Kalamazoo Times

Representatives from Western Michigan University (WMU) and Kellogg Community College (KCC) have signed a new agreement aimed at supporting honors students transferring between the two institutions. The agreement, formalized during a ceremony at WMU’s Lee Honors College on October 1, will allow KCC students who meet specific academic requirements to be automatically invited to join the honors program at WMU.

WMU President Russ Kavalhuna and KCC President Dr. Paul R. Watson were present for the signing, along with other administrators and faculty members from both schools. The initiative targets KCC students who have achieved a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher and completed at least 26 college credits. After being admitted to WMU, these students will receive automatic invitations to join the Lee Honors College.

"WMU is honored to build on our established partnership with KCC by creating a clear path for Bruin honors students to complete their degrees at WMU’s Lee Honors College,” said Kavalhuna. “This agreement sets high standards for honors education and student success, while expanding pathways to Experience-Driven Learning—an education that equips them to lead meaningful careers and fulfilling lives.”

The Lee Honors College currently serves more than 2,000 students enrolled in programs across all seven of WMU’s academic colleges. Members benefit from early course enrollment, travel-based experiential learning courses, small class sizes, publication opportunities for their honors thesis, as well as access to specialized programming and scholarships.

“This new agreement between two longtime institutional partners will ensure students are successful and supported as they finish their honors program at KCC and transition to the honors program at WMU,” said Watson. “We are proud to work with WMU to uphold rigorous academic standards and highlight a pathway for sustained excellence.”

As part of this ongoing collaboration, KCC will continue offering challenging honors courses and encourage prospective transfer students to consult with staff from Lee Honors College. Officials from both institutions plan annual meetings to review the arrangement and address any curriculum changes.

This latest honors agreement follows several previous efforts by both schools aimed at simplifying credit transfers for students moving from KCC to WMU. In 2023, they renewed an institutional articulation agreement along with various program-specific agreements designed to reduce credit loss and avoid duplication of coursework during transfer.

For additional information about news or events related to Western Michigan University, visit WMU News online.