Tidewater Community College (TCC) has a strong history of partnering with four-year institutions to create seamless transfer opportunities for students. One of its most notable collaborations is with Old Dominion University (ODU) in Norfolk, Va. In April 2023, this long-standing partnership was reintroduced as the Monarch Ready Program — an exclusive, invitation-only initiative that offers personalized support, focused academic preparation and an accelerated pathway to ODU.
Two years after its relaunch, the Monarch Ready Program is already showing measurable success in helping students achieve their educational goals. The program is specifically designed for students who are not initially admitted to ODU. These students are redirected to TCC and invited to apply to Monarch Ready free of charge.
Jonathan Watford, Retention Coordinator at TCC, described the Monarch Ready Program as a “second chance” for students to achieve their goal of attending ODU.
“This gives them an opportunity to say, ‘I may not have gotten in directly, but I don’t have to give up on that dream. I can still go to ODU,’” Watford said.
Strong start
Participants begin their journey with an August orientation, where they meet support staff and learn about the resources available to help them succeed.
According to TCC Dean of Enrollment Management Misty Lyon, each student is paired with both a TCC outreach advisor and an ODU advisor who work together to guide them through enrollment and ensure a smooth transition. Lyon noted that the retention office regularly checks in with students to provide additional support.
“The Monarch Ready students have co-advising appointments with TCC and ODU,” Lyon said. “It’s really that intensive support — wrapping our arms around them to help them reach their ultimate goal of transferring to ODU.”
TCC provides Monarch Ready students with access to a wide range of support resources, including career development services, the Military Connection Centers, and the Student Resource and Empowerment Center (SREC). Students in the program are also encouraged to attend all TCC campus events and have limited access to ODU amenities, such as parking and sporting events.
To reapply and be admitted to ODU, students must complete 24 college credits at TCC with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Some students choose to continue at TCC to complete their associate degree (approximately 60–64 credits) before transferring.
A clear, supported path
TCC student Savannah Doke enrolled in Fall 2024 and is preparing to transfer to ODU this winter.
“I didn’t do very well in high school, so when I originally applied to ODU, I wasn’t accepted. But they offered me the Monarch Ready Program,” Doke said.
At first, she was unsure about attending TCC and joining the program, but she quickly realized it was the right choice. “I’m so glad I had this opportunity,” she said. “All the advisors were really helpful — they guided me on which classes to take and exactly what to do to transfer.”
Doke described TCC as providing a genuine college experience, helping her build lasting friendships, and offering clear support for students aiming to transfer. She will move on to ODU in January to study human services with a minor in psychology, with plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology and become a therapist.
Her journey illustrates the broader impact of the Monarch Ready Program: giving students who face initial setbacks a clear, supported path to academic and professional success. Two years later, the program continues to show that targeted support, personalized guidance, and strong partnerships can turn obstacles into steppingstones for achievement.
This article was originally published here.