Galloway, N.J. — �ֲ���ý University has signed a dual admission and transfer partnership agreement with Bucks County Community College that will help students make a smooth transition from the two-year college to �ֲ���ý’s bachelor’s degree programs.

The agreement strengthens the relationship between �ֲ���ý and Bucks, located in Newtown, Pennsylvania, by offering multiple opportunities for students to seamlessly pursue associate and bachelor’s degrees at the two institutions of higher education.

The ability to transfer academic credits between the two institutions will help students save both time and money by eliminating unnecessary or duplication of courses. The agreement recognizes all Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degrees from Bucks as fully transferable to �ֲ���ý, up to 64 credits.

“The agreement offers students an affordable path to a four-year college degree by giving students access to �ֲ���ý services and advising while they attend Bucks County Community College and provides a smooth pathway to �ֲ���ý as juniors after they earn their associate degree,” �ֲ���ý President Joe Bertolino said.

The two institutions also signed program-to-program transfer agreements in Business Administration, including Marketing and Management concentrations.

Bucks County Community College President & CEO Patrick M. Jones added, “We are excited to partner with �ֲ���ý to minimize student debt allowing students to save time and money and the opportunity to graduate from a top-ranked university with their bachelor’s degree. �ֲ���ý’s high-quality programs, tradition of student success, and unique location in South Jersey amid a variety of industries and recreational opportunities will make this an attractive opportunity for our students.”

 The terms of the agreement include:

• Students who successfully complete their associate degree at Bucks County Community College can automatically transfer to �ֲ���ý with junior standing to complete their bachelor’s degree. Application fees to �ֲ���ý will be waived for eligible students.
• Students who complete at least 30 credits at Bucks County Community College, and a total of 60 credits between the community college and the four-year institution, are eligible to receive a retroactive associate degree from Bucks. �ֲ���ý and Bucks will co-host “reverse transfer” information sessions for students.
• �ֲ���ý and Bucks County Community College will develop specific program-to-program articulation agreements for high-demand majors to facilitate the quality and ease of transfer.
• Students will receive joint advising from �ֲ���ý and Bucks County Community College.
• Students will be eligible for financial aid from whichever institution they are attending. �ֲ���ý will provide five one-year scholarships of $2,000 per year to Bucks County Community College graduates whose admission to �ֲ���ý is covered by the agreement.
• �ֲ���ý and Bucks will work together to provide opportunities for Bucks County Community College students who have completed two semesters at Bucks to participate in �ֲ���ý’s Live-Work-Learn summer experience program.
• Bucks County, Pennsylvania, residents who are not admitted directly to �ֲ���ý as a first-year applicant can receive conditional dual admission in partnership with Bucks County Community College. Students will attend classes at Bucks County Community College but have access to campus housing, activities and student groups at �ֲ���ý and receive a special �ֲ���ý identification card through �ֲ���ý’s Transfer Pathways program.

This is �ֲ���ý’s first full transfer pathway agreement outside of New Jersey, where it has similar agreements with 12 of the state’s community colleges.

--Photos by Susan Allen

Media contacts:
Stacey Clapp
Director of Strategic Communications
Stacey.Clapp@stockton.edu
609-626-3645
609-412-8069
stockton.edu/media

Mark Melhorn
Associate Director of News and Media Relations
Mark.Melhorn@stockton.edu
609-652-4593
609-350-3099
stockton.edu/media