Clear the Path

For a growing number of residents, the path to higher education and postsecondary credentials is not a straight line. Many start at a two-year school and either transfer to a four-year school or resume postsecondary education after some time away. All Michigan residents should be able to obtain postsecondary credentials of value, regardless of whether they start and finish at a single institution, move between institutions, or re-enroll after time away for work or family obligations.

A major roadblock to degree completion in Michigan today is the difficulty students have transferring credits as they navigate between institutions. Many lose credit that they have worked hard to obtain, while others are forced to repeat courses to earn degrees in their chosen field. The state and higher education institutions must make this journey as efficient and user-friendly as possible if more people are to earn postsecondary credentials in a reasonable length of time and at a reasonable cost.

Today, many students transfer from Michigan’s community colleges to four-year institutions before earning an associate’s degree, and some of these students have completed more than half of the requirements for an associate’s degree or other credential from the community college before transferring to a four-year baccalaureate program. When such students subsequently complete at a four-year degree-granting institution the necessary coursework for the associate’s degree from a community college, they are entitled to a valuable credential. This credential—an associate’s degree—is one that the student could use in the labor market while pursuing a four-year degree. In addition, the absence of this degree shortchanges employers who cannot recognize what may be a valuable potential employee because the person does not have a recognized credential.

RECOMMENDATION

Improve Transfer Process and Award Dual Degrees

• Michigan’s two- and four-year higher education institutions must create by 2006 a statewide “Transfer Wizard”: a website containing course articulation and transfer information for all Michigan institutions, clearly identifying what courses are accepted, and where.
• Michigan higher education institutions must establish by 2006 the Michigan Milestone Compact. This compact would grant to a student transferring from a community college to a four-year degree-granting institution an associate’s degree or other credential/degree by the community college partner following completion of necessary course work conforming to agreed-upon learning outcomes.

(Completion Work Group rec. 3)

News

• Lawrence Tech and Oakland Community College Sign Agreement for 16 Programs, Oakland Community College Press Release (November 8, 2005)
• Walsh College, Macomb Community College Announce Accelerated MBA Program, Walsh College Press Release (No Date Listed)
• EMU’s College of Business Inks Transfer Agreement with Henry Ford Community College, by Ward Mullens (December 6, 2005)

Web Links

• Michigan College Mall
• MACRAO Transfer Equivalency Navigation System
• Muskegon Partnership Program, Grand Valley State University