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A program aimed at helping students move from associate to bachelor's degree programs with a variety of services will expand to the University of North Georgia's (̨Íåswag) Gainesville Campus this fall after piloting at the Oconee Campus in 2022-23.

Pathway+ places incoming freshmen enrolled in associate degree programs in learning communities where they take two classes together, provides a 50-minute weekly workshop that emphasizes skills needed to succeed in college, and allows them to transfer into a bachelor's degree program as soon as they are eligible. Students who take part in each portion of the program are eligible for up to $2,000 in scholarships during their sophomore year.

"We want to help students make a successful transition into college and then earn a bachelor's degree," Dr. Brett Morris, associate vice president for Enrollment Management, said.

Dr. Chris Barnes, associate dean of academic administration at the Oconee Campus, said the paired classes of the learning communities allow students to form relationships that make for a better college experience.

"The community they build within those classes is very helpful," Barnes said.

Dr. Steven Lloyd, vice provost, said the tools of Pathway+ assist students in seeing the role they play in their success. 

"Students who are engaged tend to stay at the university," Lloyd said.

Dr. Rebecca Conneely, Title III activity coordinator, said the weekly workshop will help students focus on their goals, find strategies to achieve those aims and learn about ̨Íåswag resources such as Student Counseling, Student Health Services, Financial Aid, and academic coaching. Everything is intentional about the structure of Pathway+.

"Students have the opportunity to get the sense that they belong here. They collaborate and work together," Conneely said. "This is a chance for students to achieve their goals. Everything in the program is designed to help them transition into a bachelor's degree program."

Dr. Carol Adams, associate vice president and dean of University College, said ̨Íåswag is excited about Pathway+ because it can help students realize it's OK to get help in any way they need.

"They are not alone. Others have some of the same needs," Adams said. "This is an opportunity for students to take advantage of all ̨Íåswag has to offer."