The new partnership will give students clear pathways to save money and increase timely degree completion.
[Suffern, NY] – Yesterday, Rockland Community College participated in a special event hosted by Purchase College, SUNY to highlight the new RCC-Purchase Pathway Program, which provides a clear, supportive, and affordable route for students to earn both an associate and a bachelor’s degree.
The event highlighted the benefits of the partnership including supportive advising and significant cost savings. The partnership allows Rockland County students to be accepted to both programs. Upon acceptance, students complete two years at RCC then transfer to Purchase without losing time or credits, which allows students to complete their bachelor’s degrees on time. New York State Students with a 3.0 in this new RCC-Purchase Pathway program may qualify to receive a scholarship of $3,000 per year for the two years they attend Purchase.
The event included a signing of the new agreement by Purchase College President Michael E. Steiper, Ph.D., and Rockland Community College President Dr. William P. Mullaney, as well as Purchase Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Earnest Lamb and RCC’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Melanie Rie, all of whom offered remarks, as did Diego Nova, a student who shared his story on how he has benefited from transferring from community college to Purchase. Congressman George Latimer was in attendance and offered remarks in support of public higher education in our region.
Please see photos and video from the event: RCC Transfer Agreement Photos
“Proximity matters for our students. Many choose Rockland Community College because they want or need to stay close to home, and this new transfer agreement with SUNY Purchase strengthens that pathway,” said Dr. William Mullaney, president of Rockland Community College. “With SUNY Purchase less than 30 miles away, our students can continue their education seamlessly, affordably, and close to their families and communities.”
President Steiper said, “Together, Purchase and RCC are removing barriers to access, strengthening families and communities, empowering the next generation of leaders, and fueling the economic vitality of Westchester and Rockland counties, and of our state as a whole. Through this agreement, Purchase, which is the closest four-year SUNY to RCC, will be able to make an even greater impact in the lives of students by expanding credit transfer opportunities across more programs and reaching more students than ever before. It also allows us to provide deeper financial and academic support so that every student has the resources they need to succeed.”
