The Roads to Our Future

Third Annual ReportTransfer and Access in Maryland

March, 2009

University System of Maryland · Maryland Association of Community Colleges Joint Leadership Council

Committee on Transfer and Access

UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND

MARYLAND ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES JOINT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

COMMITTEE ON TRANSFER AND ACCESS

MEMBERSHIP

Stuart Bounds, President, Chesapeake CollegeRobert Caret, President, Towson University

2007 – 2008 Co-Chairs

Guy Altieri, Hagerstown Community CollegeRobert Bogomolny, University of Baltimore

2008 – 2009 Co-Chairs

Jim Ball, Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs, Carroll Community College

Barry Evans, Enrollment Management Outreach Specialist, Towson University

Mary Gartner, Associate Provost, Frostburg State University

Donna Hamilton, Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and Dean for Undergraduate Studies, University of Maryland College Park

Terry Hirsch, Director of Institutional Research, Community College of Baltimore County

Teri Hollander, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, University System of Maryland

Tracey Jamison, Director of Articulation & Enrollment Services, University System of Maryland

Seth Kamen, Director of Community College Relations, University of Baltimore

Lonnie McNew, Senior Associate Vice President, Towson University

Judith Oleks, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Hagerstown Community College

Ben Passmore, Director of Policy Research and Analysis, University System of Maryland

Brad Phillips, Research Director, Maryland Association of Community Colleges

1

The Joint Leadership Council's Committee on Transfer and Access in Maryland wishes to recognize and honor Dr. Barbara Ash, Research Director Maryland Association of Community Colleges for her extensive

contributions to the important work of improving transfer opportunities in Maryland. Dr. Ash's professionalism, leadership, and research skills contributed significantly to progress of the committee. Her warm and personable communication style helped facilitate effective research and data sharing initiatives

among the members of the Higher Education Community in Maryland. As colleagues we are deeply appreciative of her efforts. We feel blessed to have worked with her to serve higher education in Maryland.

The Roads to Our Future

The key to any successful transportation construction project is careful planning that includes an analysis of current conditions and infrastructure, key destinations and access points, and efficient movement throughout the system of roads and highways. For a road to be long-lasting, the foundation must be strong and the materials of the highest quality. It is also imperative that there is on-going inspection, maintenance, and improvements based upon input from all stakeholders and responsive to the changing environment. This is a concept that can be applied to realize successful transitions for transfer students.

The process begins with a council of representative stakeholders who have the ability to affect policy, charge the appropriate individuals or groups to implement the policy, and provide the necessary human and fiscal resources. The council may establish work groups to address specific aspects of transfer.

In Maryland, a Joint Leadership Council was established by the University System of Maryland and the Maryland Association of Community Colleges. The Council is co-chaired by the USM Chancellor and the MACC Executive Director. The Council is comprised of college and university presidents and chief academic officers. Three work groups were established to address access and capacity issues, transfer and articulation, and advocacy.

The access and capacity work group developed information reports to guide the work of the Council. The reports dealt with the various paths high school graduates take in attaining the bachelor’s degree, state and regional workforce needs, patterns of transfer, and projected capacity. The advocacy work group addressed the ways in which information flow to the public and the legislature could be enhanced, and the transfer and articulation work group established a Philosophy Statement on Transfer and Access to the Bachelor’s Degree. The transfer and articulation work group has now become the Transfer and Access Committee, a standing committee of the Council, and reports annually on the progress in enhancing transfer.

This third annual report reflects on what has been accomplished, analyzes the implications of the changing demographics in Maryland, and provides recommendations for next steps.

2

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Joint Initiatives

Maryland Institute for Transfer SuccessWith more than 125 people in attendance, the third annual Maryland Institute for Transfer Success was held in November, 2008 with great success. Presentations included how to use technology to ease the transfer process, how to recruit students in general studies majors, and how to involve faculty in the recruitment process. The next conference is planned for Spring 2010.

Faculty Discipline-based MeetingsFaculty from across the state continue to discuss issues related to transfer, general education and articulation in business, psychology, biology, computer science and information systems. A communications group started discussions in the past year. Periodic reports are presented to the Inter-segmental Chief Academic Officers.

Increased ARTSYS UsageDuring 2008, over 3.7 million pages of the ARTSYS web site were visited. This is compared to 2 million in 2003. Through the continuing partnership between the four-year and two-year institutions, this valuable advising and information tool is being utilized more than ever.

