by Chris Werner

College Editor

University of Wisconsin officials will discuss how to increase transfer credits between UW schools Tuesday.

University of Wisconsin System and Wisconsin Technical College System leaders are meeting in a task force conducted by Assembly Speaker John Gard, R-Peshtigo, to discuss proposals that would change the credit-transfer process between statewide schools.

Under the proposals, students within the technical college system could choose from a common core of courses that could act as legitimate transfer credits within any UW System school.

“I think students would find it very beneficial; it will open up opportunity for more credit to be considered in transferring,” Larry Rubin, assistant vice president for academic affairs of UW System, said. “It takes all the guesswork out.”

Jim Gribble, director of public relations at the Milwaukee Area Technical College, said the proposed changes would help improve the interaction of state education.

“The ultimate aim of the proposals is to create a seamless pathway between technical colleges and the UW System,” he said. “This will certainly make planning education much easier.”

He described the current transfer process like a game of Chutes and Ladders, in which students “embark on programs with the belief that they’re transferable … It’s quite common to come across pitfalls.”

The proposals, however, would ensure that students are aware of the transferability of classes before they take them, Rubin said, noting the program would “guarantee [students] knew what they were getting into.”

In addition to the aforementioned proposed changes, students who graduate from Milwaukee- and Madison-area technical schools and from the liberal arts program at the Nicolet Area Technical College could transfer up to 72 credits to fulfill general education requirements. Currently, students can transfer up to 72 credits but generally must take other additional courses to meet UW general requirements.

If passed, the new system would also benefit students in occupational and technical programs.

“Right now occupational and technical courses cannot transfer primarily because of the nature of courses,” Rubin said. He said the new system would allow technical school students in applied programs such as accounting to transfer course credits on a course-by-course basis.

In addition to reaping immediate academic benefits, Gribble and Rubin said the proposal’s effects would help to improve the economic condition of the state.

“The present system is not very cost-effective,” Gribble said.

Because the new system would avoid duplication of courses taken, less money would be taken from tax money for financial aid.

An easier transfer process could also permit a higher number of students with bachelor’s degrees to stay within the state.

As Rubin noted, Wisconsin has a relatively low number of residents with bachelor’s degrees in comparison to neighboring states. He said this system would help elevate the number of Wisconsin degrees.

Although the new system is still in its early stages, Rubin is confident some facets of the program will start this spring. He anticipated more changes to follow next year.