Memorandum of Understanding
between Goucher College and Anne Arundel Community College
regarding a Streamlined Transfer Agreement

Preamble

This agreement (the "Agreement") is made this 15th day of December, 2019 ("the Effective Date") by and between the Goucher College ("GC"), a private university in Baltimore, Maryland, and Anne Arundel Community College ("AACC"), a community college in Arnold, Maryland, to offer articulated transfer pathways where, after successful completion of AACC coursework, admissible AACC students will be able to transfer seamlessly to GC and enter a program track toward a GC Bachelor of Arts.

I. Purpose of Agreement

The Agreement memorializes an initiative between AACC and GC 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 GC 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 GC, the department, major, or track of GC 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 GC's bachelor degrees that offers AACC students incentives and structured transfer pathways for attaining a four-year baccalaureate degree from GC. 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 and ending on December 16, 2024, 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, GC 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, GC shall provide students graduating from AACC with an associate's degree and a minimum GPA of a 2.75 the opportunity to seamlessly transfer to GC into any of the bachelor's degree programs offered by GC. Students will still be considered for admission if GPA is below a 2. 75. GC's Office of Undergraduate Admission will retain the final authority in all admission decisions.

IV. Acceptance of Transfer Credits

Subject to the terms and conditions of this agreement, GC shall accept transfer of AACC credits up to a maximum of sixty ( 60) applicable semester credit hours. Addendums hereto includes articulated transfer pathways between AACC and GC.

GC itself does not grant academic credit for occupational competency/life experience. Credit is awarded from some Advanced Placement (AP) scores of a 4 or 5 (https://catalog.goucher.edu/). Students must submit official copies of AP examination for consideration. Students who have completed two years of active service in the armed forces are, upon completion of all other credits required for the degree, given credit for the physical education requirement of the Goucher degree.

V. 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 Transfer Guide (accompanying this agreement), AACC Catalog, GC Undergraduate Catalog, respective departmental websites, and ARTSYS (the USM online articulation database), to ascertain transferability of coursework.  

VI. Academic Advising

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

Prior to matriculation to GC, 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. 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.

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 GC Undergraduate Catalog. These requirements include a minimum of 120 credits, of which at least 60 credits must be earned at GC.

VII. 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 GC's school code (002073) 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 1 (for Spring transfer) or May 1 (for Fall transfer).

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

- AACC students transferring into GC's baccalaureate program with a grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible for a transfer merit scholarship ranging up to
$25,000 (depending upon meeting GPA criteria guidelines) https://www.goucher.edu/become/apply/transfer-students/transfer-scholarships which is renewable up to the completion of the baccalaureate degree if the student maintains scholarship requirements and continuous enrollment. GC transfer scholarship award amounts are subject to change at any time. GC transfer scholarships shall be promoted on both GC and AACC web sites. AACC students are also encouraged to apply for other GC scholarship opportunities as they become available.

- Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarship will be awarded to AACC students in the amount of $2,000. Students will need to indicate they are a member of PTK on the transfer common application.

- AACC graduates that have completed either an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associates of Science (A.S.) degree, will be awarded a transfer scholarship in the amount of $2,500. https://www.goucher.edu/become/transfer-students/transfer-scholarships

VIII. Reverse Transfer

GC will encourage students to complete their associate' s degree at AACC. GC will promote reverse transfer to former AACC students who have transferred to GC without completing an associate's degree. Interested students must sign a FERPA¹ waiver to allow GC and AACC advisors to exchange student academic records to implement dual advising and promote reverse transfer opportunities. GC will annually conduct outreach to current GC students that have: completed forty-five ( 45) resident credits at GC; 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. 

