J-600.1 University Center – Tiered Partnership Model
| Authority | Executive Director of Student Services/CSSO |
| Effective Date | June 17, 2026 |
| Revision Date | |
| Reviewed Date | |
| Related Policies | |
| Related Forms, Policies, Procedures, Statute | J-600.2 – University Center – Coordination of Pathway Agreements |
The College operates the University Center through a tiered partnership structure. The structure is defined and maintained through the central coordination of the University Center and Transfer Coordinator.
DEFINITIONS
Tier One Partner – Partner institutions that are fully integrated and highly engaged with expectations of the following: direct program-to-program articulation agreements, co-marketing, on-campus presence in the University Center, and financial support to Students.
Tier Two Partner – Partner institutions with program-to-program articulation agreements and limited on-campus engagement.
Tier Three Partner – Partner institutions with course transfer guides.
TIERED PARTNERSHIP ENGAGEMENT SEQUENCE
When the College seeks to establish a new transfer pathway or expand an
existing partnership, the following sequence will be followed:
Tier One First Approach
If a Tier One University Center partner exists in the relevant academic discipline, the University Center will work with faculty to explore agreement opportunities with that Tier One institution. Tier One partners maintain priority status with the College for opportunities, including but not limited to College events and University Center office hours.Secondary Consideration of Tier Two or Tier Three Partners Engagement with Tier Two or Tier Three institutions may occur if:
No Tier One partner offers a comparable program.
Student access, capacity, or programmatic need cannot be met through an existing Tier One partner.
The University Center will document the rationale for engaging non‑Tier One partners.
The University Center will maintain documentation of partnership tiers and approved agreements and will communicate partnership status and guidelines to Employees. Employees will coordinate communication with Tier One, Two, and Three institutions and prospective partner institutions, with the Transfer Coordinator, to ensure the tiered partnership agreement status is upheld.