Mays Landing, N.J. — Stockton University and Atlantic Cape Community College announced a new articulation agreement on Monday, March 24 to benefit fine and visual arts students.

Under this partnership, Atlantic Cape graduates will have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Visual Art, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications degree at Stockton after being admitted into the university and meeting the regular standards for admission for all New Jersey community college graduates.

Stockton University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Palladino and Atlantic Cape’s Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Josette Katz signed the agreement in the STEM Building on Atlantic Cape’s Mays Landing campus.

Atlantic Cape students will have to complete certain designated Stockton program writing and course requirements. Upon graduating from Atlantic Cape, students transferring to Stockton would have junior-year status as they work toward earning a bachelor’s degree.

Palladino touted the benefits of partnering with Atlantic Cape to help ensure that graduates who transfer to Stockton receive the best education possible as they continue their path toward earning a bachelor’s degree.

“By partnering with Atlantic Cape Community College, we are not only providing students with a seamless pathway to earning a bachelor's degree in Visual Arts, but we are also ensuring that they receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for success in their chosen field,” he said. “This agreement will also allow more students to benefit from our outstanding faculty, who are not only accomplished scholars and artists, but they also bring a depth of passion and expertise to their teaching."

Articulation agreements make it possible for community college students to transition smoothly into four-year institutions, often without missing a step in a student’s academic journey, Katz said.

“These agreements provide a clear, defined pathway for students who may not have the resources to attend a four-year school directly, but still aspire to earn a bachelor’s degree,” she said. “Articulation agreements expand access to higher education by giving students a tangible roadmap for completing their education at a four-year university.

“One of the greatest advantages of articulation agreements is the financial savings that they offer our students. We (Atlantic Cape) offer lower tuition per credit hour and by allowing students to complete the first two years of their education at Atlantic Cape, this agreement will significantly reduce the overall cost of a bachelor's degree. Additionally, articulation agreements ensure that students don't spend time and money on courses that won't transfer. Without such agreements, students might inadvertently take classes that don't meet the requirements for their intended four-year program, thus causing delays and extra expenses.”

Atlantic Cape Professor of Art Cheryl Knowles-Harrigan, whose persistence over the past eight years played an integral role in bringing this program to fruition, stressed the importance this agreement will have for Atlantic Cape’s students.

“This is an important day for our students in our new arts degrees and certificates, and it's a milestone for the arts and humanities department,” Knowles-Harrigan said. “This articulation agreement helps ensure seamless next steps for our art students as they move on to Stockton, where they will find excellent professors challenging curriculum, exemplary studio and digital facilities. This agreement proposes a logical, local and concrete plan for our students.

“I also want to thank our partners at Stockton University, the administrators and our professors who helped shape and confirm this agreement. A special thanks and the deepest gratitude from the art department and its faculty to Professor Jacob Feige, who was instrumental in moving the agreement along, visiting our campus, drafting the agreement components, and tirelessly working on the proposed agreement and meetings between the two institutions.”

Stockton’s Visual Arts program allows students to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts, Art Teacher Certification for K-12, Art History, or a bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art. Students in the BFA program selection a concentration from Photography, Studio Art (painting, printmaking or sculpture) or Visual Communications (graphic design or illustration).

Visit atlanticcape.edu/fine-arts to learn more about Atlantic Cape’s Fine Arts program and atlanticcape.edu/studio-arts to learn more about Atlantic Cape’s Studio Arts program. Visit atlanticcape.edu/partners-in-education for more information on other articulation agreement transfer programs available to Atlantic Cape students.