SMSU, Normandale Sign English Articulation Agreement

Published Friday, June 26, 2015

Southwest Minnesota State University and Normandale Community College have entered into an articulation agreement whereby Normandale two-year associate degree holders in Creative Writing can seamlessly transfer those credits and earn an SMSU English degree.

“Normandale students will be able to pursue an English degree, with an emphasis in Creative Writing," said Marianne Zarzana, Assistant Professor of English and the Creative Writing director.

Talks between the two institutions began two years ago, said Kris Bigalk, Director of Creative Writing at Normandale. “Everything came together as far as the paperwork and MnSCU approval this past year,” she said.

Zarzana said Normandale has strong Creative Writing students and she welcomes the opportunity to have them join the SMSU writing community. “They will have the chance to get involved right away with out-of-class opportunities, such as Perceptions Literary and Arts Journal, English Club, open mic readings, and writing conferences,” she said. “We will also be hosting the Marshall Festival this fall, so there will be opportunities there, as well.”

“Normandale has outstanding faculty, and their students are well prepared for the academic rigor as they pursue their English degree at SMSU,” said Zarzana.

This marks the first articulation agreement of its kind between Normandale and a MnSCU institution, said Bigalk. Normandale has a similar agreement with several private institutions. “I’m looking forward to having a solid MnSCU partner in SMSU. They respect what we do, and we respect what they do. It’s a great opportunity for our students.”