WCU Stories      February 8, 2024

By Marlon W. Morgan

On Wednesday, Feb. 7, Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown and Laura B. Leatherwood, president of Blue Ridge Community College, signed a renewal of the memorandum of understanding between the two institutions that guarantees admission to WCU for all Blue Ridge CC graduates who satisfy certain requirements.

"We are thrilled to continue this partnership with Blue Ridge Community College in streamlining the pathway for transfer students to continue their higher education journey at WCU," said Brown. "As a proud community college graduate myself, I have experienced first-hand the opportunities programs such as these provide students seeking accessible, high-quality education."

The renewal will take effect from 2024-2029.

“As leaders and innovators in higher education, we understand the power of collaboration in fueling student success and workforce development,” Leatherwood said. “By renewing this direct-entry pathway between Blue Ridge Community College and Western Carolina University, we’re expanding resources and opportunities for our students as we prepare them for an ever-changing world and economy.”

To be eligible for the Catamount Blue Ridge Program, students must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be a currently enrolled student at Blue Ridge Community College in a degree-seeking capacity.
• Submit WCU Application for Admission and records by the university deadline.
• Submit application fee or waiver and fulfil all commitment action steps.
• Be in good standing at Blue Ridge CC and other institutions attended.
• Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct.
• Earn and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at Blue Ridge and a minimum GPA of 2.20 in the most recently completed academic term.
• Earn an associate’s degree from Blue Ridge CC in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which an articulation agreement exists.
• Enroll at WCU within one academic year (within the next two regular terms or fall/spring semesters) of completion of the associate’s degree.
• Submit the Catamount Blue Ridge Application Form
• This is in addition to applying to WCU.

For more information about how to transfer to WCU, visit https://www.wcu.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/transfer-students/index.aspx.