Danville Area Community College has announced that beginning with the fall semester, it is launching a pilot program called the “Provost’s Promise.”
The DACC Board of Trustees approved the Provost’s Promise Program during the March 28 board meeting, setting the stage for the official program roll-out this month.
DACC Board of Trustees Chair David W. Harby praised the program saying, “The underlying purpose of the Provost’s Promise is to encourage our students to make a commitment to graduating on time — and then to reward those who do.”
Starting this fall, any first-time, full-time student ready to commit to their education can join the Provost’s Promise program. This means no tuition or fees if they stick to the plan and graduate on time.
To participate as a Provost’s Promise scholar, students must sign a pledge that shows they understand the admission requirements. The first eligible cohort will be the incoming Fall 2024 class, and the program is open only to in-district residents.
As DACC Provost and VP of Academics and Student Services Carl Bridges says, “The Provost’s Promise essentially offers students a pathway to graduating in two years or less without paying a penny out of their own pocket. But to receive this benefit, they’ll need to make a commitment to study hard and stay on track toward graduation.”
The program was inspired by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker when he visited DACC last fall and spoke of his desire for students to use the State’s Monetary Assistance Program and other State and federal grants as a means toward free community college.
DACC President Stephen Nacco praises the program architects. “Thanks largely to the strong community support DACC receives in Foundation scholarships and the vision of Dr. Bridges, Chief Financial Officer Tammy Betancourt, Financial Aid Director Jonathan Jett, and our Board of Trustees, we can extend free community college to all of our students, even those who aren’t eligible for MAP and Pell grants.”
The Promise is a two-way street. Participants must agree to and meet all conditions to be accepted into and remain in the program.
Dr. Bridges explains, “For the first semester, our Provost’s Promise scholars will need to register for 15 or more credit hours, complete FAFSA and all financial-aid requirements, and apply for Foundation scholarships. They also have to know what major and the degree or certificate they’re seeking. To help them chart their course, our Provost’s Promise scholars will register by the Early Bird Deadline of Friday, June 28th, and be assigned a personal academic mentor. Most important, they need to complete at least 15 academic credits that first semester and every semester thereafter.”
Over the next two years, Provost’s Promise scholars will be required to maintain a GPA of 2.50 or better each semester while continuing on a full-time track toward graduation. The college credits these students earned while in high school or at other accredited colleges may count toward the degree requirements.
Students who falter along the way won’t be financially penalized by DACC, although those who drop classes while receiving federal Pell may need to repay their grants.
“Students who don’t make it to the finish line can still continue as DACC students,” Dr. Nacco emphasizes, “but they’ll need to find another way of paying for their education.”
Those who successfully complete their degree on time and meet the other conditions will graduate debt-free. Provost’s Promise scholars will receive special recognition during Commencement.
The Provost’s Promise builds on the success of the “Bonus Class” program, enhancing the commitment to affordable education.
Dr. Bridges encourages new fall students to be sure and complete both the FAFSA and the DACC Foundation scholarship application in a timely manner in order to meet program deadlines. DACC Foundation Scholarship applications are due Wednesday, May 1, 2024, for the Fall semester. Applications may be completed online at dacc.edu/scholarships.