Memorandum of Understanding
between Bowie State University and Anne Arundel Community College
regarding a Streamlined Transfer Agreement

Preamble

This agreement (the "Agreement") is made as of the date last signed below (''the Effective Date") by and between the Bowie State University ("BSU"), a public university in Bowie, Maryland and a member of the University System of Maryland, and Anne Arundel Community College ("AACC"), a community college in Arnold, Maryland, to offer an articulated transfer pathways where, after successful completion of AACC coursework, admissible AACC students will be able to transfer seamlessly to BSU and enter a program track toward a BSU Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.

I. Purpose of Agreement

The Agreement memorializes an initiative between AACC and BSU to provide transfer pathways for AACC students ( each, a "Transfer Pathway") including the responsibilities of each party and opportunities for students who choose to follow a Transfer Pathway, in an effort to enhance and facilitate degree completion at the respective institutions.

For each department, major, or track at either AACC or BSU desiring to establish a Transfer Pathway, the parties shall enter into a separate addendum under this Agreement (each, an "Addendum"), specifying the department, major, or track of AACC sending students to BSU, the department, major, or track of BSU awarding transfer credit, and other relevant information as is set forth in Exhibit A hereto, "Program Articulation Agreement".

The goal of this Agreement is to provide seamless transition from AACC's associate degrees to BSU's bachelor degrees that offers AACC students incentives and structured transfer pathways for attaining a four-year baccalaureate degree from BSU. In addition, this Agreement contributes to Maryland Higher Education Commission's completion initiative by increasing associate degree attainment and providing momentum for baccalaureate completion. This agreement sets expectations for administrators, faculty and staff at both institutions, and fosters a working relationship between the parties.

II. Agreement Review and Term

The initial term of the Agreement shall be for a period of five (5) years, commencing on the Effective Date, at the end of which the Agreement may be renewed in writing by the parties every successive one (1) year periods unless terminated by either party as set forth below.

Either party may terminate this Agreement by providing ninety (90) days' written notice to the other party. During the notice period the parties may discuss continuation of a formal relationship. If the Agreement is terminated, BSU will continue to honor current transfer students from AACC under the expiring agreement terms. The parties shall meet, at least annually, to review changes in curriculum, programs and credential requirements for the purpose of determining whether or if the Agreement should be amended.

III. Guaranteed Admission

Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, BSU shall provide students graduating from AACC with an associate's degree the opportunity to seamlessly transfer to BSU into any of the bachelor's degree programs offered by BSU that do not have special admissions requirements. Students must submit a complete admissions application by the following priority deadlines (fall - June 1 (International Students - May 1), spring December 15 (International Students - November 1). BSU's Office of Undergraduate Admission will retain the final authority in all admission decisions.

IV. Admissions for Special Programs

AACC students considered for admission into any of BSU's special degree programs must apply, meet requirements outlined by BSU, and be selected for admissions into that given program.

- Nursing
- Elementary Education
- Early Childhood and Special Education

V. Acceptance of Transfer Credits

Subject to the terms and conditions of this agreement, BSU shall accept transfer of AACC credits up to a maximum of sixty-five ( 65) applicable semester credit hours. Addendums hereto includes articulated transfer pathways between AACC and BSU.

Per the Code of Maryland Regulations, students transferring to BSU with an associate of arts (A.A.) or an associate of science (A.S.) degree will satisfy lower-division general education course requirements of the BSU baccalaureate degree. Students transferring to BSU with an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree may be required to take additional lower-division general education courses to satisfy BSU baccalaureate degree requirements. Institution­-specific requirements of BSU may be required.

Transfer students who present a minimum of 24 transferable credits at the time of application and a grade point average of at least 2.0 (a C average) may be considered for admission. Students' overall grade point average and the trend of the most recent grades will be considered. Students can transfer a maximum of 65 credits from a two-year college or up to 90 credits from a four-year college but only a total of 90 credit hours. When a student has earned fewer than 24 transferable college credits at the time of application, an official high school transcript and standardized tests (SAT or ACT) scores are required. SAT or ACT scores from an official high school transcript are also accepted. Bowie State University College Code - 5401

VI. Academic Planning

To facilitate a seamless transition, AACC students should work closely with their academic advisor at AACC to develop a comprehensive academic plan as early in their academic career as possible and prior to transfer. Students and advisors are encouraged to utilize a variety of advising resources including the 4 Year Program Articulation Pathway ( accompanying this agreement), AACC Catalog, BSU Undergraduate Catalog, respective departmental websites, and AR TSYS ( the USM online articulation database), to ascertain transferability of coursework. 

