HARRISBURG, PA – Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) and Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) have signed a new reverse transfer articulation agreement that grants students greater flexibility and credit mobility, and creates new dual-degree pathways for learners who wish to take their education to the next level.
This partnership allows HU students who have transferred from HACC without completing an associate’s degree to retroactively earn their HACC credential, while continuing their bachelor’s degree at Harrisburg University. This initiative supports student success by recognizing their progress and enhancing their academic and professional opportunities.
For HU and HACC, it offers a chance to increase student retention and persistence rates, improve graduation outcomes, and strengthen ties between these two Central PA anchor institutions. To commemorate the occasion, Harrisburg University Interim President, Dave Schankweiler, and Harrisburg Area Community College President, Dr. John J. Sygielski, formally signed the agreement at a special ceremony on Monday, March 2nd, at HACC’s Harrisburg Campus.
“At HU, we are committed to making higher education more flexible, accessible, and valuable for every student,” said Dave Schankweiler. “This agreement ensures that students who have transferred to HU can retroactively earn their associate’s degree while continuing their journey toward a bachelor’s. By providing continuity that recognizes their progress at both institutions, we’re empowering them with greater mobility, stronger credentials, and enhanced career opportunities with a reduced financial burden. Education should fit students’ lives, not the other way around. This partnership allows them to learn and live on their own terms. It’s a win for students, a win for HU and HACC, and a testament to our shared commitment to student success. We look forward to seeing this initiative help more students reach their full potential!”
Dr. Sygielski added: “I think what it shows is the benefit of having a community-college degree as well as a baccalaureate degree. It’s all about achievement. These students can be rewarded for their dedication towards their subject, towards their discipline, and towards their career.”
The articulation agreement is effective immediately. Other key details include:
- Eligibility: HU students who have previously attended HACC and meet the required credit thresholds can transfer their completed HU coursework back to HACC to obtain an associate degree.
- Seamless process: Students do not need to reapply to HACC; they will only need to complete an HU form to release their records and initiate the transcript review by HACC for degree eligibility.
- HACC’s role: With student authorization and official reverse transfer transcripts, HACC will complete a degree audit and communicate final degree eligibility with the student.
Harrisburg University thanks Dr. Sygielski and HACC for taking part in this student-focused collaboration. The agreement reflects our shared commitment to student success as we create accessible and flexible pathways to degree completion for Pennsylvania students.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
