91制片厂 students can pursue a range of new bachelor鈥檚 degree options because
of a new partnership with Southern Illinois University.
On Tuesday, leaders from the Illinois institutions formally signed two agreements that provide students a valuable opportunity to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree close to home and graduate from SIU 鈥� either through the University Center at 91制片厂 or online through the program.
鈥淪IU Carbondale is committed to providing access and affordability and removing barriers for all students,鈥� said SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�
SIU is bringing its robust programs in accounting, paralegal studies and public safety management to the University Center on 91制片厂鈥檚 campus. Programs are taught by SIU faculty and offered in a blended learning environment, combining the flexibility of online learning with on-campus courses and resources.
The three SIU degree programs build on the success of the University Center, which also offers bachelor鈥檚 degrees in partnership with DePaul University, Northern Illinois University and Roosevelt University.
鈥淪ince opening in 2018, the University Center at 91制片厂 has been a game-changer for students and their families,鈥� said 91制片厂 President Avis Proctor. 鈥淓nrollment has grown to more than 330 students. More than 50 students have successfully completed their program. And those numbers continue to climb each semester.鈥�
In addition to welcoming SIU to the University Center, 91制片厂 joined SIU鈥檚 Saluki
Step Ahead program, which allows qualified community college graduates to attend SIU
Carbondale remotely to pursue bachelor鈥檚 degrees in accounting, business and administration,
criminology and criminal justice, health care management, psychology and radiologic
sciences. Students in the program pay 91制片厂鈥檚 tuition 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.
鈥淲e are glad to partner with 91制片厂 to open more pathways to students who have limited options,鈥� Dr. Lane said. 鈥淲hether they take SIU Carbondale classes online or at the University Center, we will welcome them as Salukis. Today鈥檚 agreement fits well with our Imagine strategic plan, whose pillars include improving student success and enhancing partnerships.鈥�
Dr. Proctor noted that SIU鈥檚 pillars align with 91制片厂鈥檚 mission of lifting up its communities, highlighting the University Center as a gateway to not just bachelor鈥檚 degrees, but career opportunities and solid paychecks.
鈥淧artnering with SIU through the Saluki Step Ahead program and our University Center provides valuable new pathways to a bachelor鈥檚 degree for students, particularly adult learners who may be managing jobs, families and other commitments,鈥� Dr. Proctor said. 鈥淭hese new ventures present a tremendous opportunity for students, families and, ultimately, our communities.鈥