Spartanburg (S.C.) Community College Partners with Gardner-Webb to Offer Co-Admission Agreements

‘Bulldog-Bound’ and Business Pathway Create Direct Entry for SCC Students Transferring to Gardner-Webb

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University and Spartanburg (S.C.) Community College (SCC) officials signed agreements on Feb. 24 that expand transfer pathways for the schools. The “Bulldog Bound” direct-entry admission program will provide a seamless pathway for SCC students transferring to Gardner-Webb. Additionally, a separate Business Pathway Agreement creates direct admission into the GWU Degree Completion Program for bachelor’s degrees in accounting and management.

“Our University is committed to making a world-class education accessible and affordable to all who want it, and we are therefore so pleased to sign these agreements with our GWU alumnus, President Dr. Michael Mikota, and all our friends at SCC,” affirmed GWU President Dr. William Downs. “Together, we are working to create an easy pathway from Spartanburg to GWU. We are indeed grateful for this productive partnership that puts student success as our top, non-negotiable priority.”

“Bulldog Bound” allows SCC students to transfer directly to GWU after completing degrees in the following areas: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts in Teacher Preparation (AATP), Associate of Science in Teacher Preparation (ASTP), Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts (AFA), or Associate in Applied Science (AAS). The Business Pathway Agreement accepts students into GWU’s Degree Completion Program after completing Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Accounting and Management.

“At Spartanburg Community College, we are dedicated to student success and converging all resources possible to help our students chase and live out their dreams,” President Mikota said. “Partnering with Gardner-Webb University is a way in which we further reduce the cost of an education while also broadening opportunity for individuals to attain dreams they never knew were within reach. I capitalized on the opportunity to chase my dreams through the education I received at Gardner-Webb, and now our graduates can seamlessly do the same.”

Students in the “Bulldog Bound” program have access to information portals for GWU academics, as well as to faculty and staff, who will facilitate their transition to Gardner-Webb. The program prioritizes the ability of participants to receive admission, financial aid, registration and orientation communications early in the transition process, which sets SCC students up for success at both institutions. 

Students who wish to participate in “Bulldog Bound” must satisfy the following conditions:

• Be a current degree-seeking student at SCC.
• Submit GWU application for admission and disciplinary forms by GWU deadlines.
• Submit application fee or waiver and fulfill all commitment actions steps.
• Be in good standing at SCC and other institutions attended.
• Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct.
• Earn and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at SCC and a minimum GPA of 2.20 in their most recent term.
• Earn an Associate’s degree from Spartanburg in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which an articulation agreement exists.
• Enroll at GWU within one academic year (within the next two regular terms (fall/ spring semesters) of completion of the Associate’s degree).
• Meet all admissions requirements of GWU.

While enrolled at SCC, students will identify their interest in “Bulldog Bound” by completing a brief, online form provided by the SCC Advising Director. There is no program participation fee. Students who discontinue their participation will be expected to transition to GWU through regular admission channels. Students who enroll at another college or university after their Spartanburg enrollment also will be expected to transition to GWU through regular admission channels.

About Spartanburg Community College:

SCC offers more than 70 academic program offerings including associate degrees, diplomas and certificates, plus University Transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities. The SCC Corporate & Community Education Division provides job and career enhancement, workforce development and personal enrichment courses and training programs. For more information, visit www.sccsc.edu.

About Gardner-Webb:

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.