Jan. 9, 2012. Appalachian State University and Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College have signed a “2+2” articulation agreement which will guarantee admission to up to six Associate in Science degree community college graduates each year to the university’s degree program in fermentation sciences.
Representatives from both educational institutions have collaborated on a four-year course sequencing plan that will allow the community college students who follow the prescribed two-year curriculum at A-B Tech to earn their bachelor’s degree from Appalachian with two years of additional study.
“I see this as a great prototype for the kind of agreements we need in place to develop solutions to workforce needs and assure timely graduation for transfer students,” said Dr. Mike Mayfield, vice provost for undergraduate education at Appalachian.
The goal of the agreement is to provide greater access, options and educational opportunities and services for students between institutions.
“Our students will take courses that not only satisfy the requirements for an Associate in Science degree, but will also fit the criteria Appalachian wants to give students the appropriate background needed for their program,” said Dr. Jon Wiener, associate dean of math and science at A-B Tech.
Since receiving approval by the UNC General Administration in 2012, the fermentation sciences program at Appalachian has received a tremendous amount of interest and inquiries from students.
“While the level of interest from traditional college students has been high, there is an equal interest from non-traditional students seeking career changes, degree completion, or a second four-year degree,” said Dr. Seth Cohen, director of the fermentation science program.
“It is imperative to provide students in N.C. affordable and pragmatic options to get the education they need to find employment or build a successful business,” Cohen said. “The industries surrounding the fermentation sciences continue to grow and represent large economic potentials for this region.”
Appalachian has several 2+2 articulation agreements with international and domestic institutions, but this is the first with a North Carolina community college. As a part of the university’s enrollment growth plan, and a local, state and national emphasis for students to earn a college degree in four years, Appalachian’s Office of Transfer Articulation will work closely with community colleges as well as academic areas on campus to establish relationships that will encourage future agreements.
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