Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) Chancellor Curtis L. Ivery (left) and Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid (right) review WayneDirect, an early admissions partnership program between the two institutions.

Detroit, Mi.--Oct.17, 2006--Students at Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) will get a boost in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree thanks to a new partnership between WCCCD and Wayne State University. WayneDirect, an early admissions partnership program between the two institutions, was signed today by Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid and Wayne County Community College District Chancellor Curtis L. Ivery.

WayneDirect is designed for current WCCCD students who have designated Wayne State as the university where they will receive their bachelor’s degree. Those students will be admitted to WSU at the same time they are admitted or enrolled at WCCCD.

WayneDirect also provides WCCCD students access to special services and opportunities that will ease their eventual transition to Wayne State while increasing their likelihood for success. In essence, WayneDirect offers a pathway and a passport to WSU.

The partnership between WCCCD and Wayne State is an example of the call for more collaboration between state funded community colleges and universities throughout Michigan.

“We are committed at Wayne State University to working closely with our community college partners to ensure that those students receive the best education with the greatest amount of flexibility, convenience, and access to resources, not only at the community college they are currently attending, but also at Wayne State where they will complete their bachelor’s degree,” said Wayne State University President Irvin D. Reid.

“I am looking forward to working with Chancellor Ivery and the Wayne County Community College District students who will become part of our institution.”

“Each year, a large number of Wayne County Community College District graduates select Wayne State University as the institution of choice to further their education. This new initiative, WayneDirect, will present opportunities to an even greater number of students. We value our relationship with WSU and look forward to a continued partnership,” said Wayne County Community College District Chancellor Dr. Curtis L. Ivery.

Anyone admitted to Wayne County Community College District is eligible for WayneDirect, and may access the following benefits:

• WCCCD students are placed in direct contact with advisors, faculty and staff during special “Bridge” sessions. Students receive the information they need to make their transition to WSU as smooth as possible, including career and internship information.

• WSU library privileges are available to WCCCD students assisting them in conducting research, preparing term papers or addressing other library needs while attending WCCCD.

• WCCCD students receive a special WSU OneCard, a multi-purpose identification and debit card, used for parking, library services, copying and printing services, as well as food and bookstore purchases at WSU and its neighboring partners.

• WCCCD students have an opportunity to participate in Wayne State’s Honors Program and become actively involved in many of the activities offered by the program. Competitive scholarships will also be available for WCCCD Honors students.

• WayneDirect students have access to theatre and sporting events, lectures and numerous other activities.

WCCCD students interested in participating in WayneDirect can receive the application from either school. The WayneDirect application is the only application the student will need to complete to enroll at WSU.

At the time of matriculation to Wayne State, students must meet the current transfer admission requirement of a cumulative 2.0 grade point average before enrolling in classes.

Students in WayneDirect must earn at least 50 credit hours or an associate degree at WCCCD before transferring to WSU. Students transferring with fewer than 50 hours must apply through the regular admission process at WSU. Those students wishing to concurrently enroll at both institutions should contact the Undergraduate Admissions office at Wayne State at (313) 577-3577.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 11 schools and colleges to more than 33,000 students.

WCCCD’s mission is to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve their goals through accessible services, culturally diverse experiences and globally competitive higher education and career advancement programs.

Contact: Martha Grier, Wayne County Community College District
Voice: (313) 496-2510
E-mail: mgrier1@wcccd.edu

Contact: Tom Reynolds
Voice: (313) 577-2150
E-mail: treynolds@dmac.wayne.edu