An agreement between HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, and Wilson College now has added features that further help students earn a bachelor's degree. Now upgraded to a dual admission agreement, students have the advantage of parallel enrollment, with access to semester by semester academic advising, student services and use of library and other facilities at both institutions while still at HACC.

"The advantages for the students in this kind of agreement are tremendous," said Cathy Lencioni, curriculum coordinator for HACC. "The obvious cost savings on tuition is one, but also consider how much easier it is to enroll at two institutions, have the four-year degree mapped out from the start, have admission assured and all your credits come along with you. Our partnership with Wilson has helped HACC students lessen their apprehension about enrolling and transferring."

Students can apply for dual admission as early as their senior year of high school. Once at HACC, students can enroll no later than the completion of 30 college-level credits.

"Establishing a dual admissions program is one way to take our partnership to the next level," said Dr. Lorna Edmundson, Wilson College president. "HACC students have successfully transferred to Wilson, are actively involved in student leadership roles, and have distinguished themselves in graduate school and their professions."

Once enrolled, HACC students meet with a Wilson College advisor before completing their associate degree. Students must meet Wilson College admission requirements including grade point averages for their intended area of study. After receiving their associate degree at HACC, students can transfer to Wilson College as full standing juniors.

"Students, with the help of their advisors at HACC and Wilson College, can pretty much customize the four-year degree," said Lencioni. "The two colleges will work hand in hand to create a suitable course load that will prepare the student for transfer to Wilson."

For students needing financial assistance, HACC students transferring to Wilson College are treated the same as Wilson students of equal class standing when applying for, and receiving, need-based financial aid. HACC students may also receive transfer and merit scholarships from Wilson.

HACC serves nearly 16,000 degree-seeking students in a 10 county region from its four campuses in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and Gettysburg, its center in York and numerous off-site locations.

For a complete list of other colleges and universities participating in the dual admissions programs at HACC go to: www.hacc.edu and click on the admissions link.

Wilson College is an independent college dedicated to the education of women, rigorous study in the liberal arts and sciences, and strong career preparation. Wilson is committed to the life of the mind and spirit, to environmental sustainability, and to preparing articulate, ethical leaders who will serve their communities and professions effectively in an increasingly complex, interdependent and global world. The College is distinguished by its supportive, diverse and close-knit community, which is guided by the Wilson Honor Principle.