Misericordia University and Luzerne County Community College (LCCC) have introduced a new transfer policy aimed at simplifying the transition for students moving from LCCC to Misericordia. Announced on Thursday, the agreement allows students who earn an associate degree from LCCC to have their undergraduate core-curriculum requirements waived when they transfer to Misericordia.
This significant change is designed to help students focus on their chosen majors from the outset of their studies at Misericordia, thereby enhancing their educational experience. The institutions believe that by streamlining the evaluation and processing of student transcripts, they can make the transfer process more efficient. Additionally, academic advisors will be able to provide clearer guidance to LCCC students considering a transfer.
A ceremonial event was held at LCCC’s main campus in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, to mark the agreement. During the ceremony, Daniel Myers, President of Misericordia, stated that the new policy aligns with the university’s mission to improve accessibility to higher education. He emphasized the importance of providing students the opportunity to focus on their academic goals without unnecessary detours.
“We value the rigor of our core curriculum,” said Myers in a news release from LCCC. “Similarly, we know that LCCC prepares their students to succeed academically should they choose to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the future.”
The transfer policy specifically pertains to general education and core-curriculum requirements. Students transferring to LCCC will still need to fulfill specific prerequisites for their respective majors. Under the new agreement, a maximum of 61 LCCC credits can be transferred to Misericordia, and students must achieve a grade of C or higher for their credits to be eligible for transfer.
This new collaboration marks the first transfer agreement LCCC has established with a private college or university. Both institutions are optimistic that this initiative will enhance the transfer experience for students, building on existing partnerships aimed at increasing educational access.
LCCC President John Yudichak highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “This agreement is a powerful statement about the quality and rigor of an LCCC education.” He added that recognizing the associate degree as a meaningful academic credential not only helps graduates save money but also enables them to avoid redundant coursework and transition more confidently to bachelor’s degree programs.
The new transfer policy is effective immediately for the 2026 spring semester. LCCC has committed to periodically reviewing the policy to ensure it meets the evolving needs of students while maintaining the academic standards of both institutions.
This initiative complements other partnerships LCCC has developed, including the establishment of the Career & Technology Academy in June, which promotes dual credit opportunities with local high school career and technical centers. By focusing on reducing barriers to education, both LCCC and Misericordia aim to create clearer, more affordable pathways to degree completion for students across the region.
Yudichak summarized the impact of the new agreement, stating, “This policy addresses the two largest barriers that students face as they continue their post-secondary education, time and money.” Through collaboration, LCCC and Misericordia are paving the way for a more accessible and student-centered educational landscape.
