PUEBLO, Colo. — Pueblo Community College (PCC) and Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo are enhancing an agreement that facilitates a smoother and more affordable transfer process for students in southern Colorado. This initiative aims to alleviate the challenges faced by PCC students transitioning to CSU Pueblo, aiming to provide a clearer pathway from enrollment to graduation.
Daya Trujillo, a recent transfer student from PCC to CSU Pueblo, expressed her reasons for staying local, emphasizing both financial practicality and the desire to complete her education without the burden of excessive costs. “Transferring here was kind of just, I want to stay home and I wanna make sure that I get my credits,” said Trujillo. Her associate’s degree from PCC served as a valuable stepping stone, allowing her to explore different career paths and majors without incurring high tuition fees.
The updated articulation agreement is designed to serve as a roadmap for students, detailing which courses they should take at PCC and how those credits will transfer to CSU Pueblo for their bachelor’s degrees. Jaime Peralta, a faculty member at CSU Pueblo, noted the importance of this framework in clarifying course expectations and transferability.
Kristyn White Davis, the vice president of enrollment management at CSU Pueblo, shared insights on the evolution of academic curricula, emphasizing the need to ensure that existing transfer agreements remain relevant and applicable. The prior inconsistencies in course credit transfers have sparked a concerted effort between the two institutions, with over 40 faculty members collaborating to assess and refine each program.
Jennifer Sherman, vice president of academic support at PCC, highlighted the importance of developing pathways, particularly in areas where four-year degrees are not currently available. This collaborative approach aims to either establish new degree pathways or revitalize existing ones to better serve students.
Trujillo’s experience exemplifies the benefits of this structured transfer process, allowing her to arrive at CSU Pueblo prepared, having already gained advanced credit in upper-level math courses. Now pursuing a double major, she is enthusiastic about her future, considering careers in finance or data analytics.
This partnership between PCC and CSU Pueblo not only fosters personal growth for students like Trujillo but also contributes to the higher education landscape of southern Colorado, enhancing opportunities for local learners. Such initiatives can inspire confidence in pursuing higher education without financial strain while promoting community ties.