CLARK COLLEGE & CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Clark College and Concordia University have formalized a co-admission agreement designed to improve student access to undergraduate education, increase the efficiency of joint efforts in support of students, and improve the success of student transfer rates through the completion of associate degrees and baccalaureate degrees.

Dr. R. Wayne Branch, Clark College President, and Dr. Charles E. Schlimpert, Concordia University President, signed the partnership agreement on June 28, 2006.  The signing ceremony took place in the Penguin Student Union on Clark College's main campus. 

Above left (left to right):  Melinda Talley, Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Instruction at Clark College, welcomes Concordia University President Charles E. Schlimpert and Concordia Executive Vice President Gary Withers.  Above right:  Dr. Ann Widmer, Dean of Concordia's School of Management (left), and Dr. Rachel Ruiz, Vice President of Student Affairs at Clark College (center), discuss opportunities for student success.

The new partnership provides numerous benefits for participating students, including coordinated federal financial aid disbursement, a waived application fee for Concordia, coordinated student and academic services, credit for prior learning, one application, joint library services, on-site academic advising, access to computer services and coordinated degree completion.

Clark College students will be encouraged to enroll in classes at Concordia University only after completing 70 transferable credits and will be encouraged by staff at both institutions to complete an associate degree en route to completion of the baccalaureate degree. 

Clark College students may transfer up to 120 credits to Concordia University.  Students who complete their program of study at Clark College and satisfy all program entry requirements at Concordia (including grade point average) will enjoy seamless transfer into the majority of programs at Concordia University.
Clark College Vice President of Administrative
Services Bob Knight and Concordia University Executive Vice President Gary Withers discuss partnership opportunities.

Future goals of the partnership may include faculty exchange and professional development activities, career path programs, technology connections (access to student records, library services, course and classroom linkages and other faculty/student communication), as well as a comprehensive evaluation process for assessing the outcomes of the partnership agreement.

Clark College President Dr. R. Wayne Branch said, "This partnership agreement provides exciting new educational opportunities for students.  Concordia offers outstanding baccalaureate programs through its College of Education; College of Theology, Arts and Sciences; and School of Management.” 

 

Branch added, "For years, many Clark College students have found their way to Concordia University.  Now the way will be paved by this agreement and our new relationship will facilitate a seamless transition from Clark College to a baccalaureate degree.  We are very proud that Clark College has partnered with Concordia University.  Our students and community will benefit through this agreement for years to come."   

 
Dr. R. Wayne Branch, Clark College President (left),
and Dr. Charles E. Schlimpert, Concordia University President, celebrate the signing of the co-admissions agreement between the two institutions.

"Concordia is excited about this partnership," said Concordia University President Dr. Charles E. Schlimpert.  "Students should have many options as to where they will complete a four-year degree, and for using the excellent education they receive at Clark College. We will work to ensure a seamless transfer process between our institutions.  Concordia is committed to the dual purpose of preparing students for life and for a living, and we look forward to seeing that Clark College graduates have this same experience along the way to earning a bachelor's degree."

Officials from both institutions attended the ceremony, which was held in the Penguin Student Lounge. Guests also included a student who received her associate's degree from Clark College earlier this month and has hoped to attend Concordia. She told both presidents that she wanted to attend the signing because of the significance of the event and that she is excited to be able to benefit from the new partnership.

Additional information about Clark College is available on the College's website or by calling 360-699-NEXT. 

Information about Concordia University can be found at www.cu-portland.edu or by calling 503-288-9371 or, toll-free, 1-800-321-9371. 
 

About Clark College

Clark College is a community college providing two-year transfer degree studies, technical training and basic skills classes to more than 12,500 full-time and part-time students each quarter. It is the third largest college in the Washington State system of 35 community and technical colleges.

Founded in 1933, Clark College received its first accreditation in 1936-37 and has been accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since 1948.

For over 70 years, Clark College has been empowering learners who enrich the social, cultural and economic vitality of the region and the global community. For students seeking high academic standards in a welcoming and supportive environment, a commitment to student success and excellence in teaching, Clark College is “The Next Step.” 
 

About Concordia University

Concordia is a private, Lutheran liberal arts university in Portland, Oregon that welcomes students of any faith. Committed to the dual purpose of preparing students for life and for a living, Concordia provides a challenging, yet supportive, learning environment where spirited intellectual inquiry strengthens our students’ commitment to justice, compassion and moral integrity.

Featuring 18 undergraduate majors with concentrations in over 20 fields, Concordia is accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges.   With an enrollment of approximately 1,500 students, Concordia maintains a student/faculty ratio of 14 to one.  Five modern residence halls house approximately 400 students.   At Concordia,

97% of students receive financial aid.   Its NAIA intercollegiate athletics include women’s basketball, cross country, fast pitch, golf, soccer, track and field, volleyball, men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field.

The University is located at 2811 NE Holman Street, Portland.