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Clark State and Ohio Univ. PartnershipPublished: 1/22/2010 Clark State Community College students with aspirations of pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University will now be able to continue their academic pursuits near home as the two schools have finalized a unique seamless articulation agreement which will expand higher education opportunities for area residents. As a result of the new partnership, Clark State students will be afforded the opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree by completing up to three years of higher education on the College’s campus and one year of academic courses through Ohio University’s distance learning program. The two academic institutions announced the new articulation partnership at a signing ceremony Friday, Jan. 22 at 10:30 a.m. on Clark State’s Leffel Lane campus. "Clark State's enhanced partnership with Ohio University will further expand our students' educational opportunities, while allowing them to remain in our community," said Dr. David Devier, vice president, academic and student affairs. "More students are choosing to start their bachelor's degree at Clark State and transfer to four-year universities and the College is dedicated to making these opportunities readily available." Greater access to higher education is imperative if Ohio is to compete successfully in the global economy, Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut has said. Chancellor Fingerhut has challenged Ohio’s colleges and universities to find new ways of working together to meet the measures set forth in the state’s strategic plan for higher education, including the percentage of bachelor’s degree recipients with academic credits from a community or technical college. He has stated that the result of creating opportunities for students to attend multiple institutions on a single campus will have an immediate impact on increasing the number of college graduates. One of the first results of the agreement will do just that. The collaboration between Clark State and Ohio University will offer individuals, who have earned an associate degree in a technical field, an opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University without leaving the area. Three degree programs will be offered initially as part of the new articulation agreement, providing Clark State students with flexible options to meet degree requirements. Clark State students will have the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor of Technical and Applied Sciences degree by maximizing transfer of credits earned from any of the College’s Associate of Applied Science or Applied Business degree programs. In addition, Ohio University’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree will provide a convenient and affordable advancement path for those Clark State students who have completed an associate degree in a criminal justice area. Students who have completed an associate degree in nursing and earned their RN licensure can complete a bachelor’s in nursing through the RN-to-BSN program, which is accredited by the Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). While pursuing their bachelor’s degree, students will have the option of taking some academic courses from Clark State and others online from Ohio University, with the option of completing over half of the curriculum requirements or more at Clark State. "This partnership between Clark State Community College and Ohio University is an example of the degree to which higher education aims to serve Ohio citizens through close collaboration and the smart use of technology," noted Ohio University Vice Provost for University Outreach Charles P. Bird. In addition to convenience, the new programs will provide affordable options for students who may not desire or be able to relocate by offering an average savings of about 40 percent on the cost of tuition toward a bachelor’s degree. The partnership also streamlines transfer of credits, student services and financial aid activities for students in the program, making the ability to move between the two institutions’ systems seamless. "We are pleased to be able to offer students whose work and family circumstances prevent them from attending classes at Ohio University’s Athens campus the opportunity to experience the academic excellence that is a hallmark of our bachelor’s degree programs," said Bird. Clark State Community College serves the educational and workforce development needs of Clark, Champaign, Greene and Logan Counties. More than 4,400 students are attending the College's three campus locations in Springfield, Beavercreek and Bellefontaine. The College is a leader in online learning, offering the highest percentage of online courses in the state. Half of Clark State's students are completing courses and degree programs online. Clark State was named one of the fastest growing community colleges by Community College Week recently experienced a 25% increase in enrollment for Fall 2009. The College also operates a Performing Arts Center which houses two theatres and is the home to all of Clark County's arts presenters. Chartered in 1804, Ohio University is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Students come from every state in the union and 100 different countries. Currently enrolling more than 29,000 students on the Athens campus and five regional campuses, Ohio University offers over 275 undergraduate majors through 10 academic colleges and the Center for International Studies. The university also offers master's degrees in nearly all areas, 20 doctoral degrees, and a doctoral degree in osteopathic medicine. More information about the academic programs available through the Clark State and Ohio University articulation agreement, please visit www.ohiou.edu/clarkstate. MEDIA CONTACT: |