UNE and Catherine McAuley High School sign agreement for qualifying students to earn college transfer credits

On January 15, 2016, the University of New England (UNE) and Catherine McAuley High School signed an agreement between the two institutions that will allow Catherine McAuley students who complete a rigorous academic program and who matriculate at UNE to earn up to 30 college transfer credits, potentially enabling the students to enter the university with sophomore standing.

The agreement, signed by UNE President Danielle Ripich, Ph.D., and Catherine McAuley’s Head of School Kathryn Woodson Barr, will give successful graduates of McAuley’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program the opportunity to receive course credit in UNE’s College of Arts and Sciences if accepted to the university, provided that they demonstrate mastery of advanced placement work. Successful candidates will also be given priority consideration for admission and merit scholarships at UNE.

President Danielle Ripich said, “This agreement between UNE and Catherine McAuley is a partnership in creating a new pathway for high performing McAuley students to satisfy some or all of the first-year requirements at the university. It presents an opportunity for them to complete their college education in just 75 percent of the time it usually takes and with just 75 percent of the expense.”

Students admitted to UNE through this agreement may major in any program offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, including subjects in the humanities, arts, social sciences, education, business, natural sciences and others.

Catherine McAuley’s Head of School Kathryn Woodson Barr commented, “McAuley is thrilled to be entering into this partnership with UNE -- one that will propel our young women forward into the world of higher education and global citizenship. Our collaboration will place tremendous educational opportunities at students' fingertips."

UNE currently has similar agreements with Thornton Academy and Biddeford High School.