Sep 21

Written by: A1 Admin
9/21/2009

The Higher Education Act, which originated in 1965, focuses most of the legislative emphasis on government policy focused toward student access and affordibility. Which is another way of saying financial aid. But, we are finally approaching a new era. Congress is now considering the importance of student completion, success and graduation. This has elevated college transfer as an issue that the country's higher education institutions should face to support lower cost and faster completion rates. Transfer disclosure is one way of helping students plan course work prior to transfer. The responsibility to disclose transferability prior to taking a course is a consumer friendly way of helping reduce the transfer friction or tax added when a student attempts to get course credit at a destination school. Transferablity does not mean course credits count toward a degree. It may just mean you will get the credit as electives. Which may still require additional course work, if your credit load and requirements are not met.

The House passed H.R. 3221 last week, with an important and obscure requirement for Community Colleges. That is, to disclose transferability of course work on course schedules and listings with Public Institutions of their State. This would obviously require some linking between sender and feeder. The language of the bill refers to best efforts. So, that may have different interpretations. But, the intent of the language is to put institutions onnotice that they should disclose transferability to help students better plan. If the course is not transferabile, that is OK for many if they know it. But, if it should be, this new legislation will help motivate senders and receivers to work better to promote accurate transfer information.

AcademyOne, along with PESC (Postsecondary Electronic Standands Council) went on the hill last week to meet with members of the Department of Education and Congressional staffers to discuss the provisions and approach we would recommend. Automation can go a long way in helping institutions reveal what is and what is not transferable. Our efforts were successful and we hope the legislation will be revised in the Senate version to motivate all schools, not just Community Colleges to disclose course transferability.

We also met with staff members of the American Association of Community Colleges and American Association of Community Colleges Trustees. Both organizations have pledged to help revise the legilstation as well. We need to move the legislation to foster a collaborative network, not just a requirement that will be taxing to serve. So, if you have a voice, let it be heard. Send a letter to your Congressman or Senate. Send us a note. Refer to H.R.3221.

AcademyOne is in favor of Transfer Disclosure. But, there is a cost for institutions to peform the effort that could be steep if all colleges had to link to each other listing what is and what is not transferabile. Congress is focusing just on Community Colleges and Public institutions. This is just 35% of transfers. The remaining 65% transfer four year to four year, four year to two year or transfer other prior learning such as military training. We hope to help reduce the cost of providing transfer disclosure through a community sponsored network called the Automated Transfer Network. This will be a great way to help reduce the frustration and cost of college transfer, as well as the confusion preparing for it.

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