The University of New Orleans and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) have signed an agreement that will allow NOCCA students to earn up to 30 credit hours applicable to their degree program at UNO. The agreement applies to first-time freshmen and transfer students from NOCCA whose initial admission to UNO is for the fall 2020 semester or after.

Administrators from both institutions took part in a signing ceremony earlier this month on UNO’s campus.

“We are so excited to partner with NOCCA, which is one of the true gems in the realm of arts education and located in our own city,” said UNO President John Nicklow. “This program will accelerate a NOCCA student’s path to a UNO degree with the ability to earn a full 30 course credits. It will also foster greater collaboration between NOCCA and UNO’s School of the Arts, which brings together five arts disciplines: arts administration, film, music, theatre and visual arts.”

NOCCA students may be eligible to receive course credits in areas such as classical voice, classical instrumental, jazz, visual arts, theatre, musical theatre, theatre design and film, as well as English, history and biology.  

“NOCCA is thrilled to partner with UNO on this articulation agreement,” said NOCCA President and CEO Kyle Wedberg. “Initiatives like this show understanding and true support from UNO for students and families as they work to make the path to college degree attainment more affordable. This agreement and the positive direction of UNO are a testament to the leadership of Dr. John Nicklow and his team. It is a privilege to partner with them. I look forward to seeing what the next generation of NOCCA/UNO alumni will accomplish."

Under the agreement, the two institutions will develop a course matrix, defining which NOCCA courses are equivalent to UNO courses so that credit may be easily transferred. Other goals of the agreement include: identifying personnel at each institution who will coordinate and serve as advisers for NOCCA students entering UNO, improving the student transfer and advising process, and enhancing collaboration among the faculty and administrators of both institutions.

Students must receive a grade of A, B or S (satisfactory) for NOCCA coursework and have a Certificate of Artistry or Certificate of Performance or Achievement in their focus area in order to receive credit from UNO.