Connecticut Governor Rell Signs Bill Aimed at Easing College Transfer Process

August 10, 2007 -- In a ceremony at Middlesex Community College today, Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell signed a bill that aims to make the transfer process between Connecticut’s public higher education institutions smoother. Special Act 07-7, “AAC Public Institution of Higher Education System Transfer and Articulation Process,” took effect July 1.

“This is a nagging problem that has caused students and families headaches for decades,” Governor Rell said. “Students are unable to transfer within or among public colleges and university systems with ease and efficiency. With this law, we are saying, let’s stop talking about the problem and let’s start doing something about it.

“The transfer process should not be difficult. We want our students to be able to transfer seamlessly, sensibly and predictably within the state university system.”

The law calls for a comprehensive analysis of transfer and articulation agreements within state public higher education institutions. By January 1, 2008, the Commissioner of Higher Education shall report the findings of the review to the General Assembly.

“From credit transfers to degree requirements to any disparities between the transfer of credits from similar programs from different colleges, this review will leave no stone unturned,” Governor Rell said. “We have all heard the horror stories of students who take multiple courses at one college and who then run into a brick wall when trying to get those credits transferred to another college. That brick wall can lead to delays in graduating, extra money spent on classes, needless frustration, and many times it results in students going out of state for college. This review will assess the roadblocks to those transfers and come up with solutions for removing those obstacles.

“It all comes back to my top three priorities: Jobs, jobs, jobs. We want our students to get their degrees here. We want them to enjoy their college experience. And we want them to work here after they graduate.”

“We’re firm believers in making Connecticut’s education system work for students at every level, and this new law is consistent with that priority,” Lawrence D. McHugh, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut State University System, said. “The Connecticut State University System is already hard at work with the Community Colleges, and we’re seeing results. Going forward, we will continue to keep the best interest of our students, and prospective students, first and foremost. I applaud Governor Rell and the legislature for their leadership in working with us in this important effort.”

“Our goal and desire is to enhance educational opportunities for students throughout Connecticut, and ease their transition at every step along the education continuum,” Connecticut State University System Chancellor Dr. David G. Carter said. “This new law follows through on efforts already underway to help students pursue academic achievement, and succeed. At the end of the day, these efforts will help make higher education attainable for more Connecticut students and make a difference in Connecticut’s economic vitality and quality of life.”

According to Marc S. Herzog, Chancellor of the Connecticut Community College System, “The encouragement that this law provides for simplifying and supporting transfer between the Community Colleges and the State’s universities will expand the opportunities available for Connecticut’s students who want to continue their studies beyond their associate degree. As increased numbers of younger students start their higher education at Community Colleges, we expect the number of students interested in transfer will grow as enrollments grow. The strengthened relationship represented by agreements between the Community Colleges and the universities will help those students to make the most of their opportunities, to continue their educations and achieve their goals, and it will provide more educated graduates for the State of Connecticut.”

Louise Berry, chair of the Community College Board of Trustees, expressed the ongoing commitment of the Board of Trustees in developing seamless transitions, through articulation and transfer agreements, that will allow the effortless transfer of college credits from a two-year community college to the four-year baccalaureate level.

“Facilitating the movement of students throughout public higher education encourages continuing education, saves time and valuable resources, and ensures high standards and consistency within public higher education,” Berry said. “College transfer should be a bridge to opportunity, career advancement, and an improved quality of life for Connecticut students.”

Source: Connecticut Governor