FSU Sets July 31 as Mountain State University Transfer Day
Since becoming informed regarding the loss of accreditation at Mountain State University, the state’s higher education system, led by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, is leading several outreach efforts to assist displaced students.
Dr. Paul L. Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor, said, “Students are always the first and foremost concern of the Commission and the state’s higher education system. This situation, involving a non-system institution, is no different.” Chancellor Hill added, “I have encouraged all higher education institutions to provide assistance to affected students and their families as they begin to realign their academic goals and institutional options.”
Fairmont State University will host a Mountain State University Transfer Day on Tuesday, July 31. Students can call (304) 367-4855 to make reservations to attend the event. At the event, students will receive answers to their questions about transitioning to a Fairmont State student. Click here for more information about applying to Fairmont State. Click here to view lists of programs offered by FSU.
Students are still actively completing the application process and finalizing their schedules and housing choices and participating in Orientation sessions for the fall 2012 semester, which begins on Aug. 20. The application deadline has been extended until Aug. 17 for Mountain State University transfer students.
“Our nursing, business and criminal justice programs continue to be competitive and to attract high-achieving students. We strongly encourage interested students to complete and finalize their applications quickly, and our staff members are here to help,” said Dr. Maria Rose, FSU President.
In an initial effort to assist students, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, in collaboration with the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council), coordinated informational sessions in the Beckley and Martinsburg areas. On July 12 and 13, a College Advising Fair was held at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center in Beaver serving more than 200 students and their families. On July 16 and 17, a College Advising Fair was held at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Martinsburg serving nearly 100 students and their families. As part of the advising fairs, institutional representatives from two-year public, four-year public, and four-year private institutions were available to speak with students about educational opportunities in their respective areas of study. In addition, personalized financial aid assistance was provided by staff from the Commission’s Division of Financial Aid. Students can call the Commission’s toll-free hotline at 1-888-825-5707 or visit the state’s free college- and career-planning website, www.cfwv.com, for financial aid information.
In addition to the informational sessions for students, the Commission and the Council are working closely with Mountain State University to create connections with public colleges and universities to actively participate in the “teach-out plan,” which is required by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in order to assist Mountain State University students who are close to graduation. As a result of this work, several programs may transition from Mountain State University to public colleges and universities contingent upon agreement with the institutions and approval by program accreditation agencies and the HLC.
Chancellor Hill said, “On behalf of the State of West Virginia, I have been overwhelmingly pleased by the institutional response to find a new academic home for students and, in some cases, entire programs. In the end, we are all working toward a common goal – providing opportunities for students to achieve their academic objectives and become active participants in the state’s workforce.”
West Virginia Higher Education Policy CommissionMaria RoseAdmissionsChancellor Paul HillMountain State University
