Central Piedmont Community College and Western Carolina University (WCU) announced the launch of the Catamount Connection Program – a new direct pathway for Central Piedmont students who graduate with associate degrees to have guaranteed admission to WCU.

WCU is an NC Promise school, offering $500 tuition to increase access to education.

Dr. Kelli R. Brown, Western Carolina University chancellor, and Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer, Central Piedmont president, met at WCU to sign the agreement for Central Piedmont graduates to transfer for an affordable and accessible four-year degree from WCU.

As Deitemeyer announced, “Central Piedmont is excited and proud to partner with Western Carolina University to provide our students a seamless admissions pathway to the university. This program represents a wonderful opportunity for Central Piedmont students.”

Students who wish to participate in the Catamount Connection Program must meet these criteria:

• Be a currently enrolled student at Central Piedmont, in a degree-seeking capacity,
• Submit a WCU application for admission and records by WCU deadlines,
• Submit the application fee or waiver, and fulfill all commitment action steps,
• Be in good standing at Central Piedmont and other institutions attended,
• Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct,
• Earn and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 at Central Piedmont and a minimum GPA of 2.20 in their most recent term,
• Earn an associate degree from Central Piedmont in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which an articulation agreement exists, and
• Enroll at WCU within one academic year of completion of the associate degree.

Brown said she wants to ensure students from Central Piedmont have immediate access to the affordability and quality of WCU. “It is so critical for students to see that if they want to go to a four-year college, but went to a two-year college, they have a pathway to that four-year institution,” Brown said.

Deitemeyer is equally thrilled to provide WCU as an option for Central Piedmont graduates. “We know our students will be well-prepared here and well-cared for at WCU,” she said. “In Cullowhee, they will enjoy challenging classes taught by superb faculty, a beautiful campus and a learning environment that fosters exploration, innovation and excellence. This program offers Central Piedmont students a great destination for pursuing a bachelor’s degree.”

Learn more information about how to transfer to WCU.

Learn more about guaranteed admissions options from Central Piedmont.