Robeson Community College, UNCW Partner for PathWays Program

Coming in early 2024, it will be even easier for Robeson Community College students to transfer to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. The university has revised transfer protocols, which translate to guaranteed admission for eligible students. 

Through the new PathWays program, the university will guarantee admissions for eligible students at RCC and provide seamless support for those seeking a four-year degree. 

“We want to make sure there are many roads that lead to becoming a UNCW Seahawk,” said Chancellor Aswani K. Volety. “Through PathWays, we are collaborating with our state education partners to reduce barriers and simplify the transfer process for all students seeking educational opportunities in our state.” 

A UNCW Seahawk herself, RCC President Melissa Singler welcomes the new opportunities for students.

“I am always thrilled to collaborate with other universities and colleges across North Carolina,” stated Singler. “As a community college President, I am always seeking ways to make education more accessible, and this partnership will do that, and it will empower our students with the ability to have more opportunities as they seek to transfer to a 4-year institution.”

The new PathWays program, previously known as UNCW Pathways to Excellence, will further enhance the university’s collaboration with community colleges by providing qualifying students with a clear and guaranteed path to admissions. Students in this program will receive tailored communication and program opportunities. In addition, they will be connected to a Transfer Student Success Coordinator who can work with them to create a transfer plan based on their interests and intended major. Transfer students will also have UNCW application fees waived and priority status for merit scholarships and deadlines. 

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with UNCW and we are looking forward to working with students as they pursue their educational goals,” stated Joni Thomas, the Director of English, Humanities and Social Sciences at RCC. “This new agreement will expand opportunities for students seeking to obtain a bachelor’s degree once they complete their associate degree at Robeson Community College.”

Stefanie Norris, UNCW director of transfer partnerships, said the university is adding more qualifying associate degrees to better meet the needs of students and the region’s workforce. 

“This program is one of our many commitments to making UNCW a more transfer friendly destination for students across North Carolina,” Norris said. “We deeply value our partnerships with the North Carolina Community Colleges and want to assist students finding their way to UNCW as best we can.” 

RCC English instructor Wendy Fields will serve as student advisor and contact for the RCC-UNCW transfer partnership. 

“This is wonderful news for RCC students,” Fields stated. “We are excited about the chance to build upon our relationship with UNCW and also about the future success that awaits our university transfer students who enroll in the UNCW PathWays program.”

Students who had previously opted into the former Pathways to Excellence program are automatically transitioned into the new PathWays program. For students who have not yet joined UNCW’s guaranteed admission program, they should complete the PathWays interest form, and more information will be provided once the new program launches. Visit the UNCW website to learn more. 

About Robeson Community College 

Robeson Community College provides opportunities for academic, technical, and life-long learning in a collaborative culture dedicated to inquiry, results, and excellence. Learn more at www.robeson.edu 

About UNCW 

UNC Wilmington, the state’s coastal university, is dedicated to the integration of teaching and mentoring with research and service. The university serves nearly 18,000 students and offers a full range of undergraduate and graduate-level programs, as well as select doctoral programs that address state needs. Learn more at https://uncw.edu.