Connecticut state schools adopt reverse transfer program

A new rule will allow students who leave Connecticut community colleges pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a state university to still receive their associate degree after finishing the required credits.

The state Board of Regents for Higher Education approved a reverse transfer program, which applies to students from any of the 12 state community colleges who switch to one of the four state universities or Charter Oak Stage College, an online college. Sixteen other states have launched or are launching this program, according to a Connecticut State Colleges & Universities press release.

Prior to the program, students who transferred from a community college to a university midway through their associate degree requirements had to wait until they finished all the credits toward their bachelor’s degree to receive any degree, CSCU spokesman Michael Kozlowski said.

“Now they’re not penalized for leaving community college,” Kozlowski said.

For transfer students who are working, receiving the associate degree while pursuing a bachelor”™s could enhance employment and earning opportunities without having to wait for the higher degree, which could take longer than the traditional four years, he said. Those who do not complete the baccalaureate program will still have a degree on their resume.

The community colleges now will receive credit for the students who left and received their associate degree, even though the students switched schools.

There are approximately 1,000 students per year who may be eligible to earn their associate degree under this program.

To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

• Have earned at least 45 CSCU community college credits before transferring to a CSCU university.
• Have transferred within the two years preceding their application for reverse transfer.
• Remain enrolled and matriculated in a baccalaureate program at the university.
• Complete a minimum of 15 credits at the university, as required by their associate degree program.

The program begins this fall and students will be able to apply in October and February. Each year thereafter, there will be only one application deadline in February.

A reverse transfer website will be created this summer at ct.edu with more information about the program and the forms needed to apply. Eligible students will be notified of the reverse transfer program via email in the fall.