Reverse Transfer Press Release
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Officials of the Alabama Community College System, public universities, and Huntingdon College across the state gathered today to announce a new agreement that will allow students to transfer credits from four-year institutions back to a two-year institution in order to complete a degree.
“Many people understand that you can take courses at community colleges, transfer those credits to a university, and apply them toward a four-year degree,” said Jimmy Baker, acting chancellor of the Alabama Community College System. “Our new agreement makes it possible for students to transfer credits in the other direction, too, helping them to attain a recognized credential they can use in the workplace or as they further their education.”
Commonly known as “reverse transfers” this process has been, theoretically, possible for several years at some institutions, but technical difficulties often got in the way. The new agreement was reached with support of the National Student Clearinghouse to ensure a seamless transition for students wishing to go back to community college to complete an associate’s degree.
“This agreement exemplifies the way that Alabama’s educational institutions can work together for the greater good,” said Sen. Gerald Dial. “It demonstrates our collective commitment to giving our students every opportunity to succeed.”
In helping students get degrees from two-year colleges, the reverse transfer agreement will improve completion rates, which is a major objective at all levels of education. Among other things, the agreement furthers the Obama Administration’s goal of increasing the number of college graduates.
Presidents and/or designees from all of the institutions in the Alabama Community College System, every public four-year university, and Huntingdon College signed the agreement.
To be eligible for a reverse transfer, students must have earned at least 25 percent of the credits they need for a degree from a community college and have earned at least three semester hours from the four-year institution as part of the overall associate degree requirements.
About ACCS – www.accs.cc
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) consists of 25 comprehensive community and technical colleges, Marion Military Institute and the Alabama Technology Network (ATN). ACCS is committed to providing a unified system of institutions delivering excellence in academic education, adult education, and workforce development. ACCS serves approximately 185,000 people annually through all of its entities, with over 83,000 of those served enrolled in credit courses.
For more information, contact:
Annette Funderburk
Director of External Affairs
Alabama Community College System
(334) 293-4651 – office
(334) 324-9394 – cell