^{The information presented below reflects the work of advisors at FTCC as represented in their, Advisor's Manual.}  

Table of Contents

1. What is the "Comprehensive Articulation Agreement?"
2. How soon may I transfer?
3. Is it okay to go to another school and take courses?
4. How do I know whether to take an A.A. or A.S. program?
5. What if I don't know what I want to major in at the university?
6. What does "pre-major" mean?
7. Why do I have to take so many courses for a bachelor's degree which have nothing to do with my major?
8. What happens if I change majors?
9. If I take a class over, will the "D" or "F" still affect my Grade Point Average (GPA)?
10. Are transfer requirements the same at all four-year schools in North Carolina?
11. What are the Minimum Admissions Requirements (MAR) set forth by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors?
12. What if I do not meet the MAR?

What is the "Comprehensive Articulation Agreement?

The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement represents an agreement between all 58 community colleges in North Carolina to offer some of the same courses (e.g., ENG 111 Expository Writing).  These common classes have been approved for transfer by all public four-year institutions in the North Carolina University System.  

The comprehensive agreement affects you in several ways.  First, it tells you what courses you must take in order to transfer.  Second, it is clear about when you should transfer; and third, it gives you the opportunity to transfer directly into a major as a junior if you completed all part s of the agreement for your particular four-year school.  This does not mean that you can automatically transfer into the University of your choice; you must still apply and be accepted.  Getting into a university is competitive and certain programs within the university are highly competitive.  It is imperative that you follow your program of study carefully and maintain an acceptable GPA.  

Although the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) covers only the 16-campus North Carolina University system, 14 private schools have signed the agreement.  Regardless of whether a private school signs the agreement, the principles regarding course selections are the same.  You must select courses at FTCC based on your major at the senior institution.  

Keep in mind that "D"s and "F"s do not transfer so you must repeat the classes you earned below a "C" in.  A transferred degree that contains a "D" may transfer, but credit will not be given for the "D" if it is for a course required by the transfer institution.  

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How soon may I transfer?

Many universities prefer that transfer students complete their two-year degree prior to transferring.  Often times the receiving institution will accept credits included in a degree that they might not accept if evaluated on a course-by-course review.  Thus, it is usually to your advantage to finish your A.A. or A.S. degree here at FTCC.  If you follow one of the Plans of Study (Associate of Science or Associate of Arts) and are accepted into a particular program, you will enter as a junior.   

If you plan to transfer prior to the completion of your A.A. or A.S. degree, do so after the completion of the 44 credit General Education core (see A.A. and A.S. Student Education Plans) including elective courses.  Upon completion of the General Education core courses, the entire 44 credits will be accepted as a package provided that you have a "C" or better in each course.   

Transferring prior to either completing the degree or the core courses will mean that each course will be evaluated individually as to its acceptability at the four-year school.  The acceptance of transfer credit is ultimately up to the receiving institution.  

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Is it okay to go to another school and take courses?

That depends on the courses you take and school you attend.  If you attend another North Carolina Community College, the CAA will still cover you if you take the appropriate courses for your degree.  If you take a course at a school other than a North Carolina Community College and plan to use those toward your A.A. or A.S., you will no longer be covered under the CAA.  So, be sure to discuss your plans to take courses outside the Community College System with an advisor or a counselor.  

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How do I know whether to take an A.A. or A.S. program?

Choose the A.A. or A.S. according to your planned major at the four-year institution.  The list of Pre-majors available in the catalogue is helpful in determining the right plan.   

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What if I don't know what I want to major in at the university?

That's okay, especially for the first year.  However, it is really helpful to have some direction so that you can choose between the A.A. and A.S. (see the list of pre-majors available in the college catalogue).  By not choosing a direction fairly early, you may select the wrong courses for your major, thus lengthening your stay at the community college or four-year school.  Career Center services may be very helpful in the selection of a major.  

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What does "pre-major" mean?

"Pre-major" means that you will follow a specific plan of study designed for your major at the four-year school.  You will still receive and A.A. or A.S. degree from FTCC.  If you follow this plan exactly, complete it, and are accepted into your chosen college, you will enter as a junior in your major.  EXCEPTION:  The credits for the A.A. or A.S. degree will transfer, but they may not count in your major.  Check with the receiving institution.

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Why do I have to take so many courses for a bachelor's degree which have nothing to do with my major?

Perhaps it would be helpful to understand what makes up the bachelor's degree.  There are three parts to a bachelor's degree:

1. The first part consists of "general education" classes.  These include mathematics, English, humanities, social studies and natural science courses--one or two in each area--designed to give you a general understanding of the world (e.g., history, art, biology, etc.).  When you complete your general education coursework, the university can be sure you are a broadly educated person.  General classes are typically taken as a first- or second- year student.
2. The second part of a bachelor's degree is a "major."  This is a group of 10 to 12 courses designed to make you an expert in that field of study.  Typically, these courses are taken as a junior or senior.  
3. The last part consists of "elective" courses of your choice which allow you to broaden your academic horizon and which expose you to fields of study you may never have investigated.  These courses are commonly taken at any time.

In order for transfer to the university to be smooth, you need to complete the general education courses at your community college.  You may then take an introductory course or two toward the major you intend to pursue.

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What happens if I change majors?

Anytime you make a change, you can expect new obstacles.  That's why it is best, when possible, to select a major and stay with it.  Pre-major (also called pre-profession) classes can be used as electives if you decide to change majors, but if your elective requirements are complete when you decide on a new major, there may be no place to use old major course.   In hat instance, the coursework would not be usable toward your degree.  

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If I take a class over, will the "D" or "F" still affect my Grade Point Average (GPA)?

No!  When a course is repeated, the higher grade will be counted in determining the hours earned and in determining the grade point average at FTCC.  However, all grades will be recorded on the student's official transcript.  

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Are transfer requirements the same at all four-year schools in North Carolina?

No!  It is very important to check the catalog for each school regarding:

• Application deadline dates.
• Minimum number of credits needed to transfer.
• Minimum GPA required for regular admissions and/or competitive majors.

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What are the Minimum Admissions Requirements (MAR) set forth by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors?

The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina determined in 1990 that the Minimum Admission Requirements (MAR) for all students planning to enter any of the State's 16 public colleges and universities shall include the following: 

• A high school diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, Adult High School Diploma).
• English-four course units of English, emphasizing grammar, composition, and literature.
• Mathematics-three course units in math, including algebra I, algebra II, and geometry or a higher level math course for which algebra II is a prerequisite.
• Social Studies-two course unties in social studies, including one unit in United States History.
• Science-three course unites in science, including at least one unit in life or biological science; at least one unit in physical science (for example, physical science, chemistry, or physics); and, at least, one laboratory course.

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What if I do not meet the MAR?

If a student has not met all of the MAR, then he or she must complete one of the following to be considered for admission into a four-year North Carolina college or university:

• An Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) 64-65 semester-hour-degree program.

or

• At least six semester hours in each of the following areas, for a total of at least 24 semester hours (_{This requirement is especially important to students who may wish to transfer prior to completion of their degree program.}):
  • English-six semester hours (i.e., two courses).
  • Math-six semester hours (not to include computer courses).
  • Science-six semester hours.
  • Social Science-six semester hours.

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