Averett University President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks and Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) President Dr. Alfred Roberts signed the first articulation agreement and a community educational partnership agreement between the two schools Nov. 30 in order to make the transfer process to Averett orderly and smooth for graduates of SVCC.

The articulation agreement focuses on those studying sociology and criminal justice, allowing for students who have completed SVCC’s administration of justice program to transfer to Averett University and continue their education to earn a Bachelor of Science in sociology/criminal justice. The students will enter Averett with a junior status and can expect to graduate after completing a minimum of 60 credits at Averett.

The community educational partnership agreement guarantees acceptance into Averett with a junior status of any student from SVCC who has completed an associate degree. Students with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher will be able to transfer.

“We are excited to enter into a new partnership with Southside Virginia Community College. This is a wonderful opportunity for more students who wish to build upon their two-year degree by taking that next step to a four-year university,” Franks said. “We want to make the transition as easy as possible and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the team at Southside Virginia Community College.”

Both the Community Educational Partnership Agreement and the articulation agreement allow for an orderly and smooth transition for students, including many scholarship and financial aid options. Members of Phi Theta Kappa, the community college honor society, are automatically awarded a $2,000 Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship once they are admitted to Averett University.

“Partnerships such as this one with Averett University are critical to the success of SVCC and our students. By joining others who share a common commitment to access and opportunity, we are able to provide additional pathways for our students to further their educational journey. We look forward to continued collaboration with Averett to better serve the citizens of Southside Virginia,” said Dr. Roberts.