December 15, 2003

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854; e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

NEW OPTIONS FOR TEACHER EDUCATION --

COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENTS SIGN ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

ENABLING COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS TO TRANSITION TO SRU

           WEXFORD, Pa. – Students from western Pennsylvania who want to become teachers have more options following today’s signing of education agreements between Slippery Rock University and the Community College of Allegheny County, the Community College of Beaver County and Butler County Community College.

            The articulation agreements enable community college students to make a seamless transition into education programs at SRU. Community college students will enroll in two-year programs with curriculums established specifically for transition to SRU. After earning an associate’s degree, they will enter one of several programs offered by Slippery Rock University.

           The institutions will work cooperatively to support the best interests of students, and representatives of SRU’s Office of Admissions will regularly visit the community colleges to meet with students who plan to transfer.

 Joining SRU Interim President Robert Smith for a signing ceremony at SRU’s North Hills Center today were Cynthia Azari, president of Butler County Community College; Joe Forrester, president of the Community College of Beaver County and Stewart Sutin, president of the Community College of Allegheny County.

            The articulation agreements:

Butler County Community College (BC3) to SRU

Associate in arts in elementary education leading to the bachelor of science in education – certification in: elementary, early childhood and/or special education and associate in science in secondary education – social sciences leading to the bachelor of science in secondary education: citizenship (social science - history).

Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) to SRU

associate in arts in liberal arts/social science leading to the bachelor of science in education – certification in: elementary, early childhood and/or special education.

 Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) to SRU

Associate in arts in teacher education leading to the bachelor of science in education – certification in: elementary, early childhood, special education, or citizenship (social sciences – history) and associate in science in liberal arts and science leading to the bachelor of science in secondary education – certification in English.

## --PN, PR, PgN