Anne Arundel Community College and University of Maryland Global Campus Alliance Agreement

This Alliance Agreement (“Agreement”) is made the date last executed as evidenced below (“the Effective Date”) by and between the University of Maryland Global Campus (“UMGC”) and Anne Arundel Community College (“AACC”) who together are collectively referred to as the “Institutions.”

Recitals

WHEREAS, UMGC is an accredited institution of higher education located in Adelphi, Maryland, and provides its academic courses and programs in Maryland and through distance delivery. UMGC offers undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs. UMGC is a constituent institution of the University System of Maryland, an agency of the State of Maryland;

WHEREAS, AACC is a regionally accredited institution located in Arnold, MD. AACC is a comprehensive community college that is accessible, learning-centered, and dedicated to serving a diverse community of learners and employers through quality innovative programs, services and the appropriate use of technology for life-long learning.

WHEREAS, the Institutions are both accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education;

WHEREAS, the Institutions desire to allow simultaneous admissions and transfer credits for their students between AACC and UMGC;

NOW THEREFORE, the Institutions agree as follows:

I. Term

A. The term of this Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Date and continue in effect for an initial period of one (1) year and shall automatically renew for successive one (1) year periods, unless terminated in accordance with this Section.

B. Either Institution may terminate this Agreement by providing the other Institution ninety (90) days’ prior written notice. The Institutions agree that students currently enrolled in the program at the time of termination shall be permitted to complete the program as described herein.

II. Dual Admission

A. UMGC shall accept students who have attended or graduated from the AACC with an Associate’s Degree (“Alliance Students”) if the students complete and submit UMGC’s application for admission and have met UMGC’s admission criteria.

B. The Institutions agree that Alliance Students may be allowed simultaneous admission to AACC and UMGC.

C. UMGC will not promote transfer to UMGC before a student has completed 45 credit hours at AACC and shall encourage students to continue to obtain their Associate’s Degree.

D. If an Alliance Student is simultaneously enrolled at the Institutions, the Alliance Student is subject to applicable federal, State, and local laws and regulations as well as all practices and policies in effect at both Institutions.

III. Transfer

A. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, UMGC shall provide students graduating from AACC with an Associate’s Degree with the opportunity to seamlessly transfer into UMGC Bachelor’s programs as set forth in the UMGC catalog that is applicable at the time the Alliance Student applies for admission to UMGC.

B. UMGC shall accept transfer of AACC credits up to a maximum of seventy (70) credit hours in accordance with Maryland law and regulations and applicable UMGC policies and provided that the student does not take the equivalent course at UMGC.

C. UMGC will guarantee the acceptance of all credits earned from the transfer associate degree program not to exceed a maximum of seventy (70) credit hours in accordance with Maryland law and regulations and applicable UMGC policies and provided that the student does not take the equivalent course at UMGC.

D. To obtain an evaluation of transfer credits, the Alliance Student shall request that AACC send official transcripts directly to UMGC electronically through a secure delivery method to studentrecords@umgc.edu (preferred method) or by mail in a sealed envelope to:

University of Maryland Global Campus
Attn: Transcripts
3501 University Boulevard East
Adelphi, MD 20783

E. While not a requirement for admission, both Institutions should advise Alliance Students to contact a UMGC advisor at the time of entry to receive a preliminary evaluation of transfer credits and design a degree completion plan.

F. UMGC will grant prospective students from AACC a preliminary evaluation of all transfer credits within 1-3 business days. It is anticipated that Alliance Students who apply to UMGC and submit official transcripts to UMGC will receive an official evaluation of their transfer credits within 2-3 weeks of receipt of all documentation. Alliance Students should be encouraged by both Institutions to submit official transcripts to UMGC as soon as possible to ensure identification of the most accurate and efficient path to bachelor’s degree completion. Evaluations may take slightly longer if UMGC has not previously evaluated the courses from AACC that the Alliance Student wishes to transfer.

G. Upon request from AACC, UMGC shall provide annual transfer reports to AACC. Transfer reports will include aggregate de-identified information on Bachelor’s Degree completion, number of credits transferred, number of Community College Transfer Scholarships awarded (if any), and other pertinent information.

H. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Institutions retain the right and the authority to make changes in their respective courses, programs and credential requirements that they each may determine to be in their respective best interest. Current course, program and credential requirements shall be maintained in the Institution’s respective catalogs and on the Institution’s respective websites.