VII. Academic Advising

Following admission to BSU, students will have access to numerous advising tools including an Advising Profile, a Transfer Credit Report and a Degree Audit detailing prior coursework transferability and applicability to university, general, and major requirements.

Prior to matriculation at BSU, all new students are required to attend the mandatory new student orientation program. During orientation, students will meet with an academic advisor to review prior coursework, discuss academic interests and goals and register for the upcoming semester.

After orientation, students will be assigned an advisor in their area of study from the Academic Advisement Center until they complete 48 credits, at which time students will be provided an advisor from their academic department. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their assigned advisor periodically. Students are required to meet with their advisor prior to registering for subsequent semesters. If you are majoring in Nursing, Computer Science, English or Social Work, you will always be advised by your department.

Students, in consultation with their academic advisor, will develop an individualized degree plan for completion of all general education, graduation and major requirements as outlined in the BSU Undergraduate Catalog. These requirements include a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 30 credits must be earned at BSU.

VIII. Financial Aid and Transfer Scholarships

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (F AFSA) is required to be eligible for need-based aid. Students must indicate BSU's school code of 002062 when submitting the FAFSA. All students are encouraged to submit the F AFSA beginning October 1 but no later than the priority application deadline of December 15 (for Spring transfer) or June 1 (for Fall transfer).

Students transferring from AACC to BSU who meet the transfer admissions priority deadline as well as academic requirements applicable to all students, may be eligible for the following scholarships offered by BSU:

AACC students transferring into BSU's baccalaureate program with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for a transfer scholarship, which is renewable up to the completion of the baccalaureate degree if the student maintains scholarship requirements and continuous enrollment. BSU transfer scholarship award amounts are subject to change at any time. BSU transfer scholarships shall be promoted on both BSU and AACC web sites. AACC students are also encouraged to apply for other BSU scholarship opportunities as they become available.

IX. Honors Program

BSU will accept AACC honors students into their Honors program during the fall or spring semesters provided that the student has graduated from AACC with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. BSU will guarantee a scholarship award to at least one AACC Honors program student with a maximum of two AACC Honors students enrolled in the BSU Honors program during any academic school year. The scholarship award includes in-state tuition and fees. All AACC Honors Transfer Scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 each semester.

X. Reverse Transfer

BSU will encourage students to complete their associate's degree at AACC. BSU will promote reverse transfer to former AACC students who have transferred to BSU without completing an associate's degree. BSU will annually conduct outreach to current BSU students that have: completed forty-five (45) resident credits at BSU; transferred at least fifteen (15) credits from AACC; and did not complete an associate's degree from AACC. Reverse transfer data will be shared yearly amongst administrators.

XI. Reports. Data and Information

BSU shall provide annual transfer reports to AACC. Transfer reports will include data on AACC transfer students that are currently enrolled at BSU. Transfer reports should include: student demographics, number of credits transferred, program of study, scholarship awardees, number of conferred bachelor's degrees, number of reverse transfer students, and other pertinent information.

AACC and BSU shall collaborate to the best of their abilities to provide data and reports to BSU. Reports will include student enrollment information, enrollment breakdown based on programs at AACC, student demographic data, and other pertinent information.

XII. Publicity and Promotion

During the term of this Agreement, BSU and AACC may develop and agree upon a mutually acceptable marketing and student recruitment plan to promote this Agreement and transfer pathways to inform students of the opportunities available. Any and all marketing, promotional or publication materials developed by one party must be reviewed and approved in writing by the other party prior to use of any such materials. AACC agrees to promote transfer pathways to AACC students by allowing BSU to place marketing materials in student service centered departments on campus and on the AACC Transfer Agreements website (https:/ /www.aacc.edu/resources/academic-services/transfer-services/transfer-agreements/).

Upon the request of BSU, AACC agrees to send outreach to AACC students biannually (fall and spring) on behalf of BSU to current AACC students with 45 credits or more that are in articulated or parallel programs with BSU. To the extent that BSU requests that the outreach be conduct by regular U.S. mail, BSU will incur all cost for outreach mailings.

