "Through the 2+2 and fast track programs, I was able to obtain my associate degree and continue my four-year degree with
According to University officials, TSU is now creating more partnerships and programs with community colleges around the state to help students such as Clark, transfer seamlessly to the University to complete a four-year degree. Under the Community College Initiative, students have more options to move them along through their educational career.
Dr.
"More and more students are choosing to pursue community college, as opposed to a university, right out of high school or as a nontraditional student because community colleges tuition costs are 50 percent less than four-year institutions," said Peters. "Once they get their associate degree they will enter TSU as a junior and spend two years here, providing them with an opportunity to get their four-year degree from TSU."
According to a report from the"These programs and initiatives raise student achievement levels, close achievement gaps and successfully prepare a diverse population of students for academic and professional success," said Peters. "Transfer preparation programs provide services such as regular and sustained advising, mentoring and early identification to improve student outcomes."
According to Peters, the University is reaching out to all 13 community colleges around the state to develop long-lasting partnerships and relationships. Currently there are agreements with
Programs through the initiative include the dual admission program where students gain early admission to TSU while completing an associate degree. These students receive a limited use student ID card that allows them to attend cultural and sporting events. They also meet with TSU advisors early in their community college career.
One of the most popular programs is the 2+2 program, where students complete all four years at their community college. The program follows a national trend where professors from universities including TSU, are increasingly traveling to teach on the community college campuses, offering bachelor's programs as part of new partnerships with two-year schools.
After completing an associate's degree, community college students can transfer to a four-year program and complete a university bachelor's degree right where they are. Currently TSU has partnerships with
Through these programs, students have numerous options to complete their four-year education, and help students who aspire to attend TSU save money by paying lower tuition at a community college for up to two years before transitioning to the University.
"That is exactly why I decided to go the 2+2 route," said
Murphy decided to stay on the campus for his TSU degree because it would be more convenient and cost less.
"The program has allowed me to work a fulltime job and take a full class schedule," Murphy said. "Without it, I don't think I would have been able to afford to go to school and finish my degree. Plus the instructors were very knowledgeable, the class sizes are usually small, and teacher-student interaction is encouraged."
These new relationships and initiatives, Peters added, are programs that specifically focus on the Community Colleges and their needs, but also the needs of the larger community. And with
"Of course we want to see growth in the number of transfer students that choose TSU, and a growth in the number of partnerships. More importantly we want to see partnerships between community college faculty and university faculty whereby they engage in joint research and curriculum design," Peters said. "These types of partnerships benefit the students, the community and the state in our effort to insure that the majority of our citizens have a college degree."
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