Transitions
News from the Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation
October 2008
FEATURE
New Transfer Credit Policy: Higher Education Act
The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (H.R. 4137) was signed into law on August 14, 2008. The section of H.R. 4137 on accreditation confirms that, as a part of the accreditation or reaccreditation process, an institution of higher education must have transfer credit policies that are publicly disclosed and “include a statement of the criteria established by the institution regarding the transfer of credit earned at another institution of higher education.” In particular, institutions need to include: (A) any established criteria the institution uses regarding the transfer of credit earned at another institution of higher education; and (B) a list of institutions of higher education with which the institution has established an articulation agreement. (Source: Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 § 485, 20 U.S.C. 1092§ 221)
To ensure that Maricopa is in compliance with federal guidelines, the Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation (CCTA) has submitted revisions to Maricopa's existing policy language on Transfer Credit to include the above elements A and B. The revisions are going through the review and approval process and will be included in 2009-2010 college catalogs. To access a summary of H.R. 4137 major provisions impacting community colleges.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Western International University (WIU) is a private university that has been
based in Phoenix, Arizona for over thirty years. WIU has bachelor and
master degree programs, taught by faculty who are leaders in their fields. WIU
offers flexibility to students in achieving their educational goals. Students
have the opportunity to attend one of five campuses in Arizona, and for
those who are not able to attend on-campus classes, there is WIU Interactive Online.
WIU Interactive Online
combines live and recorded audio- and visual-based courses with web-based support. (Continue)
FACULTY CORNER
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
The District Curriculum Committee and the staff of the Center for Curriculum and Transfer Articulation (CCTA) are collaborating on establishing processes to address the growing interest in developing interdisciplinary curriculum. The national trend toward more interdisciplinary programs meets the needs of students, community, and business and industry. Learning is not “chunked” into discrete bodies of knowledge; interdisciplinary courses, programs, and instructional approaches allow students to engage in curriculum in a deeper and more meaningful manner. The Maricopa Community Colleges must be aware of new pathways for students and have processes to manage the evolution of interdisciplinary programs in ways that are timely, meaningful and relevant for students.
Sustainability is one interdisciplinary area that is receiving a lot of faculty attention right now. A meeting was held on October 8 for faculty interested in developing sustainability curriculum, with a follow-up meeting planned on the afternoon of November 21. Stay tuned for new information about how Maricopa faculty view sustainability and its role in the curriculum. # # #
To access past editions of Transitions, click
here.
PARTNERSHIPS
ASU Opportunity for Maricopa Employees
Are you interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree? As a Maricopa employee, you may be eligible for tuition benefits that can assist you in pursuing your bachelor's degree. Through the Arizona State University (ASU)/Maricopa Community College Alliance, you can take up 75 credit hours through a Maricopa Community College and apply them towards a bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Organization Studies at ASU online (Postcard. PDF). For more information, please contact Kelly Gwilliam, the Alliance Program Manager, at (480) 731-8138 or visit http://www.maricopa.edu/alliance/bis
Ottawa University Open House: Thursday, November 13th, 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Phoenix Campus - 10020 North 25th Avenue (Map). To RSVP, please call 602.749.5175 or or send email to admiss.az@ottawa.ed
UPDATES
Learn About Indiana University's transfer credits policy change. Click Here!
PUBLICATIONS
In 2005, Governor Janet Napolitano created the Governor’s P-20 Council by Executive Order to improve and align Arizona’s education systems from early childhood through postsecondary education. There are specific implications to Arizona's postsecondary system. Click here to access Governor's P-20 Council Higher Education recommendations.
A ‘Penalty’ for
Starting at a Community College?
Almost half of students enrolled in public colleges attend two-year
institutions, whose role in expanding access to higher education continues
to increase even as financial support for the institutions fails to
keep up with student demand. Not all community college students start
out with the goal of earning a bachelor’s
degree, but even for those who do, the path is laden with obstacles. To
access full text.
Making the Transition to Four-Year Institutions: Academic Preparation and Transfer (Working Paper No. 13): Josipa Roksa & Juan Carlos Calcagno — June 2008. New York: Community College Research Center, Teachers College, Columbia University.
Transition Matters: Community College to
Bachelor's Degree - A Proceedings
Report of the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance. May 2008.
DISCLAIMER
All information published online by MCCCD is subject to change without notice. MCCCD is not responsible for the content or functionality of any technology resource not owned by us.