President announces a working group has been formed to establish a curriculum to meet state criterion
In a press release authored by Yavapai Community College reporter Tyler Rumsey on September 30, 2021, it was announced that the College has set up a process to bring four-year degrees to its campuses and centers. The release said a formal working group has been created and already established a tentative timeline for the first four-year degree to be available to Yavapai students by the fall of 2023.
According to the press release, the 2023 timeline provides the Community College the time it needs to research, survey students and Yavapai County communities, develop a budget and infrastructure, develop a curriculum, and seek approval from the Yavapai College District Governing Board, the Higher Education Learning Commission, and the Department of Education.
“Yavapai College is committed to providing its communities with an accessible, affordable education that fits our students’ needs and prepares them for local job opportunities,” said President Rhine. “The process to launch four-year degrees will take time, but I am confident that the recommendations that stem from this working group will be data-driven, realistic, and impactful.”
In May, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey signed House Bill HB2523, allowing Arizona Community Colleges to offer four-year degrees if they meet a specific criterion.