¹The parties will comply with all provisions of the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act ("FERPA") in all disclosures of FERPA protected information between AACC and GC. For example, the parties may be able to share personally identifiable information from a student's record for purposes related to a student's enrollment or transfer, per 34 C.F.R §§ 99.31 (a)(2) and 99.34. ln addition, pursuant to 34 C.F.R § 99.31 (a)(6)(i), the parties may share with each other C.F.R §§ 99.31 (a)(2) and 99.34. In addition, pursuant to 34 C.F.R § 99.31 (a)(6)(i), the parties may share with each other personally identifiable information from students' educational records without consent for the sole purpose of conducting studies to develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; administer student aid programs; or improve instruction. Also consistent with FERPA, the parties shall use reasonable methods to ensure that they provide only those education records that are necessary to this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement may be construed to allow the parties to maintain, use, disclose, or share student record information in a manner not allowed under Federal law or regulation.

IX. Reports, Data and Information

GC shall provide annual transfer reports to AACC. Transfer reports will include data on AACC transfer students that are currently enrolled at GC. 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 GC shall collaborate to the best of their abilities to annually provide data and reports to GC. Reports will include student enrollment information, enrollment breakdown based on programs at AACC, student demographic data, and other pertinent information.

X. Publicity and Promotion

During the term of this Agreement, GC and AACC shall 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 GC 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/).

AACC agrees to send email mailings to AACC students biannually (fall and spring) on behalf of GC to current AACC students with 45 credits or more that are in articulated or parallel programs with GC (e.g., associate's in Psychology to bachelor's in Psychology).

XI. 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

GC Program Administrator
Melissa Egerton
Assistant Director for Transfer Recruitment

XII. Amendments

This Agreement represents the entire and integrated agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations or agreements, either written or oral. This Agreement may be amended only by written instrument signed by both parties.

XIII. 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.

XIV. 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. 

XV. Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts and each counterpart shall be deemed an original. 

XVI. Applicable 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. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereby evidence their agreement to the above terms and conditions by having caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered on the day and year indicated above.

Dr. Michael Gavin
Vice President of Learning
Anne Arundel Community College
12/20/19

Scott Sibley
Interim Provost
Goucher College
1/8/20

Exhibit A - Program Articulation Agreement
Addendum to Memorandum of Understanding

This Addendum supplement is incorporated and becomes part of the and Memorandum of Understanding into by Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) and Goucher College (GC) on the set 15th day of December, 2019 (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 Arts 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 GC. 

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 GC:
Goucher College
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD 21204
Attn: Melissa Egerton
Dept: Admissions
Phone: 410-337-3057
Email: [email protected]

For each department, major, or track of AACC and department, major, or track of GC 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 GC, 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.

Dr. Philip Terry-Smith
Assistant Dean
Anne Arundel Community College
12/12/19

Dr. Dara Friedman-Wheeler
Chair
Goucher College
1/3/20

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 Goucher College
(GC) on the 15th day of December, 2019 (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 Arts in Professional and Creative Writing 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 GC.

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 GC:
Goucher College
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD 21204
Attn: Melissa Egerton
Dept: Admissions
Phone: 410-337-3057
Email: [email protected] 

For each department, major, or track of AACC and department, major, or track of GC 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 GC, 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.  

Dr. Danny Hoey
Assistant Dean
Anne Arundel Community College
Apr 19, 2020

Phaye Poliakoff-Chen
Director of Creative Writing
Goucher College
Apr 19, 2020

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 Goucher College (GC) on the 15th day of December, 2019 (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 Arts in Business Management 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 GC.

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 GC:
Goucher College
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD 21204
Attn: Melissa Egerton
Dept: Admissions
Phone: 410-337-3057
Email: [email protected]  

For each department, major, or track of AACC and department, major, or track of GC 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 GC, 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.

Stacy Korbelak
Assistant Dean
Anne Arundel Community College
Jul 17, 2020

David Grossman
Associate Professor
Goucher College

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 Goucher College (GC) on the 15th day of December, 2019 (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 Arts in Visual and Material Culture 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 GC.

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 GC:
Goucher College
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD 21204
Attn: Melissa Egerton
Dept: Admissions
Phone: 410-337-3057
Email: [email protected]

For each department, major, or track of AACC and department, major, or track of GC 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 GC, 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 M. Morse, Ph.D.
Dean, School of Liberal Arts
Anne Arundel Community College
Sep 24, 2020

April Oettinger, Ph.D.
Professor, Art History
Goucher College
Sep 24, 2020