Access to higher education for students of all stripes was the theme of a celebration Monday afternoon at Allen County Community College.
The college hosted Kansas State University President Kirk Schulz and other K-State administrators to celebrate K-State’s new partnership with all 19 Kansas community colleges.
This summer, K-State completed partnership signings with the 19 community colleges, making it possible for Kansans everywhere to earn a bachelor’s degree in general business at KSU through “2+2” general agreements.
The agreements outline courses students need to take during their two years of study at their local community colleges, then transferring to KSU for their final two years.
In a nod to today’s technology, the coursework can be done via online courses.
The premise, Schulz said, was to remove a significant barricade for community college students, when they leave for a four-year university only to return before earning their bachelor’s degree “because it wasn’t what you expected.”
The agreements spell out in an easy to understand chart which courses can be completed at the community college level and transferred to K-State, plus the courses necessary at the university level.
Giving more students the ability to earn business degrees is a vital component to ensure Kansas’ long-term economic stability, Schulz said.
NOWHERE IS the 2+2 pacts more prevalent than at ACCC. Allen County is one of only two community colleges in the state — Butler County is the other — with as many as six such agreements with K-State.
John Masterson, ACCC president, noted the long-time concerns of community college students — that credits they’ve earned can transfer to a four-year university.
The 2+2 agreements erase those concerns, Masterson said.
“That’s where it really matters — for the students,” Masterson said.
Sue Maes, K-State’s dean of continuing education, pointed to the elimination of redundant coursework for students because their community college credits transfer to K-State. That eliminates the additional time and financial costs to students and their families, she said.
ALSO ON hand for the celebration were Brian Inbody, president of Neosho County Community College in Chanute, Alycia Johnston, vice president for learning at Coffeyville Community College, and Donna Estill, dean of instruction at Fort Scott Community College.
