Gordon State College and Fort Valley State University will hold a signing ceremony for an agreement designed to provide higher education access for students who show promise for succeeding in college, but who are not academically eligible to immediately enter a state, regional or research university.

The ceremony will take place Monday, July 18 at 10 a.m. in the Huntington Hall Gallery, Room 102, on Fort Valley State's main campus in Fort Valley, Ga.

Students who successfully complete the Fort Valley State University Gordon Access Program (FVSU GAP) will be academically eligible to transfer to Fort Valley State or any other senior-level university system institution.

"This is an excellent opportunity for students who want to earn a degree and experience campus life, but who come in just below the university admission requirements," said Dr. Richard Baskin, Gordon State College associate vice president for academic affairs.

The FVSU GAP participants are considered Gordon State College students, but will attend classes taught by Gordon instructors at the FVSU campus. They will live on the FVSU campus and have full access to FVSU facilities, services and student activities.

"This program is a great example of two dynamic institutions of higher learning strategically partnering to increase access to higher education for Georgia residents," said Dr. Stevie Lawrence, executive director for the Center for Retention Services. "We're elated to be a part of this initiative with Gordon State College."