What is the University Center of the Mountains?

            The University Center of the Mountains (UCM) is not a new university and Hazard Community and Technical College is not becoming a four-year college.  

            The UCM is a partnership and consortium consisting of the following partners:   Eastern Kentucky University, Morehead State University , Hazard Community and Technical College, Lindsey Wilson College, and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.  

            The UCM is a collaboration of these post-secondary institutions for the purpose of increasing opportunities to obtain selected undergraduate and graduate degrees and professional certifications that address lifelong learning, economic and workforce needs, and community development within the Kentucky River Area Development District.

            The UCM will serve as an umbrella bringing new degrees and continuing with the existing bachelor degree programs between the partners.   Eighteen bachelor degree programs are presently available in which students can obtain all their course work in the immediate area.   Currently, six master degree programs are available.

What degrees are now available?

The present bachelor degree options are:

Eastern Kentucky University

Bachelor of Criminal Justice

Bachelor of General Studies

Bachelor of Individualized Studies

Bachelor of Nursing (RN to BSN)

Bachelor of Science in Career and Technical Education

Bachelor of Social Work

Master of Science in Nursing - Family Nurse Practitioner

Master of Science in Career and Technical Education

Lindsey Wilson College

Bachelor of Arts in Human Service and Counseling

Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling

Midway College

Bachelor of Arts in Teacher Education

Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administrative

Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security Assessment

Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management

Morehead State University

Bachelor of Business Administration

Bachelor of Early Elementary Education (P-5 Certification)

Bachelor of University Studies

The present online degree programs are:

Eastern Kentucky University

Master of Science in Loss Prevention and Safety

Morehead State University

Bachelor of Business Administration

        Accounting option

        Finance option

        Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship option

Bachelor of Nursing (RN to BSN)

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Bachelor of University Studies

        General Studies option

        Health Services option

Master of Business Administration

The UCM goal is to offer degrees at most HCTC campuses.

Will other degrees be added?

            Yes.   The partners are interested in bringing degrees through the UCM for which there is student and/or employer demand.   The UCM will be conducting on-going assessment of the degree needs.   You can assist by letting the UCM staff know your areas of interest.

When and where will classes be offered?

            The UCM classes are generally offered in late afternoon and evenings allowing students with daytime work or family obligations to attend.   There are some Internet classes' available, offering even greater flexibility, for which students may use computers on the campuses of Hazard Community and Technical College .   In order to bring some offerings to students, classes are taught by ITV (Interactive Video) in which the instructor interacts with students via live television.

            The classes are offered on various campus sites.   The goal of the UCM partners is to bring more degrees and classes with greater convenience to the student.

Has an UCM survey been conducted?

The UCM conducted a needs assessment in May 2004 in which major employers distributed surveys to their employees.   Over 1200 employees returned the survey giving their names and address and indicated the degrees they wish to pursue.

            You are invited to participate in this on-going survey so the UCM partners can assist you as you continue your education.   The UCM staff encourages you to fill out the survey.   Please call our offices at 487-3182 or (800) 246-7521 ext. 73182 or visit us so we can work to bring degrees you desire.   You may also wish to contact us via email at Ron.Daley@kctcs.edu or Bcombs0035@kctc.edu.

Where is the UCM located?

            The UCM service region is the Kentucky River Area Development District which includes the following counties:   Perry, Knott, Letcher, Leslie, Breathitt, Owsley, Lee and Wolfe.

            UCM central offices are located in the J. Marvin Jolly Classroom Center Room 152 on the Hazard campus of Hazard Community and Technical College .   The partners' facutly and staff are housed there.  The offices and UCM parking are located adjacent to Cardinal Chevrolet. The best way to visit is through the Cardinal Chevrolet entrance on KY 15 south (near Hazard Country Club).  UCM classrooms and other offices are located throughout the region.  An on-going needs assessment will aid the partners in determining the most ideal means to serve students.

            Morehead State University has offices and classrooms in Jackson and an ITV classroom in Hindman.   Offices and classrooms are also located at the Breathitt Life Skills Center.   Ron Daley, Director of the UCM, and Heather Pennington, Administrative Assistant, are located at the UCM administrative offices in Hazard.

How do I apply to take classes through UCM?

.  Submit a completed and signed application form to the respective institution.   (This can be done online at www.eku.edu or http://www.lindsey.edu/   or www.moreheadstate.edu   www.midway.edu)

.  Submit copies of official transcripts sent directly to the institution from each school attended after high school.   (Hand delivered transcripts are not accepted).

.  Be eligible to return to all institutions attended.

.  Pay application fees if applicable.   (EKU application fee is $25, LWC application fee is $30, Midway College application fee is $25, and MSU has no application fee)

I have a two year degree, am I ready to begin classes through UCM?

Just because you have obtained a two-year degree, does NOT mean that you are ready to begin courses through EKU, LWC, Midway,  or MSU.   There may be additional mandatory courses available through HCTC necessary to fulfill graduation requirements.   Your advisor can help you determine the coursework you will need to complete you bachelor degree.

Will the UCM award degrees?

            No, the institution in which the students are enrolled will confer the degrees. Likewise, students will pay tuition to the respective institution.

How much is tuition?

Students must pay tuition costs to their respective college or university.   Tuition costs are the same amount charged by each UCM partner for in-state students.

Is financial aid available?

Yes.   Financial assistance is available through a variety of programs including grants, loans and scholarships. You may apply for federal and state grants online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ .   Please be sure to indicate the institution for which you will be attending as the home college.   To receive scholarship and loan information, please contact the financial aid office at:

  EKU at (800) 465-9191

  HCTC at (800) 246-7521

  LWC at (800)264-0138

  Midway (800) 755-0031 

  MSU at (800) 585-6781

How do I get information on the UCM offerings?

            To obtain any information on the UCM offerings, please contact Bryan Combs, Administrative Assistant at (800) 246-7521 ext. 73182 or (606) 487-3182, or by email at Bcombs0035@kctcs.edu, or the UCM Director, Ron Daley at ext. 73158 or (606) 487-3158 or by email at Ron.Daley@kctcs.edu .   For information about the Eastern Kentucky University programs you may also contact, Jeannie Trumbo at (800) 246-7521 ext. 73209 or (606) 487-3209 or by email at jeannie.trumbo@eku.edu .   For more information about Lindsey Wilson College programs you may contact, Billie Robinson at (606) 487-3269 or by email at robinsonb@lindsey.edu.   For more information about Midway College please contact John Robinette ar 606-487-3233 or email jrobinette@midway.edu.  For more information about Morehead State University programs you may also contact Will Kayatin or Barbara Spencer at (800) 729-5225 or (606) 666-2800 or by email at w.kayatin@moreheadstate.edu.