Bay and NMU establish new direct admission program
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ESCANABA/IRON MOUNTAIN -- Bay de Noc Community College and Northern Michigan University have entered into a Direct Admission Program agreement designed to make the transition from community college to a bachelor's degree more seamless for students.
The three-year agreement, executed Sept. 16, establishes a formal pathway connecting Bay College students with NMU in Marquette while they complete their studies at Bay. The program is intended to enhance access and affordability, eliminate barriers for transfer students, increase baccalaureate degree attainment, and strengthen connections between students and the NMU community.
Bay College, which has campuses in Escanaba and Iron Mountain, provides career certificates, associate degrees, transferable university credits, industry certifications, trainings and professional development programs.
Under the Direct Admission Program, students applying to Bay College will have the opportunity to indicate their intention to transfer to NMU in the future. Participation does not obligate a student to transfer to NMU. Students who participate will be admitted to NMU initially in a non-degree undergraduate status while concurrently enrolled at Bay.
"At Bay College, we believe partnerships like this are about removing barriers and creating clear pathways for students to achieve their educational goals," Bay College President Dr. Nerita Hughes said in a news release. "Our direct admission partnership with Northern Michigan University gives students the opportunity to begin their journey at Bay with the confidence of knowing there is a seamless pathway to continue their education at NMU. Most importantly, this partnership demonstrates what is possible when Upper Peninsula institutions work together to put students first, expand access, and strengthen the educational and economic vitality of our region."
The agreement gives participating students opportunities to establish a connection with the larger university of NMU while still attending the local community college. Benefits include academic advising, an NMU identification card, access to a MyNMU account and NMU email address, access to select NMU events at student pricing, and participation or attendance in select NMU student life activities. Students will also receive one free official transcript from Bay College sent to NMU.
"NMU's partnership with Bay College has been strong for many years, and we are excited to strengthen that connection with this new opportunity for Bay students. Providing access to Northern's support services earlier in their academic journeys more easily facilitates their transition to NMU -- and to earning a bachelor's or master's degree. It's a well-designed pathway to their next level of credential that we're proud to offer."
The Direct Admission Program is designed to help students plan their educational journey earlier and receive support throughout the transfer process. Students may change their program of study while attending Bay, and participation in the program does not prevent a student from transferring to NMU through the regular admissions process if they later choose to do so.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment by Bay College and NMU to improve academic program articulation, promote student well-being, strengthen transfer student connections, and use resources at both institutions effectively.
For more information about the Direct Admission Program, contact Bay College Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Travis Blume at 906-217-4116 or travis.blume@baycollege.edu.