Higher Education - Transfer Platform - Established (Transfer With Success Act 2.0)
Impact
The introduction of this bill is expected to significantly impact Maryland's higher education landscape by creating a standardized mechanism for students wishing to transfer between institutions. By requiring all public institutions to actively participate in the transfer platform, it fosters greater collaboration and communication among schools, easing the transition for students and potentially increasing retention rates. Furthermore, the bill allocates state funds to support the operational costs of this transfer platform, ensuring that community colleges and public universities can participate without financial barriers.
Summary
Senate Bill 540, also known as the Transfer With Success Act 2.0, aims to establish a comprehensive transfer platform to facilitate and streamline the transfer process for students transitioning from community colleges to four-year institutions of higher education in Maryland. The bill mandates that all receiving institutions must honor the credits earned by students at their prior institutions, provided that at least 70% of the learning outcomes are achieved. This ensures that students do not lose their credits when they transfer, promoting continuity in their academic progress.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB540 appears to be largely positive, especially among educational institutions and student advocacy groups. Proponents argue that this will democratize access to higher education by making it easier for students to continue their studies without the fear of losing previously earned credits. However, some concerns were raised regarding the efficacy of implementation and whether all institutions would fully comply with the requirements, maintaining a consistent quality of transfer evaluations across different colleges.
Contention
Despite its positive reception, the bill does not come without its share of contention. Notable discussions have centered on the responsibilities of institutions when it comes to credit evaluation and transfer reviews. Critics have pointed out potential discrepancies in how different schools assess learning outcomes, which could lead to inconsistent application of the transfer platform. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the implementation timeline and whether institutions are adequately prepared to integrate this new system into their existing processes.
Revises Statewide transfer agreements for transfer of academic credit and reverse credit at participating institutions of higher education; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish academic credit and reverse credit transfer standards; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsman within Office of Secretary of Higher Education.
Relating to the reporting by certain public institutions of higher education on the transferability of credit and to a transferability report card for those institutions.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Guided Pathways program to facilitate the completion by students of undergraduate certificate and degree programs.
Relating to the release of student academic information by a public institution of higher education for certain purposes and the manner in which the information is used.