UToledo, Owens renew Rocket Express Admission Program

        The University of Toledo and Owens Community College renewed a partnership that creates a seamless pathway for students to earn a bachelor’s degree from UToledo after starting at Owens.
        The admission pathway program, called Rocket Express, was first launched in 2017.
        Owens President Dr. Dione D. Somerville and UToledo President Dr. Gregory Postel renewed the Rocket Express program during a signing ceremony Oct. 19 in the Student Service Center in College Hall at Owens Community College. Owens Provost Dr. Denise Smith and UToledo Provost Dr. Risa Dickson also participated in the ceremony.           “We are pleased to continue our Rocket Express partnership with the University of Toledo. Our Rocket Express agreement provides a pathway to an additional opportunity in higher education so that our students reach their academic and career goals efficiently. The Rocket Express helps provide support for our students who intend to transfer while saving them time and money. We are grateful to the University of Toledo for partnering with Owens in a way that is meaningful to our students and our region,” Somerville said.
        “The strong partnership between UToledo and Owens and our shared commitment to student success provide a great opportunity for individuals in our community to achieve their dream of earning a college degree with increased support from both institutions through our updated Rocket Express program,” Postel said.
        A total of 1,600 Owens students are enrolled in the Rocket Express program for fall 2022 to begin the 2022-23 academic year. Over the first five academic years of the partnership, from 2017-18 through 2021-22, Owens averaged 1,750 students enrolled annually in the Rocket Express partnership. During this time, more than 6,500 students who previously attended Owens then enrolled at UToledo.
        Students begin their college journey at Owens and can join the updated Rocket Express program immediately by indicating they intend to transfer to UToledo. Rocket Express students benefit from access to academic advisors at both Owens and UToledo and receive ongoing communication from UToledo as they advance through their academic studies. Program participants also have opportunities to participate in student life activities at both Owens and UToledo, such as clubs, organizations and Express and Rocket athletics games.
        As part of the program, students have access to UToledo’s degree audit system to keep track of how their Owens classes will apply to their future UToledo degree program, which is a helpful tool especially if they are considering changing their program of study.
        Rocket Express students also do not pay the UToledo application fee when they are ready to transfer.
        UToledo and Owens announced the updated Rocket Express admission pathway program during National Student Transfer Week that celebrates transfer students and the professionals who support them.
        More information on Rocket Express is available on the Owens website at owens.edu/rocketexpress.