Dr. Fred Carter (left), president of Francis Marion University and Dr. Ron Bartley (right), president of Northeastern Technical College sign an agreement between the colleges which provides more opportunities for NETC students to purse pathways to a baccalaureate degree.

June 17, 2008
NETC announces Bridge Partnership Program with FMU

Francis Marion University (FMU) and Northeastern Technical College (NETC) have joined forces to make it more convenient for NETC students who want to earn a bachelor's degree to transfer to FMU.

NETC President Ron Bartley and FMU President Fred Carter recently announced the partnership program, which will take effect fall 2008.

The program is intended for first-time college students who are recent graduates of high schools in Chesterfield, Dillon and Marlboro counties. Program participants will include applicants to FMU who are referred to NETC for assistance in meeting admissions standards and those who apply to NETC and express an interest in eventually transferring to FMU. 

"We are pleased to welcome Northeastern Technical College as an education partner. This relationship will allow both institutions to leverage the resources of faculty, facilities and technology in responding to the demands of local students," said Carter. "I am looking forward to working with Dr. Bartley and the Northeastern Technical College students who will become part of our institution.”

In the program, students may complete developmental or other required coursework, enhance study skills and acclimate to college life while attending NETC.  

Students who wish to participate in the program must submit an Application for Admission to FMU and a Bridge Program Registration Form to NETC. Once participants are identified, NETC will forward a copy of the registration form to the FMU Office of Admissions for system input and tracking.

In order to complete the Bridge Program and qualify for transfer admission to FMU, students must:

• Complete all developmental and required coursework as identified through placement testing at NETC.
• Complete a minimum of 24 credit hours of transferable coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher.
• Complete and submit an updated Application for Admission to FMU at least two months prior to the start of the desired semester of entry.

“There is a continuing need for baccalaureate-level classes in northeastern South Carolina. This initiative will present an additional pathway to a college education to an even greater number of students throughout our service area,” said Bartley. “We are pleased to establish this partnership, and it is my hope that Northeastern Technical College students will take advantage of this tremendous opportunity.”

For more information, contact either Atticus Simpson, NETC public information & research coordinator, at 843-921-6916, asimpson@netc.edu or Libby Cooper, FMU vice president for public and community affairs, at 843-661-1225, ecooper@fmarion.edu.