PSU partners with LRCC in a new enrollment agreement

PLYMOUTH — Earning a two-year degree at Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) in Laconia now guarantees acceptance into Plymouth State University's undergraduate degree programs. In a February 23 signing ceremony, leaders of both institutions expressed support for the agreement.

"Students who start at Lakes Region Community College know they can come to PSU to receive a quality education and stay in the region," said PSU President Sara Jayne Steen. "When students complete their work at Lakes Region, they are automatically accepted into a four-year program; they don't need to go through the application process. This is about providing improved access to advanced educational options."

"The community college system is all about pathways. This is a significant step for students to start with us by earning an associate's degree and then have a natural path to continue their studies toward a bachelor's at Plymouth State," said LRCC President Scott J. Kalicki.

PSU's Associate Director of Admissions Tony Trodella believes the admissions agreement provides some significant advantages for LRCC students, including academic advising services provided by Plymouth State.

"In many cases, transfer students are frustrated because they don't know which courses they need to earn a bachelor's degree," Trodella said. "This program helps us identify their needs early on, so the courses students successfully complete at Lakes Region may be transferred into their PSU degree program," Trodella said. "The admissions agreement is a great benefit for students because it provides the potential for cost savings combined with a rich academic experience."

LRCC Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management Larissa Baia noted the agreement opens doors for people who may never have considered earning a bachelor's degree. "We have students of all ages, and to be able to say to those individuals, 'If you finish your associate's degree at LRCC, here's a pathway to a bachelor's degree,' that has real value for them," Baia said.

For more information on the transfer agreement, contact PSU Transfer Admissions Counselor Marylynn Cote at transfer@plymouth.edu or (603) 535-2183.