It will now be easier than ever for certain students to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at West Chester University.

The presidents of West Chester University and Delaware County Community College came together Nov. 17 at 10 a.m. in a virtual ceremony to sign an enhanced dual admission agreement between the two campuses that will give increased access to students.

The enhanced agreement means qualified students can receive guaranteed admission to West Chester University, on-campus housing and a renewable scholarship award of $2,000 per academic year, up to $4,000 in the course of their studies.

“Our community of educators is deeply committed to supporting neighboring students from Chester and Delaware Counties as they hone their skills while mapping an intentional path to West Chester University,” said West Chester University President Dr. Christopher Fiorentino.

To qualify, graduating high school seniors and Delaware County Community College students must agree to pursue an associate degree in their major at Delaware County Community College and meet all West Chester University requirements for a degree and grade point average.

Those students can then seamlessly transfer to West Chester University, entering as a junior to finish out their studies to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree.  There are 20 programs at West Chester that match the associate degree programs at DCCC.

Any credits earned as part of an associate’s degree at DCCC will transfer entirely to West Chester under the agreement.

“This agreement ensures affordable access to the quality educational programs offered at both Delaware County Community College and West Chester University. We understand the needs of our community and we are committed to collectively meeting those needs,” said Delaware County Community College President L. Joy Gates Black.

While at both campuses, students will receive financial advice, tutoring, transition assistance and academic success coaching.

West Chester University and Delaware County Community College have frequently collaborated to help students complete their education and pursue a career. About 40 percent of Delaware County Community College students transfer regularly to West Chester University.

“We are here to help in whatever way we can,” Dr. Fiorentino said.

The two presidents have worked well together, often forging plans over breakfast. He credited President Gates Black for being “relentless” in pursuit of an agreement that makes it easier for students to transfer from DCCC to West Chester.

“I tip my hat to you for your vision,” Dr. Fiorentino said during the presentation.

Both presidents will be sending a joint invitation inviting high school seniors and qualified DCCC-enrolled students to participate in the enhanced dual admission program.

Included in the ceremony were testimonials from two students who had successfully transferred to West Chester from Delaware County.

Frederick Shegog of Drexel Hill transferred his 65 credits from his associate degree in communications to West Chester, where he continues his studies toward a BA in communications. He plans to graduate summa cum laude and pursue a masters in communications.

He hopes to advocate for those suffering from substance abuse and for mental health.

Meredith Adams is a graduate of Delaware County Community College from Radnor and a first year student at West Chester majoring in finance accounting, minoring in civic and professional leadership.

Coming out of high school, she was overwhelmed by the four-year universities and ended up going to Delaware County. The transfer agreement made her changeover to West Chester anxiety-free and has helped her financially.

Between the lower cost of the community college and the scholarship help she received at West Chester, “I will be leaving school with very little debt which will allow me to get ahead in my career,” she said.

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