PCC President Adrien Bennings with PSU President Ann Cudd.
The path from Portland Community College to a bachelor’s degree got clearer.
PCC and Portland State University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to create a seamless pathway from PCC to a PSU degree. The pact reduces transfer barriers, aligns programs and enhances support so more PCC students finish their degrees.
“By deepening our partnership with Portland State University, we are creating clear, supportive routes for students to move from PCC to a four-year degree,” said PCC President Dr. Adrien Bennings. “As someone who was once a community college student myself, I know how life-changing an agreement like this can be for our students. No matter their background, they have the opportunity to keep moving forward, earn their degree, and build the future they envision for themselves and their families.”
Nadeem Hanayneh
At the center of the MOU is a Strategic Transfer Excellence Plan (STEP) that aligns curricula, strengthens advising and clarifies which PCC courses count toward PSU majors. The agreement also prioritizes coordination between student support services, expanding access to basic needs, health and mental health resources.
The partners will pursue initiatives with community and industry to expand career opportunities for PCC students. An outreach strategy will highlight the value of a degree and the streamlined pathway, with attention to high school students considering PCC. Leaders called the MOU a natural extension of collaboration.
“This is more than just an agreement; it’s a shared commitment to the students and communities we serve,” said PSU President Ann Cudd. “By working together, we can provide a clearer, more affordable and more efficient path for students to achieve their educational and career goals.”
For PCC alum Nadeem Hanayneh the pathway is real. He started at PCC, earned an associate degree in General Studies, transferred to PSU for a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and is now in the university’s master’s program in Geotechnical Engineering.
“I would encourage anyone who is interested in a college degree to take classes at PCC,” he said. “Transferring was practically painless.”
Both presidents said this was a natural partnership that will benefit all students.