THE ARTICULATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
This Articulation Agreement (the “Agreement”) is made by and between Anne Arundel Community College (“AACC” or “Sending Institution”), a community college in Arnold, Maryland, and Morgan State University (“Morgan” or “Receiving Institution”), an agency and instrumentality of the state of Maryland, located at 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251 (individually, a “Party” and collectively, “Parties”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, in an effort to enhance and facilitate degree completion at the respective institutions, the Parties wish to offer articulated transfer pathways where, after successful completion of AACC coursework, AACC students who are admitted to Morgan will be able to transfer seamlessly to Morgan and enter a program track towards a baccalaureate degree from Morgan;
WHEREAS, the Parties seeks to provide seamless transition from AACC’s associate degrees to Morgan’s bachelor degrees and offers AACC students incentives and structured transfer pathways for attaining a four-year baccalaureate degree from Morgan;
WHEREAS, this Agreement contributes to Maryland Higher Education Commission’s completion initiative by increasing associate degree attainment and providing momentum for baccalaureate completion; and
WHEREAS, this Agreement sets expectations for the Parties’ administrators, faculty, and staff and fosters a working relationship between the Parties.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and covenants contained herein and of the following promises and conditions set forth, the sufficiency of which are acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
I. Admission
A. In accordance with all applicable laws, regulations, as well as Morgan’s Transfer Student Policy, admission procedures, and deadlines, and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Morgan intends to admit students who graduate from AACC with an associate’s degree and a minimum GPA of a 2.0 to Morgan and provide such students with the opportunity to seamlessly transfer to Morgan; students must meet the specific program requirements of the bachelor’s degree programs they select at Morgan.
B. Morgan’s Office of Undergraduate Admission will retain the final authority in all admission decisions.
C. To the extent permitted by law, and in accordance with any applicable Morgan policies and procedures, an application fee waiver may be issued to students who meet the waiver requirements outlined by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). More information about the waiver can be found here: https://www.nacacnet.org/student/fee-waivers/
II. Acceptance of Transfer Credits
A. In accordance with and to the extent permitted by Morgan’s Student Transfer Policy and any other applicable Morgan policies, Morgan will accept up to a maximum of seventy (70) transfer credits from AACC.
If an AACC student has graduated with an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science, Morgan agrees that the AACC student will satisfy the general education requirements of a Morgan bachelor degree program.
B. Morgan will evaluate credits granted by AACC for prior learning experiences, including but not limited to credit granted by examination or military service and occupation per Joint Services Transcript (JST), standard examinations, such as DSST examinations, CLEP examinations, IB examinations, Advanced Placement (“AP”) examinations, Cambridge International examinations, Excelsior College examinations, clinical experience, internships, externships, cooperative work experiences, or other prior learning experiences determined by AACC to support the award of credit, in accordance Morgan’s policies and procedures.
III. Transfer Pathways
A. The Parties agree to provide articulated transfer pathways (each, a “Transfer Pathway”) for AACC students, which will establish the AACC courses for which Morgan will accept credit as applying towards specific bachelor’s degree programs offered by Morgan.
B. AACC and Morgan will work with their respective departments, majors, or tracks to determine the AACC courses for which Morgan will award credit towards Morgan’s degree program and establish a Transfer Pathway.
C. For each department, major, or track at either AACC or Morgan desiring to establish a Transfer Pathway, the parties shall enter into a separate addendum under this Agreement (each, an "Addendum"), specifying the department, major, or track of AACC sending students to Morgan, the department, major, or track of Morgan awarding transfer credit, and other relevant information as is set forth in Exhibit B hereto, "Program Articulation Agreement Template".
D. Each Transfer Pathway will be memorialized in a Program Articulation Addendum that willspecify all relevant information regarding the transfer of credit within the Transfer Pathway, including a Transfer Guide setting forth the AACC courses for which Morgan will accept credits towards completion of Morgan’s degree program. Currently developed Program Articulation Addendums regarding the transfer of credits pursuant to this Agreement are provided in Exhibit C below, which is incorporated by reference.
E. To be effective, the Addendum must be approved and signed by the Dean of the college or school and Provost at the Sending Institution and by the President of the Receiving Institution.
F. Once signed by both Parties, Morgan agrees to grant credits in accordance with the Addendum.
IV. Academic Planning and Advising
A. To facilitate a seamless transition, AACC academic advisors will work closely with AACC students prior to transfer to Morgan to develop a comprehensive academic plan as early in their academic career as possible and prior to transfer.
B. Students and advisors are encouraged to utilize a variety of advising resources including the Addendum, the Parties’ respective catalogs, the Parties’ respective departmental websites, and the Articulation System for Maryland Colleges and Universities (ARTSYS) to ascertain transferability of coursework.
