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Lander University has developed bridge programs with the South Carolina State Technical College system to improve students’ transition from a technical college to Lander University.

students outsideAs part of one of Lander’s Bridge programs, you will complete freshman studies on the technical college campus of your choice. You will then be able to seamlessly begin at Lander during your sophomore year, or after 30 hours of non-developmental coursework—whichever comes first.

Lander University boasts Bridge programs with all 16 of the technical colleges in South Carolina. All of Lander’s Bridge students are able to take advantage of priority registration during the student’s first semester at Lander, as well as dual academic advising from technical college and Lander University advisers.

Lander University also offers the Bearcat Bound program with Piedmont Technical College (PTC) and Greenville Technical College (GTC). Students who join our Bridge program and attend PTC or GTC will become Bearcat Bound students. These students receive additional benefits, including priority registration, dual academic advising, and the opportunity to join a unique community of students who are also on the path to attending Lander. These students may also obtain a Lander student identification card and take advantage of many of the services and activities available to Lander University students.

Bearcat Bound Program 

Bearcat Bound participants will benefit from many services that allow each student to transfer to Lander University as smoothly as possible.

Special Benefits of the Bearcat Bound Program
  • Participants have access to dual academic advisement by professionals at both the technical college of their choice and Lander University to ensure the classes taken at the technical college are the courses that are needed to graduate from Lander.
  • A Lander representative will travel to each technical college throughout the year and will be available to speak with Bearcat Bound students during their time at the technical college.
  • Upon successful completion of the Bearcat Bound requirements associated with the technical college of your choice, Bearcat Bound students are granted full acceptance into Lander University.
  • Bearcat Bound students are eligible for priority registration during their first semester at Lander.
  • A Bearcat Bound Newsletter is sent once each semester to keep students up-to-date on any changes or opportunities available at Lander.
  • Bearcat Bound students are issued a Bearcat Bound ID card, which gives students access to:
    • Lander athletic events
    • Fine Arts Lecture Series (FALS) events (required for graduation from Lander)
    • Lander’s Jackson Library
    • Lander’s Academic Success Center
    • Lander’s PRAXIS Lab (for Education majors)
    • Lander’s Office of Career Services
    • Lander’s Fitness Center, pool, and other on-campus amenities 
South Carolina Technical Colleges Eligible for the Bearcat Bound Program

Bridge Program

Bridge participants will benefit from many services that allow each student to transfer to Lander University as smoothly as possible. Students in the Bridge Program will not be issued Lander identification cards, but will still have many additional benefits.

Special Benefits of the Bridge Program
  • Participants have access to dual academic advisement by professionals at both the technical college of their choice and Lander University to ensure the classes taken at the technical college are the courses needed graduate from Lander.
  • Courses taken at the technical colleges (listed in the Advising Guide) transfer to Lander and, more importantly, satisfy the students’ academic program requirements for the university.
  • A Lander representative will travel to each technical college throughout the year and will be available to speak with Bearcat Bound students during their time at the technical college.
  • Bearcat Bound students are eligible for priority registration during their first semester at Lander.
South Carolina Technical Colleges Eligible for the Bridge Program

Bearcat Bound and Bridge Program Qualifications

Many students who complete the Bearcat Bound or Bridge Program are invited by Lander University’s Office of Admissions. These students do not currently meet requirements for admission to the University, but are invited to complete 30 credit hours at a technical college prior to attending Lander University.

In addition to being invited to the program, a student can also qualify for the Bearcat Bound Program or Bridge Program if they are currently taking degree-seeking courses at one of South Carolina’s technical colleges.  These students are those who want to attend Lander University after the technical college. Current technical college students who would like to become part of Bearcat Bound or Bridge must have completed at least 30 credit hours of courses prior to attending Lander, and must have at least one semester of courses left to take at the technical college. 

Both Bearcat Bound and the Bridge Program are great programs for students interested in transferring to Lander University upon completion of courses at the technical college. For students to receive the additional benefits offered by the Bearcat Bound Program, students would simply need to list Piedmont Technical College or Greenville Technical College as the technical college of choice.

Requirements Prior to Attending Lander

Bearcat Bound and Bridge students must attend a technical college for at least one academic year prior to beginning classes at Lander.  Students who satisfy academic requirements will be granted full admission to Lander University without being required to resubmit an application to Lander University. The following items must be done in order for a student to be able to attend Lander:

  • Apply to Lander University if you have not yet done so.
  • Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of college-level work with a “C” or better at the chosen technical college.
  • Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher at the chosen technical college.
  • Complete a Lander University Information Update Form (DOCX) at least one semester prior to attending Lander University.
  • Have your official technical college transcript sent to Lander’s Office of Admissions.

