The schools recently announced an articulation agreement that not only sets guidelines (like minimum grade requirements) for transfers from HACC, but also coordinates HU’s respective academic programs with those of the community college. That means students in five programs, including some of HACC’s most popular, will be able to transfer all their credits in Geographic Imaging, Computer Security, Business Management, Business Administration and Biology.
The agreement bucks somewhat of a nationwide trend of universities pressed to increase tuition revenue accepting fewer and fewer credits from other institutions, forcing transfers to repeat courses and spend more money.
“Thats rather shortsighted,” says executive vice president Eric Darr, “especially considering the students here in Harrisburg. They are career-minded people. They want to get through a program as inexpensively and quickly as they can get on to their career. It benefits the region.”
Transfer students make up 38 percent of HU’s enrollment and close to 95 percent of those transfers are from HACC. HU’s website includes transfer maps that allow potential transfers to easily navigate their way to a degree. The schools are already in discussions about future programs they can streamline for transfers, while HU is also working with other community colleges on establishing similar agreements.
“Theres a lot of data that suggests students will transfer to four-year institutions where there are clear pathways that guarantee credits,” says Darr. “Our mission is to educate as many who want an education in science and technology as we can and make it easy as possible.”
Source: Eric Darr, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Writer: Joe Petrucci