UNT, Collin College will work together to design seamless transfer pathways for students

Friday, October 13, 2017 - 13:52

DENTON (UNT), Texas ¾ The University of North Texas and Collin College will participate in Education Design Lab’s Seamless Transfer Pathways Design Challenge, a 15-month design process exploring ways for students seeking a bachelor degree to transition smoothly from a community college to a four-year institution. 

While 80 percent of students enrolled in a community college express an intent to complete a bachelor’s degree, just 25 percent follow through by transferring to a four-year institution. Only 17 percent complete that degree within six years. The Seamless Transfer Pathways Design Challenge seeks processes to help students achieve baccalaureate degrees, a springboard to greater financial success.

“This is a unique opportunity to reimagine the transfer experience for these students and lower the barriers to transfer,” UNT President Neal Smatresk said. “We are excited to work with Collin College to find new and inventive ways to support community college students looking to complete their education at a four-year institution.”

Collin College and UNT make up one of four institutional pairs selected to participate in the design process funded by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation. The foundation chose Collin and UNT from 50 applications representing 100 institutions from 25 states. 

 “Community college offers an accessible entry point into higher education for many students seeking a four-year degree,” Collin College District President Neil Matkin said. “Ensuring those students have a clear path to a four-year institution is vital for their continued academic success. We look forward to working with the University of North Texas to create those pathways.”

Announcing the selection, an Education Design Lab news release noted the compatibility of the institutions chosen, stating “These four pairs demonstrated that they are ready, willing, and able to re-think the transfer experience in higher education and transform the relationship between two-year and four-year institutions.”

Other institutions selected for the design process include: Miami Dade College and Florida International University; Township High School District 211, William Rainey Harper College and Northern Illinois University; and Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University.

Established in 1890, UNT is one of the nation’s largest public research universities with nearly 38,000 students. Ranked a Tier One research university by the Carnegie Classification, UNT is a catalyst for creativity, fueling progress, innovation and entrepreneurship for the North Texas region and the state. As the university has grown, so has its reach and impact. UNT was a founding partner in the Collin Higher Education Center, and UNT’s New College at Frisco boasts state-of-the-art classrooms and innovative learning spaces and offers bachelor’s and graduate degree programs, as well as certificates and professional development. UNT graduated 8,500 students last year from its 13 colleges and schools and offers 101 bachelor’s, 82 master’s and 38 doctoral degree programs, many nationally and internationally recognized. UNT’s world-class faculty make breakthroughs every day, and its students and alumni are changing the world around them.

Collin College serves more than 53,000 credit and continuing education students annually and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates in a wide range of disciplines. Collin College is a partner to business, government and industry, providing customized training and work force development. In addition, the college operates the Collin Higher Education Center, which serves 3,100 additional students each year in partnership with the University of North Texas and other universities.        

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