Electronic Transcripts Cost Savings and Efficient ServiceA conservative estimate of the cost savings for institutions sending electronic versus paper transcripts is approximately $10 per transcript. With close to 34,000 electronic transcripts sent by Maryland community colleges in 2008, this represents close to $340,000 in savings to the participating community colleges. In 2008, Coppin State University, the University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland University College added the capability to “auto image” and “auto upload” the transcripts resulting in cost (over $750,000) and time savings, and most importantly, more efficient service to students.

The Associate of Science in EngineeringAn agreement on the characteristics of new statewide, articulated degrees in electrical and computer engineering is near completion. The concept of the ASE grew out of discussions of the Transfer and Access Committee and has been ably brought to fruition by engineering faculty from two- and four-year public and independent institutions facilitated by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

University System of Maryland Transfer Initiatives

The USM continues to be a leader in transfer initiatives that include: Transfer information portal (http://mdtransfer.usmd.edu) that provides access to admissions,

financial aid, housing, and transfer credit (ARTSYS - http://artweb.usmd.edu) information, Transfer advising days at all Maryland community colleges where transfer advisors from each of the

USM institutions provide on-site information, Annual Transfer Professionals Day Increased financial aid to community college transfer students (see Appendix A).

3

Selected Institutional Initiatives

Bowie State University Developed and distributed a transfer marketing piece for prospective transfer students and others

entitled “Transfer Students: Take A Look At Bowie State University.” Enhanced website for transfer students with sections including: FAQ’s, Tuition/Financial Aid, Visiting

Bowie State, Open House Dates and Recruitment Video. Created special mailings to graduates from local community colleges detailing opportunities for

them to continue their education at Bowie State University. Developed radio advertisements focusing on students transitioning to Bowie State University. Implemented GoalQuest software to engage and encourage prospective transfer students to apply

to Bowie State University and to facilitate admitted transfer students’ enrollment to Bowie State University.

Reviews the eligibility of transfer students with a minimum 3.5 cumulative grade point average and a minimum of 30 credits for a renewable scholarship for tuition, fees and books.

Coppin State University Coppin State University Admissions Office currently collaborates with the Division of Academic

Affairs to promote faculty participation, advise students at transfer recruitment events and update ARTSYS.

The Registrar's Office recently employed a Transfer Specialist to enhance the transfer evaluation, ARTSYS, and degree audit communications process between transfer students, faculty and staff.

The Admissions and Records Office hosted transfer articulation agreement meetings with community college representatives and CSU professors.

The University is devising a new marketing brochure designed to attract more transfer students.

Frostburg State University Established new Career and Advising Services Center that serves as a resource hub for transfer

students, undeclared freshmen and sophomores, and students seeking a new major. We work collaboratively with faculty and staff to access pertinent information and services for these students in transition. Our goals are to prevent small problems from becoming insurmountable, help students become engaged on campus, and provide a center where students can address change, deal with obstacles and graduate.

Established new RN to BSN program in collaboration with Allegany College of Maryland that provides a seamless transition for nurses.

Currently working with the Arundel Mills Higher Education Center to bring the FSU BS in Engineering to the Center.

Continued discussions with Hagerstown Community College to bring workforce-related programs to the community college and to the USM-Hagerstown center. Began offering bachelor’s in early childhood/elementary education at USMH in FY08. Recently agreed to offer BS in psychology at USMH based on the growing number of psychology majors at HCC and the needs of human service agencies in Washington County.

Signed dual admissions agreements with Allegany College of Maryland and Hagerstown Community College. Agreements with Frederick Community College and Garrett College are in process.

Salisbury University In Fall 2008, the Respiratory Therapy program was added to the program offerings at the

Universities at Shady Grove. The Social Work BSW and MSW programs continue to be offered at Cecil Community College, the

USM Hagerstown center and the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center.

4

Towson University Several articulation agreements have been approved with Anne Arundel Community College and

there are numerous agreements in progress with Baltimore City Community College, Carroll Community College, Cecil Community College, Howard Community College and Prince George's Community College.

Programs continue to be offered at the College of Southern Maryland Higher Education Center, Universities at Shady Grove and Hagerstown Center.

Towson University signed 23 MOU-articulation agreements with Harford Community College, including an on-site, 2+2 program in Elementary -Special Education (EESE) scheduled for Fall 2008. Additional articulation agreements have been signed with the Community College of Baltimore County, including a dual enrollment program in Allied Health.

University of Baltimore The University of Baltimore now offers both part-time and full-time merit based scholarships for

transfer students who begin at UB in the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 semesters. Students with at least 24 credits and a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher are eligible.

UB is currently reviewing and updating more than 50 articulation agreements in an effort to provide more information to prospective transfer students.

