Partnership forms new degree completion program

<p>Arizona State University and Central Arizona College have entered into a partnership to increase the number of students who complete a community college degree and attend and graduate from ASU.</p><separator></separator><p>The goal is to significantly increase the number of students transferring to ASU from Central Arizona College, and to increase their success at the university.</p><separator></separator><p>Recognizing that academic preparation is the single most important determinant of transfer-student success, the two institutions have established the Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) program.</p><separator></separator><p>TAG is an articulated degree-to-degree transfer program that will provide guaranteed admission into an ASU undergraduate degree program for CAC students who complete the requirements of a specific TAG.</p><separator></separator><p>Under the program, students will complete their associate’s degree at the community college and their bachelor’s degree at the university.</p><separator></separator><p>CAC students participating in the TAG program become eligible for the Tuition Commitment Program at ASU. The initiative is designed to help Arizona resident students and their families better plan their educational financing by limiting the tuition increases that will occur during completion of a bachelor’s degree.</p><separator></separator><p>CAC President/CEO Dennis Jenkins and ASU President Michael Crow participated in a signing ceremony for the TAG program at Central Arizona College’s Signal Peak Campus on Friday, September 4.</p><separator></separator><p>“Linkages between the community college and the university are essential to the future of our educational enterprise in Arizona,” Crow says. “Central Arizona College and ASU have enhanced our relationship through this new program and thus we are enhancing opportunities for student success.” </p><separator></separator><p>CAC and ASU have a strong history of developing collaborations and partnerships to support transfer-student success. As the need for educated workers in the state increases, they are ramping up their efforts.</p><separator></separator><p>Goals include encouraging CAC students to earn an associate’s degree before transferring, making students aware of financial aid opportunities and requirements, and increasing collection and sharing of data.</p><separator></separator><p>“While Central Arizona College serves students seeking job training, certifications and two-year degrees, we also recognize the need to foster four-year degree programs in Pinal County,” Jenkins says. “This partnership gives us the ability to meet the needs of our community and is another way we can expand accessibility to higher education in the region.”</p><separator></separator><p>The two institutions will work together during the fall and spring semesters to implement the TAG program.</p>