New transfer program creates seamless path from SMCC to SJC.

The Presidents of Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine announced a new partnership to benefit students at both institutions and strengthen the collective community. Today, SMCC and Saint Joseph’s finalized the creation of the Community² program allowing students in selected programs to start their college journey at SMCC and seamlessly transfer to Saint Joseph’s.

Community² will allow students to be part of the culture of both institutions, creating ten new transfer agreements from SMCC to complementary programs at Saint Joseph’s and removing administrative barriers for students. Community² also makes Saint Joseph’s housing available to SMCC students in their second year. This allows them to integrate into the Saint Joseph’s community and acclimate to the campus to prepare for their eventual full transfer to the College while taking online or in-person classes at SMCC. The streamlined and seamless transfer path will save students time and money.

“Community² solidifies our commitment to providing students an accessible path to higher education and support to succeed while preparing them to meet Maine’s critical workforce needs,” SMCC President Joe Cassidy said. “The cost of college is top of mind for all prospective students and their families,” Cassidy said. “Recent High School grads can attend SMCC tuition free with Maine’s Free College Initiative, and with Community², have the unique opportunity to live on the Saint Joseph’s campus during their second year. This can dramatically reduce their initial financial investment, allowing them to continue their education after SMCC.”

“Community² expands on a long and fruitful relationship between SMCC and Saint Joseph’s College of Maine,” Saint Joseph’s College of Maine President Jim Dlugos said. “Our collaboration on this innovative program goes even further, providing learners from Maine (and beyond) a unique and seamless transition between supportive communities. From rigorous academics to wraparound services to high-impact career paths, our institutions are multiplying each of our great college experiences by the power of two.”

By matching coursework between programs at both schools, transfer agreements allow students to pre-plan their college careers, refrain from taking unneeded credits, and spend money on courses that won’t count toward an advanced degree.

Students enrolled in SMCC’s Nursing, Marine Science, Liberal Studies with a focus in Science,  Social Work and Psychology, Radiography, Business Administration, Business Administration: Sport Management, Health Science, Education, and Criminal Justice programs will be able to transfer to Saint Joseph’s Public Health, Pre-Occupational Therapy, Health and Wellness Promotion, RN to BSN (Online), Business Administration, Social Work, Psychology, Radiological Science Administration (Online), Marine Science, Sport & Recreation Management, Secondary Education, Elementary Education and Criminal Justice programs seamlessly. Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits at SMCC before being able to complete their transfer to Saint Joseph’s.

If you’re interested in the Community² program, please visit www.smccME.edu, or contact SMCC Dean of Academic Excellence and Strategic Initiatives Matt Goodman at mgoodman@smccME.edu.