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NEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu
)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
3/14/2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES Northwestern State University hosted a meeting with representatives from institutions under the Louisiana Community and Technical College System to discuss methods to ease the transition from two-year colleges to four-year universities.
NSU is working closely with students at the state's community and technical colleges to inform them about available academic programs and financial aid.
"We want students who are enrolled in the Community and Technical College System to know that Northwestern is the right place for them," said NSU Director of University Recruiting Jana Lucky. "Northwestern offers traditional classes, on-line courses and classes at satellite campuses, which makes it possible for them to receive a bachelor's degree."
Representatives from Delgado Community College in New Orleans, Delta Community College in Monroe and Sowela Technical Community College in Lake Charles attended. The idea for the meeting came after LCTCS System Vice President for Community College Services Dr. Jerry Pinsel accompanied students to Northwestern's Graduate and Transfer Open House last year and saw the level of service prospective students received.
"All of the students came with some trepidation, but after the event each student remembered who they had worked with," said Pinsel. "Everything at Northwestern was clear and straight-forward. Our students are set on their goal and found out how to get there. We have a nice partnership with Northwestern."
NSU offers classes at its campuses in Natchitoches, Leesville/Fort Polk and Shreveport along with a satellite campus in Jonesville. Eight degree programs are available online.
"Many of the students in the Community and Technical College System are place bound, so the availability of electronic classes and satellite campuses is important," said Darlene Williams, director of the Office of Electronic and Continuing Education at Northwestern.
During the meeting, NSU representatives also explained the financial aid process for students. The process will be new to students in the Community and Technical College System, who can only receive Pell Grants and do not participate in the student loan process. The new admissions requirements, which take effect in the fall semester, were also covered.
"We encourage students who are transferring to Northwestern to apply for admission early," said Lucky. "It will take time to go over the application, so the sooner we receive an application, the sooner a student will receive a decision."
Northwestern will host its annual Graduate and Transfer Open House April 30. On that day, prospective students will receive information about available programs at NSU. Students can also have their college transcript evaluated to give them an idea about transfer credits which will be accepted at NSU. The university is also considering holding the program at several locations around the state to accommodate more students.