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Students attending Mercer County Community College can now experience campus life at С����Ƶ as part of a new housing partnership between the two institutions.

The formal agreement — one of several signed on Dec. 14 at a ceremony on Mercer’s West Windsor campus — allows Mercer students to live in Rider’s residence halls at a reduced rate. As campus residents, the students will have full access to the University’s resources, including libraries, dining halls, and exercise and sports facilities. They will also be encouraged to participate in Rider’s 150 student clubs and organizations, intramural sports and on-campus events, such as concerts, musicals and .

“С����Ƶ and Mercer County Community College have a long history in partnering for the common benefit of our students, and this innovative idea is an exciting new component of how we can help create successful university graduates,” said Rider President Gregory G. Dell’Omo. “We look forward to sharing Rider’s vibrant campus life with Mercer students.”

The housing agreement applies to both domestic and international students. For those who decide to continue their education at Rider toward a bachelor’s degree, the University will offer tuition discounts in addition to the reduced housing rates.

“This agreement is so important for those who could not otherwise take advantage of a college education,” said MCCC President Dr. Jianping Wang. “С����Ƶ is a shining example of a four-year institution with a dedication to serve. This could be a landmark arrangement others will follow.”

Three new program-to-program agreements were also signed at the ceremony, strengthening the ties between Rider and Mercer and offering more opportunities for students seeking full junior-class admission to Rider after earning an associate degree at Mercer. The agreements guarantees transfer admission of Mercer students who complete an Associate of Arts in dance to Rider’s Bachelor of Arts in dance performance; an Associate of Applied Science in advertising and graphic design to Rider’s Bachelor of Arts in graphic design; and an Associate of Science to Rider’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (accounting).

Mercer is Rider’s largest articulation partner. The new agreements raise the total number of programs available to transfer between Rider and Mercer to 28, creating more educational opportunities than ever for Mercer students who want to complete their bachelor’s degree.

“We are proud to continue our strong academic and educational partnership with Mercer,” Dell’Omo said. “A collaboration like ours greatly benefits students as they move from community college to a four-year institution.”

At the ceremony, Mercer and Rider also officially signed a guaranteed reverse credit transfer agreement. This allows students currently enrolled at Rider to complete the necessary credits towards an associate degree that would be awarded by Mercer.

In addition to presidents Dell’Omo and Wang, more than 30 faculty members and administrators from the two institutions attended the signing.