Dec 18, 2014 10:14 PM EST By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

The University of La Verne is partnering with Mt. San Antonio Community College (Mt. SAC) to bring a bachelor of arts degree to Mt. SAC, The Daily Bulletin reported.

Devorah Lieberman, president of University of La Verne, has called the partnership an exciting development for both institutions. With this collaboration, Mt. SAC becomes the 6^th community college the private non-for-profit institution has partnered with for a degree program.

"It is important that we continually seek opportunities to increase access to both private and public higher education. Collaborating with a community college, located fewer than 10 miles from the University of La Verne, serves this goal," Lieberman told The Daily Bulletin. "As a former Mt. SAC student myself, I have fond memories of early college years there. I am enthusiastic about our burgeoning partnership."

As part of the agreement, faculty from the University of La Verne will teach courses required for at Mt. SAC's Walnut campus. To obtain the bachelor's degree, most students will need to complete 44 units.

"The agreement is an example of how community colleges and 4-year universities can cooperate to benefit students and the community," Dr. Ibrahim "Abe" Helou, said in a press release. "It creates a seamless transition from a 2-year college to a bachelor program for the adult student, without the hassle of moving to a new campus or environment."

The agreement will benefit for students in the region wanting to access private education, according to Dr. Homa Shabahang, vice president of strategic enrollment management and communications.

"It is a national goal to increase baccalaureate-level studies for students attending community colleges and this is a major step toward achieving that goal," Shabahang said.

Courses will be offered once there are enough students to start a cohort at the community college.

Mt. SAC President and CEO Bill Scroggins said the agreement will help maintain California state's economic productivity through the next decade.

"The high standards and support levels of both La Verne and Mt. SAC will assure that these students are well qualified to enter the workforce and be productive both for their families and for California," Scroggins said.

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