Top Dominica State College (DSC) graduates now have the opportunity to gain a tuition-free scholarship at Western Illinois University. The local college finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. university, which enables scholarships in various amounts to all graduates seeking bachelor, master, or doctoral degrees. WIU has also agreed to a full articulation agreement with DSC to ensure the smooth transfer of all earned academic credits.
“Today we are pleased to be signing a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with Western Illinois University. We recognize WIU as an innovative and welcoming University for students from our institution the Dominica State College in the Caribbean. We look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship and environment where students from WIU and DSC can learn and become future leaders for the challenge of appreciating Diversity globally,” said DSC President Dr. Donald Peters.
In addition, WIU will allow DSC graduates and other Dominicans to begin their degree programs online, ensuring that all persons can complete their bachelor’s degrees with only two years or less in residence in Illinois. Numerous other degrees are offered online and partial scholarships are available to Dominican students. Those scholarships will apply to both online and in-person studies.
“We’re so pleased to enter into this partnership with Dominica State College. Dominica, and indeed the Caribbean, are our neighbors and very important to us. We look forward to a longstanding and positive relationship with DSC and we look forward to welcoming their students and faculty at WIU,” said WIU President Guiyou Huang.
WIU recognizes the effect of the pandemic on the region and has taken several steps to aid Caribbean students in obtaining their pathway to degrees.
“We are delighted to work with DSC and aspiring students in a respectful way that recognizes their culture, aspirations, and economic challenges,” said Interim Provost Billy Clow. “We will always strive to present the most affordable and flexible options for both online and in-person learning in our plan to interact with this beautiful region for the foreseeable future.”