Partnership brings Ohio U. degrees to Columbus State

Dr. Moeller shakes hands with Roderick McDavis, president of Ohio University, upon signing the agreement between Columbus State and Ohio University.

The presidents of Columbus State Community College and Ohio University Wednesday signed an agreement to collaborate to expand access to higher education opportunities in central Ohio.

Under the program, students will be able to get an associate degree at Columbus State, then turn around and get a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University within two years. Not only that, but Ohio University plans to provide courses via on-site and distance learning, allowing students to get an Ohio University degree without leaving Columbus.
           
Columbus State has degree completion program agreements with several colleges, but this is one of the few that would bring classes from another school to the Columbus State campus.

Students would take three years of Columbus State courses and a final year of Ohio University courses. The first program, to start in Autumn 2008, will be a Bachelor of Applied and Technical Studies degree. The two colleges are working to finalize other degrees.

Delaina Watkins, a Columbus State student in business, said she was interested to learn more about the partnership. Watkins, who plans to graduate in the fall, said she might become an Ohio University student. 

“Our partnership with Columbus State Community College jointly supports the development of a more highly educated and competitive regional workforce, which is capable of meeting the needs of both new and existing enterprises across the region,” said Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis.

The institutions plan to explore various options in this new strategic partnership, focusing on expanding learning opportunities for students. Already under discussion is a bachelor’s degree completion program in criminal justice, providing students who have earned an associate’s degree in that field to complete a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in a format similar to the applied and technical studies program.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to serve our students and the community in new ways,” said Columbus State President Val Moeller. “This is a new era in our long relationship with Ohio University, and we are committed that we will continue to expand this great partnership for our students.”

She added, “I hope this collaboration will be a model for how community colleges and state universities can work together to benefit students and working adults—and to help Ohio dramatically expand the skills of our workforce and increase the number of Ohioans with associate and bachelor’s degrees.”

Diabetic Support Group to start Feb. 13The first meeting of Columbus State’s new Diabetic Support Group will take place on Wednesday, February 13, at 12:30 p.m. in the Discovery Exchange conference room (306). This group is for students, faculty, staff, and even family members to learn more about living with diabetes. Group members will choose topics and guest speakers as well as provide support, accountability, and ideas for one another.  Please RSVP to Don Laubenthal at 287-3627 or dlaubent@cscc.edu .