FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AVERETT UNIVERSITY, DCC SIGN

JOINT TRANSFER AGREEMENT

Dr. Richard Pfau, President of Averett University, left, and Danville Community College President Dr. Carlyle Ramsey sign an enhanced baccalaureate transfer agreement.

DANVILLE, VA, September 15, 2006 - Averett University and Danville Community College (DCC) announced today the renewal of an agreement that makes it easier for students to transfer from DCC into an Averett degree program.

            "I am pleased to renew our longstanding agreement with Danville Community College," said Averett President Dr. Richard Pfau. "We recognize the important role higher education plays in the future of our region. Whether they transfer to Averett or enter as first-time freshmen, Averett is committed to graduating students who have the skills they need to be successful leaders."

            DCC President Dr. B. Carlyle Ramsey was equally excited about the two institutions’ partnership.

            “It is only appropriate that we sign the first of many such agreements with our neighbor and partner, Averett University,” Ramsey said. “Our relationship with Averett goes back more than 40 years.”

            According to the terms of the enhanced agreement, Averett guarantees acceptance of all DCC graduates who earn an associate's degree with a 2.5 or higher grade point average, are in good standing with the college and meet application deadlines. DCC students meeting academic requirements will have their hours transferred and will enter Averett as juniors.

            “Today’s transfer agreement represents the re-affirmation of a longstanding partnership with Averett,” Ramsey said. “It (the agreement) will significantly improve the transfer opportunities for our students, especially those who want to stay in this area.”

Presidents Pfau and Ramsey note that the two institutions are discussing strategies to ease the transition of DCC students who wish to transfer to a four-year degree program at Averett. They are exploring the possibilities of joint workshops, special orientation programs and publications aimed at transfer students.

Averett already employs an admissions counselor specifically dedicated to helping students who wish to transfer to Averett. This fall Averett welcomed 72 new transfer students including 30 from Danville Community College.

"Transfer students are an important part of the Averett community," Pfau said. "They enrich our campus and often bring different perspectives and ideas to the classroom. With an admissions counselor dedicated to their needs, we make sure the transfer process runs smoothly."

            Ramsey said the articulation agreement with Averett is just one step DCC is taking to create a "transfer culture" on campus. Earlier, DCC announced plans for a Baccalaureate Transfer Initiative to make the transfer process easier for DCC students. In addition to creating and renewing articulation agreements with four-year colleges and universities, the initiative will also assist students with academic advising and registration; provide information on DCC courses that transfer; track academic progress; connect students with the appropriate student services and academic offices at the transfer institution; assist with the application process; develop an academic plan to ensure degree requirements are met; provide career counseling; and create an awareness of scholarship opportunities.

            “The renewal of the articulation agreement between Averett and DCC is a recognition of the strong relationship that exists between these great institutions,” said Dr. Chris Ezell, Vice President of Academic and Student Services. “This new agreement builds on the traditions that have existed for decades.  Many DCC students have successfully completed degrees at Averett and we believe that many additional students will take advantage of this initiative.  We will offer students workshops, advising sessions, and publications to help ensure a successful transition.

            For information on transfer opportunities at Averett University contact Stephanie Mullins, Assistant Director of Admissions and Transfer Counselor, 791-5666, e-mail stephanie.mullins@averett.edu. For more information about DCC’s Baccalaureate Transfer Initiative, contact Dr. Chris Ezell, Vice President for Academic and Student Services, (434) 797-8410, or by email at cezell@dcc.vccs.edu.