Transfer Guides boost support for North Carolina community college students enrolling in UNC System institutions

North Carolina community college advisors are employing a new online data tool – Transfer Guides – to help students match their earned community college credits to four-year degree requirements in specific majors at 16 University of North System institutions.

The North Carolina Community College System and UNC System collaborated for more than two years to develop this new tool, which includes nearly 1,400 Transfer Guides to provide community college advisors and students with vital information regarding admissions, course equivalencies, and academic programs. 

“This represents a significant milestone in our ongoing, collaborative commitment to enhancing economic mobility for families across North Carolina,” said NCCCS President Dr. Jeff Cox. “Community college students now have a clearer pathway to a bachelor’s degree, and our academic advisors now have better resources to support students as they pursue their academic and career goals.” 

Transfer Guides, formerly known as Baccalaureate Degree Plans, were developed by University of North Carolina universities to help NC community college students have more seamless transfer experiences. The Guides will support students pursuing a transfer pathway outlined by the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement or other specified Uniformed Articulation Agreement. 

“We need to make it easy for talented, ambitious students to continue their education,” said UNC System President Hans, who previously served as president of the North Carolina Community College System. “College courses should be challenging; college transfer should be simple.” 

Transfer Guides outline meaningful coursework at the community college that leads to both associate degree completion and bachelor’s degree completion at a student’s intended university.  

The guides are published on university websites and the College for North Carolina (CFNC) website, where a search function allows students to easily browse and compare transfer possibilities by major and by campus.