Date: February 25, 2011
Contact: Eric Matanyi
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: ematanyi@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
GSU and Ivy Tech Sign Dual Admissions Agreement
University Park, IL, February 25, 2011 - An important step in enhancing educational access and opportunity was taken when Governors State University and Indiana’s Ivy Tech Community College system joined forces and the leaders of each institution signed a Joint Degree Partnership agreement. The statewide partnership provides a seamless transfer process between GSU and all Ivy Tech campuses.
"In establishing this good neighbor partnership with Ivy Tech, we encourage students to complete associate degrees and then move seamlessly toward achieving bachelor's degrees,” GSU president Dr. Elaine P. Maimon, commented at the recent signing ceremony. “If the nation is to compete, we know we must move the needle on the percentage of community college students who achieve bachelor’s degrees."
Students enrolled in the program will develop a study plan that includes classes at both institutions. In addition, students will benefit from advising at both schools as well as access to other dual services including academic and financial support, student activities, technology, and library privileges.
J. Guadalupe Valtierra, JD, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College Northwest noted, “The agreement provides a historic opportunity not just for our students in northwest Indiana, but for all Ivy Tech students across the state. This opportunity will further enhance the value of an Associate of Arts degree by painting it as the first step to earning a bachelor’s and beyond.”
The partnership strengthens GSU’s presence in the Indiana market. In 2010, the university began offering Illinois in-state tuition to all undergraduate Indiana residents.
The program will initially target student attending Ivy Tech campuses in East Chicago, Gary, Michigan City, and Valparaiso, but is open to all Ivy Tech students.
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually.
