Transfer Articulations: The Art of Creation Stefanie Crouse Interim Transfer Coordinator/Counselor Montgomery County Community College

Who are the students of today? Approximately 40% of CC students will transfer to a four-year institution Millennials ◦ Politically and religiously independent ◦ Digitally connected ◦ Highly mistrustful ◦ Burdened by school debt ◦ Know that education = income

What students want

Dual Admissions: A great start! For the student ◦ Guarantees admission to the college or university ◦ Often includes general education agreement ◦ Many provide scholarship incentive ◦ Often a simpler application process

Dual Admissions: A great start! For the community college ◦ Predicated on graduation ◦ Recruitment

Dual Admissions: A great start! For the four-year school ◦ Given “partner” status ◦ More access to student information  Letters of Intent  Graduation lists ◦ Special partner transfer days ◦ Information provided on websites and promotional materials distributed to students

SO WHY ISN’T THAT ENOUGH?

What we know that students don’t know Excess or unused credits ◦ Undecided students  Liberal Studies at MCCC ◦ Students change their major

Liberal Studies degree – one student English Comp I English Comp II Math Applications Computer Applications Public Speaking Lab science Western Civ Anthropology Health or gym An arts 30 credits of electives

What we know that students don’t know Excess or unused credits ◦ Undecided students  Liberal Studies at MCCC ◦ Students change their major

What we know that students don’t know Difference between what will transfer and what will count!

WHAT CAN WE DO TO HELP STUDENTS?

Create a program-to-program (“2+2”) agreement More specific agreement tailored to specific program Teaching faculty are involved in the creation Does not guarantee admission Ensures the completion of degree within a set timeframe

Create a Create a program-to- program (“2+2”) agreement Step 1: Assemble your “team” ◦ Academic Affairs ◦ Registrar ◦ Detail-oriented people Step 1B: Get them together ◦ The hardest part!

Create a Create a program-to- program (“2+2”) agreement Step 2: Review the requirements for the Associate’s degree compared to the bachelor’s degree ◦ General education policies ◦ Course substitution policies

Create a Create a program-to- program (“2+2”) agreement Step 3: Understand the requirements at the four year school ◦ General education policies ◦ Residency requirements ◦ Major requirements  AACSB

Create a Create a program-to- program (“2+2”) agreement Step 4: Draft the actual agreement ◦ Preface ◦ Terms and Conditions ◦ Joint Responsibilities ◦ Revision, Renewal and Termination

Preface Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) and {NAME OF FOUR YEAR INSTITUTION} enter into this Agreement in order to facilitate the transfer of MCCC students who have completed the {DEGREE/PROGRAM} into {DEGREE/PROGRAM} at {NAME OF FOUR YEAR INSTITUTION}. Subject to the terms of this Agreement, a student who completes the {NAME OF PROGRAM} curriculum at MCCC will be assured third year status in the {NAME OF PROGRAM} program at {NAME OF FOUR YEAR INSTITUTION}. This will generally allow a full-time student to complete the requirements for the baccalaureate degree within four regular semesters providing the student appropriately schedules and successfully completes (without repeating courses) their remaining courses at {NAME OF FOUR YEAR INSTITUTION}.

Terms and Conditions 1. If students complete the program and they are accepted to the four year institution, they will enter with junior status and are assured at least 60 credits will transfer. Any courses not included in the program will be evaluated course by course. 2. The minimum grade requirement for courses to transfer. 3. he student must meet all applicable requirements and deadlines pertaining to application for admission and payment of tuition and fees. 4. Students must have earned the degree to qualify for this agreement. 5. Students transferring under this Agreement will be eligible for financial aid and housing on the same basis as any other student. 6. Once students have matriculated, they need to complete the curricula requirements based upon their matriculation date at MCCC or at the four year institution (whichever is most beneficial to the student). 7. The four year institution will waive the application fee.

Joint Responsibilities 1. MCCC and {NAME OF FOUR YEAR INSTITUTION}agree to maintain and distribute information about this Agreement, and any changes relevant to it, to students, counselors, and advisors. 2. MCCC and {NAME OF FOUR YEAR INSTITUTION}will assure that the appropriate personnel at their respective institutions are made aware of the Agreement, and any revisions thereto, and are encouraged to support it. 3. Both institutions will encourage MCCC students to meet with representatives of {NAME OF FOUR YEAR INSTITUTION} to discuss issues related to admissions, financial aid, and transfer of courses well in advance of their expected date of entry. 4. Faculty from each institution teaching in the curriculum for which this Agreement has been developed will be encouraged to meet at least once annually to discuss issues of curriculum and student development.

Revision, Renewal, and Termination Who is responsible for communication between schools? How long is the agreement for? How often will it be reviewed? What happens if one institution wishes to terminate the agreement? What notice must be given?

Create a Create a program-to- program (“2+2”) agreement Step 4: Create a transfer guide ◦ The most helpful part of the whole process for the student! ◦ Include any important notes

Create a Create a program-to- program (“2+2”) agreement Step 5: Get everyone to review and sign ◦ The President, Provost, VP of Student Affairs, Dean, Chairperson, etc…

Create a Create a program-to- program (“2+2”) agreement Step 6: Establish a process for review ◦ Some put an end- date ◦ Who is responsible?

Liberal Studies degree – one student English Comp I English Comp II Math Applications Computer Applications Public Speaking Lab science Western Civ Anthropology Health or gym An arts 30 credits of electives

Liberal Studies degree – her friend going for a Nutrition Degree English Comp I English Comp II Math Applications Computer Applications Public Speaking Western Civ Philosophy Basic Nutrition An arts General Biology Intro to Psych General Chemistry Statistics Intro to Sociology Anatomy & Physiology I Anatomy & Physiology II Microbiology General Chemistry II

How to start? Make data-informed decisions ◦ Identify key programs and key institutions Make good friends!

Remember our goal: To help students!