Butler County's two colleges plan to sign another “articulation agreement” covering five programs.

Executives from Slippery Rock University and Butler County Community College, including SRU President William Behre and BC3 President Nicholas Neupauer, will officially sign the five agreements during a 9 a.m. ceremony on Dec. 4 at SRU's Russell Wright Alumni House.

The agreement elaborates on transferable credits within five particular programs: petroleum and natural gas engineering; the nursing RN-to-BSN online program; park and resource management; physical activity and fitness management; and philanthropy and nonprofit management.

Betsy Stevens, SRU's associate director of transfer articulation, was one of the people to help collaborate the agreements into existence.

“The goal of an articulation agreement is to provide a clear and solid academic pathway for students who choose, for varied reasons, to start their post-secondary education at a community college prior to transferring to a four-year university,” Stevens said.

Each year, more than 200 students from BC3 transfer to SRU, according to Stevens.

“SRU has a history of flexible transfer credit acceptance and working with transfer students to provide a smooth transition to the university,” Stevens said. “We try to incorporate as many allowances in the process, so that students don't have to reinvent the wheel, take additional credits and spend more time and money (than is necessary) to complete their degrees.”

With the addition of the incoming agreements, the two colleges would have a total of 21 agreements for specific programs and another agreement for those undecided on their majors.

Belinda Richardson, BC3's vice president for academic affairs, said both colleges have worked together to help students reach their goals and potential.

“The signing of the five new agreements represents our collaborative commitment to provide students with the very best options and opportunities for advancing academically,” Richardson said. “In short, these agreements simplify the transition from the community college to the university.”

Amanda Yale, SRU's associate provost for enrollment management, said the agreements help incoming transfers avoid pitfalls that could cost them more time and money in school.

“Transfer agreements streamline the complexity of determining what courses students need to take and eliminate the guess work regarding transferability,” Yale said. “The students benefit by following very specific course plans, avoiding taking courses that may not be applicable and saving time and money by following programs of articulation agreements early in their community college experience.”

Richardson said the two schools continue to have a great relationship.

“BC3 is very excited about our partnership with Slippery Rock University,” Richardson said. “We came together easily and did the hard work to ensure that our students may continue their advanced studies in a broad range of programs,” she said. “The signing of the five new agreements represents our collaborative commitment to provide students with the very best options and opportunities for advancing academically.”