The institutions partnered to create a seamless guaranteed transfer pathway for Clark College students who are completing an associate degree and plan to transfer to WSU Vancouver

VANCOUVER — Clark College and Washington State University Vancouver launched a new transfer agreement on Jan. 22. The institutions partnered to create a seamless guaranteed transfer pathway for Clark College students who are completing an associate degree at Clark and plan to transfer to WSU Vancouver to complete a bachelor’s degree.

The Guaranteed Admission program enables Clark College students to transfer seamlessly to WSU Vancouver and to reduce the time required to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“This agreement will create a clear path for Clark students transferring to WSU Vancouver,” said Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards. “By removing barriers, more first-generation students and students of color can earn a bachelor’s degree and help close the equity gap.”

The program is designed to provide intentional support and guidance for students so the credits they take at the outset will transfer to WSU Vancouver. That results in students saving money, reducing student debt, increasing graduation rates of transfer students, and contributing toward a thriving Southwest Washington workforce and economy.

The impetus for the agreement:

• To make pursuing a bachelor’s degree more accessible and equitable
• To reduce barriers to a smooth transition to WSU Vancouver and eventually, to earning a bachelor’s degree
• Specifically targeted to reach underrepresented, underserved, and students of color
• Long term: To increase the number of students who earn bachelor’s degrees in Southwest Washington

Different from previous transfer system

Most Clark College students who transfer to a four-year institution choose WSU Vancouver. Clark graduates with a minimum 2.0 GPA already are guaranteed admission to WSU Vancouver, but it is not widely known or marketed directly to students. The previous transfer system required students interested in transferring to make the first move by contacting either a Clark advisor or the admissions office at WSU Vancouver.

The new transfer agreement is more intentional, explained Clark’s Director of Advising and Career Services Emily Meoz.

“This program takes the guesswork out of the transfer process for our students,” said Meoz. “Now, instead of waiting for students to come to us, we go to them. We will create intentional outreach to students to get them on the transfer pathway early.”

Benefits to students:

• Direct pathway to WSU Vancouver to pursue a bachelor’s degree
• Intentional, additional support and guidance with transfer process
• Guaranteed transfer advising at Clark at least twice per year
• Early connection and long-term plan review by WSU Vancouver at least twice per year
• Special events to guide and support transfer process
• Automatic reverse transfer opt-in to earn a Clark College credential even if the student transfers prior to completing Clark’s program

How Clark students will become eligible for the transfer agreement:

• Pursue a direct transfer degree at Clark College
• Complete a declaration of intent form
• Meet with Clark academic advisor at least twice per year
• Apply to WSU Vancouver
• Complete minimum 60 credits of college-level units towards an associate degree and earn a 2.0 minimum grade point average from 100-level and higher coursework, as calculated by WSU Vancouver. Some majors at WSU Vancouver require a higher GPA.

This transfer program was developed by advising leaders from both Clark College and WSU Vancouver who participated in a year-long project focused on increasing transfer success and reducing inequitable graduation rates among underrepresented students. Learn about The Aspen-AASCU Transfer Student Success and Equity Intensive here.

Washington State University has similar guaranteed admission agreements with three other community colleges. WSU Pullman has an agreement with Spokane Falls Community College, WSU Tri-Cities with Columbia Basin College and WSU Everett with Everett Community College.

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90^th year, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

Information provided by Clark College Communications.