Dr. L. Ray Brooks, president of Piedmont Technical College, and Presbyterian College President Robert E. Staton sign the transfer bridge agreement.
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/web1_2015-03-14-20.43.52.jpgDr. L. Ray Brooks, president of Piedmont Technical College, and Presbyterian College President Robert E. Staton sign the transfer bridge agreement. Photo courtesy of Presbyterian College

CLINTON — Presbyterian College President Robert E. Staton and Piedmont Technical College President Dr. L. Ray Brooks signed a transfer bridge agreement during a ceremony held at PTC in Laurens County.

The agreement, signed Nov. 2, is designed to enhance the transfer of students from PTC to PC. The collaboration is intended to serve students by providing program support and services which facilitate the transfer process and prepare and assimilate students desiring to matriculate to PC.

“Our goal is to make the transfer from Piedmont to PC as seamless as possible,” said Brian J. Fortman, PC dean of enrollment. “The bridge agreement offers students a clear and defined academic pathway, a variety of scholarship opportunities, and the ability to participate in PC events by the time they sign their intent.”

The agreement allows for students to begin their academics at PTC and then be considered for transfer to PC when they reach 30 semester hours of transferable work — for traditional students, or for students who want to enter PC with junior status — 60 semester hours of transferable work specifically applicable to the student’s major.

To qualify to participate in this agreement, students must have a GPA of 2.50 or higher in their chosen program at PTC and a grade of “C” or better in all transfer courses.

“Careful consideration was given when analyzing courses at both institutions, in order to provide a pathway for students to obtain a bachelor’s degree in four years,” said Kendra Woodson, PC registrar and director of records.

Both colleges agreed that a partnership made sense in today’s educational climate. With demand for changes in access and quality in higher education, the rise in non-traditional students, and the increasing costs of obtaining a four-year degree, an agreement like this one benefits all involved.

“Piedmont Technical College has quality students, and we would like the opportunity for those students to continue their education at Presbyterian College,” said Staton. “The agreement could provide access to students who might not have the ability to attend a four-year private institution for all four years. This partnership benefits both of our institutions, as well as the community as a whole. This is an exciting step for all of us.”

Brooks repeated that sentiment and added that the local economy could be impacted by this agreement as well.

“The students who will be taking advantage of this agreement already live in the community,” Brooks said. “After graduating, they are much more likely to stay in this community and work, because they already have families here.”

Students who choose to participate in the transfer program will receive a waiver of their application fee at PC and consideration for additional scholarships as available from the institution or other resources. Students will also be assigned an admissions counselor or student mentor to help guide them through the transfer process.

Additionally, students will be offered the opportunity to participate in identified PC programs and events while still in attendance at PTC. This could include free admission to sporting events, and access to campus and cultural events, and to PC’s library.

PC will be hosting a Transfer Day on campus in Spring 2016 for those interested in the program (date TBD). Students will be given the opportunity to meet and interact with staff from admissions, financial aid, student affairs, career services, and representatives from their chosen academic area. The College will also be offering campus tours.

Contact Presbyterian College admissions at 864-833-2820 for more information.

This release was provided by Presbyterian College.