UNCW and BCC Forge Pathways to Higher Education Success

Revised transfer protocols translate to guaranteed UNCW admission for eligible students

In a significant leap forward for higher education accessibility, Brunswick Community College (BCC) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) through the innovative PathWays program, set to launch in early 2024. This collaborative initiative aims to simplify the transfer process for students, providing them with guaranteed admissions and comprehensive support as they pursue their four-year degrees.

The PathWays program, previously known as UNCW Pathways to Excellence underscores UNCW’s commitment to creating diverse pathways for students across North Carolina. UNCW has established partnerships with all 58 state community colleges through this pioneering program, ensuring eligible students a seamless transition to university life.

“BCC strives to ensure our students have every opportunity to pursue their personal, professional, and academic goals,” said Dr. Kevin Lee, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at BCC. “This partnership provides guaranteed admission for our students who wish to further their education by attending UNCW. In addition, BCC can provide local on-site advising with a Transfer Success Coordinator from UNCW at our campus and application fee waivers to lower upfront costs for our students.”

Chancellor Aswani K. Volety expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “We want to make sure there are many roads that lead to becoming a UNCW Seahawk. Through PathWays, we are collaborating with our state education partners to reduce barriers and simplify the transfer process for all students seeking educational opportunities in our state.”

Eligible BCC students pursuing Associate in Arts (AA), Associate in Science (AS), Associate in Engineering (AE), Associate in Arts Teacher Preparation (AATP) or Associate in Science Teacher Preparation (ASTP) degrees will benefit from this transformative partnership. To qualify, students must complete the UNCW PathWays Interest Form, have at least 24 transferable credit hours from BCC, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Participants in the PathWays program will work with a Transfer Student Success Coordinator, who will assist them in crafting a personalized transfer plan based on their interests and intended major. Additionally, transfer students will enjoy waived UNCW application fees and receive priority consideration for merit scholarships and deadlines.

Stefanie Norris, UNCW Director of Transfer Partnerships, highlighted the program’s inclusivity, stating, “We deeply value our partnerships with the North Carolina Community Colleges and want to assist students in finding their way to UNCW as best we can.”

Students who have previously enrolled in the former Pathways to Excellence program will automatically transition into the new PathWays program pending a partnership agreement with their community college. Students who have yet to join UNCW’s guaranteed admission program are encouraged to complete the PathWays interest form, with more information available upon the program’s official launch.

UNCW and BCC invite students and the community to learn more about this transformative partnership by visiting the UNCW website. Together, they pave the way for a brighter, more accessible future in higher education.

October 18, 2023