New Transfer Agreement Announced with Western Carolina University
Gaston College and Western Carolina University (WCU) have announced a new transfer agreement to support local students in pursuing a bachelor’s degree.
Through this partnership, Gaston College graduates will be guaranteed admission to WCU. The WCU Connect program is designed for traditional associate degree transfers and is available to all associate degree-seeking students interested in transitioning to a four-year institution.
“What makes this partnership truly special is its inclusivity. It’s open to all associate degree-completing students at Gaston College,” said Christine Ziemba-Tolbert, Gaston College’s Associate Dean of Arts & Sciences and Transfer Program Liaison. “Western Carolina University has long been a top transfer destination for Gaston College students, with many successfully completing their bachelor’s degrees there.”
WCU’s participation in the NC Promise program also helps Gaston students keep tuition affordable, since it is reduced to $500 per semester for in-state students. “This partnership is a life-changing opportunity for students to complete their bachelor’s degree in a financially manageable way,” Ziemba-Tolbert added.
To qualify, students must be high school graduates, be enrolled in an associate degree program at Gaston, and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA at Gaston College at the time of their WCU Connect application and a minimum GPA of 2.2 in their last term at Gaston.
Students transferring with a cumulative collegiate GPA of 3.5 or higher will also be invited to join WCU’s Brinson Honors College, which offers a guaranteed transfer of up to 12 hours of honors-level credit and enhanced opportunities for academic distinction and leadership.
Additionally, students opting into WCU Connect while still enrolled at Gaston College will gain access to early benefits. These include major-specific academic advising, a personal WCU admission counselor, access to Hunter Library textbook rentals and study spaces, admission to select athletic events, priority orientation registration, a 10 percent discount at the WCU Bookstore, and an exclusive WCU Connect Card, which can be issued up to one year prior to transfer.
Students interested in this opportunity can find more information and details at gaston.edu/arts-and-sciences/university-transfer/co-admission-agreements/western-carolina-wcu-connect/.
