ESU Enters Into First-Ever Reverse Transfer Agreement With Raritan Valley Community College

Posted by: admin on September 9, 2014, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania will enter into its first-ever reverse transfer agreement with Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) during an articulation signing ceremony at RVCC on Thursday, September 25, at 10 a.m. The presidents from both institutions will also be signing articulation agreements for ESU’s sport management and exercise science degree programs.

This reverse transfer agreement is unique and important because it will allow students to transfer coursework from ESU to Raritan Valley to complete their associate degrees. Students from RVCC who transfer to ESU before earning their associate degrees may eventually transfer completed credits back to RVCC to satisfy the associate degree requirements.

“This collaboration between our institutions only serves to strengthen our partnership and demonstrates the commitment by ESU and RVCC to student success. Our hope is to continue to establish reverse transfer agreements with other community colleges in the near future,” said ESU President Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D. “A reverse transfer agreement with Raritan Valley College will allow its students to get a taste of the four-year college experience even before they complete their initial associate degrees. Our hope is that a reverse transfer opportunity will provide RVCC students with alternative options to complete their associate degrees and give them confidence and encouragement to continue their studies toward the bachelor’s degree with us.”

While it is well-known that reverse transfer agreements can boost graduation rates for the Commonwealth, Welsh went on to indicate that there is significant value in a reverse transfer agreement for community college students because it enables them to continue their studies in situations when a third year at a community college might be financially impossible. Transferring to ESU enables the student to receive funding, working on a bachelor’s degree while also completing the originally-intended associate degree.

“This reverse transfer agreement clearly demonstrates how committed ESU and RVCC are to encouraging students to complete their education. The signing of this agreement allows student’s greater flexibility in pursuing their baccalaureate degree and, at the same time, enhances their ability to attain an Associate’s credential,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough.

Founded in 1893, ESU is one of the 14 institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. ESU offers nearly 60 undergraduate degrees and more than 20 graduate degrees.

To learn more about the ESU/RVCC reverse transfer agreement, contact the office of admission at 570-422-3834.