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51¿´Æ¬Connect

51¿´Æ¬Connect: A Transfer Pathway Built for Student Success

51¿´Æ¬Connect is 51¿´Æ¬â€™s streamlined and student-focused guaranteed admission program for community college transfer students. This initiative offers direct-entry admission to 51¿´Æ¬and expanded early-access opportunities, ensuring your students have a smooth transition to their four-year degree.

Alumni Tower

 

Program Overview
51¿´Æ¬Connect guarantees general university admission for students from:

  • All 58 North Carolina Community and Junior Colleges
  • Other accredited community and junior colleges (NC private and out-of-state eligible for consideration)
  • This partnership aligns with WCU’s mission to enhance educational access, economic development, and student success across the region and beyond.

Eligibility Requirements for Students

To receive guaranteed admission through 51¿´Æ¬Connect, transfer students must:

  • Be currently enrolled at a participating institution in a degree-seeking capacity.

  • Submit a complete for admission and records by published deadlines.

  • Pay the application fee or request a waiver.

  • Be in good academic standing and demonstrate good conduct.

  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5, and at least a 2.2 GPA in their most recent term.

  • Earn an associate degree from a participating college.

  • Enroll at 51¿´Æ¬within one academic year of degree completion.

  • Complete the .

Brinson Honors College Guarantee

Transfer students with a 3.5+ cumulative collegiate GPA will automatically be invited to join WCU’s prestigious Brinson Honors College, which offers:

  • Guaranteed transfer of up to 12 hours of honors-level credit.

  • Eligibility from NC Community College honors programs or institutions that are members of the National Collegiate Honors Council (NCHC).

  • Enhanced opportunities for academic distinction and leadership Students must accept their invitation upon 51¿´Æ¬enrollment.


Apply Now

  1. Submit the
  2. Click here to submit your appropriate application to WCU:
    • , or the
  3. Visit our transfer information page on what to submit, scholarships, and other resources for transfer students at

51¿´Æ¬Connect Early Access Perks

Students who opt into 51¿´Æ¬Connect while still enrolled at their community college gain exclusive early-access benefits, including:

  • Major-specific academic advising.

  • A personal 51¿´Æ¬admission counselor.

  • Access to Hunter Library textbook rentals and study spaces.
  • Admission to select athletic events and campus speakers.
  • Priority orientation registration.
  • A 10% discount at the 51¿´Æ¬Bookstore.
  • An exclusive 51¿´Æ¬Connect Card.

  These benefits are activated through the 51¿´Æ¬Connect Card, issued up to one year prior to transfer.


Responsibilities of Partner Institutions

As a partner in 51¿´Æ¬Connect, your institution will:

  • Promote the program across campus.

  • Designate a campus contact for program communication.

  • Support student eligibility and awareness of admission requirements.

  • Provide accurate and timely information to interested students.
  • Collaborate with 51¿´Æ¬to ensure seamless transitions.

WCU’s Commitment to Partners

51¿´Æ¬ commits to:

  • Guarantee admission for eligible transfer students from participating institutions.

  • Assigned staff to support 51¿´Æ¬Connect operations.

  • Educate students about program-level admissions when applicable.
  • Ensure compliance with state, UNC System, and 51¿´Æ¬policies.
  • Provide early access to various campus resources

Agreement Terms & Conditions

Students who opt into 51¿´Æ¬Connect while still enrolled at their community college gain exclusive early-access benefits, including:

  • All NC Community Colleges are automatically eligible, but must opt-in by completing the .

  • Out-of-state or NC private institutions may be reviewed for inclusion by submitting .

  • Membership remains active unless terminated in writing by the institution.
  • 51¿´Æ¬will provide a 6-month notice for program discontinuation.
  • Program may be modified at any time by 51¿´Æ¬with written notice.
  • Governed by UNC policies, NC State law, and federal regulations.

Questions or Need Support?

Please reach out to:

Heather Hill
Associate Director of Admissions for Regional Engagement
hchill@wcu.edu