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NIU, Morton College create new pathway to degree

February 3, 2016
Morton College Interim President Muddassir Siddiqi (left) and NIU President Doug Baker shake hands after signing the reverse transfer agreement during a ceremony Tuesday at the Morton College campus in Cicero.

Morton College Interim President Muddassir Siddiqi (left) and NIU President Doug Baker shake hands after signing the reverse transfer agreement
during a ceremony Tuesday at the Morton College campus in Cicero.

A new agreement between Morton College and NIU will make it easier for Morton College students to earn college degrees that will set them on the path to career success.

In a ceremony Tuesday, the two institutions signed a new reverse transfer agreement that will allow NIU students who previously attended Morton College to apply credits from the university toward the completion of their associate degree at the college.

“Students want a hassle-free transfer process and to receive credit for the work they do,” NIU President Doug Baker said.

“This reverse transfer agreement does just that. It is a wonderful tool that allows students to demonstrate to future employers and graduate institutions their determination to excel, and another example of how institutions of public higher education in Illinois can collaborate to deliver high-quality, affordable education.”

Morton College Interim President Muddassir Siddiqi said that the agreement will not only strengthen institutional partnerships, but also contribute to state- and national-level completion efforts.

“An associate degree can provide better job opportunities en route to the bachelor’s degree,” Siddiqi said.

A 2014 NIU Center for Governmental Studies report to the Illinois Community College Board found that an Illinois community college education increases earnings for workers, add skills to the state’s workforce and boosts the state’s competitiveness. An Illinois community college graduate can expect a total lifetime earnings gain of over $570,000 – a 44 percent increase over the average total lifetime earnings of those not completing a community college program.

“Postsecondary education is a powerful force for career advancement, and a skilled workforce helps the region maintain its competitive advantage,” Baker said. “Both NIU and Morton College are committed to providing affordable access to high-quality educational opportunities and we are delighted to partner with them on this initiative, which eliminates barriers and fosters innovative educational pathways between levels of higher education.”