Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

PCC, Concordia sign dual enrollment agreement

Photos and story by James Hill

PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Community College, Columbia Gorge Community College and Tillamook Bay Community College will sign a dual enrollment and co-admissions agreement with Concordia University on Monday, Sept. 12, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at PCC’s Cascade Campus, Technology Classroom Building foyer, 705 N. Killingsworth Street. The formal signing marks the first dual enrollment agreement in Oregon between a public and private higher educational institution. The agreement begins in January 2006 for winter term. Preston Pulliams, district president for Portland Community College, said, "This will give community college students more opportunity and motivation to complete a degree. We are striving to make college accessible, not only to the residents of Portland, but also for students in the communities of Tillamook and The Dalles. Plus, there is a special advantage to our north and northeast Portland students." Pulliams will be on hand to sign the agreement, along with Concordia University President Charles Schlimpert, Tillamook Bay Community College President Ralph Orr and Columbia Gorge Community College Dean of Student Services Karen Carter, on behalf of Frank Toda, college president. The benefits of co-enrollment mean students can take courses at both schools, which streamlines admissions, applications and transcripts; gives students more access to college and allows students to use the services of both institutions. The tuition rates and fees will be set by the enrolling institutions. Pulliams added, "The data shows that students in the Portland metro area do not follow a single, linear path from the two-year to the four-year institution. This agreement will help reduce the barriers so students will be better assured of a successful undergraduate experience."