Community colleges applaud transfer bill passed by legislators

Community colleges statewide are welcoming legislative news this week that would more easily allow student transfers.

The Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act was passed by the legislature in its final week and awaits Gov. Mike Kehoe's signature to become law, according to a news release from the Missouri Community College Association.

Under the legislation, community college students who complete a 60-credit-hour, transferable lower-division course block in general business, elementary education, general psychology, nursing, and general biology or biological sciences would be able to have those credits fully accepted by a public university that offers the same program.

“This legislation creates consistency within lower-division courses and will save students time and money on their educational pursuit,” said Brian Millner, president and CEO of the MCCA, in the release. “Ensuring students won’t have to retake lower-division courses in their declared major when they transfer to a university will create a much more seamless process."

In a separate news release, Ozarks Technical Community College Chancellor Hal Higdon said the legislation approved by lawmakers "recognizes the essential role community colleges play in workforce development in higher education access and completion."

"This is a win for every student in Missouri who has worried about their hard work not counting toward a four-year degree," he said in the release. "It sends a clear message that Missouri’s public colleges and universities are working together to deliver seamless, affordable and transparent educational pathways."