I. The Institutions shall give the other reasonable notice of changes in course program and credential requirements that may materially affect the Alliance Student’s status and acceptance of degrees or the transfer of credit as contemplated in this Agreement. Alliance Students that have already been admitted to UMGC and whose transfer credits had been accepted prior to the time of the program or course changes will not be affected, unless the change to the program or course is mandated by law, regulation, an accrediting organization, or licensure requirement and is required to apply to students currently enrolled in a program or course.

J. UMGC will promote reverse transfer to AACC students who transfer to UMGC without an AACC Associate’s Degree. Interested students must sign a FERPA release to allow UMGC and AACC advisors to exchange student academic records to implement dual advising and promote reverse transfer opportunities. The FERPA form is located at: https://www.umgc.edu/current-students/finances/financial-aid/financial-aid-policies/ ferpa.cfm. Data may be shared yearly with AACC administrators for the students who have signed a FERPA release.

IV. Scholarships

A. UMGC will provide eligible AACC graduates the opportunity to receive the Completion Scholarship.

B. UMGC may offer graduates from AACC the opportunity to apply for scholarship opportunities as they become available.

C. Students must meet all scholarship qualifications for eligibility, which may include a minimum GPA, Associate’s Degree earned from AACC and U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

D. Scholarships may be promoted on both the AACC and UMGC websites and publications.

V. Publicity and Promotion

A. UMGC and AACC agree to promote and publicize this Agreement as set forth in Exhibit 1. During the term of this Agreement, the Institutions may develop and agree upon additional mutually acceptable marketing and student recruitment plans to promote the AACC-UMGC Alliance and inform students of the opportunities available at both Institutions under this Agreement.

B. AACC agrees to promote the Alliance to AACC students by allowing UMGC to place marketing materials in student service centered departments, on the AACC website and other AACC publications.

C. Any and all marketing, promotional or publication materials developed pursuant to this Agreement prepared or developed by one Institution must be reviewed and approved in writing by the other Institution prior to use of any such materials.

D. The Institutions may identify and market to groups of individuals that may particularly benefit from this Alliance, such as veterans, military or high school students.

E. Trademarks

1. Each Party may specify and make available to the other Party its trade names, trademarks, service marks, logos or other commercial symbols (collectively, “Marks”) in connection with this Agreement, and in so doing, each Party grants the other Party a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, nontransferable revocable license to use such Marks solely for the purposes of this Agreement.

a) Before using the other Party’s name or Marks on any materials, including but not limited to emails, brochures, webpages, press releases or any other promotional or marketing materials, a Party must send such materials to the other Party for that Party’s prior written approval.

b) When using any the other Party’s Marks, the Party using the Marks must follow the any trademark usage or brand identity guidelines provided by the Party that owns the Marks. UMGC’s brand identity guidelines are located at: https://www.umgc.edu/about/brand-guidelines.cfm. AACC’s trademark guidelines are attached as Exhibit 2.

2. Each Party reserves all rights to their respective Marks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property rights and no rights to the Marks or copyrights, patent or other intellectual property rights are transferred or licensed pursuant to this Agreement.

VI. General Provisions

A. Notices. All notices under this Agreementshall be in writing and shall be submitted by U.S. mail return receipt requested, delivery by an overnight carrier, or via email to the Institutions at the designated address. Notice shall be effective upon receipt to the person to whom it is address or three (3) days after notice was sent, whichever is earlier. shall be given to the following persons:

1. To UMGC:
Sherri Sampson
Vice President and General Counsel
University of Maryland Global Campus
Office of Legal Affairs
3501 University Blvd. East Adelphi, MD 20783
Email: legal-affairs@umgc.edu 

2. With copy to:
Chris Motz
Vice President, Academic Outreach
University of Maryland Global Campus
3501 University Blvd. East Adelphi, MD 20783
Email: Chris.motz@umgc.edu

3. Erin O. Parker
General Counsel
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012
Email: generalcounsel@aacc.edu 

4. With copy to:
Marcus Wright
Director of Transfer, Articulation and Career Alignment
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012
Email: Mwright22@aacc.edu

B. Entire Agreement. This Agreement containsthe entire agreement of the Institutions and supersedes any and all prior and/or contemporaneous agreements between the Institutions, written or oral, with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement may not be changed or modified orally, but may only be changed or modified by an agreement in writing signed by both Institutions.

C. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland.

D. No Partnership. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, shall be, orshall be deemed to constitute a partnership or joint venture between the Institutions. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, shall be, or shall be deemed to create rights or benefits in or to any person or entity other than the parties.

E. Preservation of Immunities. Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the sovereign immunity of UMGC or the State of Maryland.

F. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which, when so executed and delivered, will be deemed an original, and all of which will constitute one and the same Agreement. This Agreement may be executed by way of electronic signature and signature pages may be exchanged electronically, and such signatures will be deemed original signatures.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Institutions, by their duly authorized representatives, have entered into this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College
Signed
June 7, 2021

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS

Dr. Gregory Fowler
President
University of Maryland Global Campus
Signed
June 7, 2021

Exhibit 1: Promotional Activities

1. AACC and UMGC shall each provide a single point of contact, who are able to discuss promotions at least two times per year.

2. AACC may support the following activities to encourage students and employees to apply and enroll in UMGC:

a. Events

i. Provide UMGC information in a location accessible to its students and employees;

ii. Invite UMGC to attend events/fairs, if applicable; and

iii. Invite UMGC to host online open houses on the UMGC platform for students and employees, if applicable.

b. Internal Promotion

i. Promote this Agreement on the AACC Transfer Agreement website;

ii. Provide UMGC the opportunity to include content in newsletters or other publications sent to students and employees one time per year;

iii. Issue announcements to students and employees via email twice a year (fall/spring) to coincide with UMGC’s term start dates; and

iv. Issue periodic announcements about new UMGC programs or other updates as mutually-agreed upon.

3. AACC shall send any internal and external announcements about UMGC, its programs or this Agreement to UMGC to review for accuracy and to approve before publication.

4. Subject to future negotiations and website capacity, AACC and UMGC may together explore the possibility of developing joint landing pages for their respective websites to further cross-promote this Agreement.

Articulation Agreement
between Anne Arundel Community College and University of Maryland Global Campus

This Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made as of the date last signed below (“Effective Date”), by and between University of Maryland Global Campus (“UMGC”), located at 3501 University Blvd East, Adelphi, MD 20783, and Anne Arundel Community College (“AACC”), located at 101 College Parkway, Arnold, MD 21012. UMGC and AACC shall each be referred to individually herein as a “Party” and collectively, as the “Parties.”

Recitals

A. UMGC is an accredited public institution of higher education offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, and non-degree courses, with a mission to serve nontraditional students, particularly working adults.

B. AACC is an accredited public institution of higher education offering associate degrees, certificates, and non-degree courses, and desires to promote advanced educational opportunities to its graduates. AACC graduates who have been awarded the Associate of Science in Computer Science will have the opportunity to transfer up to eighty-one (81) credits from AACC into the UMGC Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Upon completion of this undergraduate pathway, graduates will have the opportunity to seamlessly enter the UMGC Master of Science in Information Technology with specializations in Software Engineering or Database Systems Technology. Therefore, UMGC and AACC agree as follows:

SECTION 1. Program Participants

1.1. Current AACC students and graduates may transfer credits to UMGC as set forth in this Agreement and its Exhibits. AACC students and graduates who successfully enroll in the UMGC computer science undergraduate and information technology graduate programs under this Agreement are the Program Participants. Each Program Participant shall be responsible for registering for courses covered by this Agreement.

1.2. If a current AACC student or graduate is not currently admitted to UMGC, the individual shall submit to UMGC an admissions application, including applicable fees, prior to the regularly scheduled UMGC term in which the individual intends to enroll. UMGC shall evaluate the application and offer or deny admission and enroll Program Participants in accordance with UMGC’s standard policies and procedures. Program Participants enrolling in UMGC may transfer credits and/or be awarded prior learning credit if eligible under UMGC’s standard policies and procedures.

1.3. Upon acceptance to the UMGC computer science undergraduate and information technology graduate programs, Program Participants may enroll in any applicable or relevant UMGC courses and programs.

1.4. The Program Participants shall individually pay to UMGC the applicable tuition and fees in accordance with UMGC’s standard policies and procedures. Program Participants who enroll at UMGC may obtain a refund or credit for their undergraduate and graduate application fees of $50.00 USD each, totaling no more than $100.00 USD for both programs.

