University News

JWCC President Michael Elbe and WIU President Jack Thomas
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Western, John Wood Sign Updated BGS Agreement

May 2, 2018

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB/QUINCY, IL -- For many years, Western Illinois University and John Wood Community College (JWCC) have partnered through dual enrollment and other programs to offer area students outstanding educational opportunities. In 2008, the two schools signed a new agreement to offer WIU's Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) degree program to JWCC students, and on May 1, the institutions renewed that agreement, which allows John Wood students maximum transferability from all associate degrees to WIU's BGS program.

According to Jeff Hancks, executive director of distance learning, international studies and outreach, students can transfer up to 80 semester hours of credit from JWCC to the BGS degree program and can complete BGS degree requirements through online and independent study courses. The partnership provides place-bound John Wood students an opportunity to complete a baccalaureate degree from a quality public institution, Hancks added.

"The BGS program is individualized and flexible. Our continued partnership with John Wood allows students to finish their associate degree at JWCC, and have a seamless transfer to Western to obtain their bachelor's degree, while remaining in the Quincy area," Hancks explained. "John Wood students will also have the benefits of Western's innovative Cost Guarantee program, which means that a John Wood student who earns his or her associate degree in Spring 2018 and transfers to Western for the Fall 2018 semester will lock in Western's tuition and fees rate."

The Bachelor of General Studies program (originally called Board of Governors program) was created in 1972 to serve adult students who are unable to attend a traditional college program due to family, work or community obligations. Rather than requiring a specific major, the program allows the student to design her or his program to meet individual educational goals. Students may also be eligible for academic credit for college-level learning that was done in a non-collegiate setting, such as the military or on-the-job training.

"The renewal of this agreement is a great opportunity for all students, especially our adult students," JWCC Vice President for Instruction Laurel Klinkenberg said. "A key benefit of this partnership is that students who need to stay in this community for their careers and families have the opportunity to earn a four-year degree from WIU without being required to relocate. An added benefit is that students may design and complete a personalized program of study in collaboration with a WIU advisor."

For more information on the JWCC/WIU partnership, contact Hancks at (309) 298-1929 or Andrew Happekotte, director of advising and retention, at (217) 641-4346 or ahappekotte@jwcc.edu

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing