Transitions

News from the Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation

May 2008

FEATURE

Transfer Success Story

Daniel Alfonso was living in his native Brazil in 2001 when it came time to choose a college. A friend lived in the Phoenix metro area, and though his English skills needed work, Daniel decided to move to Arizona. “I was ready to go to college and I thought, ‘Why not the United States?" said Alfonso, now 26. After a three-month intensive English program at Arizona State University, he enrolled at Scottsdale Community College. “I enrolled at SCC because it was very close to where I used to live. I used to walk to classes during the spring.”

He still wasn’t sure what he wanted to study, but he knew he wanted “something in the medical field,” Alfonso said. “I had taken a chemistry class at SCC and my teacher was really good, and I liked chemistry. Several of his students had gone on to pharmacy school, so I took prerequisites for pharmacy at SCC for two-and-a-half years.” (Continued...)

CURRICULUM NEWS

Student Information System and Prerequisites
With the go-live of the new student information system, one of the features of the system is the ability for automated enforcement of pre/co requisite checking. MCCCD currently has over 6000 courses with requisites. All courses with requisites have been set up within the system and will be enforced upon enrollment. The functionality does two basic things:

Allows the student to enroll in classes with requisites if the student has successfully completed or is currently enrolled in the prerequisite course.
Does not allow a student to enroll in a class if the student has not met the prerequisite(s). The functionality will provide a message to the student after their attempt to enroll and identifies the requisite(s) not met. If the requisite is not met, students are required to contact the college regarding the class and proceed from this point.

One of the advantages to this functionality is the ability for students to enroll through self service at any time, from any place. We also recognize some of the challenges that come from this type of enforcement and welcome any recommendations from MCCCD users that could help enhance this area of functionality.

PARTNERSHIPS

Associate's Degree and Beyond

In an effort to create flexibility for students, Maricopa has developed agreements that expand the transfer beyond the traditional 60-64 credits necessary for the Associate Degree. These transfer arrangements are generally referred to as 3+1 or “90/30” agreements. In a 90/30 transfer arrangement the receiving institution grants three years of credits toward completion of a four-year degree. Students complete specialization courses in addition to the Associate Degree while at the community college. This articulation model enhances seamless student transfer and opportunities for students as they move through their higher education. (Continue...)

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Maricopa Employee Educational Opportunities: Are you a Maricopa employee looking to advance your education? CCTA has ten packets that include information on programs, discounts, and scholarships from Maricopa's transfer partner institutions. The packets will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact Rose Rojas

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SAVE THE DATE

IC Chairs/Lead ATF Members Meeting
September 5th, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Rio Salado ConferenceCenter

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ATF ChairOrientation
Friday, September 12th, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
District Office, Technology Room 300

DISCLAIMER

All information published online by MCCCD is subject to change without notice. MCCCD is not responsible for errors or damages of any kind resulting from access to its internet resources or use of the information contained therein. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented as factual; however errors may exist. Users are directed to countercheck facts when considering their use in other applications. MCCCD is not responsible for the content or functionality of any technology resource not owned by the institution. The statements, comments, or opinions expressed by users through use of Maricopa's technology resources are those of their respective authors, who are solely responsible for them, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Maricopa County Community College District.