Moraine Valley, GSU Team Up To Offer New Pathway For Transfer Students

PALOS HILLS, IL — Moraine Valley Community College and Governors State University have teamed up to offer a new transfer pathway. The collaboration is part of the statewide TransferBOOST (Bachelor’s Opportunity Options that are Straightforward and Transparent) initiative. Moraine Valley students are guaranteed admission into several GSU degree programs by completed a qualifying associate in applied science degree.

The TransferBOOST initiative is a multi-year, state-level initiative developed to provide students with an affordable, well-supported pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree. The TransferBOOST initiative in Illinois is a collaboration among the Institute for Higher Education Policy, HCM Strategists, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, three public universities and five community colleges.

Students earning an A.A.S. degree often immediately enter a career after they graduate. Since A.A.S. degrees provide a strong academic foundation and specialized knowledge, they also can be a springboard for students to pursue a bachelor’s degree, which may help them advance in their careers.

The TransferBOOST initiative between Moraine Valley and GSU creates a transfer pathway for students with specific A.A.S. degrees to complete a bachelor’s degree affordably and in a timely manner. The agreement allows Moraine Valley students with this degree and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher to transfer to the university under the initiative and enroll in a minimum of six credit hours to receive a renewable $2,500 award per academic year. This is in addition to other financial aid and scholarships.

“The TransferBOOST collaboration with Governors State University will provide an equitable and clear pathway for our students as they transfer from Moraine Valley to GSU,” said Dr. Pamela Haney, president of Moraine Valley, :I applaud everyone involved in making this initiative happen. I am sure students who take advantage of this opportunity will benefit greatly from it.”

The two institutions mapped out clearly defined pathways for students to earn their bachelor’s degree at GSU after earning an A.A.S. degree in several areas of study, including health care, early childhood education and information technology.

“The Governors State University and Moraine Valley faculty held extensive discussions to ensure the maximum amount of transfer credit would be granted to our students,” Dr. Scott Friedman, Moraine Valley’s dean of student engagement, said,
To learn which A.A.S. degree programs at Moraine Valley are included in the TransferBOOST initiative, visit morainevalley.edu/transferboost.