Back See this section in context: Criterion 5 Core Component 5C

5C.2: Transfer Policies Supportive of Learners

Transfer programs are a major part of Sauk’s Mission; therefore, effective transfer policies and practices are a vital part of college operations. Sauk's transfer rate typically meets or exceeds the state median, as illustrated in Figure 5viii below:

The transfer rate is supported by a variety of college practices:

• Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): Sauk participates in a statewide transfer agreement among 109 private and public colleges and universities. Students who complete Associate of Arts or Science degrees may transfer as juniors. About 25% of Sauk courses are recognized as transferable by IAI, and many other courses are considered on an individual basis. Three faculty and one administrator currently volunteer to serve on IAI statewide curriculum advisory panels, which are responsible for developing course recommendations and approving courses. The information obtained through IAI advisory panels and the IAI website is incorporated into Sauk’s transfer-based associate degrees in order to meet current course articulation requirements at the IAI partner institutions.
• Resources for students: Another factor in students successfully transferring is Sauk’s effort to engage students in the decision-making process, which is carried out through several means of communication:
  • Sauk’s transfer policies are easily accessible on a designated webpage maintained by the Counseling Office, and information for individual student use is provided in SOAR.
  • Sauk’s Transfer Coordinator (.1 FTE) is the liaison between Sauk and other Illinois institutions. The Coordinator ensures that students are receiving accurate transfer information. In addition, the core of seven counselors and advisors (3.5 FTE) provide transfer counseling to students.
  • Each November, representatives from more than 80 colleges, universities, vocational-technical schools, and the military gather on campus to answer students’ and parents’ questions about their respective institutions and programs. The largest gathering of its kind in the district, College Night is co-sponsored by area high schools.
• Transfer agreements: Sauk has implemented additional institution-specific transfer agreements and other specialized partnerships with four-year schools. See Figure 5ix for transfer rates to these partner colleges.
  • Sauk partners with Western Illinois University (WIU) and Northern Illinois University (NIU) to offer a dual admission program that provides students the opportunity to gain admission while attending Sauk. Students begin their college career at Sauk, complete a transfer Associate Degree, and complete their Bachelor's Degree at one of these institutions. This cooperation provides students the advantage of academic advisement each semester and a seamless transition between institutions.
  • Sauk and Southern Illinois University (SIUC) have a formal Two Plus Two agreement in which individualized plans are designed to evaluate transfer credit, monitor academic progress, and provide students with transfer equivalence listings tailored to their specific major. This initiative is designed for community college students who have selected a major that can be completed in four years and plan to earn an AA or AS degree prior to transfer to SIUC.
  • Bradley University’s Academic Advisement Agreement with Sauk is designed to help students by giving them a personalized curriculum for their selected major and providing students with on-going advisement regarding every aspect of the transfer process.
  • Sauk has recently entered into an agreement with Ashford University that allows Sauk students to transfer up to 90 credits regardless of whether they have completed a degree. Formerly Mount St. Clare, Ashford University's campus has long been a viable choice for Sauk students who transfer as commuter students because of its location in Clinton, Iowa.