Easier college transfers sought
Officials propose uniform system; Look to prevent loss of credits
State education officials are calling for a single, statewide transfer system to smooth students' paths between community and four-year public colleges and universities, taking aim at a patchwork approach widely blamed for hurting retention and graduation rates.
In a report presented yesterday to the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, a statewide task force recommends consolidating a range of transfer programs to help college students switch schools without losing academic credits.
"There are a host of obstacles in the transfer process which may actually deter students from pursuing degrees or force them to take additional or comparable courses more than once, thereby extending time to degree completion and increasing costs," the report stated.
Educators say the revamped system would simplify transitions from school to school for a growing number of transfer students. In 2006, almost one-third of new students in the state's public colleges and universities had previously earned credit at another college. Systemwide, about half of transfer students in Massachusetts come from state public institutions.
Under the plan, transfer students who have earned two-year degrees with a grade point average of 2.5 would be guaranteed admission at any state college and university and receive full credit toward a four-year degree. In addition, students with a 3.0 GPA would receive a partial tuition waiver. All students, including those who have not earned a two-year degree, who complete 34 credits of general classes with a 2.0 GPA would have those courses transfer automatically.
Most community college students who transfer to four-year schools are doing so before earning enough credits for an associate's degree, the task force said. Educators were surprised to find that so many students are continuing their education without receiving a two-year degree.
The state's current transfer compact, however, does not apply to students who transfer before completing their degree.
The education board is expected to vote on the changes this month. If approved, they would take effect in fall 2009.
The task force, which consisted of educators, researchers, and legislators, also recommended the creation of a centralized transfer website with a directory of equivalent courses and transfer guides by major. Launching the site would cost an estimated $1.5 million.
Recognizing the importance of a straightforward system, other states, most notably Texas and New Jersey, have taken steps to simplify the transfer process.
In Massachusetts, the 15 community colleges account for nearly half of all the students at the state's public colleges and universities. But only about 25 percent of community college transfer students meet joint admissions requirements at four-year colleges.
Francesca Purcell, director for academic policy at the Department of Higher Education, who chaired the transfer task force, said the current system throws too many students off course, likening the transfer barriers to "pebbles in the road."
State Representative Christopher Donelan, a Democrat from Orange who served on the task force and is a member of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Higher Education, said it is important to give students the most direct possible path to a degree.
"Having to pay for the same course twice, that could be what ends their education," he said.
Peter Schworm can be reached at schworm@globe.com.
