SCRANTON - The Commonwealth Medical College and the University of Scranton signed an agreement today that enables the Scranton-based schools to continue discussions about a possible affiliation.

"Through an agreement (the schools) are continuing discussions regarding a possible affiliation, building on a confidential exploratory phase," a statement issued jointly by University of Scranton President Kevin P. Quinn and Interim President and Dean of the medical college Lois Margaret Nora.

"The University and TCMC have collaborated in a number of ways since the medical college was founded, including facilities, library resources, faculty and a dual degree program. We note that an affiliation could be beneficial both to our respective institutions and to the constituencies and communities that we serve," the joint statement read. "During an evaluation period that ends on March 31, 2012, we will engage in a wider discussion within our respective communities to consider the complex questions and issues that surround the possibility of deepening our collaboration into an affiliation."