Officials with Diné College and Northern Arizona University have signed an agreement to make it easier for students to transfer between the schools. It's also expected to promote more faculty collaboration.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by the schools’ presidents earlier this week. The agreement will be good for five years and then reevaluated.
Rita Cheng is the president of NAU. She says the colleges have long had a working relationship with each other.
"So this formalizes our relationship, it allows for a framework on which to build and we are really excited about the possibilities for students and for our faculty and staff," she said.
In addition to resource sharing, the agreement will allow Diné College students to earn NAU class credits if they later transfer there for a higher degree.
Three bachelors degrees are currently offered at Diné College. Administrators hope this formal relationship will expand the educational possibilities for students.
Diné College was established in 1968 and now serves about 1,700 students. Its main campus is in Tsaile in Northeastern Arizona.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
