Transfer Policies and Pathways in a Decentralized Higher Education System: Vertical Transfer in Texas

• In Event: 18.030 - Examining Public Policy in the Lone Star State: Culture, Practice, and Policies

Abstract

Today, one third of all current college enrollees attend community colleges. In Texas, that number is even larger: 40 percent of students start at a community college and 75 percent of all Texas public college students take some community college credits. Texas includes a number of initiatives to improve success among transfer students, some which are required by law, including the core curriculum and field of study curriculum, while others, like transfer agreements, are “encouraged, but not required.” This project takes a closer look at mandated and recommended transfer policies in Texas to examine how existing state policies are implemented and consider policy suggestions and potential options to smooth transfer pathways between two- and four-year institutions in Texas.

Authors

• Lauren Schudde, The University of Texas - Austin

• Dwuana Bradley, The University of Texas - Austin