Upon completion of these requirements, the student will be granted full acceptance into Lander University.

Bearcat Bound Program Forms

The forms listed below may be required for participation in the Lander Bridge Program; you will be notified if they are needed. 

  • Bearcat Bound Enrollment Form (DOC) - This form is required for all Bearcat Bound participants who are invited to participate in the program, as well as for current technical college students who are interested in the Bearcat Bound program. Current technical college students must have part of this form completed by an advisor at the technical college. The form gives Lander University permission to send all of a student’s original documents to the technical college of their choice, and vice versa.

  • Information Update Form (DOCX) - This form indicates a student’s intent to enroll at Lander University. Students must complete this form if it has been over one year since the student last applied or if the student would like to change their application to a different semester. Please contact the Office of Admissions if you are unsure when you last applied.
  • Bearcat Bound Advising Guide (PDF) - This guide assists technical college advisers in advising Bearcat Bound students. It helps students transition smoothly into the major of their choice at Lander University. 
  • Application for Admission - The application for admission to Lander can be completed online. If a student is interested in participating in the Bearcat Bound program, an application for admission to Lander must be completed. Please indicate that the application is for the Bridge program and which semester you will enter Lander. 

Bearcat Bound FAQ

Can Bridge students participate in intramural sports at Lander?

Not at the moment. This topic is currently being discussed.

Can Bridge students attend Lander sporting events?

Yes. Lander welcomes all students to attend sporting events – and tickets are free with your Lander University Bridge Program ID card.

Can I live on campus while in the Bridge Program?

Bridge students are not eligible to live on Lander’s campus until they have been officially accepted into the university.

Can I purchase a meal plan?

Yes. Bridge students who are attending a local technical college can purchase commuter meal plans through Lander University’s Dining Services.

Can I pledge a fraternity or sorority?

Bridge students are not eligible to pledge fraternities or sororities.

Can Bridge students participate in band or choral groups at Lander?

Not at the moment. This topic is currently being discussed.

Will Lander University honor placement test scores from technical colleges?

Only placement tests taken at Lander will be considered.

Will I be eligible for the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship when I transfer to Lander?

Yes, if you (in your freshman year at the technical college) successfully complete 30 semester hours of credit and earn a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA at that college prior to transferring to Lander.

Are Bridge students eligible to use Lander’s athletic facilities, such as the gym, weight room and swimming pools?

Yes. Students must obtain a student identification card through LUPD.  This card will allow students to use on-campus facilities.  Please contact the Office of Admissions before obtaining a student identification card.

Can Bridge students begin earning FALS credits?

Yes. Lander requires every student to attend 15 FALS (Fine Arts Lectureship Series) events before graduation. It is beneficial to begin attending these events before beginning your studies at Lander.

Which school should receive my FAFSA information?

Send your financial aid information to the technical college you plan to attend during your freshman year. After your transition to Lander, you will need to submit the FAFSA information to Lander’s Office of Financial Aid.

Do Bridge students have to take a placement test after transferring to Lander?

Not in most cases. The need for placement testing depends on whether you are transferring to Lander with freshman English, a mathematics course and a foreign language course.

What are the requirements to be accepted into Lander University through the Bridge Program?

Bridge students must successfully complete the requirements set by the technical college they choose to attend prior to enrolling at Lander. Upon successful completion of those requirements, Bridge students are granted full acceptance into Lander University.

Will my courses transfer to Lander?

Yes, in most cases. Lander will provide advisement to guarantee that the courses will transfer to the university and, more importantly, apply directly toward Lander’s degree program requirements. (Developmental courses and courses with grades below a ‘C’ do not transfer).

Technical college advisers and Bridge students have access to the Bridge Advising Guide (PDF).

Will my dual enrollment courses count toward the 30 semester hour requirement to be accepted into Lander?

Yes.

Will my AP/IB credits count toward the 30 semester hour requirement to be accepted into Lander?

No; however, if the minimum scores are met, students may receive additional college credit.

Can I take courses at Lander?

Bridge students are not eligible to enroll in Lander courses until they have successfully completed the minimum academic requirements for admission to the university

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Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about our Bridge and Bearcat Bound programs, please contact us at 864-388-8307 or admissions@lander.edu.