Valparaiso University and City Colleges of Chicago have inked a guaranteed admissions agreement that could add more diversity at the Lutheran institution.
The agreement, signed Monday in Chicago by VU President José D. Padilla and City Colleges Chancellor Juan Salgado, will support students transferring to VU to earn a four-year degree.
The transfer program agreement is geared toward Harold Washington College students pursuing a degree in accounting, business analytics, finance, management and marketing.
The Harold Washington College is one of seven independently accredited schools in the City Colleges system. It specializes in business studies. City Colleges is Illinois’ largest community college system.
The transfer program is open to all City Colleges students with an associate’s degree. In an interview, Jill Schur, VU vice president of enrollment and marketing, said most of the initial transfer students will come from Harold Washington College because of its business focus.
She said a delegation from that school visited VU last summer and was impressed by VU’s offerings.
Schur said expanding diversity at VU is part of the university’s five-year strategic plan, called “Uplift Valpo, Our Beacon for the Journey Forward.” She estimated VU’s diversity rate at about 24%.
Schur said there’s no cap on the transfers, and VU is hoping to gain at least five to 10 students.
“Diversity gives a breadth of experiences to all our students,” she said.
Valparaiso University president Jose Padilla speaks during the “Engage Indiana” event at Valparaiso University on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune)
“I’m thrilled to be working alongside City Colleges of Chicago as we find new ways to help these brilliant students meet their academic goals,” Padilla said in a release.
“Chicago and Northwest Indiana will benefit immensely from the trained professionals and leaders that this partnership will produce.”
To qualify for guaranteed admission, City Colleges students must have at least a 2.5 GPA and earn an associate’s degree either in arts, general students or applied science.
They’ll receive junior standing if students satisfy those requirements. Students must also maintain a 2.5 GPA to remain eligible.
The transfer agreement will also support students with early advising support from Valparaiso University, and honors participation for students with a 3.5 GPA.
Available scholarships include City Colleges Beacon Scholarship ($5,000 per year for 2 years, 3.0 GPA and above); Transfer Merit Scholarship ($18,000-$25,000, starting at 2.8 GPA); Phi Theta Kappa ($4,000, cannot be combined with degree completion scholarship); and an Associate Degree Completion Scholarship ($4,000, cannot be combined with Phi Theta Kappa scholarship).
“Valparaiso University is a place where our students can uncover their passion and learn,” said Chancellor Juan Salgado, City Colleges of Chicago. “Class sizes are small so our students will get the individualized attention they need as well as receive a world-class education. I’m thankful for this transfer agreement because it will save our students time and money and help them soar.”
In April, VU and Ivy Tech Community College entered into a dual admission partnership agreement for students who receive an associate degree from Ivy Tech to seamlessly transfer to VU. They may also qualify for a Valpo transfer scholarship of $23,000 per year.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
