NC State, Wake Tech Partnership Will Boost Higher Education Access, Affordability

In a move designed to make higher education more accessible and affordable, North Carolina State University and Wake Technical Community College announced today a new partnership that will allow Wake Tech students who want to obtain a bachelor’s degree to move seamlessly into an undergraduate degree path at NC State.

The Partnership for Access to College (PAC) offers a unique opportunity for students in Wake Tech’s College/University Transfer curriculum to receive guaranteed admission to NC State after completing an associate’s degree at Wake Tech as well as NC State program requirements. To be eligible, students must have completed their first semester at Wake Tech with a 3.0 grade-point average and a minimum of 12 credit hours at the 100 or 200 level. New Wake Tech students will have access to a PAC admission application beginning this fall.

Once admitted to the PAC program, each student will complete an individualized plan of work and identify a future program of study at NC State. While at Wake Tech, PAC program participants who meet the eligibility requirements will be able to take one course per semester at NC State during the fall and spring semesters. In addition, they will have access to an NC State PAC advisor, as well as the Wake Tech Advising Center, and full use of NC State’s libraries, Virtual Computing Environment, and other necessary student services.

“The program provides a smooth transition to NC State, ensures maximum transferability of student coursework, and allows students to explore four-year degree programs and take advantage of other opportunities at NC State while still enrolled at Wake Tech,” says Dr. Larry Nielsen, provost and executive vice chancellor at NC State.

“Wake Tech is extremely pleased to partner with NC State on the PAC program to benefit students,” says Dr. Stephen C. Scott, president of Wake Tech. “As community colleges play an increasingly important role in higher education, agreements like this are critical for ensuring the highest quality educational options for all North Carolinians.”

NC State officials anticipate that the new program will make higher education truly seamless for qualified students. “We hope this inter-institutional arrangement will help meet the burgeoning demand for undergraduate education in our state,” says Dr. Louis Hunt, vice provost of enrollment management and services at NC State. “It will also serve as a model for many other partnerships with community colleges across North Carolina.”

Bryan Ryan, Wake Tech’s vice president for curriculum education, says the partnership agreement is one that students will be eager to embrace. “Wake Tech’s mission is to prepare students for their next steps – in the workforce or in the pursuit of additional education,” he said. “The PAC program opens exciting new pathways for those students who have built a strong foundation and are ready to go after a four-year degree.”