In a significant leap forward for higher education accessibility, Brunswick Community College (BCC) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) through the innovative PathWays program, set to launch in early 2024. This collaborative initiative aims to simplify the transfer process for students, providing them with guaranteed admissions and comprehensive support as they pursue their four-year degrees.
The PathWays program, previously known as UNCW Pathways to Excellence, underscores UNCW’s commitment to creating diverse pathways for students across North Carolina. UNCW has established partnerships with all 58 state community colleges through this pioneering program, ensuring eligible students a seamless transition to university life.
“BCC strives to ensure our students have every opportunity to pursue their personal, professional, and academic goals,” said Dr. Kevin Lee, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at BCC. “This partnership provides guaranteed admission for our students who wish to further their education by attending UNCW. In addition, BCC can provide local on-site advising with a Transfer Success Coordinator from UNCW at our campus and application fee waivers to lower upfront costs for our students.”
Chancellor Aswani K. Volety expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, “We want to make sure there are many roads that lead to becoming a UNCW Seahawk. Through PathWays, we are collaborating with our state education partners to reduce barriers and simplify the transfer process for all students seeking educational opportunities in our state.”
Eligible BCC students pursuing Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Engineering (AE), Associate in Arts Teacher Preparation (AATP) or Associate in Science Teacher Preparation (ASTP) degrees will benefit from this transformative partnership. To qualify, students must complete the UNCW PathWays Interest Form (available online at https://apply.uncw.edu/register/pathwaystoexcellence), have at least 24 transferable credit hours from BCC, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Participants in the PathWays program will work with a Transfer Student Success Coordinator, who will assist them in crafting a personalized transfer plan based on their interests and intended major. Additionally, transfer students will enjoy waived UNCW application fees and receive priority consideration for merit scholarships and deadlines.
Stefanie Norris, UNCW Director of Transfer Partnerships, highlighted the program’s inclusivit, “We deeply value our partnerships with the North Carolina Community Colleges and want to assist students in finding their way to UNCW as best we can.”
Students who have previously enrolled in the former Pathways to Excellence program will automatically transition into the new PathWays program pending a partnership agreement with their community college. Students who have yet to join UNCW’s guaranteed admission program are encouraged to complete the PathWays interest form, with more information available upon the program’s official launch.
UNCW and BCC invite students and the community to learn more about this transformative partnership by visiting the UNCW website. Together, they pave the way for a brighter, more accessible future in higher education.
About UNCW
UNC Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching and mentoring with research and service. The university serves nearly 18,000 students and offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs, as well as select doctoral programs that address state needs. Learn more at https://uncw.edu.
About Brunswick Community College
Brunswick Community College (BCC) is a public community college in Bolivia, North Carolina. BCC offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Engineering for students who aim to transfer to a senior institution to complete a baccalaureate or higher degree. BCC also offers a wide range of Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees, and High School Pathways (Career & College Promise), to prepare students for entry-level jobs in paraprofessional and healthcare fields. BCC serves 1,951 academic students, 6,257 continuing education registrations, and has a student-faculty ratio of 13:1. For more information about Brunswick Community College and our programs, visit our website, www.brunswickcc.edu.
