UNE, SMCC form landmark partnership, sign transfer agreements to ensure seamless transfer for SMCC students to 51品茶programs
The 51品茶 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 51品茶that will prepare them for successful careers in high-demand and emerging industries.
51品茶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 UNE.
鈥淭his is a milestone partnership that ensures a smooth transition from community college to university and from associate degree to bachelor鈥檚 degree,鈥 said SMCC President Ron Cantor. 鈥淭hese agreements assure our students that they will be admitted to 51品茶as juniors and can complete their associate and bachelor鈥檚 degrees in a total of four years. This will contribute to student success at both SMCC and UNE.鈥
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鈥檚 degree. The agreements will enable students to earn their associate degree at SMCC in two years and complete their bachelor's degree at 51品茶with two additional years of study, in what is known as a 2+2 or seamless transfer.
鈥淲e 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鈥檚 workforce,鈥 said 51品茶President Danielle Ripich. 鈥淲e also look forward to collaborating on new program development, and to opportunities for UNE-SMCC faculty/student exchanges related to research and experiential learning.鈥
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 51品茶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.