
Dr. Hope Rivers/SCTCS, Mike LeFever/SCICU and Dr. Tim Hardee/SCTCS sign agreement
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Article by: Kelly Steinhilper | SC Technical College System
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.
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.
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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: steinhilper@sctechsystem.edu