WMU, Kalamazoo Valley Sign 50 Program-Level Transfer Agreements

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Administrators from Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo Valley Community College signed more than 50 articulation agreements Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, which will allow students to transfer seamlessly between the two institutions.

The ceremony, held at WMU's newly unveiled Student Center, celebrated the highest number of transfer agreements ever signed between the two institutions. With these agreements, Kalamazoo Valley students in more than 50 programs can transfer seamlessly to WMU to continue pursuing a bachelor's degree. Notably, the deal includes three innovative 2+3 programs, which offer students the opportunity to earn their associate, bachelor's and master's degrees in five years in a variety of areas including social work.

Monday's celebration marked the next step in a series of relationship building that included an institutional articulation agreement representatives from both schools signed in January. Program-level agreements highlighted Monday include those in business analytics, occupational therapy, elementary education, electrical engineering and graphic design.

"This monumental occasion marks the transfer pathways for students in more than 50 programs spanning six colleges at Western," said Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig, Western's provost and vice president for academic affairs. "It signifies a momentous step forward, underscoring the strengthened partnerships and collaboration between Western and Kalamazoo Valley. We are committed to exploring opportunities that improve the educational experience for our students at Western and for students who want to transfer here."

These agreements are designed to streamline the transfer of credits earned through Kalamazoo Valley's associate degree programs into specific bachelor's degree programs at WMU.

"These program agreements help to eliminate barriers preventing students from achieving their educational goals," said Paige Eagan, Ph.D., provost and vice president of instruction and student services at Kalamazoo Valley. "These agreements ensure a seamless transition from Kalamazoo Valley to Western by minimizing loss of credit and the need for the duplication of coursework. We're excited about our continued partnership with WMU."