by Kathleen A. Ehlers, vice president of Enrollment Strategy and Marketing and Chris Montagnino, vice president of Champlain College Online
Earlier this spring, Champlain College and three of its fellow Vermont higher education institutions made a promise — to simplify the transfer process for students who have earned an associate's degree from the Community College of Vermont (CCV).
It's not an entirely new concept, but it is one the schools are dedicated to seeing succeed now more than ever. A study published in March by the New England Board of Higher Education found that students who transfer from community colleges to four-year, private, nonprofit schools excel in academics, uncover new streams of financial support and bring diverse life experiences to campuses. This includes students of color and those older than the traditional post-high school student entering college.
The Vermont Transfer Guarantee adds Champlain College, including Champlain College Online, Norwich University, Saint Michael's College and Vermont State University to the existing New England Transfer Guarantee from the New England Board of Higher Education. Students utilizing the program in Vermont will begin coursework this fall, and a larger group of applicants is expected for spring 2025.
Champlain welcomes working students, parents, and those who are returning to higher ed into either a traditional on-campus experience or a flexible, fully asynchronous online option. With hundreds of different programs available, and the passion of its staff and leadership to provide a welcoming meet-you-where-you're-at experience, new doors are open for students coming from community college and other 4-year institutions.
“This agreement allows students to transfer their CCV degree as a block of credits into a bachelor’s degree program, maximizing their credit transfer to Champlain, in both on-campus or online programs,” Leah Miller, associate director of transfer admissions at Champlain, said. “We are excited about this opportunity to better support our local transfer students as they begin their next academic journey and become part of Champlain’s on-campus or online community.”
Following Champlain College Online’s mantra of “no credit left behind,” already-earned credits will transfer seamlessly to Champlain from CCV, which also means work and life experiences could count toward educational credit. A no-cost portfolio assessment of non-collegiate learning and a dedicated transfer advisory team help students navigate the process and secure credits.
“The Vermont Transfer Guarantee partnership with CCV and Champlain College Online provides CCV graduates a clear path to continue their education and obtain a bachelor’s degree with preferred tuition comparable to CCV rates, and easy transfer of their previous credits into one of CCO’s many career-aligned programs,” said Sarah McMaster, executive director of marketing and enrollment for CCO.
Those interested in learning more about transferring to Champlain College should visit champlain.edu/admissions/transfer-applicants or Champlain College Online at online.champlain.edu/admission/transfer-credit.
Kathleen A. Ehlers is a high-impact and results-driven professional with more than 20 years of experience focusing on offering educational prospects for students to improve their opportunities in life. As VP of enrollment strategy at Champlain College, she targets overlooked, undervalued, and untapped opportunities to increase educational services for students.
Chris Montagnino has spent 25 years in adult and online education launching and scaling innovative online programs. Today she oversees Champlain College's 100+ online undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs.
To support great journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
