Fayetteville State University (FSU) and Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) have signed dual enrollment agreements that benefit the college's Early Childhood Education and Broadcasting Production Technology students.

Representatives from FSU met with top CCCC administrators Sept. 19 at the college's Lee County Campus for the signing. Under the terms of the agreements, CCCC students in the two programs who participate in dual enrollment are concurrently enrolled at both institutions.

The agreements set out what courses the students can complete at the college and what courses must be taken at FSU to complete a bachelor's degree. Specific course credits from the Associate in Applied Science degree programs, along with some additional University Transfer division general education credits (bridge courses) will transfer to FSU in partial fulfillment of a bachelor's degree.

"These are the first dual enrollment agreements CCCC has signed with a senior institution like FSU - really, the first of their kind in CCCC's 50-year history," said Jon Matthews, CCCC dean of University Transfer and Health Science.

The dual enrollment agreements reduce the overall cost of a four-year degree because tuition rates are lower at the community college than at the university. The agreements also help students avoid taking out-of-curriculum courses that will not transfer.

"Fayetteville State University offers further quality educational opportunities for our graduates at a location convenient to them," said CCCC President Dr. Bud Marchant. "We are very pleased to establish with the university these agreements that will significantly benefit our students and facilitate a smooth transition for them."

One of the agreements offers three plans through which the college's dual enrollment Early Childhood Education students can transition to the university's School of Education. There, they can complete studies for a bachelor's degree in elementary education, birth through kindergarten, or middle grades education.

The other agreement puts CCCC Broadcasting Production Technology students on track to transfer to FSU and earn a bachelor's degree in communication. FSU offers degree tracks in speech communication, mass communication, and journalism.

"The signing of these agreements is important," said Dr. Leontye Lewis, FSU dean of the School of Education. "CCCC students will have the smooth transition to earning their bachelor's degree. They'll then be able to enter areas of employment at a higher level. They'll also be able to take the next step toward a master's degree, which we would like them to do."

Signing the agreements for CCCC were Marchant and Dr. Lisa Chapman, vice president of Academic Affairs. Signing for FSU were Dr. Leontye Lewis, dean of the School of Education at FSU, and Dr. Todd Frobish, interim chair of the Department of Communication.

For more information, call (910) 672-1474.