ZSC and WGU expand partnership, opportunities for students
ZANESVILLE – Western Governors University of Ohio, Zane State College and the Ohio Association of Community Colleges are renewing a partnership that allows Zane State students and employees to pursue four-year and graduate degrees via WGU’s online programs with a seamless transfer of credits.
ZSC students transitioning to WGU to further their education and new WGU students will be eligible to apply for scholarships to make tuition even more affordable. The renewal signing ceremony between the institutions leaders took place during National Transfer Student Week.
“At WGU Ohio we work very closely with our state’s two-year institutions to put students needs first and make it as easy as possible to transfer credits. Zane State shares that mission and we are proud to have them as a partner,” said WGU Ohio Chancellor K.L. Allen. “As an online institution with the mission of making it easier for students — especially older, non-conventional or working students — to upgrade their skills, earn degrees and credentials and move up the career ladder, we believe an easy credit transfer process is essential if we are going to be true to our mission.”
Zane State President Chad Brown said by renewing the partnership, "our students will continue to have access to a low-cost, flexible pathway to pursue four-year and graduate degrees. We appreciate that WGU shares our strong student-centered approach and are glad to have them as our partner."
WGU will continue to provide Zane State graduates and employees with flexible, personalized learning pathways to undergraduate and graduate degree programs in high-demand areas such as information technology, nursing, education and business. WGU Ohio’s online programs are mentor-supported and designed to fit into busy work and home schedules, assisting in the goal of building a future-ready workforce.
“The needs of adult college students are different than those attending straight out of high school and Ohio’s community colleges and WGU understand that. Those students need the option of having different and flexible pathways if we want more of them to earn their bachelor’s degree,” said Jack Hershey, president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges. “Six years ago, Ohio’s community colleges partnered with WGU and it has provided a path for many of our students to continue their education and pursue an in-demand career. It’s been a win for our students and the state of Ohio.”
Western Governors University was founded in 1997 by a coalition of 19 U.S. state governors as a way to offer their citizens – particularly adult learners – the chance to go to college from home, at their own pace, while holding jobs and caring for their families. In 2018, Ohio became the eighth additional state to partner with WGU to offer its degree programs in health and nursing, business, teaching and information technology. Since that time, WGU Ohio as an accredited, nonprofit university has helped more than 8,200 Ohio students receive the education and skills they need to pursue in-demand careers. For more information visit wgu.edu/oacc.
Submitted by Zane State College.
This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: ZSC and WGU expand partnership, opportunities for students
