Partnership Formalizes Two-Plus-Two Model for Associate Degree Candidates to Pursue Four-Year Degree – Posted 9/30/16
In a move that will create a new path to affordable higher education for Northern New Jersey students, Montclair State University and County College of Morris (CCM) on September 29 formalized an automatic transfer initiative allowing associate degree candidates at CCM to seamlessly transfer to the four-year, research doctoral university and pursue bachelor’s degrees in selected programs.
The program formalizes a two-plus-two model designed to promote student success and ensures a guaranteed four-year path to an undergraduate degree from one of New Jersey’s most affordable public universities.
“Access to high-quality, affordable higher education should be available to anyone with the desire to pursue and the capacity to benefit by it, and this agreement will provide that opportunity for many students,” said Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole. “This partnership expands on a long and successful transfer relationship between the two institutions.”
“We’re delighted to provide CCM students with this seamless pathway for earning their bachelor’s degrees from Montclair State University,” said CCM President Anthony J. Iacono. “By starting at CCM and then transferring to Montclair State, students can more affordably meet their goals of obtaining a higher education, while also establishing lasting relationships with two quality institutions.”
To be eligible, CCM students must complete or be currently pursuing the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees offered by the institution. Students who applied to Montclair State as first-time, full-time freshmen for the fall 2016 semester but were not granted admission and are enrolled at CCM are also eligible for the program, provided they are pursuing either of the associate degree tracks.
Program participants will choose one of 25 preapproved majors at Montclair State. Available programs include visual arts, psychology, chemistry and economics, with additional programs to be added in future academic years. The initiative is poised to not only create a closer relationship between the two institutions, but also to improve student success through shared resources. Montclair State University representatives will regularly visit CCM to conduct academic advising and provide workshops, and CCM students will be invited to Montclair State’s 252-acre campus to participate in events and activities.
“This strengthened relationship is part of a concerted effort to increase the scope of our partnerships with New Jersey’s community colleges, and provide more opportunities for students at these institutions to transition to a four-year university of Montclair State’s caliber,” said Montclair State University Director of Undergraduate Admissions Jeffrey Indiveri-Gant. “This fall, Montclair State has once again posted record-breaking student enrollment with an enrollment of about 21,000 students, and our latest incoming class is one of the most accomplished in our history. We have no doubt the students of CCM can and will continue this positive trend when they become Red Hawks as part of this initiative.”
Photo: Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, president of County College of Morris (seated left), Dr. Susan A. Cole, president of Montclair State University (seated right), and administrators from both institutions at the signing of a transfer agreement between the two schools.
Credit: Mike Peters, Montclair State University
