It’s now easier for LSU at Eunice graduates to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology at the University of Louisiana at 鶹ýapp.
The two institutions signed an agreement Tuesday that enables LSUE graduates to apply course credits earned at the two-year institution toward a bachelor’s degree in biology from UL 鶹ýapp.
The 2+2 agreement will take effect in the Fall 2018 semester.
Under the plan, students complete 60 credit hours during a two-year tenure at LSUE to earn an associate degree. Those credits then transfer to UL 鶹ýapp, where the student accrues another 60 hours over a subsequent two-year period to earn a bachelor’s degree, which requires a minimum 120 hours to complete.
UL 鶹ýapp administrators present at the signing were Dr. David Danahar, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; and Dr. Azmy S. Ackleh, dean of the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences.
Representing LSUE were Dr. Renee Robichaux, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs; and Dr. John Hamlin, dean of Sciences and Mathematics.
The transfer agreement is not the first between the two institutions. A previous 2+2 program, which began in 2014, enables LSUE students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
Under this agreement, they complete four years of coursework at their home campus. Faculty from UL 鶹ýapp’s College of Education travel to Eunice to teach. More than 30 students were enrolled in the program in the Fall 2017 semester.
Another partnership, called Ragin’ Cajun Bridge, also began in 2014. It gives students attending LSUE who plan to transfer to UL 鶹ýapp benefits enjoyed by University students. These include admission to athletics events, library privileges, tutoring, career counseling services and academic advising.
UL 鶹ýapp President Dr. Joseph Savoie said that the latest 2+2 agreement “strengthens the University’s already strong collaboration with LSUE.”
“This agreement, combined with the Ragin’ Cajun Bridge Program and the previous 2+2 partnership with the College of Education, reflects our commitment to easing the path for LSUE students who want to transfer to UL 鶹ýapp,” Savoie said.
Ackleh noted that the University’s College of Sciences has similar transfer agreements with South Louisiana Community College and Baton Rouge Community College.
The agreement signed Tuesday between LSUE and UL 鶹ýapp “is an exciting opportunity for graduates from LSUE to join our biology program and complete their degrees in a timely manner,” Ackleh said.
LSUE administrators characterized the agreement as a boon to the region’s economy and students’ post-graduation job prospects. Hamlin said the collaboration “will help increase the number of STEM graduates in Acadiana, which we need for continued growth in our area.”
LSUE Chancellor Dr. Kimberly A. Russell echoed Hamlin’s comments.
“The partnership between our two institutions provides a seamless transition for LSUE students to complete a bachelor’s degree in a high-demand field of study,” Russell said.
Classes students will take at LSUE will include science courses in biology and chemistry; mathematics; and general education courses in English, history and literature.
Once enrolled at UL 鶹ýapp, students will take advanced courses in biology, chemistry, physics and statistics.
Photo caption: From left are: Dr. Azmy S. Ackleh, dean of UL 鶹ýapp’s Ray P. Authement College of Sciences; Dr. David Danahar, the University’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Renee Robichaux, LSUE vice chancellor for Academic Affairs; and Dr. John Hamlin, dean of Sciences and Mathematics at LSUE.