SOUTH PORTLAND — Southern Maine Community College students wishing to continue their educations at a four-year institution no longer need to worry about credits not transferring.
SMCC entered into an agreement Tuesday with Husson University to create an easy transfer of course credits between the two schools.
“This partnership between SMCC and Husson will contribute to student success at both institutions,” SMCC President Ronald Cantor said in a press release. “This agreement ensures a smooth transition from community college to university, and from associate degree to bachelor degree.”
Prior to the agreement, only criminal justice course credits transferred. Now there are eight different program transfers available, including business administration, sport management, computer science, computer technology, and hospitality management.
“We’re hoping to see students go on to (Husson) and be able to go on to a great career path,” Marie Hansen, dean of the College of Business at Husson, said.
Officials said SMCC and Husson entered into the agreement, which went into effect immediately, so that students would have more opportunities and wouldn’t have to waste time pursuing those opportunities.
“This agreement allows students to pre-plan their college careers so they can avoid taking unneeded credits and spending money on courses that won’t count towards a bachelor’s degree,” Hansen said in a press release.
While the primary intent is for students to be able to plan ahead, the ability to transfer credits also opens up possibilities for SMCC alumni.
Cantor said SMCC had 1,000 students graduate this spring, all of whom now have the opportunity to continue their educations. SMCC transfer students will be able to enter Husson as early as this fall.
Cantor and Hansen both said they wanted to make the option of transferring easier for students, and that both schools are committed to giving students more opportunities for success. Hansen said this applies to all students, and she hopes this agreement will benefit students who are pursuing an education in ways that might not be as common.
“For non-traditional students, it’s important to have these opportunities,” she said.
According to a press release, the transfer of credits from SMCC will apply to Husson’s main campus in Bangor and its satellite campus in Westbrook.
Cantor said he believes the agreement will be useful to students and will be an overall success for both schools. He said he is glad SMCC was able to work with Husson in this way.
“Husson’s an excellent choice,” Cantor said. “We just want to make it easier for students to be successful.”
Kate Gardner can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 125 or kgardner@theforecaster.net. Follow her on Twitter: @katevgardner.
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