Mitch Adams reporter
Pittsburg State University is the first university in the state of Kansas to automatically award Associates of Art degrees for those who are eligible; regardless of if they finished their four-year degree. During the 2023 fall semester the Registrar’s Office looked through current students’ academic records and awarded those who had earned the degree through a marking on their official transcript. An award celebration on Feb. 26 was held at the Bicknell Center to celebrate the first recipients of the Associates of Art.
Approximately 250 students were in attendance, while there students received a cord to wear when they receive their bachelor’s degree.
This program is stipulated by credit and grade point requirements but is not stipulated on obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Students that had unforeseen events happen that prevented them from finishing all four years will be awarded their two-year degree.
“I view it as a direct response to our students,” said Pittsburg State University president Dan Shipp. “You heard me mention in the remarks that students want to be recognized for their achievements, right? So, as you could imagine, I mean, earning an associate degree is a big deal.”
Shipp also mentioned the fact that Pittsburg State students had always been earning this two-year degree while they attend school there. He believes that students receiving this degree will help make Kansas a better educated state, as well as increasing employment rates and bettering in-state businesses. Shipp also thinks that other schools in the state of Kansas will end up adopting the program because of its success at Pitt State.
“Our students have been earning those degrees and paying for those degrees for a long time,” Shipp said. “And now we’re conferring them. I hope other institutions will do the same because I think there’s another story in that. Not only great for the individual, but it’s great for the state of Kansas.”
Remarks were delivered to a crowd of students at the Bicknell Center and among the speakers were Dean of Students Jon Bartlow, President Shipp, and Board of Regents member Cynthia Lane. The ceremony was followed by a celebration in the lobby.
More information about the Associates of Art degree can be found at the link: https://psucollegio.com/2024/01/18/registrars-office-opens-eligibility-for-associate-of-arts-in-general-studies-degree/
Any questions concerning the Associates of Art degree can be directed to the Registrar’s Office.