Heartland Community College and Decatur's Millikin University on Tuesday announced a transfer partnership meant to help students to have a smooth transition between the schools.
The partnership is part of an articulation agreement announced at a news conference.
Students transferring from Heartland to Millikin will now be provided with a plan of study and automatic acceptance to a bachelor's program after completion of an associate's degree in arts, science, engineering sciences, or applied science from the community college.
Any graduate who has completed the Heartland Honors Program also will be automatically accepted into the James Millikin Honors Program. These students will receive exclusive honors and be able to complete independent studies alongside other requirements.
“It is Heartland’s commitment and our mission to provide our transfer students with the fundamental tools that they need to succeed as they pursue a bachelor’s degree and beyond,” said Keith Cornille, president of Heartland Community College.
“As I think about the relationship between us and Millikin, I can’t help but to think one of the key and important factors here with regard to students who transfer from Heartland to Millikin is the similarity and the experience that they’re going to receive. In a time when higher education is under siege, we at Heartland as well as folks at Millikin and elsewhere continue to be committed to students in helping them achieve what they need to do no matter what the circumstances are that face all of us.”
“This agreement is about more than just transferring credits,” said Millikin Acting President Mary Black. “It’s about ensuring a customized, supportive transition for students. It eliminates uncertainty and gives students a defined roadmap toward achieving their academic goals.”
Black said this is part of Millikin University’s effort to continue giving leverage to students. Last fall, the school launched the Millikin Tuition Promise, a reset lowering annual tuition by 36% to $26,000, and the Big Blue Pledge: Illinois Free Tuition Program that provides free tuition for students during their first year.
“These initiatives, paired with partnerships like the one we’re announcing today, reflect our deep commitment to removing financial barriers and supporting students every step of the way of their educational pathway,” Black said.
Agreement with ISU
Heartland also will sign a similar articulation agreement with Illinois State University, specifically for students working to acquire a bachelor’s degree in business administration. This partnership will make it easier for Heartland students to transfer to ISU’s College of Business.
That announcement will take place at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Gregg Chadwick Community Board Room in Heartland's Community Commons Building, Room 1407.
