Southeastern, Northshore Technical Community College formalize ‘Connect to Success’ partnership
Contact: Rene Abadie
Date: November 30, 2012
PARTNERSHIP FORGED - Southeastern Louisiana University and Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday (Nov. 29) that formalized and enhanced the two institutions' ongoing partnership. On hand to celebrate the agreement were, standing from left, Rep. Chris Broadwater, Hammond Mayor Mayson Foster, Rep. Steve Pugh, Sen. Ben Nevers, Mickey Murphy, chairman of the Louisiana Community Technical College System Board of Supervisors, Helen Carter, LCTCS board member, Rep. John Bel Edwards, and Ponchatoula Mayor Bob Zabbia. Seated from left are NTCC Chancellor William Wainwright and Southeastern President John L. Crain.
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University and Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday (Nov. 29) that formalized and enhanced the two institutions' ongoing partnership.
Titled Connect to Success, the program, based on a model that has already been successfully implemented, is designed to enhance both the efficiency and effectiveness of students seeking post-secondary education in southeast Louisiana, particularly in Tangipahoa, St. Tammany, Washington, St. Helena and Livingston parishes.
"Providing this entry into post-secondary education is particularly important, as Southeastern continues to raise its admission standards over time," said Southeastern President John L. Crain. "That increases the likelihood that some prospective students will not achieve admission status to Southeastern after high school, and we want to ensure their access to post- secondary education."
Officials said the program will expand access and preparation of NTCC students seeking to transfer into a four-year degree program at Southeastern.
"Connect to Success will ease the transfer of credits and increase efficiency by sharing of resources between Southeastern and NTCC," Crain added. "It's about providing education for students whether at NTCC or Southeastern."
The program provides enrolled NTCC students with a systematic outline to successfully complete a baccalaureate or associate degree. NTCC Chancellor William Wainwright said under the agreement, NTCC students will take developmental and other general education courses at Southeastern's campus in Hammond and at its St. Tammany Center in Mandeville. Southeastern will certify faculty credentials for the course to ensure they are transferrable.
"Northshore Technical Community College and Southeastern Louisiana University are committed to providing students successful paths to graduation and employment in high demand careers," Wainwright said. "This collaboration strengthens our commitment and provides seamless transition for students. The success of this partnership will strengthen our LA Grad Act efforts and provide students expanded access to college and university programming, comprehensive student and enrollment services, and engagement in relevant workforce preparation."
As part of the partnership, NTCC has a presence on Southeastern's main campus, where the university is providing them access to dedicated offices, computer lab and classroom space.
Students enrolled in Connect to Success will also be entitled to use Southeastern's Textbook Rentals, which allows them to rent rather than purchase textbooks for their courses. They will also have access to the university's computer labs, Student Union, food vendors and other services.
"This partnership ensures that our institutions are being responsive to recent action by the Louisiana Legislature, especially provisions of the GRAD Act that encourage cooperative ventures between university and area community colleges," Crain said. "Under this plan, students will benefit from a joint admissions and registration process, and academic and career counseling throughout their enrollment."
Both officials agreed the partnership will work to enhance the workforce development of the region.
