Students applying to Champaign’s Parkland College will have more resources in support of their potential transfer to the University of Illinois System’s universities under a data-sharing agreement between the two institutions.
In an agreement that will soon be offered to community colleges throughout the state, Parkland and the U of I System are providing a mechanism for students applying to Parkland to voluntarily declare an interest in transferring to the system’s universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago or Springfield upon completion of their studies at the community college.
Parkland College President Pamela Lau said the ability for Parkland College students to identify their transfer destinations at the time of application for admission is an innovation in higher education that provides intentional support for community college students intending to transfer to U of I System institutions, including academic planning, credit evaluation and guidance on transfer requirements.
“This agreement strengthens the network for support for Parkland College students who are on a transfer pathway to University of Illinois System institutions,” Lau said. “Starting at a community college offers students the benefits of affordability and proximity to home while aiming toward bachelor’s degree attainment. By working in partnership, we can increase the likelihood of transfer success and ensure students are prepared both academically and socially for the breadth of academic and career opportunities that await them at the U of I System’s three campuses.”
Nick Jones, the U of I System’s executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs, said the identification of transfer students earlier in the process will allow the universities to address any academic or logistical challenges prospective transfer students may face during the transfer process. This proactive support can improve retention rates and increase the likelihood of these students graduating.
“Providing clear access to transfer students is a vital component of our mission of serving residents from communities throughout the state of Illinois, and this agreement formalizes our existing commitment to do so,” Jones said. “Increasing awareness of the resources available from four-year institutions should encourage more transfer students to tap into them sooner to support their journey. This is particularly important for students from underserved populations.”
Jones said the U of I System looks forward to expanding this model in partnership with all the community colleges within the state of Illinois.
