WWU, San Diego Mesa College sign agreement

2/6/2012 Mary Ann Beahon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (573) 592-1127

 

A new agreement between William Woods University and San Diego Mesa College will facilitate the transfer of American Sign Language interpreting students to WWU so they may earn a bachelor's degree.

Students who obtain an Associate of Arts degree in ASL Interpreting at Mesa College will be able to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in American Sign Language-English interpreting from William Woods University in two short years.
 
The agreement between institutions will give these transfer students a two-year plan for completing WWU's requirements for the bachelor's degree.
 
"As of this year, an interpreter has to have a bachelor's degree before they can even take the test to become nationally certified," explained Dr. Barbara Garrett, director of the ASL program at WWU.
 
Many interpreting jobs across the country and in the state of California, including medical interpreting, require national certification.
 
"Obtaining a bachelor's degree will greatly expand employment opportunities for interpreters seeking work in California," said Dr. Tom Frankman, associate dean of academic services at WWU.
 
Mesa College, located in San Diego, Calif., is one of the largest community colleges in the state. The college boasts more than 50 degree programs and takes pride in its high academic standards and its desire to help every student succeed. They have more than 1,000 students enrolled in their ASL/Interpreting training program.  
 
"San Diego Mesa College is dedicated to helping students reach their transfer goals to other colleges and universities. A significant part of my responsibility involves creating and maintaining articulation agreements with various institutions," explained Juliette Parker, Articulation Officer for Mesa College.