1.5. UMGC will invoice the Program Participants directly.

SECTION 2. Program Description

2.1. UMGC shall award transfer credits to Program Participants in the UMGC computer science undergraduate and information technology graduate programs subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

2.2 UMGC will award transfer credit for Program Participants who have successfully completed such courses at AACC in accordance with Exhibits 1 through 3 of this Agreement.

2.3. Transfer of coursework is conditional upon successful completion of AACC courses. Before any credit is transferred, Program Participants must submit an official transcript to UMGC reflecting successful completion of courses covered by the Agreement. UMGC requires a grade of C or better in major and related requirement coursework. UMGC will accept transfer credit for general education courses with a grade of a D or better.

2.4. UMGC waives the limit on the number of transfer credits contained in its policies regarding transfer credit.

SECTION 3. Program Limitations

3.1. AACC acknowledges that UMGC policies and procedures apply to all UMGC programs and courses and their administration.

3.2. AACC acknowledges that UMGC has sole authority and control over the content, requirements, and faculty of its programs and courses.

3.3. AACC acknowledges Program Participants that complete the associate degree in Computer Science, additional coursework outlined in Exhibits 1 through 3 and matriculate, will be students of UMGC, subject to the policies and procedures applicable to all students.

3.4. AACC shall not interfere in or attempt to enforce a relationship between the UMGC and any Program Participant.

3.5. AACC acknowledges and understands that disclosure of information about individual Program Participants is limited by the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Maryland law, and UMGC policies and procedures.

3.6. If AACC requests information specific to individual Program Participants, any such release of information is conditioned upon the execution of a FERPA release, which is available on UMGC’s website.

3.7. AACC shall arrange to have the FERPA Release submitted to UMGC by each Program Participant and shall specify the data requested to be provided to AACC.

3.8. Information about the UMGC computer science undergraduate and information technology graduate programs, including academic requirements for admission, credit hours required for programs, and cost information is available on UMGC’s website located at http://www.umgc.edu. This information may also be contained within UMGC’s catalogs and/or schedules of classes which are also available online.

SECTION 4. Changes in Programs

4.1. Each Party designates the individual identified below who will coordinate and manage the activities under this Agreement. Representatives from UMGC and AACC will meet on an annual basis, at a mutually agreeable time and location to discuss this Agreement and any changes, programs, and credential requirements that could affect this Agreement.

i. For AACC:
Marcus Wright Director of Transfer, Articulation and Career Alignment
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012
410-777-2777
Mwright22@aacc.edu

ii. For UMGC:
Chris Motz
Vice President, Academic Outreach
University of Maryland Global Campus
3501 University Blvd. East Adelphi, MD 20783
301-639-8670
Chris.motz@umgc.edu

SECTION 5. Promoting the Programs

5.1. UMGC and AACC agree to mutually promote and publicize this Agreement.

5.2. Each Party may specify and make available to the other Party its trade names, trademarks, service marks, logos or other commercial symbols (collectively, “Marks”) in connection with this Agreement, and in so doing, each Party grants the other Party a nonexclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, non-transferable revocable license to use such Marks solely for the purposes of this Agreement. Before using the other Party’s name or Marks on any materials, including but not limited to emails, brochures, webpages, press releases or any other promotional or marketing materials, a Party must send such materials to the other Party for that Party’s prior written approval. When using any the other Party’s Marks, the Party using the Marks must follow the any trademark usage or brand identity guidelines provided by the Party that owns the Marks. UMGC’s brand identity guidelines are located at: https://www.umgc.edu/about/brand-guidelines.cfm. AACC’s brand guidelines are attached as Exhibit 4. Each Party reserves all rights to their respective Marks, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property rights and no rights to the Marks or copyrights, patent or other intellectual property rights are transferred or licensed pursuant to this Agreement.

5.3. Neither Party shall use the name or likeness of any Program Participant or student or officer of the other Party in connection with any product, service, promotion, news release or other publicity without the prior written permission of the other Party and of the individual whose name or likeness may be utilized.

SECTION 6. Term

6.1. The term of this Agreement shall begin on the Effective Date for a term of one year.

6.2. This Agreement shall automatically renew for one year terms, unless terminated by one of the Parties prior to expiration of the first or successive one year terms.

6.3. This Agreement may be terminated upon thirty (30) days’ written notice by either Party. In the event of termination by either Party, each individual Program Participant remains obligated to pay tuition and fees. Parties agree that termination shall include an agreement that students currently enrolled in the pathway at the time of termination shall be permitted to complete the program as described herein.

