Roger Williams, IYRS partner on degree program

ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY AND the International Yacht Restoration School are partnering up to offer a direct path of IYRS's technical program to a formal college degree at Roger Williams.  / COURTESY ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY
ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY AND the International Yacht Restoration School are partnering up to offer a direct path of IYRS's technical program to a formal college degree at Roger Williams. / COURTESY ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY

BRISTOL – Roger Williams University and International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS), the Newport marine trades and technology school, have partnered on a program to form a direct path from technical training to a formal college education.
Through the partnership, IYRS graduates will be able to apply elective credits toward degree programs offered at Roger William’s school of continuing studies toward an associate or bachelor’s degree.
“Many of our younger students, passionate about working with their hands and building things, also want a two- or four-year degree that enriches their lives and offers broad opportunities,” IYRS president Terry Nathan said in a statement. “Partnering with Roger Williams achieves this goal. Importantly, we share common values and educational principles.”
Roger Williams will offer 15 credits to students who complete the marine systems or composite technology programs and who enroll in a bachelor of general studies, associate in arts or associate in science programs at the university.
The university will offer 30 credits to students who complete the two-year boatbuilding and restoration program toward the bachelor o f general studies or associate programs.
The credits will be applied toward elective requirements in both bachelor’s and associate programs. Students who enroll in the bachelor’s program will be encouraged to pursue the technology leadership and management concentration.
The university also will waive the application fee for IYRS graduates.
“We place tremendous value on offering our students access to classrooms comprised of individuals who bring a wide variety of perspectives, life experiences and skill sets to their studies,” said Robert Cole, associate provost at Roger Williams, in a statement.
“Not only are we happy to offer IYRS students the chance to continue their education at RWU, but our current students will benefit greatly from the ideas offered by individuals dedicated to recapturing hands-on trade and craftsmanship skills,” added Cole.

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