The group from VGCC pose in front of the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower, a landmark on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. They included, from left, VGCC Department Chair of Developmental Studies Patrick Morris, students Quedella Hargrove and Alexis Miniaci, Program Head of College Success & Study Skills Oluwunmi Ariyo and students Detra Hunt, Jamarcus Waverly, Shymora Stewart, Brenda Diaz (in back), Ebony Woodard, April Walker and Arthur Yancey. Not pictured: Jesus Alejo.
The College Success and Study Skills (ACA) department at Vance-Granville Community College recently took a group of students on a college tour to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The purpose of the March 22 trip was to give students a closer look at an area university to which they might transfer and continue their education. The VGCC group toured the campus, ate lunch at the Rams Head Dining Hall, and took part in an information session conducted by Brian Woodard, coordinator for the Carolina Student Transfer Excellence Program, or C-STEP.
Students who attended included Jesus Alejo and April Walker, both of Creedmoor; Ebony Woodard of Henderson; Quedella Hargrove, Detra Hunt, Alexis Miniaci and Arthur Yancey, all of Louisburg; and Brenda Diaz, Shymora Stewart and Jamarcus Waverly, all of Oxford.
“This field trip was an example of how we provide information to students regarding senior institutions and expose them to the college transfer process,” said Oluwunmi Ariyo, VGCC program head for College Success & Study Skills. “Opportunities like this should help students set clear academic and professional goals beyond Vance-Granville Community College.”
Each year, large numbers of students start their higher education at VGCC before transferring to four-year institutions. VGCC has numerous articulation agreements with four-year schools (both public and private) that allow students to transfer credits in various programs. The VGCC College Transfer program provides students with the first two years of a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. College Transfer courses are offered at all four VGCC campuses and online.
In recent years, the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) between all North Carolina community colleges and the UNC System has been revised with clearer pathways, as has a similar agreement between community colleges and the private N.C. Independent Colleges and Universities. Graduates of the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science programs at VGCC are guaranteed admission into one of the 16 UNC schools, typically transferring in with the standing of juniors.
VGCC requires a course for all College Transfer students, called College Transfer Success (ACA 122). Topics of the course include the CAA, college policies and culture, career exploration, gathering information on senior institutions, strategic planning, critical thinking, and communications skills for a successful academic transition.
For more information on enrolling at VGCC and transfer options, contact the Student Learning and Success Center at studentsuccess@vgcc.edu or (252) 738-3330, or visit any campus.