The presidents of Shepherd University and Montgomery College have signed a collaborative agreement, the Transfer Opportunity Program at Shepherd, or TOPS, providing financial and advising benefits and paving the way for a smoother transfer from MC to Shepherd.

Under the TOPS agreement, MC students can receive academic advising to assist them in choosing appropriate courses for transfer, and students who meet specific GPA and credit requirements are eligible for a discounted tuition rate when enrolling at Shepherd.

Both institutions’ presidents are committed to creating a seamless pathway of programs and services for students. Together, the partnership can foster even greater degree completion for MC students.

Shepherd’s academic advisers will also meet periodically with students in the program to review their MC course selections to ensure maximum transfer of credits. Advisers will also work with students to prepare them for a timely completion of bachelor’s degree requirements once the students enroll at Shepherd.

In addition, transfer students have the opportunity to live on campus, study abroad and participate in athletic and leadership programs. All transfer students are guaranteed housing if they apply before July 1.

Outside of Maryland, MC students select West Virginia as one of their top three states for transfer. Leaders from both institutions see this agreement as a way of increasing that trend as they welcome even more diverse students to Shepherd.

Graduates from MC who meet the program’s requirements will be eligible for the discounted tuition starting with Fall 2011. President Shipley and MC President DeRionne Pollard will participate in a signing ceremony for the TOPS agreement this fall.

For more information, contact Kelly Pannill, associate director of admissions at Shepherd University, kpannill@shepherd.edu, 304-876-5199, or Debra A. Bright, director of articulation, transfer and academic services at Montgomery College, debra.bright@montgomerycollege.edu, 240-567-5006.