ECC, Southeast Agree to New Mentor Transfer Program

East Central College students planning to transfer to Southeast Missouri State University, Cape Girardeau, will have a helping hand every step of the way.

That’s thanks to a Transfer Mentor Program agreed upon ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer and Southeast President Dr. Carlos Vargas on Sept. 19.

The new program provides ECC students with a guided plan for success while at ECC, and an easy transition plan to Southeast to complete their four-year degree.

“It takes two institutions to make an agreement work,” said Bauer. “It’s important to have processes in place so students know the answers without having to search for them. This partnership will work for the students.”

ECC students will track their degree program at Southeast from their very first semester of college. Students who participate will be assigned a transfer mentor at Southeast who will give them individual support for their two years at ECC, and through their first semester at Southeast.

“The Transfer Mentor Program allows Southeast to treat ECC students as if they were our very own,” said Vargas. “This agreement will give students support and advising to ensure courses are transferable as they make progress on their associate degrees.”

In addition, ECC students will have access to academic advising and the web-based degree management system at Southeast. The program also provides students opportunities for concurrent enrollment and reverse transfer to earn their associate of arts degree at ECC.

Every semester, ECC will send an official college transcript to Southeast at no cost to the student. This will allow the student, and staff at ECC and Southeast to share information, manage progress towards the degree and have access to transcripts in a web-based degree management system.

With the institutions working directly together on behalf of the students, Southeast’s Office of Admissions can create a clear pathway for the ECC students’ ultimate goal of a four-year degree while helping ensure there are no non-transferable credits, giving them guidance, and providing mentorship to succeed.