Data-sharing agreement to help students transfer from Parkland to U of I

CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A new agreement between the University of Illinois and Parkland College may make it easier for Parkland students to transfer to the U of I System.

When applying to Parkland, students will be able to declare an interest in transferring to the system's universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago or Springfield after finishing at the community college.

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According to Parkland College President Pamela Lau, this agreement could help community college students transition to a four-year university by helping potential transfer students with academic planning, credit evaluation and 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."

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U of I System's executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs, Nick Jones, said that identifying transfer students earlier will help the universities pinpoint academic or logistical issues prospective transfer students may face during the transfer process — before it even becomes a problem. This could improve retention and graduation rates, according to Jones.

"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."

This agreement will soon be offered to community colleges throughout the state of Illinois.