Media Release: Seventeen of South Carolina's private nonprofit colleges and universities sign agreement with South Carolina's technical colleges to expand and encourage access

For Immediate Release

Seventeen of South Carolina's private nonprofit colleges and universities sign agreement with South Carolina's technical colleges to expand and encourage access


	Mike LeFever/SCICU and Tim Hardee/SCTCS

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - South Carolina's

Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) and the SC Technical College System (SCTCS) have signed a memorandum of understanding designed to increase access and enhance the seamless transfer of students and graduates from the 16 technical colleges in South Carolina to participating private nonprofit colleges and universities in the state.

Participating SCICU colleges and universities include Allen University, Anderson University, Benedict College, Charleston Southern University, Claflin University, Coker College, Columbia College,

Columbia International University, Converse College, Erskine College, Limestone College, Morris College, Newberry College, North Greenville University, Southern Wesleyan University, Spartanburg Methodist College and Voorhees College.


	Dr. Hope Rivers/SCTCS, Mike LeFever/SCICU and Dr. Tim Hardee/SCTCS sign agreement

SCTCS and participating SCICU colleges and universities will closely examine and enhance transfer functions to expand and encourage access for students who complete an associate in arts or an associate science degree at one of the state's 16 technical colleges. The agreement is designed to provide a clearly defined path to graduation and reduce the cost of obtaining a degree.

"This partnership creates a tremendous opportunity for more students to have access to baccalaureate education," says Mike LeFever, president and CEO of South Carolina Independent College and Universities. " Students can begin their educational journey at one of the 16 technical colleges across the state then transfer seamlessly to one of our participating private nonprofit college and universities providing an accessible path forward for individuals who wish to attain a bachelor's degree. This partnership works to build the educated workforce we need for stronger communities and a stronger economy."

"Affordability and accessibility are the foundation blocks of the SC Technical College System," says Dr. Tim Hardee, president for the SC Technical College System. "We are the entry point into higher education for the majority of South Carolinians. This agreement with the state's private nonprofit colleges and universities opens up new doors and provides more options for our students to achieve their educational and career goals."

Once implemented, the program will aid students in making a more seamless transfer between institutions. It will help reduce lost time to graduation and relieve some of the added financial burden now associated with transferring. Students who have completed an associate of arts or associate of science degree program at a South Carolina technical college with an agreed-upon cumulative grade-point average will enter a participating SCICU college or university with junior standing. All transfer courses will be accepted and applied to the attainment of the degree appropriate to the student's major.

###

South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU) . Chartered by the State of South Carolina as a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation in 1953, the South Carolina Independent College and Universities, Inc. (SCICU) is a charitable organization that is directed by a board of trustees composed of leading citizens representing a cross-section of the higher education, business, and civic leadership in South Carolina. SCICU represents 20 independent colleges and universities each with a unique historical, cultural and in many instances, faith background. Included in the membership are five historically black colleges and universities and two women's colleges.

The SC Technical College System. Comprised of 16 colleges located strategically across the state and two internationally-renowned statewide programs: readySC™ and Apprenticeship Carolina™, the SC Technical College System is dedicated to furthering economic and workforce development in South Carolina. As the state's largest higher education system, the SC Technical System serves more than a quarter million South Carolinians each year and educates more of our state's undergraduates than all the other public higher education institutions combined. Dedicated to making a quality higher education

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Kelly Steinhilper/vice president of communications
SC Technical College System
803.896.5408 / email: [email protected]