XIII. Notice of the Agreement

The Parties agree to provide a copy of this Agreement, with any amendments, to the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

The Parties agree to provide copies of this Agreement to all relevant individuals and departments of the Parties, including but not limited to students, academic department chairs participating in the transfer, offices of the president, registrar's offices, and financial aid offices.

XIV. Program Administrators

The parties designate the following individuals to serve as administrators under this Agreement: 

AACC Program Administrator
Marcus Wright
Director of Transfer, Articulation & Career Alignment

BSU Program Administrator Shirelle F. Briscoe, D.Ed.
Assistant Vice President for Transfer & General Student Advocacy,
Division of Enrollment Management

XV. Entire Agreement and Amendments

This Agreement reconstitutes the entire understanding and agreement between the Institutions with respect to their rights and obligations in carrying out the terms of the Agreement, and supersedes any prior or contemporaneous agreements or understandings. This Agreement may be modified only by written amendment executed by both Parties.  

XVI. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland. Any legal proceedings brought pursuant to this Agreement shall be brought only in the state courts of Maryland.

XVII. Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and each counterpart shall be deemed an original. This Agreement may be executed by way of electronic signature and signature pages may be exchanged electronically, and such signatures will be deemed original signatures.

XVIII. Non-Waiver

The failure of either party to insist, in any one or more instances, on the performance of any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement, or to exercise any of its rights, shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of such term, covenant, condition or right with respect to further performance. 

XIX. Severability

Each provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a separate, severable and independently enforceable provision. The invalidity or breach of any provisions shall not cause the invalidity or breach of the remaining provisions hereof.

XX. Non-Assignability

Neither Party shall assign this Agreement or its interest herein or its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other Party.

XXI. Exhibits

Any exhibits, attachments or addenda referenced in this Agreement, whether or not physically attached hereto, are incorporated into and made part of this Agreement.

XXII. No Partnership

Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall it be deemed, to constitute a partnership or joint venture between the parties. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall it be deemed to create rights or benefits in or to any person or entity other than the Parties. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall it be deemed to create an agreement between BSU and any one or more students. There are no third-party beneficiaries to this Agreement.

XXIII. Sovereign Immunity

Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the sovereign immunity of AACC.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereby have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

Dawn Lindsay, Ed.D.
President
Anne Arundel Community College
Nov. 5, 2021

Tanya Millner, Ed.D.
Provost/Vice President for Learning
Anne Arundel Community College
Nov. 5, 2021

Aminta H. Breaux, Ph.D.
President
Bowie State University
Dec. 1, 2021

Carl B. Goodman, Ph.D.
Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs
Bowie State University
Nov. 19, 2021

Exhibit A - Program Articulation Agreement
Addendum to Memorandum of Understanding

This Addendum supplement is incorporated and becomes part of the Memorandum of Understanding into by Anne Arundel Community College ("AACC") and Bowie State University ("BSU") on the date last signed below (the "Agreement"). Capitalized terms shall have the meaning set forth in the Agreement. This Addendum shall terminate upon termination or expiration of the Agreement. In the event that the Agreement is renewed, or that the parties enter into a new Memorandum of Understanding, this Addendum shall continue in effect during the renewed or new Agreement duration, unless the parties explicitly state in writing otherwise.

This Addendum establishes a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Transfer Pathway in which students from the selected department, major, or track of AACC may seamlessly transfer into the selected department, major, or track of BSU.

The contacts for each party for all notices and other correspondence related to this Addendum are listed below:

If to AACC:
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD, 21012
Attn: Marcus Wright
Dept: Office of Instructional Partnerships
Phone: 410-777-2777
Email: [email protected]

If to BSU:
14000 Jericho Park Road
Bowie, MD 20715
Attn: Shirelle Briscoe
Dept: Division of Enrollment Management
Phone: 301-860-3465
Email: [email protected]

All notices shall be in writing and given by hand delivery, delivery by United States mail, email, or delivery by commercial overnight carrier. Notice shall be effective upon receipt to the person to whom it was addressed or three (3) business days after notice was sent, whichever is earlier. Either Party may change the notice address set forth in this Agreement by providing notice to the other Party.

For each department, major, or track of AACC and department, major, or track of BSU selected for a Transfer Pathway, both institutions agree that faculty representatives from both institutions will meet regularly to engage in ongoing discussion to enhance and strengthen this collaboration, update pathways whenever substantive changes in the program(s) occur at either AACC or BSU, provide a Transfer Guide attached hereto and incorporated herein which details a course of study at AACC where course equivalencies, general education and major applicability arc indicated.