UB is partnering with its feeder institutions to provide more on-site and on-campus events for students, specific populations (i.e. honors students) and faculty/staff members.

University of Maryland Baltimore County Established the Arthur T. Johnson Scholarship for Transfer Students recognizing the outstanding academic

achievements of Maryland community college students. Enrolled the initial cohort of new transfer students in the Sherman Teacher Education Scholars program for

students interested in pursuing teaching careers to address the shortage of highly qualified math and science teachers and the achievement gap that exists between students from low-income families and their counterparts.

Launched a comprehensive transfer resources website that includes information on preparing to transfer, the application process, student profiles, staff blog, and profiles of each of the Maryland community colleges and articulation agreements with UMBC.

Executed formal articulation agreements between the UMBC Information Systems programs and various IT-related programs at the Community College of Baltimore County.

Initiated formal articulation agreement discussions between the UMBC Information Systems programs and various IT-related programs at Howard Community College, and between the UMBC Honors College and the Rouse and Schoenbrodt Scholars Programs at Howard Community College.

University of Maryland College Park Established new partnerships through the Maryland Transfer Advantage Program, a transition

program designed to assist prospective students to effectively transfer and enroll at the University of Maryland and earn a Bachelor’s degree. The following community colleges are participants: Montgomery College, Prince George’s Community College, The College of Southern Maryland, and Anne Arundel Community College.

Opportunities through MTAP: When students have completed at least 15 credit hours at the community college, they are encouraged to take advantage of the tuition scholarships. MTAP participants are eligible to concurrently enroll in courses at the University of Maryland for a discounted tuition rate. Students are allowed to enroll in one course per semester (no more than 3 credits), and can complete up to a maximum of 9 credit hours. Students receive a 25% course tuition scholarship applied per course per semester (not to exceed 9 total credits).

5

MTAP Guaranteed Admissions: All students who complete a transfer studies certificate or 30 credit hours with the completion of fundamental studies with a cumulative grade point average of a 3.0 are guaranteed admission as transfer students.

Pre-Transfer Advising Program: In Fall 2008, the University of Maryland instituted the Pre-Transfer Advising Program for further outreach to the community colleges. Two experienced advisors were selected to manage this new initiative and help community college students plan programs that will prepare them well for their chosen majors.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore The University of Maryland Eastern Shore's Office of Admission and Recruitment has implemented a

team approach in recruiting transfer students. An admissions recruiter and a transfer credit specialist from the registrar's office attend transfer days together in order to properly advise students and give them better perspective into academic expectations.

UMES also hosts counselor retreats for community college staff for information sharing and professional development.

University of Maryland University College The University of Maryland University College was a pioneer in the creation of alliances and dual

admissions programs in Maryland. Currently, UMUC has alliances with fifteen Maryland community colleges with benefits including application fee waivers, scholarships and access to advising, computer labs, and library services. Baltimore City Community College joined the UMUC Alliance program in June 2008. Over 10 articulated programs are included in the 2+2 partnership.

UMUC has a weekly presence at all sixteen Maryland community colleges to offer assistance for transfer advisement, admissions, financial aid and more. Students also enjoy concurrent registration at both the community college and UMUC allowing for a shorter time to degree completion for both the associate’s and bachelor’s degree.

UMUC offers the Maryland Community College Transfer Scholarship for community college graduates from Alliance partnership schools. This is the largest scholarship program in the state for Maryland community college graduates. A series of Instant Scholarship Days are held at each Alliance school throughout the year to offer financial assistance for community college graduates.

6

Changing DemographicsA recent report, Knocking at the College Door (WICHE, March 2008), projects that by 2010-11, Maryland’s public high school graduating class will become “majority-minority” and by 2014-15, the proportion of White non-Hispanic graduates will be approximately 45.5 percent. While the largest proportional growth will be among Hispanics, the African-American population will continue to represent the largest portion (34%) of minority high school graduates. These trends are already evident in the enrollment of underrepresented minorities in Maryland’s community colleges. By 2007, minority students represented forty-six percent of the students enrolled.

Increases in Minority Student Enrollments at Maryland Community Colleges

Between 1991 and 2007, the proportion of African-American community college graduates increased almost 50%. The representation of other minorities has doubled or tripled since 1990.

Increases in Minority Students Graduating from Maryland Community Colleges

7

Transfer Trends in Enrollment and Graduation

Highlights In FY 2008, 17,988 students transferred to a USM institution. Of those who transferred in FY 2008, approximately 50 percent (8,993) came from a Maryland

community college. Over the past five years (FY 2004 - FY 2008) the number of Maryland Community College transfer

students has increased approximately 16 percent. In FY 2008, four of the 16 Maryland public two-year institutions – Montgomery College, the

Community College of Baltimore County, Anne Arundel Community College, and Prince George’s Community College - supplied approximately two-thirds of all Maryland community college transfers to USM institutions.

