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Office of Academic Partnerships

The Office of Academic Partnership (OAP) is a hub dedicated to building and strengthening educational pathways to UMass Dartmouth. This office will enhance collaboration with K-12 schools, the Department of Early and Secondary Education (DESE), community colleges, and international partners, supporting students at every stage of their academic journey. 

The Office of Academic Partnerships will lead UMass Dartmouth’s engagement with:

  • Local K-12 Schools: The OAP will work to expand structured engagements with area school schools, with a strong focus on engagement with local high schools and students in Early College and Dual Enrollment Programs.
  • Community Colleges: The OAP will work to facilitate the ease of transfer for students attending community colleges. This will include transfer equivalencies, articulation agreements, and communication with community college partners.
  • DESE: The OAP will also work to develop, implement, and oversee activities that support the admission, degree progress, graduation, and licensure of students in educator licensure programs and to ensure regulatory compliance of licensure programs.
  • International Programs: The OAP will serve as Academic Affairs liaison to Enrollment management in developing international partnerships and will coordinate undergraduate program developments with respective college/schools.

Key leadership within the office includes: 

  • Traci Almeida, Senior Director of Academic Partnerships: Overseeing all partnership initiatives, including Early College, Dual Enrollment, transfer agreements, and international collaborations. 
  • Suzanne Melloni, Director of Community College Partnerships: Focusing on creating seamless transfer pathways from community colleges to UMass Dartmouth, ensuring student success and compliance with state initiatives. 
  • Joanne Robertson, K-12 Outreach Coordinator: Leading outreach and dual enrollment programs, fostering connections with schools, and supporting students transitioning to higher education. 

This office represents UMass Dartmouth’s commitment to innovative, inclusive, and impactful education.