Students from Catawba Valley Community College will be guaranteed admission to Western Carolina University after Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and Garrett Hinshaw, president of Catawba Valley Community College, met Wednesday, Jan. 25, to sign a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions.

The memorandum is part of the Catamount Connection Program, who’s purpose is to create a direct pathway for CVCC graduates to acquire an affordable and accessible four-year degree from WCU.

Students who wish to participate in the Catamount Connection Program must satisfy the following conditions: Be a currently enrolled student at CVCC in a degree-seeking capacity. Submit WCU application for admission and records by WCU deadlines. Submit application fee or waiver and fulfill all commitment action steps. Be in good standing at CVCC and other institutions attended. Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct.

Students also must earn and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at CVCC and a minimum GPA of 2.20 in their most recent term. Earn an associate’s degree from CVCC in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which an articulation agreement exists. And enroll at WCU within one academic year (within the next two regular terms [fall/spring semesters] of completion of the associate’s degree).

For more information about how to transfer to WCU, visit https://www.wcu.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/transfer-students/index.aspx

For more information about applying to Catawba Valley Community College, visit https://www.cvcc.edu/Academic-Resources/Admissions/Apply-Now.cfm