Dual Degree Program Cited as a National Model of Innovation
University Park, IL –(ENEWSPF)—November 6, 2014. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities announced Governors State University and its Dual Degree Program as one of the inaugural winners in a new awards program honoring member institutions for excellence and innovation in several major areas of campus life and leadership.
The Student Success and College Completion Awardwent to GSU for the university’s Dual Degree Program that gives students a pathway to two degrees – an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree. The university provides Transfer Specialists who guide community college students in creating an individualized four-year academic plan. The program also locks in the GSU tuition rate when students are admitted to DDP and is good for two years after starting at GSU.
In announcing the award, AASCU said, “With degree completion a national priority, Governors State University has developed a comprehensive approach for transfer students, the Dual Degree Program, that increases the number of students earning both an associate and a bachelor’s degree. The campus’ partnership with 17 area community colleges provides extensive support to facilitate transfer and completion.”
“I was thrilled to represent GSU at the presentation of AASCU’s Inaugural Excellence and Innovation Award. This national recognition for the Dual Degree Program is the result of many people working together at the university and at our 17 partner community colleges. After the ceremony, many university presidents spoke to me about their wish to replicate the DDP pathway at their institutions,” said Governors State University President Elaine P. Maimon.
In looking at what’s facing public higher education, AASCU President Muriel A. Howard said, “State colleges and universities have dealt with enormous challenges during the past decade, yet they have remained committed to their missions of student access and success, and regional and economic progress, as well as a dedication to advancing the quality and distinction of their institutions. The innovative and collaborative approaches our members have engaged to successfully address their missions inspired us to create this awards program to foster recognition of their work.”
A Second Honor for GSU’s Dual Degree Program
The National Resource Center for the First Year Experience and Students in Transition recognized the GSU Dual Degree Program with a second award. During its conference in Denver last week the NRC launched this new award for “… institutions that have designed and implemented outstanding collaborative initiatives enhancing significant transitions during the undergraduate experience. Award recipients … have demonstrated the effectiveness of the initiative in supporting student success, learning and development at a variety of transition points beyond the first college year and in responding to unique institutional needs.”
“The National Resource Center is the epicenter of research and best practices on supporting students in transition. We are honored that they recognize our efforts and contributions to the field. And we look forward to exploring new and innovative ways to continue to support our transfer students,” said Roshunda Ross, Director of the GSU Dual Degree Program.
Governors State University was founded in 1969 as an upper division university. Today, as a four-year university, more than 5,500 undergraduate and graduate students choose from 64 degree and 24 certificate programs that prepare them for success in business, industry, healthcare, the arts and education. GSU is a public university located 40 miles south of Chicago in University Park, IL offering the most affordable undergraduate tuition in the state. GSU is committed to embracing diversity and academic excellence.
Source: govst.edu
