Eastern Gateway working on plan to transfer credits to other institutions
Eastern Gateway Community College has paused registration and enrollment for students beyond this spring semester. And now the college is partnering with higher learning institutions in the area to transfer class credits.
According to the Ohio Department of Education, EGCC is working with community colleges and Youngstown State University to figure out the next steps.
“We have a plan to ensure students finish this semester as normal,” said Jim Gasior, Chair of Eastern Gateway’s Board of Trustees. “And while we pause registration for the summer and beyond, Youngstown State University primarily and community colleges from throughout the region have offered to welcome our students, provide continuity, and allow students to continue their programs of study as seamlessly as possible for their next semester.”
EGCC has schools in both Jefferson County and Youngstown.
The state said YSU and EGCC collaborated on “backup plans to ensure academically eligible students are able to enroll at YSU or collaborating community colleges to complete their degrees.”
Ohio community colleges that will welcome Eastern Gateway students include Stark State College, Belmont College, Washington State College of Ohio, Cuyahoga Community College and Hocking College.
The state said all of these involved colleges will work to honor credits earned by students and help students through the transfer process.
They’re laying out similar programs at YSU and the community colleges that would work, like business, criminal justice, information technology, mechanical engineering, dental hygiene, nursing and more.
What about College Credit Plus?
Students in grades 7-12 can enroll in College Credit Plus, Ohio’s dual enrollment program.
They’re able to earn college and high school credits simultaneously by taking courses from Ohio colleges or universities.
Now those classes are paused past spring.
YSU president Bill Johnson visited Jefferson County for the Educational Service Center’s meeting of Superintendents in Steubenville.
According to Johnson, students currently enrolled will be able to take CCP at the university.
The current president told the superintendents the university is “committed to seamlessly transitioning the CCP programs” from EGCC to YSU.
“YSU is deeply committed to the people in this region and their educational needs,” said Johnson. “Attending this meeting was crucial for us to reassure the community that we are committed to ensuring that students impacted by Eastern Gateway’s enrollment pause will have the opportunity to continue their education seamlessly.”
“The superintendents are a crucial pipeline to expanded educational opportunities for their students,” stated Johnson. “YSU is committed to working hand in hand with them, so that students across the region can access the full spectrum of educational pathways YSU has to offer.”
Johnson also said YSU has taken significant steps towards establishing a physical campus in Steubenville by submitting paperwork to the Higher Learning Commission.
The president said it’s the first step in the process of establishing a new campus in the community.
