Technical Colleges Sign Letters of Intent with Clemson and USC
March 4, 2015
GREENVILLE, SC – Today, officials from the SC Technical College System, the University of South Carolina and Clemson University came together to sign letters of intent to offer coordinated admission—streamlining the transfer process for students graduating from in-state technical colleges to both universities.
The institutions are continuing to work through details associated with the agreement, but the move is a first step toward curriculum and program reviews, assessment of advising practices and the establishment of admission standards.
Once implemented, the program would aid students in making a more seamless transfer between institutions, help reduce lost time to graduation and relieve some of the added financial burden now associated with transferring. Participating students must graduate from a transfer-oriented associate degree program at a South Carolina technical college with an agreed-upon cumulative grade-point average.
The partnership opens new pathways for South Carolinians to pursue a four-year degree and will help meet the economic needs of our state as businesses demand a more educated workforce and the need for bachelor’s degree holders rises.
“The SC Technical College System was founded on accessibility,” said James C. Williamson, president of the SC Technical College System. “We are proud to be building on our relationship with these two research universities and broadening that key tenet. This agreement will benefit students and families across South Carolina by allowing students to take financial advantage of lower tuition in a high-quality learning environment for the initial two years then transfer seamlessly to complete a bachelor’s degree at USC or Clemson.”
“I am pleased that the state’s technical colleges and its two largest universities have come together to provide a clear and affordable pathway for students who are interested in earning a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Keith Miller, president of Greenville Technical College. “These students now can be assured that the first two years completed in the supportive environment of Greenville Technical College and other South Carolina technical colleges will lead them directly to the final two years on the four-year campus.”
“The University of South Carolina is committed to both public and private partnerships that promote the economic and overall wellbeing of South Carolina,” said USC President Harris Pastides. “As USC continues to develop flexible new models for college access, affordability and baccalaureate completion, we welcome this opportunity to partner with the SC Technical College System to work toward a more seamless transfer between institutions.”
“Clemson University welcomes this opportunity to provide additional options and pathways to a four-year degree for the students of our state,” said James P. Clements, president of Clemson University. “This agreement aligns perfectly with Clemson’s commitment to quality academics, high return on investment and unmatched student experience. In addition to increasing access to a Clemson degree, the agreement gives us another tool to help meet the workforce needs of our state, particularly in science and engineering fields.”
