Warning: file_get_contents(https://flatland.tinythunder.dev/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/iStock_000005388963Medium.jpg): Failed to open stream: HTTP request failed! HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found in /www/flatlandkc_117/public/wp-includes/class-wp-image-editor-imagick.php on line 156
Board hopes growing library of college courses will simplify student transfers
February 10, 2014 | | 2 min read
The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education wants to make it easier for students to transfer between the state’s two-year and four-year colleges and universities.
Last Thursday, the Board added 16 courses to a new statewide “transfer course library,” which guarantees equivalent credit at any of the state’s 26 public two- and four-year institutions.
“There are thousands of students that transfer each year,” said Missouri Department of Higher Education Director of Communications and Marketing Liz Coleman. “In 2011, almost 10,000 undergraduates in Missouri transferred from one college to another .… This ultimately will help them achieve their degree that they’re working toward because if a course doesn’t transfer the student may have to retake that course.”
The library started in September with four courses, with the goal of simplifying the transfer process as well as saving students time and money.
“Every course a student takes in excess of the number required for graduation can amount to hundreds of dollars in cost,” said Assistant Commissioner for Academic Affairs Rusty Monhollon. “There is evidence that suggests that students, in many cases, are having to take six to nine additional credit hours to earn their degree.”
Monhollon said that part of the reason for those additional credit hours is from students that must retake courses that don’t transfer.
The 20 courses that have been added to the library so far are lower-division courses that students commonly try to transfer with.
“The courses that are being included have been reviewed by faculty and department chairs and folks in academic offices across the various campuses,” Monhollon said.
The board will continue working with state universities and colleges to add an additional five courses to the library by mid-summer.
Legislation approved in 2012 requires that the department create a transfer library with 25 courses by July 1, 2014.
Monhollon said that many other states, including Oklahoma, have created similar libraries and served as models for the legislation.
Reading these stories is free, but telling them is not. Start your monthly gift now to support Flatland’s community-focused reporting.
Related Stories
Nick’s Picks | Roads, Bathrooms, Costco and More …
New Toll Road Opens Kansas City’s first toll road opens this week. Starting Saturday, you’ll pay up to $3.50 to travel the new express lanes on U.S. Highway 69 from 103rd to 151st streets in Overland Park. There are no toll booths — cameras scan your license plate, and a bill arrives by mail. KTAG…
Up From the Ashes: Warwick Theatre Revival Draws Applause
Two years ago, John Cleary met a fellow Kansas City actor for drinks. Their conversation centered on the fate of the Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. A large portion of the ensemble’s home, the Warwick Theatre, was ash, charred timbers and soot-saturated costumes and props — remnants from a recent massive fire. The destruction was so great…
Nick’s Picks | Baseball, Drones, Romance and More …
Royals Reveal Next week, the Kansas City Royals head to Arizona for Spring Training. And that’s the mayor’s self-imposed deadline to lock in a stadium deal. So, is this finally the week owner John Sherman steps to the plate and unveils where the Royals will build their next home? At last week’s council meeting, Mayor…