Dual counseling, specialized support and development workshops for transfer students, and financial support are all planned as part of a newly minted program designed to encourage a smooth transition for students advancing from Cochise College to the University of Arizona South.

The institutions will officially kick off the new Cochise Cats program with an event at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 in the Andrea Cracchiolo Library at the Sierra Vista Campus of Cochise College. The event includes a presentation and reception with college President J.D. Rottweiler and UA South Campus Executive Officer Jim Shockey.

Although the college and university have worked together to transition students into bachelor’s degree programs for years, the Cochise Cats program represents a new level of collaboration. Participating students will have access to more services designed to create a seamless pathway toward a four-year degree without leaving Cochise County. For example, a university counselor will move into the college’s new Sierra Vista Student Services building, meaning counselors will be able to co-advise students about the articulation of classes between the institutions. UA South also is currently housed in space at the Douglas Campus. Program participants will have access to workshops on topics like financial planning and the benefits of having role models and mentors.

“Cochise Cats is more than a transfer agreement,” said JoAnne Ellsworth, a Cochise College counselor who has been helping to frame the new program. “The physicality of having someone from UA South in our department working with us is going to make a big difference.”

Being in the same location will allow advisors to look at student degree plans as a whole, rather than as two separate documents. Improved coordination may help advisors and counselors see where improvements are needed and identify cost savings for students. Over time, the arrangement could result in curriculum modifications and better communication about things like financial aid. The program aims to streamline the transition for students and could help maintain affordability and increase accessibility to baccalaureate degrees.

Prospective participants will fill out an online interest card on a new Cochise Cats website, and student services staff members from both institutions will work with them to develop a four-year degree plan. Once that is in place, participants have access to the other services provided as part of the program.

The institutions also are working on academic program-specific articulation agreements to help students take the appropriate classes to achieve their goals.

“In keeping with state and national initiatives, we are looking at ways to graduate more students,” said Ben Packer, UAS coordinator for student services. “Cleaner pathways and increased support are really going to make a difference.”