The University of Dayton is an accredited private Marianist University nearby the Sinclair College campus. The University’s proximity and prestige makes it especially notable for any student interested in pursuing a four-year degree after their time at Sinclair. The University of Dayton has an established program with Sinclair for those students called the UD Sinclair Academy.
When looking to pursue higher education, one of the biggest factors that plays into a student’s education is money. The UD Sinclair transfer Academy offers a way to build GPA and save money while still earning a bachelor’s degree through UD.
This program is available for any current or future Sinclair student interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree while lessening the financial burden that comes with attending a private university for all four years of their education. While new high school graduates are the largest enrolled demographic, all interested Sinclair students are welcomed.
Kimberly Collins is the director of university partnerships and the Transfer Center here at Sinclair College.
Collins describes the UD Sinclair Academy as a partnership between the two institutions that allows students to earn their associates degree through Sinclair, then continue on to earn their bachelor’s degree through the University of Dayton.
“What makes our partnership so special is that while the students are at Sinclair, they have full access to the UD campus. Everything from joining clubs, organizations—they’re assigned an academic advisor… they even have the option of living in UD housing while they’re a Sinclair student,” Collins said.
One of the main benefits when enrolled in the Academy is the support system provided both at Sinclair College and within the Academy itself, connecting students to UD advisors and activities. This helps ease the transitional period for students when transferring to university and prepares students for their programs and future careers.
With over 100 different academic pathways at Sinclair, the Academy offers a range of transferable degrees in which students earn an applicable associates degree at Sinclair that allows them to start their first year with the University of Dayton as a junior.
Collins encourages interested students to enroll in the program and take advantage of the opportunities the Academy offers.
Julia Thompson, director of student success for community college partnerships at the University of Dayton, detailed that since the Fall of 2016, the University of Dayton has partnered with Sinclair College. This partnership allows students to work towards their associates degree at Sinclair, later earning their bachelor’s through UD.
Thompson described the Academy under three main benefits: the financial perspective, the academic pathways and access to the Sinclair Campus.
From a financial perspective, associates degrees are less expensive and more accessible to students in lower income brackets. The UD Sinclair Academy offers the benefits of an inexpensive bachelor’s degree and a transparent tuition cost.
Students enrolled in the program get an upfront tuition estimate from UD, allowing students to plan out payment and leave their academic experience with as little debt as possible.
The UD Sinclair Academy also paves academic pathways for students enrolled in the program. The Academy prepares students for the transition from Sinclair College to the University of Dayton.
This pathway involves connecting students with an academic advisor at both Sinclair and UD. These resources help students enroll in transferable classes and stay involved in their major.
The third main benefit of the Academy is the benefits offered to students while attending Sinclair. Academy students have access to facilities on the UD campus such as the Rec Plex, employment opportunities and on-campus housing.
The Rec Plex is the Universities recreational center offering a gym, pool, rock climbing station, study space and more. Sinclair students get the opportunity to participate in UD clubs and jobs, and with the opportunity to live on campus as well, the Academy offers the university experience even while enrolled at Sinclair.
“It’s helpful to increase sense of belonging… to feel both a Sinclair student and UD student simultaneously,” Thompson said.
The UD Sinclair Academy is an accessible opportunity for all Sinclair students. Having begun almost a decade ago, the Academy is dedicated to helping students succeed in pursuing their academic dreams. The transfer process is made easier through the Academy and intertwines the educational experiences of both Sinclair College and the University of Dayton.
The Sinclair Transfer Center handling all involved students is located at the bottom level of the Welcome Center in building 10. More information on the Academy is available online on the Sinclair and Dayton websites.
Lillian Klopf, reporter
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