Universities are lining up to help Birmingham-Southern College students continue their education once the school officially closes in May.
The University of Alabama System announced Wednesday that it will be offering former BSC students an accelerated transfer process to any of the schools in the system, as well as waived application fees and credit transfer processing.
“As a fellow institution of higher education, the University of Alabama System is grateful for Birmingham-Southern College’s distinguished contributions over the past 168 years and is saddened by the college’s recently announced closure,” the system said in a statement.
“The University of Alabama System is fully committed to supporting Birmingham–Southern students in this time of transition and ensuring they have the opportunity to remain in-state and receive an excellent educational experience. As such, the UA System will offer an expedited transfer process to all eligible students currently enrolled at Birmingham–Southern College.”
RELATED: Birmingham-Southern College to officially close
“The transfer process will be available at all UA System campuses – The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, and The University of Alabama in Huntsville.”
Each UA System institution will work with accepted students on an individual basis to create a competitive financial aid package to the greatest extent possible based on available funding and student eligibility.
Birmingham-Southern students interested in transferring to a UA System institution are encouraged to apply for transfer as soon as possible and to contact the following dedicated liaisons with any questions:
- University of Alabama: Jim Landers, [email protected]
- UAB: Bradley Barnes, [email protected]
- UAH: Chris Pinto, [email protected]
UWA President Ken Tucker expressed his empathy for those with ties to BSC, but also offered a path forward.
“We are committed to providing an outlet for BSC’s students, and we want to help them stay on track as they pursue their academic, extracurricular, and career goals,” said Tucker.
“Our faculty and staff have the resources and partnerships in place to allow incoming students to transition from their existing coursework to a program at UWA. By offering attractive degree programs on campus and online, we can accommodate the needs of the students who are interested in continuing their degree pursuits with flexibility despite this unexpected change in their plans.”
Tucker also promised prospective students that they will continue to receive the high level of support and guidance that they received at BSC.
“We recognize that students affected by the school’s closure face many decisions right now, and we want to assure them that they will be offered the support and guidance they need to continue their success, in an environment where they can thrive.”
“We are extending our hand to the students, and we will work with them as they earn the degrees that they have already set their sights on in a timely manner.”
Admissions counselors are available to discuss scholarships available to any eligible BSC student chooses to transfer to UWA.
The scholarships are renewable for up to four consecutive semesters. To be eligible for the academic scholarship, the transfer student must have a 3.0 or higher GPA and enroll as a full-time student in an on-campus program. Additional scholarship opportunities through UWA Housing are available for BSC students who wish to live on campus at UWA and meet the criteria to have received academic scholarships.
Spring Hill College President, Mary H. Van Brunt, explained what her school offers former BSC students.
“It is hard to imagine the hurt you’re feeling as you cope with the loss of a place you call home and the uncertainty you face in the next chapter of your college journey,” said Brunt in an open letter. “Our prayers are with you and those affected by this unexpected circumstance.
“As you look for a new college community, we’d like to invite you to explore Spring Hill College, the oldest institution of higher learning in Alabama. A faith-based institution, our campus is bustling with exciting student life, award-winning academic programs, and a caring team of faculty and staff ready to support you on your journey.
“Already one of the most affordable private colleges in the country, Spring Hill College is pleased to offer a $5,000 scholarship for BSC students who transfer. ”
Any student interested in Spring Hill can contact Grant Allen, the school’s transfer admissions counselor, for further information. You can reach him at [email protected] or by phone at 251-380-3030.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
