Members of the leadership teams from MCC and CCSU met on June 6 to sign an articulation agreement, which establishes a pathway for students who complete MCC’s two-year Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, or Hotel Tourism Management programs to continue their studies at CCSU in the Ammon College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

“Relationships like these are key to our students’ success, said President Zulma R. Toro.

In drafting the latest agreement, Dr. Jeff Kreeger, coordinator of Tourism and Hospitality Studies at CCSU, MCC and CCSU worked to create a “seamless degree trajectory” for MCC transfer students.

“This articulation agreement better communicates and explains how MCC credits will be converted into CCSU hours,” he explains.

Kreeger points to the positive job outlook for tourism and hospitality jobs for graduates of programs like Central’s. By completing a baccalaureate degree at Central, MCC students increase their chances of landing a well-paying and satisfying job.

“One in five new jobs in the next 20 years will be in tourism and/or hospitality,” he says. “I tell my students that if they're diligent, they will not only have a job for the rest of their life but with their THS degree, they'll have a very good job! The THS degree boosts them up the management curve.”

CCSU and MCC will offer coordinated advising to students enrolled in the Culinary Arts, Food Service Management, or Hotel Tourism Management programs until they earn their Associate degree. CCSU will take over advising duties after MCC students transfer to Central.

“We are pleased to enter into this program articulation agreement with CCSU. The more avenues we open for our students to access higher education, the greater the opportunity for successful outcomes for all,” said Dr. Tanya C. Milner-Harlee, interim chief executive officer at Manchester Community College.

Plans are in the works to develop additional articulation agreements that will simplify the process for more students who transfer from community colleges to CCSU.