Movin' on up

'U'/WCC agreement is good for both sides

In an historic agreement with the University, students enrolled in a two-year program at Washtenaw Community College could be guaranteed immediate admission into the College of Literature, Science and the Arts. If WCC's Board of Trustees approves the agreement at the end of this month, hundreds of students could reap financial and educational benefits.

For students who take time off from school, students denied admission to the University in high school and students with limited funds, this proposal makes sense. Besides being fiscally sensible, WCC is an excellent institution for learning - with extensive resources, small classes and even several professors who have taught at the University; it is a solid stepping-stone for reaching the University.

Fifty students will reap the benefits of the program in its first year of implementation; the number may increase to 150 over several years. Provided the WCC students maintain a 3.25 grade point average and fulfill certain course requirements, such as race and ethnicity, they will be have guaranteed admission into LSA. This program is identical to an agreement between WCC and the School of Nursing. Other schools, such as the Engineering and Architecture schools, have similar programs, minus guaranteed admission.

Guaranteed admission into a prestigious undergraduate liberal arts college should spur WCC students to succeed in both their WCC and University classes. Inspired students try harder in class and are an asset to the University. By getting their requirements out of the way ahead of time, WCC students should also have a smoother transition to the University, making their education that much stronger.

It is encouraging that the University is welcoming transfer students with open arms. To replace the 500 students who transfer out of LSA each year, students are admitted from other colleges. It makes sense to admit students who have fulfilled their basic requirements and are used to a regiment similar to LSA's program. The University's cooperation with WCC will benefit both schools, especially transfer students.