Jamestown Community College and SUNY Fredonia are partnering for a new degree program.

Starting with the fall 2022 semester, students will be able to get a SUNY degree by taking JCC’s two-year program, then attending Fredonia classes on JCC’s campus for two years. Previously, JCC students that wanted a four-year degree had to attend classes on the Fredonia campus.

“We have been moving forward with plans,” said David Starrett, SUNY Fredonia’s Vice President for academic affairs, at a meeting of the school’s council Wednesday.

He said the colleges have established a core working group and its representatives meet regularly.

At first, only business and education degrees will be offered, as they are the most popular programs. There are plans to expand that in the future.

Students that take the new arrangement will have “our classes, our curriculum, our transcript,” Starrett stressed.

He noted that JCC adjunct faculty already come to Fredonia to teach, but can now stay in Jamestown.

“Basically we’re taking our classroom and putting it on the JCC campus,” he added. It will be essentially the same program as if students formally transferred to SUNY Fredonia for their final two years.

Responding to councilors’ questions, Starrett said the arrangement will help JCC recruit students. It’s expected to particularly help recruitment efforts in Pennsylvania.

In addition, it provides more flexibility for students. He noted that the current arrangement, which demands that JCC students commute to Fredonia, is not an option for some due to transportation issues.

“Basically, we are taking SUNY Fredonia to them,” he said.