The partnership will establish a direct admission transfer pathway to create a more seamless path toward a bachelor degree for students in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Bay College and Northern Michigan University have come together to establish a Direct Admission Program agreement that will provide students with a more seamless pathway toward a bachelor degree. The three-year agreement took effect on September 16, 2026, and will help remove barriers to a bachelor degree and give more students access to education.
According to an article on Bay College’s website, President Dr. Nerita Hughes is quoted as saying of the agreement, "At Bay College, we believe partnerships like this are about removing barriers and creating clear pathways for students to achieve their educational goals. Our direct admission partnership with Northern Michigan University gives students the opportunity to begin their journey at Bay with the confidence of knowing there is a seamless pathway to continue their education at NMU. Most importantly, this partnership demonstrates what is possible when Upper Peninsula institutions work together to put students first, expand access, and strengthen the educational and economic vitality of our region."
Under the agreement, students who apply to Bay College may optionally indicate their interest in transferring on to Northern Michigan University in the future. Indicating interest does not obligate a student to participate. Those who do choose to participate will be admitted to Northern Michigan University in a non-degree undergraduate status while they complete their Bay College education. Students will receive many benefits of being an NMU student while completing their Bay College studies in order to help acclimate the future transfer students to the university.
Students will receive academic advising from NMU, a student ID card, access to a MyNMU account and email address, and will be able to participate in select areas of campus life, such as certain events and student life activities. Students will also receive one free official transcript that will be sent from Bay College to Northern Michigan University.
Kari Garcia, the Admissions Director at Northern Michigan University, said, “This partnership with Bay College is truly exciting. Bay offers exceptional preparation for students working towards a bachelor’s degree and through this direct admit partnership, students can receive supplemental advising support from NMU on day one of their education. These personalized supports and added perks mean Bay College students can immerse themselves in both the Bay College and NMU communities, creating a fully integrated transfer experience.”
NMU President Dr. Chris Olsen added, “NMU’s partnership with Bay College has been strong for many years, and we are excited to strengthen that connection with this new opportunity for Bay students. Providing access to Northern’s support services earlier in their academic journeys more easily facilitates their transition to NMU – and to earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. It’s a well-designed pathway to their next level of credential that we’re proud to offer.”
The agreement is intended to help remove barriers to a bachelor degree and provide students with all the academic support and advising services they need to succeed in their college education. It will also help Bay College students feel connected to Northern Michigan University before they ever start classes.
Bay College Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Travis Blume said, “This new collaboration between NMU and Bay College is exciting for students from across the Upper Peninsula. Through this partnership, Bay College and NMU have created a support system for students from their first day on campus through graduation from Bay College and NMU. Together, we will provide new opportunities for students, to help them achieve their dreams of higher education and better futures through this partnership.”
For more information about Bay College, visit the school’s website.