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�鶹Ӱ��nical Community College and Western Carolina University have agreed to institute a guaranteed admissions pathway, WCU Connect, to enhance their transfer partnership and provide more supports for student success.

“This is significant for our school and students,” said Lea Bingham, �鶹Ӱ��’s Creative and Liberal Arts assistant dean who oversees the University Transfer program and is also an English instructor. “This makes our seventh UNC System guaranteed admission pathway. It is also special because it’s the only NC Promise school with which we have a partnership.”

Through NC Promise, North Carolina has significantly reduced student tuition to $500 per semester at four UNC System universities: Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and Western Carolina University. The plan has increased educational access, reduced student debt, and grown the state’s economy.

WCU Connect will make transferring easier for students who have earned their associate degree from �鶹Ӱ��, then transfer to Western Carolina to complete their bachelor’s degree.

The WCU Connect program includes:

• Guaranteed admission to WCU upon meeting terms and conditions
• Early access to major-specific advisor and personal admissions counselor
• WCU Connect Card
• Admission to select athletic events and campus activities
• Use of Hunter Library to student and rent textbooks
• Priority orientation registration
• A 10 percent discount at the WCU bookstore

“Western Carolina University is proud to welcome �鶹Ӱ��nical Community College as a partner in the WCU Connect program,” said Heather Hill, associate director in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at Western Carolina. “Through WCU Connect, our goal is to help �鶹Ӱ�� students feel like Catamounts long before they transfer—because they already are. Together, we’re creating a seamless, supportive pathway that empowers students to reach their educational goals with confidence and connection.”