Agreement streamlines process for Inver Hills transfer students enrolling in WGU online bachelor’s degree programs
Inver Hills Community College (Inver Hills) and Western Governors University (WGU) are pleased to announce an exciting new partnership that will provide transfer students from Inver Hills with a streamlined process to pursue their bachelor’s degrees through WGU’s flexible, online programs. This partnership expands educational opportunities for students seeking a cost-effective, career-focused pathway to higher education.
“Inver Hills is always seeking opportunities for our students to transfer to four-year partners that seek to work on what is best for our students,” said Elaina Bleifield, PhD, Inver Hills vice president of academic affairs. “WGU already has received our students, even before the official agreement, so we know they will keep the best interests of our students at the forefront of this opportunity to improve their lives.”
“Our partnership with Inver Hills Community College is an exciting opportunity to help more students achieve their academic goals and enter the workforce with the skills they need to succeed,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, WGU regional vice president. “By offering a flexible, affordable path to completing WGU’s degree programs, we are helping students remove barriers to higher education and creating opportunities for lifelong learning.”
As part of this agreement, Inver Hills students who have completed their associate degrees will be able to transfer credits directly into WGU’s degree programs in high-demand fields such as business, healthcare, information technology, and education. In addition to streamlined credit transfers, Inver Hills students will be eligible to apply for the WGU Community College Partner Scholarship, which is designed to further reduce the cost of obtaining their degrees.
The WGU Community College Partner Scholarship provides transfer students with awards of up to $2,500, disbursed in increments of $625 per term, helping students manage the financial aspects of continuing their education. This scholarship, paired with WGU’s already low tuition, offers students an affordable path to achieving their academic and professional goals.
WGU’s online, competency-based model is uniquely designed to meet the needs of today’s students, enabling them to progress through coursework at their own pace. This model particularly benefits working professionals, adult learners, and others looking for a flexible way to advance their education without sacrificing their current responsibilities.
Both institutions are committed to ensuring that students receive the necessary support and resources to achieve their academic and professional goals. By leveraging technology and adopting flexible learning options, this partnership will foster a holistic educational environment that caters to the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
Signing ceremony
Inver Hills Community College and Western Governors University held a signing ceremony with Michael Berndt, MA, Inver Hills and Dakota County Technical College president, and Terrance Hopson, EdD, WGU midwest regional vice president, Wednesday morning, November 6, 2024, in the College Center on the Inver Hills campus in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.
WGU representatives at the signing included Dalila Duarte, EdD, midwest regional director, Christy Seawall, MA, lead strategic partnerships manager, and Sam Smith, MA, senior strategic partnerships manager. Inver Hills representatives included Elaina Bleifield, PhD, vice president of academic affairs, Barbara Curchack, PhD, dean of liberal arts, Kari Rusch-Curl, MA, vice president of student affairs, Sara Wiggins, DNP, director of nursing, and Rob Harris, MA, counselor.
“Inver Hills to WGU student first-term retention is 97 percent,” Dalila Duarte reported. “The average Inver Hills transfer student graduates in 19 months; 71 percent of students graduate in four years, and 73 percent of students graduate in six years. Eighty-nine students have transferred over the past five years, and 61 have already graduated.”
Inver Hills and WGU Transfer Agreement Signing Ceremony gallery
View more event photos by opening the Inver Hills Flickr album:
Inver Hills and WGU Transfer Agreement Signing Ceremony November 2024
About Inver Hills Community College (Inver Hills)
Inver Hills Community College, located in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, in the southeast Twin Cities metropolitan area, offers a variety of associate degree programs designed to prepare you for career success or transfer to a four-year institution to earn a bachelor’s degree. Inver Hills is committed to providing high-quality education, student support services, and opportunities for lifelong learning.
You will save money.
It goes without saying, but it’s worth repeating: you’ll save loads of money on education costs when you study here.
You will be known.
Smaller classes mean more personalized attention from faculty who know you and care about your success.
You will be welcomed.
Our students come from a variety of backgrounds and take different paths. We’re proud to welcome all kinds of learners.
Learn more by visiting: Inver Hills Community College.
About Western Governors University (WGU)
A nonprofit, online university established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, WGU now serves nearly 176,000 students nationwide and has awarded over 380,000 degrees to more than 340,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education.
In less than 30 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, and CNN, and in The New York Times.
Learn more by visiting: WGU and About WGU.
Learn more about the new Inver Hills and WGU partnership by contacting:
Lisé Freking
Strategic Marketing and Communications Director
Inver Hills Community College and Dakota County Technical College
lise.freking@dctc.edu
Justin Dukes
Regional Public Relations and Communications Manager
Western Governors University (WGU)
773-663-9422
justin.dukes@wgu.edu
