UW–Platteville and Northeast Iowa Community College signed an articulation agreement Aug. 27 that would allow early childhood program class credits from NICC to transfer to UW–Platteville.

UW–Platteville Chancellor Dennis J. Shields and College of Liberal Arts and Education Dean Liz Throop, and NICC President Dr. Liang Chee Wee and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kathleen Nacos-Burds put their names to the official documents at the NICC Town Clock Center for Professional Development in Dubuque.

“It is important for us to recognize the fine efforts and very important work that community colleges and technical colleges do in preparing students to move on in higher education,” said Shields. “Today, we further strengthen our collaboration and good relations with Northeast Iowa Community College and help to provide local residents in making their college dreams a reality.”

Wee highlighted the influence education has on individuals, their families and the entire community. “The bottom line at NICC is that we impact community vitality – one person, one family and one community at a time,” he said. “Education does not have a stopping point. Students will start at NICC and go on to the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. This agreement is about what we’re doing to facilitate students’ educational progression.”

Seven NICC early childhood classes may count for UW–Platteville credits, allowing students to begin their progression towards a bachelor’s degree while enrolled at NICC.

UW–Platteville currently has 16 articulation agreements in place in Wisconsin, 15 in Iowa and 48 in Illinois. There are more than 500 students on the UW-Platteville campus who began their secondary education somewhere else.