Contributed by SUSCC
Officials at Auburn University (AU) and Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) will be adding to their jointly offered Path to the Plains program this fall with a new option for students interested in exploring different majors and careers paths.
Open to Alabama resident students, the new option will provide an exploratory pathway for those who have a goal of transferring to Auburn. In addition to reinforcing both institutions’ commitment to access and affordability, the program allows students to enroll at SUSCC and complete core curriculum courses while taking Exploratory Courses on Auburn’s campus at the SUSCC tuition rates.
“With this new option, Southern Union students can take advantage of the great tools offered by the Exploratory Advising Center on Auburn’s campus while also completing academic core classes on our campus,” said Tyler Laye, director of academic programs at SUSCC. “For fall semester program admission, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible on the Southern Union concurrent enrollment website.”
With an emphasis on career options, students are exposed to all of Auburn’s colleges and more than 150 majors while conducting self and career research. They can also connect with faculty, staff and working professionals in areas that engage their interests. As a result, students are better connected to Auburn through coursework and the campus and can access academic resources at both institutions.
The program will also provide academic and career advisors who will offer intensive and personalized support. By alleviating the pressure many students feel to declare a major before starting college, the new option offers students the opportunity to select a program without the financial burden of changing majors or the mental anguish of feeling trapped in a major, challenges frequently experienced by students.
“Southern Union is a great institution and academic partner, and we are proud to offer students a unique opportunity to complete their core courses on their campus as they explore potential majors before transferring to Auburn,” said Norman Godwin, associate provost for academic effectiveness. “By allowing students to take the time to really learn about and decide what they want to study, we are increasing the chances that they will transfer to Auburn, graduate and be successfully employed.”
Established in 2019, Path to the Plains has provided an affordable pathway for students with the demonstrated potential for academic success who aspire to transfer to Auburn after completing their associate degree at SUSCC. There are currently 27 pathways offered through the Path to the Plains concurrent enrollment program.
For more information on the Path to the Plains Exploratory or any concurrent enrollment program, contact Laye at tlaye@suscc.edu.