State Board approves agreements to help fine arts students at community colleges transfer to private four-year schools

RALEIGH – The State Board of Community Colleges today (Feb. 14) approved agreements focused on developing seamless transfer for students who begin their studies in music, theatre or visual arts at a North Carolina community college and want to complete a bachelor’s degree in fine arts at a private college or university in the state.

The agreements were developed by faculty and staff in fine arts programs within the NC Community College System and NC Independent Colleges and Universities.

In other action, the board:

• Approved the formation of two new cooperative innovative high schools: Halifax Early College High School in Weldon, a partnership of Halifax County Public Schools and Halifax Community College, and Stanly STEM Early College High School in Albemarle, a partnership of Stanly Public Schools and Stanly Community College. Cooperative innovative high schools are partnerships between local school districts and community colleges that enable students to concurrently obtain a high school diploma and begin or complete postsecondary credentials or associate degrees. The State Board of Education already has approved the new schools, and the proposal now goes to the General Assembly for final approval.
• Approved an Associate in Applied Science degree in polysomnography to be offered by Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, beginning in fall 2019.
• Approved an Associate in Applied Science degree in culinary arts to offered by Durham Technical Community College in Durham, beginning in fall 2019.
• Approved an Associate in Applied Science degree in electroneurodiagnostic technology to be offered by Lenoir Community College in Kinston, beginning in fall 2019.
• Approved Associate in Applied Science degrees in applied engineering technology, cyber crime technology and mechatronics engineering technology to be offered by McDowell Technical Community College in Marion. All three programs are scheduled to begin in fall 2019.
• Approved $20,060 from State Board Reserve funds to support a professional development event for community college leaders, faculty and staff that will focus on serving Hispanic students at North Carolina community colleges.

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