1. National Cyberwatch Center
Expanding the Articulation Model

2. Introductions Dr. Margaret Leary, National CyberWatch Center, NVCC
Teresa Kasmark, Former NVCC Student, GMU,
Thomas Mitchell, Former NVCC Student, GWU

3. Agenda Discussion Articulation Challenges at the Community College
Transitioning Adult Learners
SFS Opportunities for Community College Students

4. Articulation Challenges

5. NOVA’s Cyber Credit Program
NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence – 2 Year (CAE2Y) since 2010
Founding member of National CyberWatch Center
Cybersecurity CSC since 2001
Cybersecurity AAS since Fall 2014
More than 1,000 students enrolled
15 graduates so far
Competitions, scholarships, internships
49 credits of IT and Cyber
NSA CAE Regional Resource Center (CRRC)

6. Partnerships with Senior Institutions
AAS Cybersecurity transfers in full:
George Washington University: Classes held at the new Regional Workforce Center in Woodbridge
Capitol Technology University: Classes to be held at Alexandria Campus
Marymount University: Full-ride Scholarship for Service scholarships
George Mason University: BAS Cybersecurity degree
UMUC: BS
Excelsior University: 3+1
EPCI: “Reverse” Dual enrollment pending
UVA: 2 new Cybersecurity degrees pending

7. Challenges 2+2+2 is difficult to achieve
A part of CAE2Y Program Requirements
HS Teacher credentials
Arlington Governor’s Academy (Northrop Grumman)
Must incorporate CAE2Y requirements
Articulation agreements with senior institutions are moving targets
Seniors lose credits as requirements change – even GAAs are not immune!

8. Challenges: Transitioning Adult Learners
A significant number of these students in Cybersecurity AAS range in age between 30 and 59
Many already have a Bachelor’s degree
Pursue Career Studies Certificate or AAS Cybersecurity
These are successful, capable (proven) students seeking to transition into cyber careers
These students don’t articulate well into “traditional” programs, nor do they want to
NOVA has transferred some into graduate SFS programs after the completion of their AAS Cybersecurity or Career Studies Certificate

9. Context: Career Pathways vs. Transfer Pathways
Associates degree
Baccalaureate degree
Source: John Sener, NCC

10. Transfer “Pathways”
Beyond Articulation Agreements: Varieties of Transfer Pathways
Transfer pathways as “academic gauntlet”
Lots of room for improvement
ansfer-pathways-cybersecurity-education- challenging-routes-promising-practices-possible- improvements/

11. Transfer Pathways as “Academic Gauntlet”
Elements (Handel 2013; Handel & Williams 2012)
Insufficient info about the transfer process
Indecipherable policies (or none)
Enormous complexities in satisfying requirements
Lack of institutional incentives
Most potential transfers lost from ‘pipeline’ breaks
Lack of continuous financial aid support
Conflicts in academic cultures
Source: J. Sener, NCC

12. Varieties of Transfer Pathways
According to Sener’s paper:
Articulation Agreements: The Standard Route
Statewide Transfer Pathway Models: The Bulk Route
Applied Baccalaureate Degree Programs: The Direct Route
Dual Admission: The Cooperative Route
Source: John Sener, NCC

13. Varieties of Transfer Pathways
According to Sener’s paper:
Informal Transfer Pathways: The Relationship-Based Route
Lateral Transfer: The Lateral Route
Reverse Transfer: The Return Route
Associates degree
Associates degree
Baccalaureate degrees
Baccalaureate degree
Associates degree
Baccalaureate degree

14. Improving Transfer Pathways: Some Promising Practices
Credit Transfer Tool (Wilmington U.)
BAS programs in WA, FL
Maryland Community College Alliance Partnership (UMUC)
Others?
Source: J. Sener, NCC

15. Improving Transfer Pathways: Principles to Follow
Transparency and Support
Sufficient info about the transfer process
Comprehensible policies
Institutional incentives
Minimize loss of transfers, credits
Provide continuous financial aid support
Explore, resolve conflicts in academic cultures
Source: J. Sener, NCC

16. Let’s Hear From our Student Panelists

17. Discussion

18. Contact Info
Margaret Leary