C. Following admission to Morgan, Morgan will provide AACC students with numerous advising tools, including but not limited to a Transfer Credit Report and a Degree Audit detailing prior coursework transferability and applicability to Morgan’s general education, prerequisites, and major requirements.
D. Students are encouraged to meet with a transfer advisor or transfer coordinator from Morgan prior to matriculation to review prior coursework, discuss academic interests and goals, and register for the upcoming semester.
E. Morgan will assign AACC students with a transfer coordinator in their area of study to develop an individualized degree plan for completion of all general education, graduation, and major requirements in accordance with Morgan’s catalog.
V. Financial Aid and Transfer Scholarships
A. AACC students transferring to Morgan may be eligible for the following scholarship:
1. Transfer Incentive Program (Grant) - please visit https://www.morgan.edu/undergradadmissions/tip
B. AACC will promote and encourage students to apply for scholarship opportunities at Morgan as they become available.
C. Each Party will advise students of financial aid opportunities and implications associated with the transfer.
VI. Reports, Data and Information
A. Morgan will, in accordance with any applicable laws and/or regulations provide a transfer report to AACC on an annual basis.
B. Transfer reports will include data on AACC transfer students that are currently enrolled at Morgan, including but not limited to student demographics, number of credits transferred, program of study, scholarship awardees, number of conferred bachelor’s degrees, number of reverse transfer students, and other pertinent information.
VII. Publicity and Promotion
A. During the term of this Agreement, Morgan and AACC will develop a marketing and student recruitment plan to promote this Agreement and Transfer Pathways to inform students of the opportunities available.
B. Any and all marketing, promotional or publication materials developed by one Party must be reviewed and approved in writing by both Parties prior to use.
C. AACC agreesto promote Transfer Pathways to AACC students by allowing Morgan to place marketing materials in student service-centered departments on campus and on the AACC Transfer Partners website (https://www.aacc.edu/resources/transfer-services/transfer-from-aacc/transferpartners/).
D. Trademark
1. Each Party grants to the other a royalty-free, non-exclusive, nontransferable revocable license to use the indicia provided in Exhibit A, which is incorporated to this Agreement by reference, for the limited purpose of promoting the activities described in this Agreement, upon receiving the prior express written permission of the other Party that is provided in Section (VII.)(D.)(2.) of this Agreement.
2. Except as specifically authorized in this Agreement, neither Party shall use the name, logos or trademarks of the other or the name or likeness of any employee 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, if necessary, of the individual whose name or likeness may be under consideration.
3. All uses of AACC’s trademarks shall comply with the AACC’s guidelines for the use of its trademarks, which will be provided upon request.
4. All uses of Morgan’s trademarks, logos, and other indicia, shall comply with Morgan’s applicable policies and procedures, including the Morgan State University Graphic Identity Manual, which will be provided upon request.
VIII. Liaisons
The Parties designate the individuals below to serve as the primary point of contact (“Liaison”) under this Agreement. Should the Liaison change, the Party will promptly provide new contact to the other Party in writing.
AACC Liaison
Marcus Wright
Director of Transfer, Articulation & Career Alignment
101 College Parkway
Arnold, MD 21012
410-777-2777
mwright22@aacc.edu
Morgan Liaison
Susan Wrenn
Senior Program Coordinator, Office of Transfer Initiatives
1700 East Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21251
443-885-4663
susan.wrenn@morgan.edu
IX. Term and Renewal
A. The initial term of the Agreement shall be for a period commencing on March 1, 2025 (the “Effective Date”) and ending on February 28, 2030, unless terminated earlier or extended pursuant to the terms provided in this Agreement.
B. Either Party may terminate this Agreement by providing thirty (30) days written notice to the other Party.
1. During the notice period the parties may discuss continuation of a formal relationship.
2. To the extent permitted by law, and in accordance with any applicable Morgan policies and procedures, in the event of termination by either Party, transfer credits accepted by Morgan prior to the termination date for AACC students will not be impacted and students currently enrolled in a program at Morgan at the time of termination will be permitted to complete the program as set forth in the applicable Addendum, if any.
C. The Parties shall meet, at least annually, to review changes in curriculum, programs and credential requirements for the purpose of determining whether or if the Agreement should be amended.
D. Should either Party determine that it needs to make changes to the program requirements described in this Agreement, the Party will inform the other Party immediately in writing. However, as provided in Section (XII.)(B.) of this Agreement, this Agreement may only be amended by a written instrument signed by both Parties.
X. Notice of Agreement
A. AACC will provide a copy of this Agreement, with any amendments, to the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
B. The Parties agree to provide copies of this Agreement to all relevant individuals and departments of their respective institutions, including but not limited to students, academic department chairs participating in the transfer, offices of the president, registrar’s offices, and financial aid offices.
