CMU and Delta College announce new partnership

The college transfer process just got easier for students at Delta College hoping to complete a four-year degree program at Central Michigan University. Presidents from both institutions have signed an agreement that will offer students a new path to achieve their academic and career goals. 

CMU President Neil MacKinnon and Delta College President Michael Gavin met Wednesday, November 6, in the CMU Bovee University Center for the signing ceremony.

“This agreement aims to simplify the transfer process, making it easier for Delta College students to pursue a bachelor’s degree at CMU,” MacKinnon said ahead of the ceremony. “We are excited for the opportunity to welcome and serve more students from Delta College and to meet the growing need for an educated workforce in Michigan.”

The collaboration means currently enrolled Delta students who maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher with 24 completed credits, and those who complete an associate’s degree with a 2.0 GPA or higher, will be admitted to CMU. The agreement also formalizes the transfer of applicable academic credits between the two institutions, helping students apply as many courses as possible toward their degree progress. 

“Collaborating on transfer guides enables students to maximize credit transfer, reduce redundant coursework and achieve their degrees with fewer total credit hours,” MacKinnon said. “Whether they are traditional students coming to campus or adult learners taking classes online, this agreement will improve the experience for all students, helping them reach their goals more efficiently and affordably.”

CMU and Delta College are both members of the Michigan Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers, and both participate in the Michigan Transfer Network and adhere to the Michigan Transfer Agreement.

“Delta College has a key strategic pillar that addresses equitable degree completion. CMU is one of Delta’s top five transfer institutions,” Gavin said. “We can make a huge difference for students who have historically been underserved by higher education.”

The partnership, and others like it, support Michigan’s goal to reach Sixty by 30 — to increase the number of working-aged adults with postsecondary education to 60% of the population by the year 2030. 

“This is one step in the right direction, and, as chair of the Michigan Community College Association’s Student Success Committee, I hope it is the first of many like it,” Gavin said.

MacKinnon said he looked forward to shaking the hands of many Delta College students when they cross the stage at a future CMU commencement ceremony.

“CMU graduates are serving communities throughout the state as teachers, business leaders, health care providers, engineers, public servants and so much more,” MacKinnon said. “We know that a CMU degree opens doors to great careers in high-demand fields in Michigan and beyond, and we are proud to help meet our state’s growing needs.”