Edison, Wright State establish partnership for ‘seamless’ transition

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PIQUA — With the goal of helping students get the most out of their higher education, Edison State Community College and Wright State University have agreed to a partnership that will allow for better transition between the two institutions.

President Dr. Doreen Larson of Edison and Provost Dr. Thomas Sudkamp of Wright State signed a memorandum agreement this week to begin the PASS Partnership Program between the college and university. The partnership will provide a path to a bachelor’s degree from Wright State and avoid the dreaded moments of credits not transferring.

“It’s really getting students, getting them on track right when they come in the door,” Sudkamp said, adding that this partnership is another “special thing that can keep students involved.”

With the partnership also comes more scholarship opportunities for students.

“We’re beyond excited that (the) next level of transfer scholarships will be opening up for our students for fall,” Vice President of Student Affairs Scott Burnam of Edison said. “It feels very, very real — very, very solid.”

The PASS program will formalize links between Wright State University’s Dayton and Lake campuses and Edison State Community College’s Piqua and Darke County campuses.

“Now it has a name, now it has structure,” Burnam said.

“Wright State is a great institution,” Larson said. “It’s a wonderful place to send our students.”

Larson added later on that they are confident at Edison that Wright State will treat their students right.

“It’s a wonderful way for … our students to have an eye on the prize, and but also it’s the reputation and the good work you do with students,” Larson said.

“In looking at the success rate of transfer students … Edison students have a high graduation rate,” said Charles Long, executive director of the Transfer Student Resource Center at Wright State.

The objective of the PASS program is to facilitate student entry or reentry into a bachelor’s degree program at Wright State.

“It will benefit our students,” Larson said about the PASS program after the memorandum was signed. Sudkamp agreed, adding that the success of the students was what was important.

Goals of the PASS program include:

• Eliminating barriers for students in attaining their educational goals

• Promoting student success and baccalaureate degree attainment

• Expanding Edison State Community College options for student housing

• Improving academic program articulation

• Using resources at both institutions efficiently and effectively

The PASS pathway will provide students with support from both institutions in order to ensure a “seamless transition” from Edison to Wright State, according to the memorandum. Whether the students’ transitions are from Edison to Wright State or they end up going back and forth more than once, the advising team at both institutions will work together for the best interests of the students.

Students interested in entering the PASS program must declare the intention to enroll at Wright State University following the completion of a specified program of study at Edison State Community College. The specified program may consist of an entire associate degree or a set of course equivalencies, depending upon the students prior academic record and intended major.

To get started, students must complete Edison’s application and indicate their interest in participating in the PASS program either on the application or to an appropriate Edison staff member. Edison will notify Wright State of PASS participants.

While in the PASS program, students will receive advising from both Edison and Wright State, which will make sure that no credits are wasted and are transferable between the two institutions toward degree requirements. In addition to joint advising, students in the PASS program will be provided the opportunity to use identified Wright State facilities and become part of the Wright State community.

Students must also remain in good academic standing at Edison in order to continue in the program and be successful. Upon completion of the PASS program at Edison, students will have guaranteed admission to Wright State.

President Dr. Doreen Larson of Edison State Community College (left) and Provost Dr. Thomas Sudkamp of Wright State University (right) sign the memorandum agreement to begin the PASS Partnership Program.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2016/04/web1_Edison-Wright-State-photo-cmyk.jpgPresident Dr. Doreen Larson of Edison State Community College (left) and Provost Dr. Thomas Sudkamp of Wright State University (right) sign the memorandum agreement to begin the PASS Partnership Program. Provided photo
Edison, Wright State form partnership

By Sam Wildow

[email protected]

Benefits of the PASS Program:

Edison Benefits

• Library privileges and technology support

• Admission to Edison events

• Athletics and intramurals

• Career exploration

• Disability services

• Academic support, such as tutoring

• Counseling services

• Academic advising

• Student employment

Wright State Benefits

• Waiver of Wright State undergraduate application fee

• Eligibility for Next Step partnership scholarship

• Admission to non-ticketed athletic and cultural events

• Academic advising

• Participation or attendance in select student life activities*

• Option of living on campus at Wright State**

• Student parking with purchase of permit***

*Students in the PASS program will be assessed fees equivalent to those of Wright State students for extramural activities.

**Students must apply and be accepted for housing at www.wright.edu/housing/

***For residential students only. Additional fees required.

Reach reporter Sam Wildow at (937) 451-3336 or on Twitter @TheDailyCall

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