Angelo E. Thalassinidis, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean, Technology
Anne Arundel Community College
Nov. 5, 2021

Rose Shumba, Ph.D.
Chair
Department of Computer Science
Nov. 2, 2021

Exhibit B - Program Articulation Agreement
Addendum to Memorandum of Understanding

This Addendum supplement is incorporated and becomes part of the Memorandum of Understanding into by Anne Arundel Community College ("AACC") and Bowie State University ("BSU") on the date last signed below (the "Agreement"). Capitalized terms shall have the meaning set forth in the Agreement. This Addendum shall terminate upon termination or expiration of the Agreement. In the event that the Agreement is renewed, or that the parties enter into a new Memorandum of Understanding, this Addendum shall continue in effect during the renewed or new Agreement duration, unless the parties explicitly state in writing otherwise.

This Addendum establishes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology Transfer Pathway in which students from the selected department, major, or track of AACC may seamlessly transfer into the selected department, major, or track of BSU.

The contacts for each party for all notices and other correspondence related to this Addendum are listed below:  

If to AACC:
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD, 21012
Attn: Marcus Wright
Dept: Office of Instructional Partnerships
Phone: 410-777-2777
Email: [email protected] 

If to BSU:
Bowie State Universrsity
14000 Jericho Park Road
Bowie, MD 20715
Attn: Shirelle Briscoe
Dept: Division of Enrollment Management
Phone: 301-860-3465
Email: [email protected] 

All notices shall be in writing and given by hand delivery, delivery by United States mail, email, or delivery by commercial overnight carrier. Notice shall be effective upon receipt to the person to whom it was addressed or three (3) business days after notice was sent, whichever is earlier. Either Party may change the notice address set forth in this Agreement by providing notice to the other Party.

For each department, major, or track of AACC and department, major, or track of BSU selected for a Transfer Pathway, both institutions agree that faculty representatives from both institutions will meet regularly to engage in ongoing discussion to enhance and strengthen this collaboration, update pathways whenever substantive changes in the program(s) occur at either AACC or BSU, provide a Transfer Guide attached hereto and incorporated herein which details a course of study at AACC where course equivalencies, general education and major applicability are indicated.

Alicia Morse, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Liberal Arts
Anne Arundel Community College
Nov. 5, 2021

Cheryl Blackman, Ph.D.
Dean
Bowie State University
Nov. 2. 2021

Exhibit C - Program Articulation Agreement
Addendum to Memorandum of Understanding

This Addendum supplement is incorporated and becomes part of the Memorandum of Understanding into by Anne Arundel Community College ("AACC") and Bowie State University ("BSU") on the date last signed below (the "Agreement"). Capitalized terms shall have the meaning set forth in the Agreement. This Addendum shall terminate upon termination or expiration of the Agreement. In the event that the Agreement is renewed, or that the parties enter into a new Memorandum of Understanding, this Addendum shall continue in effect during the renewed or new Agreement duration, unless the parties explicitly state in writing otherwise.

This Addendum establishes a Bachelor of Science in Biology Transfer Pathway in which students from the selected department, major, or track of AACC may seamlessly transfer into the selected department, major, or track of BSU.

The contacts for each party for all notices and other correspondence related to this Addendum are listed below:  

If to AACC:
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD, 21012
Attn: Marcus Wright
Dept: Office of Instructional Partnerships
Phone: 410-777-2777
Email: [email protected] 

If to BSU:
Bowie State Universrsity
14000 Jericho Park Road
Bowie, MD 20715
Attn: Shirelle Briscoe
Dept: Division of Enrollment Management
Phone: 301-860-3465
Email: [email protected] 

All notices shall be in writing and given by hand delivery, delivery by United States mail, email, or delivery by commercial overnight carrier. Notice shall be effective upon receipt to the person to whom it was addressed or three (3) business days after notice was sent, whichever is earlier. Either Party may change the notice address set forth in this Agreement by providing notice to the other Party.

For each department, major, or track of AACC and department, major, or track of BSU selected for a Transfer Pathway, both institutions agree that faculty representatives from both institutions will meet regularly to engage in ongoing discussion to enhance and strengthen this collaboration, update pathways whenever substantive changes in the program(s) occur at either AACC or BSU, provide a Transfer Guide attached hereto and incorporated herein which details a course of study at AACC where course equivalencies, general education and major applicability are indicated.