Maryland Community College Transfers to USM InstitutionsFY 2008

Among Maryland community college students who transferred to a USM institution in FY 2008, twenty-four (24%) percent were African-American; four percent (4%) were Hispanic.

Over the past five years (FY 2004 – FY 2008), the number of African-American community college students transferring to a USM institution has increased 31 percent, while the number of Hispanic community college transfer students has grown by 19 percent.

Three quarters of Maryland community college students who transferred to USM institutions in FY 2008 (based on fall 2007 enrollment) entered with either sophomore or junior status. The upward trend in the percentage of students entering as juniors is positive and may be linked to renewed articulation agreements and the Associate of Arts in Teaching program.

The largest proportion of Maryland community college transfers to USM institutions enrolled in the following program areas in FY 2008: business and management (24%), social sciences (12%), computer and information science (8%), education (7%), and the health professions (7%). Eight percent of these students had an undeclared major. The number of undeclared majors declined 21 percent between FY 2004 and FY 2008.

Sixty-six percent (66%) of Maryland community college transfers to USM institutions enrolled as full-time students in FY 2008 (based on fall 2007 enrollments). However, only fifty-three percent (53%) of African-American transfer students were enrolled full time.

Forty-eight percent (48%) of the FY 2005 cohort of Maryland community college transfers to USM institutions graduated within four years of transferring. Within the USM, the four-year graduation rate for full-time Maryland community college transfers was highest at UMB (89%), UMCP (62%), Salisbury (61%), Towson (60%), and Frostburg (54%).

8

Next Steps

Encourage the completion of the ASE so that the new degree can be approved in Spring 2010.

Encourage the Inter-segmental Chief Academic Officers to charge the discipline groups with developing statements of common outcomes for the first two years of study in their disciplines based on recognized national standards.

Establish a working group of the Committee on Transfer and Access to review promising practices for accelerated pathways to the Master’s degree, such as the University of Maryland RN to MSN program.

Conduct a study of student transfer success by sub-sets of the growing minority populations served, and to be served, by higher education in Maryland. In particular, explore more detailed minority student success data. For example, success with on-line courses/programs, success by program majors, especially in STEM related fields, etc.

Examine Maryland publicly funded scholarships available to transfer students, identify the gaps or problem areas and make recommendations that would generate improvements over time regarding both access and success.

Conduct a “transfer issues” survey on the effectiveness of the new transfer initiatives that have been implemented over the last three years.

9

APPENDIX A

Institutional Scholarship Funding for Maryland Community Colleges Students

Institution Year Scholarships RecipientsUSM FY 2007 $158,100 17 FY 2008 $120,231 22

FY 2009e $150,500 25Bowie FY 2007 $240,901 135

FY 2008 $310,430 176FY 2009e $391,649 180

Coppin FY 2007 $14,400 13 FY 2008 $32,500 39

FY 2009e $54,200 65Frostburg FY 2007 $25,000 21 FY 2008 $44,800 21

FY 2009e $60,000 30Salisbury FY 2007 $289,540 155 FY 2008 $352,626 179

FY 2009e $352,418 181Towson FY 2007 $268,900 206

FY 2008 $233,174 186 FY 2009e $142,000 83UB FY 2007 $753,847 381 FY 2008 $824,515 496

FY 2009e $906,966 545UMB FY 2007 $397,000 79 FY 2008 $248,281 121

FY 2009e $250,000 125UMBC FY 2007 $92,000 95

FY 2008 $531,494 343FY 2009e $723,249 454

UMCP FY 2007 $1,156,299 267 FY 2008 $1,388,704 312

FY 2009e $1,500,000 320UMES FY 2007 $186,255 38

FY 2008 $303,427 85FY 2009e $200,000 42

UMUC FY 2007 $660,327 315FY 2008 $699,457 352FY 2009e $909,975 412

Totals FY 2007 $4,242,569 1,722 Per FY 2008 $5,089,639 2,332 Year FY 2009e* $5,640,957 2,462

Detailed information on scholarships (criteria, deadlines, number of awards) for Maryland community college students transferring to senior higher education institutions is available through the Transfer Scholarship Guide at:http://www.mhec.state.md.us/publications/StudentOutreachKit/CCTransferScholarshipGuide.pdf e* indicates estimated or year-to-date expenditures

10