Member Matters July 2023

Proactive Partnerships
Rockford University has launched an annual Business Summit, offering a new channel for direct input from regional industry leaders. The summit includes interactive workshops and other engagement that supports coordination and collaboration with local employers (WREX).

Students who complete a bachelor's or graduate degree in finance, economics, business, or law from University of Maryland Global Campus can receive a discount on becoming a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority-certified risk specialist (UMGC).

Following a successful "Construct Your Future" event earlier this year, Penn State is continuing its partnership with the Builders Association of Central Pennsylvania to increase awareness among young women about career pathway opportunities in the skilled trades (Professional Builder).

With support from Johnson Controls, Salt Lake Community College is covering tuition for students, aligning curricula with career pathways in the building automation industry, and creating hands-on learning opportunities (Utah Business).

The Global Polytechnic Education Alliance saw Utah Tech University host the 2023 Global Polytechnic Summit, which drew more than 130 scholars from eight countries around a focus on preparing the workforce of the future (Silicon Slopes).

Accelerating Adult Learning
Bucks County Community College is launching a new weekend college featuring expedited pathways to high-demand occupations as well as transfer opportunities to four-year programs (Lower Bucks Times).

Among the factors behind Lincoln University's success in "defying the odds when it comes to student enrollment growth" is meeting the needs of nontraditional students, including learners looking to upskill or reskill (The Edvocate).

Similarly, Penn State is advancing inclusive enrollment strategies that contemplate community college transfers and other adult learners (Penn State).

The Colorado Community College System will offer free training that prepares learners for occupations in priority industries. The opportunity is offered through the state-funded workforce development initiative Career Advance Colorado (KCNC).

Awards and Other Recognition
Two Syracuse University veteran-serving programs, the D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families and the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, are represented in the 2023 Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program (Syracuse University). 

UW-Green Bay has been recognized as a top college for "nontraditional and adult learners" (UW-Green Bay).

Elizabethtown College has been honored as a 2023-24 College of Distinction (Elizabethtown College).

Creative Credentials
LSU is incorporating an online program preparing students for leading IT security certification and high-demand roles (The Advocate).

Worcester State University is introducing an array of microcredentials designed in partnership with faculty and experts from diverse industries (Worcester State University).

Adult Learner Perspectives
After decades of fulfilling other responsibilities, two sisters have graduated together from SUNY Orange, reconnecting with a family tradition of health care work (Hudson Valley Press).

At Mississippi State University-Meridian, three family members are pursuing degrees together: a daughter, plus her parents who were drawn by the university's new B.A.S. degree, which allows students to apply technical education or military credits and is aligned with more than 30 career pathways (MSU-Meridian).

In Their Own Words
The assistant vice president and dean of the Morgan State University College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies and the senior admissions recruiter discussed the college's programs, which are configured to create accessible pathways for working adult learners and other nontraditional students (WEAA).

The vice president and chief of sector partnerships for CareerSource Tampa Bay wrote of his organization's new online career pathways platform, which is helping to connect job seekers with in-demand workforce openings (Tampa Bay Business and Wealth).

The president of Florida International University recounted recent achievements and reflected on the importance and structure of industry partnerships (Capital Analytics Associates).

The Art of Articulation
A 3+1 transfer agreement between College of DuPage and Concordia University Chicago will allow students to complete a B.A. in health care management at the university through a reduced-tuition, online program (Daily Herald).

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Lakeshore Technical College are partnering to allow students who complete an associate degree at the college to transfer to the university with guaranteed junior standing (Sheboygan Sun).

An articulation agreement between North Carolina Central University and Alamance Community College hopes to meet growing workforce demands in North Carolina's life sciences industry with online modalities and resources allowing graduates of the college to remain at ACC after transferring (NC Central University). 

Georgia College & State University and Mercer University College have implemented an agreement giving the college's students priority applicant status at the university's doctor of pharmacy program (Middle Georgia CEO).

South Louisiana Community College and University of Holy Cross have established a 2+2 agreement to offer more-seamless transfer for SLCC students who want to complete an accelerated online bachelor's degree in business administration or accounting (Lafayette Daily Advertiser).