Kirsten Casey, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean, Sciences
Anne Arundel Community College
Nov. 5, 2021

Chidimnma Esimai, Ph.D.
Coordinator, Department of Natural Sciences
Bowie State University
Nov. 1, 2021

Exhibit D - Program Articulation Agreement
Addendum to Memorandum of Understanding

This Addendum supplement is incorporated and becomes part of the Memorandum of Understanding into by Anne Arundel Community College ("AACC") and Bowie State University ("BSU") on the date last signed below (the "Agreement"). Capitalized terms shall have the meaning set forth in the Agreement. This Addendum shall terminate upon termination or expiration of the Agreement. In the event that the Agreement is renewed, or that the parties enter into a new Memorandum of Understanding, this Addendum shall continue in effect during the renewed or new Agreement duration, unless the parties explicitly state in writing otherwise.

This Addendum establishes a Bachelor of Science in Biology Transfer Pathway in which students from the selected department, major, or track of AACC may seamlessly transfer into the selected department, major, or track of BSU.

The contacts for each party for all notices and other correspondence related to this Addendum are listed below:

If to AACC:
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD, 21012
Attn: Marcus Wright
Dept: Office of Instructional Partnerships
Phone: 410-777-2777
Email: [email protected]  

If to BSU:
Bowie State Universrsity
14000 Jericho Park Road
Bowie, MD 20715
Attn: Shirelle Briscoe
Dept: Division of Enrollment Management
Phone: 301-860-3465
Email: [email protected] 

All notices shall be in writing and given by hand delivery, delivery by United States mail, email, or delivery by commercial overnight carrier. Notice shall be effective upon receipt to the person to whom it was addressed or three (3) business days after notice was sent, whichever is earlier. Either Party may change the notice address set forth in this Agreement by providing notice to the other Party.

For each department, major, or track of AACC and department, major, or track of BSU selected for a Transfer Pathway, both institutions agree that faculty representatives from both institutions will meet regularly to engage in ongoing discussion to enhance and strengthen this collaboration, update pathways whenever substantive changes in the program(s) occur at either AACC or BSU, provide a Transfer Guide attached hereto and incorporated herein which details a course of study at AACC where course equivalencies, general education and major applicability are indicated.

Kirsten Casey, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean, Sciences
Anne Arundel Community College
Nov. 5, 2021

Chidimnma Esimai, Ph.D.
Coordinator, Department of Natural Sciences
Bowie State University
Nov. 1, 2021

Exhibit E - Program Articulation Addendum 

This Addendum is adopted and incorporated into the Memorandum of Understanding by and between Anne Arundel Community College ("AACC") and Bowie State University ("BSU") on December 1, 2021 (the "Agreement"). 

I. Capitalized terms shall have the meaning set forth in the Agreement.

II. Term and Termination

A. This Addendum shall terminate upon termination or expiration of the Agreement.

B. In the event that the Agreement is renewed, or that the Parties enter into a new agreement, this Addendum shall continue in effect during the renewed or new agreement duration, unless the Parties explicitly state in writing otherwise. 

III. Transfer Pathway 

A. This Addendum establishes a Transfer Pathway in which students from AACC's Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice concentration) may seamlessly transfer into the BSU's Criminal Justice.

B. The Transfer Guide attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference details a course of study at AACC where course equivalencies, general education and major applicability at BSU are indicated.

C. BSU agrees to award credit in accordance with the Transfer Guide during the term of the Agreement.

D. This Addendum may be amended only by written instrument signed in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.

IV. For purposes of this Addendum, the primary point of contact will be:

AACC Liaison
Marcus Wright
Director of Transfer, Articulation & Career Alignment
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012
410-777-2777
[email protected]

BSU Liaison
Shirelle F. Briscoe, D.Ed.
Assistant Vice President for Transfer & General Student Advocacy
14000 Jericho Park Road
Bowie, MD 20715
301-860-3465
[email protected] 

V. Faculty representatives from both Parties will meet regularly to engage in ongoing discussion to enhance and strengthen this collaboration, update pathways whenever substantive changes in the Parties respective programs occur, and update the Transfer Guide.

Karen Cook, Esq.
Dean. School of Business and Law
Anne Arundel Community College
Aug. 30, 2022

Cheryl Blackman, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, College of Professional Studies
Bowie State University
Aug. 31, 2022