BHC, SAU announce joint agreement

Black Hawk College and St. Ambrose University recently approved a Guaranteed Admission Agreement to better serve students and facilitate the transfer process.

The agreement offers BHC students guaranteed admission to St. Ambrose to complete their bachelor’s degree. The program is designed to give BHC students a minimum of one year of contact with St. Ambrose before they transfer to the university. During the program, St. Ambrose will advise BHC students on academic requirements and transfer credit policies.

Once Black Hawk College students in the program earn their associate degree, they will be accepted to St. Ambrose as a junior.

The program also benefits high-achieving BHC students. Students who have a minimum 3.5 GPA have a guaranteed invitation to apply to the SAU Honors Program. And members of Phi Theta Kappa – the honor society for two-year schools – are eligible for an additional scholarship.

“This agreement provides a clear path for Black Hawk students to transition to St. Ambrose and continue their studies. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to working with the team at St. Ambrose,” said Dr. Amy Maxeiner, Vice President for Instruction and Student Services at Black Hawk College.

Dr. Paul Koch, St. Ambrose University Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, said the early contact with St. Ambrose staff and faculty will provide a comfort level for students transferring from Black Hawk and ensure they are able to work seamlessly toward degree completion once enrolled.

“This is a sensible way to help students keep their focus on their classwork,” he said. “We’re pleased to partner with Black Hawk College to help students get the most out of their experience at both schools.”