A new partnership between the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and South Louisiana Community College benefits students attending SLCC whose long-term academic plans are to earn a bachelor’s degree from UL Lafayette.
The new Ragin’ Cajun Bridge Program will enable them to get familiar with the University while still enrolled at the community college.
“When a student is ready to transfer, the transition will be much easier,” said UL Lafayette President Dr. Joseph Savoie.
SLCC students who participate in the program will take classes at SLCC and will be eligible to live in one of the University’s residence halls.
Dr. DeWayne Bowie, the University’s vice president for Enrollment Management, said participating students will be issued UL Lafayette and SLCC ID cards.
“The UL Lafayette ID card will give SLCC students the same access to University facilities and activities as University students,” he said. “So they will be able to take advantage of University resources such as Edith Garland Dupré Library, Bourgeois Hall recreational facilities and the Student Aquatic Center.”
The University ID also provides admission to Ragin’ Cajuns home games.
Ragin’ Cajun Bridge Program participants will be required to be enrolled at SLCC for at least six credit hours each fall and spring semester. Summer is optional, but if they choose to enroll during the summer session, they will need to be enrolled for at least three credit hours. In addition to tuition and fees, the cost of the program is $90 each fall and spring semester, and $70 for the summer session.
A participating student who has earned at least 24 college credits, including college algebra and freshman English, and has earned at least a 2.25 cumulative GPA, will be eligible to transfer to UL Lafayette.
The program is intended to promote success on both campuses. If students follow the plan, they will earn an associate’s degree from SLCC and a bachelor’s degree from UL Lafayette.
Dr. Natalie Harder, SLCC chancellor, said the program would help foster academic success for any student interested in attending college in the region.
“To raise the standard of living in Acadiana, indeed the entire state, we need to make sure our students have every opportunity to gain skills and earn a credential. The bridge program will be a successful tool for ensuring that lives are changed by higher education in our region,” Harder said.
Visit louisiana.edu/admissions for more information, or contact the UL Lafayette Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Recruitment at (337) 482-6473.