Georgia Highlands College has signed a new agreement with the University of West Georgia that allows students to be enrolled at both institutions at the same time, creating an easier transfer process and guaranteeing admission to UWG for qualified students.

The agreement, called Charge West, was signed January 22 and is the most extensive partnership Georgia Highlands has established with another institution, according to GHC President Mike Hobbs. Eligible students can complete an associate degree at GHC before transferring to UWG to earn a bachelor’s degree, or enter a master’s program after earning a bachelor’s.

The partnership also gives UWG access to classrooms on Georgia Highlands campuses for instruction, advising, and student support during the transfer process. Hobbs said the goal is to expand opportunities for students and potentially offer more UWG courses on Georgia Highlands campuses in the future.

A key feature of the agreement is reverse transferability, allowing credits earned at UWG to count toward a GHC degree. That means students who transfer before finishing their associate degree may still earn it based on coursework completed at UWG.

Hobbs said the partnership grew from the close proximity of the schools and will guide, and in some cases replace, previous smaller agreements between the two institutions.