C. If updates to this Agreement are necessary, the Parties will amend this Agreement in accordance with Section (XI.)(B.) of this Agreement, and AACC will forward the amended Agreement to the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
XI. General Provisions
A. Entire Understanding: This Agreement represents the entire and integrated agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations or agreements, either written or oral.
B. Amendments: This Agreement may be amended only by written instrument signed by both Parties.
C. Non-Waiver: The failure of either Party to insist, in any one or more instances, on the performance of any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement, or to exercise any of itsrights,shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of such term, covenant, condition or right with respect to further performance.
D. Severability: Each provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to be a separate, severable and independently enforceable provision. The invalidity or breach of any provisions shall not cause the invalidity or breach of the remaining provisions hereof.
E. Applicable Law: This Agreement shall be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland. Any legal proceedings brought pursuant to this Agreement shall be brought only in the state courts of Maryland.
F. No Third-Party Beneficiaries: There are no third-party beneficiaries to this Agreement.
G. Notices: 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. Notice shall be effective upon receipt to the person to whom it was addressed or three (3) days after notice was sent, whichever is earlier. Notices shall be provided to the individuals listed below. Either Party may change the notice address set forth in this Agreement by providing notice to the other Party.
To AACC:
Anne Arundel Community College
General Counsel
101 College Parkway, Ludlum 219A
Arnold, MD 21012
Email: generalcounsel@aacc.edu
To Morgan:
Dr. David K. Wilson, President, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Truth Hall 400, Baltimore, MD 21251
With a copy to:
Dr. Kara Turner, Senior Vice President for the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Tyler Hall Suite 305, Baltimore, MD 21251
H. Counterparts and Electronic Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts. Each counterpart will be an original, but all such counterparts will constitute a single instrument. This Agreement may be electronically or digitally signed or scanned, and any electronic or digital signatures appearing on this Agreement are the same as handwritten signatures for the purposes of validity, enforceability, and admissibility upon exchange of signature pages.
I. The Parties shall adhere to all applicable transfer requirements set forth in the Annotated Code of Maryland and the Code of Maryland Regulations and Morgan State University’s Transfer Student Policy. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and Morgan State University’s Transfer Student Policy, the Policy shall prevail.
J. The Parties represent and warrant that the following are true and correct to the best of their knowledge, and shall continue to be true and correct during the term of this Agreement:
1. The Parties are and shall remain in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local statutes, laws, ordinances, and regulations relating to this Agreement, as amended from time to time, including, but not limited to, the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 C.F.R. Part 99) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (“HIPAA”) (Pub.L. 104-191).
2. Each Party hastaken all action necessary for the approval and execution of this Agreement.
K. Morgan represents and warrants that it is an agency and instrumentality of the State of Maryland, acting in its higher education capacity, and has the legal capacity to enter into this Agreement. Nothing in the terms of this Agreement shall abrogate the responsibilities assigned to Morgan State University under applicable state and federal laws and regulations, or the policies of Morgan State University’s Board of Regents for the development of curricula, the assessment of student learning, the transfer of students, nor the award of academic degrees.
L. AACC acknowledges that Morgan is a Maryland State agency and is self-insured. Limits of liability are governed by the Maryland Tort Claims Act, Title 12, Subtitle 1, of the State Government Article, Maryland Annotated Code.
M. The Parties hereby acknowledge that they are independent contractors, and neither is the agent, employer or servant of the other. In no event shall this Agreement be construed as establishing a partnership, joint venture or similar relationship between the Parties hereto.
N. The Parties agree to comply with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Executive Order 11246, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the related regulations of each. Each institution agrees that it will not discriminate against any individual because of race, religion, creed, color, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, political affiliation, non-disqualifying handicap, national or ethnic origin, or other applicable protected basis.
O. There shall be no monetary consideration paid to either Party; it being acknowledged that the transfer of academic credits provided hereunder is mutually beneficial.
P. The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the Parties hereby represents and warrants that the Party they represent is a duly formed, validly existing entity qualified to do business in the State of Maryland, that the institution has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement, and that the person is authorized to execute this Agreement on behalf of the institution the person is representing.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives.
ANNE ARUNDEL COMMUNITY COLLEGE
By: Dawn Lindsay, Ed.D.
Title: President
Date: 18-Apr-25 10:55 AM EDT
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
By: David K. Wilson, Ed.D.
Title: President
Date: 25-Apr-25 1:51 PM EDT
Exhibit A
Morgan Indicia
AACC Indicia
Exhibit B
Articulation Addendum Template