Two plus two; NCTA national review
In an effort to maximize opportunity for our students, the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture enters into educational partnerships with many public and private entities across the state. We recently renewed a key program with our counterparts on East Campus at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
NCTA and the UNL College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (CASNR) have utilized a student transfer program for the past 15 years. This partnership ensures students and parents that the courses taken at NCTA transfer for credit to UNL. Because of these agreements, students wishing to pursue a bachelor’s degree at UNL receive assurance that they can receive that degree two years after graduating from NCTA, if they successfully complete courses in a prescribed curriculum.
Last Friday, administrators affirmed the Associate to Bachelors or “2 + 2” contract renewal with an official signing ceremony at Ag Hall in Lincoln with our partners from CASNR.
Evey Choat of St. Edward joined us for this celebratory event. As an example of a student who graduated from NCTA in May, 2016, Evey is now in her first year at UNL completing her junior and senior years to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education.
This program has been a win-win with our sister campus. We call this type of student transfer a “seamless” process for academic programs.
When students first arrive at NCTA as college freshmen, some are unsure of their exact professional goals or academic career. They know, however, they are dedicated to a life in agriculture. If students are considering transfer to a baccalaureate program, advisors will place those students in courses which match closely with the coursework at CASNR to facilitate easy transfer.
Whether they are seeking a two or four-year degree, NCTA students are exposed to an unusually rich environment of agricultural experiences both in and out of the classroom. As an Aggie student, they delve into various classroom, academic experiences and student organizations. Some students join a competition team in livestock judging or crops judging. Others may find their forte in leadership and agricultural literacy or communications.
Student ambassadors and leaders may find their niche is mentoring and teaching youngsters in 4-H or FFA. Through our campus programs and student advising, we help students find their way at NCTA.
While some students are poised for returning to home farming and ranching operations, others target agribusiness management, ag sales or apply their technical skills in irrigation technology, welding, or precision agriculture and cooperative employment.
We have very strong demand for NCTA graduates at all levels. For students seeking another two years of college education, they can gain their Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) program with UNL by staying right here in southwestern Nebraska. Some graduates choose to go on to take some of the other outstanding baccalaureate programs offered by our CASNR partners in Lincoln.
We are proud of all avenues of educational opportunities NCTA provides to its students, as well as high school communities and partners.
This week brings to fruition our campus-wide review of NCTA curriculum, assessments, certifications and overall post-secondary institutional operations. A national review of NCTA’s accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission occurs March 28-20 with a review team site visit to the campus.
Welcome to the team, and thanks to all of our educational partners, the industry and community in helping the college prepare for this important assessment. We appreciate everyone’s involvement in this process, and encourage your continued input to NCTA for future programs.
Thank you, and Happy Spring!
Upcoming NCTA Events:
March 21-25 – Student Spring Break, Business Offices Open
March 24-25 – NCTA Crops Judging Team to K-State Contest, Manhattan, Kan.
March 28-30 – Higher Learning Commission Accreditation Site Visit, NCTA Campus
March 29 – Nebraska Farm President Steve Nelson program, 6:30 p.m., Ed Center
March 29 – Master Gardener Webinar, 7 p.m., Ag Hall, Room 1
March 30 – Stock Dogs Low-Stress Cattle Handling, 6 p.m. dinner, 6:30 p.m. seminar, LTC Arena
April 1 – Stock Dog Fun Night, 6:30 p.m., LTC Arena.
NCTA Mission:
The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture is devoted to a statewide mission of preparing students for successful careers in agriculture, veterinary technology, food and related industries. The college provides open access to innovative technical education resulting in associate degrees, certificates, diplomas and other credentials.