COLUMBIA, Tenn. - Students at Columbia State Community College who wish to enroll at Austin Peay State University after earning their associate degree will be able to transfer with ease, in large part due to a new dual admissions agreement between the two postsecondary institutions.

Leaders from both APSU and Columbia State will sign the dual admissions agreement, known as the Austin Peay Guarantee, during a press conference at noon, Friday, Nov. 12 in the president's conference room at Columbia State's campus in Columbia. The agreement signing is open to the public.

"Over the years, Columbia State has sent us great students, and I'm happy to see our two institutions take this new step, which will pave the way for other students in the future," APSU President Tim Hall said.

"It's important to show just how serious we are about helping students further their education," said Dr. Janet F. Smith, president of Columbia State. "This agreement with Austin Peay sets students up for success. From day one they are on a path to complete their associate degree at Columbia State and their bachelor's degree at Austin Peay."

The dual admissions agreement offers Columbia State students the advantage of a structured approach for completion of the associate degree followed by enrollment to pursue the baccalaureate degree.

A dually admitted student first enrolls at Columbia State. Upon completion of the two-year degree, the student then will enroll at APSU to pursue a bachelor's degree. Each student under this agreement is advised by both Columbia State and APSU, assuring a seamless transition from Columbia State to APSU.

A Columbia State student can begin the process to enter into a dual admissions agreement at any time while enrolled at Columbia State.

"This can be right after they graduate from high school or when they start community college or as they progress," said Ryan Forsythe, director of admissions at APSU.

The dual admissions agreement is applicable for Columbia State students wanting to pursue any academic discipline at APSU.

For more information about dual admissions agreements between Columbia State Community College and APSU, call Ryan Forsythe at (931) 221-7015 or e-mail at forsyther@apsu.edu.

MEDIA ADVISORY: News media wishing to cover the press conference are encouraged to notify either Melony Shemberger, communication specialist at APSU, (931) 221-7868 or shembergerm@apsu.edu, or Paul Hickey, director of marketing and public relations at Columbia State, (931) 540-2516 or phickey@columbiastate.edu, to confirm attendance.