Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University Carbondale issued the following announcement on Oct. 6

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is partnering with three Chicagoland community colleges to bring the expertise of a doctoral research university to place-bound students. On Oct. 4-5, SIU Carbondale entered agreements with Harper College, Oakton Community College and Harold Washington College, part of City Colleges of Chicago.

"SIU Carbondale is committed to providing access and affordability and removing barriers for all students,” said SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane. “We are proud of our beautiful campus and the first-rate education and unique opportunities Salukis receive. But we understand not all Chicago students can move to Carbondale to complete their education, so we will bring SIU Carbondale to the Windy City.”

The signing ceremonies were part of a larger SIU Carbondale initiative, Saluki Takeover Tour: Chicago. Representatives of SIU Carbondale met with school administrators, alumni groups and other constituents to improve access for students and build partnerships in the Windy City. Coverage of the Saluki Takeover is available on the SIU Foundation’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Harper College and Oakton Community College signed Saluki Step Ahead agreements, which provide qualified community college students the option to earn their bachelor’s degrees remotely and at a lower cost in six academic programs: accounting, business and administration, health care management, radiologic sciences, criminology and criminal justice, and psychology.

Following graduation with an associate degree from the community college, students can go on to complete their SIU bachelor’s degrees online without leaving their hometowns. Students in the program pay the community college rate for their first two years. In the third and fourth years, they receive an annual $4,000 scholarship. The goal is to allow them to earn their degree for $25,000 or less.

In addition, SIU Carbondale will have dedicated physical space within Harper College’s University Center to offer select bachelor programs. SIU faculty will teach the final two years of accounting, paralegal studies and public safety management.

“Partnering with SIU through the Saluki Step Ahead program and our University Center provides valuable new pathways to a bachelor’s degree for students, particularly adult learners who may be managing jobs, families and other commitments," said Avis Proctor, president of Harper College. “These new ventures present a tremendous opportunity for students, families and, ultimately, our communities.”

At Oakton College, students who earn an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science will also receive automatic general admission into SIU (some programs have separate admissions criteria).

“We are extremely grateful for SIU Carbondale's partnership and excited for the opportunities this affords to Oakton students,” said Oakton Community College President Joianne L. Smith. “Seamlessly transferring to SIU Carbondale to earn a bachelor’s degree online removes barriers for many students unable to travel to SIU Carbondale’s campus. This aligns with our equity priorities by increasing access to learning opportunities.”

At Harold Washington College, the two institutions signed agreements for equity in accounting and renewal of Star Scholars.

“City Colleges of Chicago strives for equity and inclusion, and this agreement will help to bridge the opportunity gap for our Black and Brown students in this industry. We are incredibly grateful to SIU Carbondale for their partnership,” said Juan Salgado, chancellor of City College of Chicago.  

The equity in accounting agreement is a partnership to improve social equity and offer eligible underserved community residents an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree in accounting from SIU while they remain in Chicago. Following graduation with an associate degree, students can complete their bachelor’s degree in accounting online from SIU Carbondale. The program aims to diversify the field of accounting, of which 8.8% identify as Black.

Through Star Scholars, City Colleges students can attend free of charge, then receive a scholarship from the university partner they transfer to. SIU will offer a $1,000 scholarship to these students, who must have at least a 3.0 GPA.

“People with limited pathways need more opportunities to earn their bachelor’s degrees,” Lane said. “Our agreements with Harper College, Oakton Community College and City Colleges of Chicago provide place-bound students more options to attain their goals. These agreements fit in well with our Imagine strategic plan, which includes pillars to improve student success; enhance diversity, equity and inclusion; and build our partnerships.”

Oakton Community College President Joianne L. Smith, Oakton Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Ileo Lott and Chancellor Austin Lane sign the agreements.

City College of Chicago Chancellor Juan Salgado and Chancellor Austin Lane celebrate the agreements between their institutions.

Original source can be found here.