6.4. Credit awarded pursuant to this Agreement shall not be withdrawn from a Program Participant.

SECTION 7. General Provisions

7.1. Any notice or communication permitted or required between the Parties under this Agreement shall be in writing and given by hand delivery, delivery by United States mail, email, or delivery by commercial overnight carrier.

7.2. Notice shall be effective upon receipt to the person to whom it was addressed or ten (10) days after notice was sent, whichever is earlier. Notice shall be given to the following individuals:

If to AACC:
Marcus Wright
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012
Phone: 410-777-2777
Email: mwright22@aacc.edu

If to UMGC:
Chris Motz
University of Maryland Global Campus
3501 University Blvd. East Adelphi, MD 20783
Phone: 301-639-8670
Email: chris.motz@umgc.edu

With a copy to:
Erin Parker
Anne Arundel Community College
101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012
Phone: 410-777-2222
Email: eoparker1@aacc.edu

With a copy to:
Office of Legal Affairs
University of Maryland Global Campus
3501 University Blvd. East Adelphi, MD 20783
Phone: 301-985-7481
Email: legal-affairs@umgc.edu

Either Party may change the notice address set forth in this Agreement by providing written notice to the other Party.

7.3. Neither Party shall assign this Agreement or its interest therein or its rights or obligations thereunder without the prior written consent of the other.

7.4. With respect to the matters set forth in this Agreement, this Agreement i) sets forth the complete agreement and understanding of the Parties and ii) supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements or understandings between the Parties.

7.5. This Agreement may be amended, modified or changed only by a writing signed by authorized representatives of both Parties.

7.6. The captions and headings of portions of this Agreement are included solely for convenience and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of the substance of this Agreement.

7.7. If any portion of this Agreement is at any time held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be void or invalid or incompatible with any applicable law, statute, ordinance or regulation, then that portion shall be deemed to be omitted from this Agreement without affecting the force, effect or validity of the remainder of this Agreement.

7.8. Any exhibits or attachments referenced in this Agreement, whether or not physically attached hereto are incorporated into and made part of this Agreement.

7.9. This Agreement shall be deemed to be made and performed in the State of Maryland and shall be construed and governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland, excluding its conflict or choice of law rules. This Agreement shall be enforced only in the courts of the State of Maryland.

7.10. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall it be deemed, to constitute a partnership or joint venture between the Parties. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall it be deemed to create rights or benefits in or to any person or entity other than the Parties. Nothing in this Agreement is intended, nor shall it be deemed to create an agreement between UMGC and any one or more Program Participants.

7.11. Nothing herein shall constitute or be considered to be a limitation upon or waiver of the sovereign immunity of UMGC or the State of Maryland.

7.12. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed by way of electronic signature and signature pages may be exchanged electronically, and such signatures will be deemed original signatures. 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.

ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Dr. Dawn Lindsay
President
Anne Arundel Community College
Signed
April 6, 2021
12:36 p.m.

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND GLOBAL CAMPUS

Dr. Gregory Fowler
President
University of Maryland Global Campus
Signed
March 23, 2021
9:51 p.m.

Exhibit 1: Transfer Credit Guidelines

Program participants will follow these conditions and requirements to receive transfer credits to UMGC’s information technology programs:

1. Students may transfer up to 81 applicable credits towards the UMGC bachelor degree in Computer Science upon successful completion of the Associate of Science in Computer Science at AACC.

2. Students must complete 39 credits with UMGC to satisfy bachelor degree requirements for Computer Science.

3. Students must complete 30 credits in UMGC’s Graduate School to satisfy requirements for the Master of Science in Information Technology—Database Systems Technology.

4. Students must complete 27 credits in UMGC’s Graduate School to satisfy requirements for the Master of Science in Information Technology - Software Engineering.

5. Students completing this pathway will have the following graduate courses waived from the Master of Science in Information Technology-Database Systems Technology program.

- UCSP 615
- ITEC 625
- DBST 651

6. Students completing this pathway will have the following graduate courses waived from the Master of Science in Information Technology-Software Engineering program.

- UCSP 615
- ITEC 625
- DBST 651
- ITEC 630

7. Students may receive transfer credit as set forth in Exhibits 2 and 3 (Transfer Guides).