MARIETTA, OH (March 31, 2018) — Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) hosted the first Southeast Ohio Transfer Summit on Friday. The event was the combined efforts of five colleges in Ohio to address the topic of easing the transfer process for students. More than 40 people, including faculty, registrars, financial aid/admissions representatives, transfer advisors, and college administrators, attended the event.
WSCO, Belmont College, University of Rio Grande & Rio Grande Community College, and Shawnee State University collaborated to bring together representatives from 12 public and private colleges and universities in the southeast region of Ohio in an effort to improve processes and outcomes for students transferring among institutions.
“Quality articulation and transfer agreements involve strong partnerships among institutions of higher education, with a focus on helping students reach their highest level of academic achievement without the unnecessary duplication of coursework,” explained Dr. Paula Compton, Articulation and Transfer Associate Vice Chancellor for the Ohio Department of Higher Education. “The transfer of equivalent courses needs to be faculty driven, with clear academic pathways supported by the institutions,” she added.
The agenda included a presentation on transfer data specific to the southeast region of Ohio from Dr. Shoumi Mustafa, Senior Research Analyst from the Ohio Articulation and Transfer Network, as well as a keynote address from Kevin C. Neal, Registrar at Cleveland State University. Neal discussed ways to build an effective transfer process and create strong collaborative partnerships focused on improving transfer outcomes. In addition, attendees engaged in a panel discussion which focused on overcoming challenges and creating innovative transfer practices at public and private colleges and universities in the southeast region.
“The summit will have a positive impact on improving the student transfer experience,” said WSCO President Dr. Vicky Wood. “We had transfer partners from 12 colleges and universities in one room discussing important transfer issues and creating solutions that will improve the process and increase student success. This event also helped us strengthen our institutional relationships. Ultimately, we all have the same goal, which is to help our students have a seamless transfer experience from one institution to another,” she concluded.
The Summit was funded through a grant from the Ohio Department of Higher Education. At the conclusion of the event, participants identified potential next steps. These steps included the sharing of templates for agreements/pathways, the centralized posting of transfer contact information for all southeast regional colleges/universities, and scheduling additional transfer summits with a strong focus on advising.
For more than 45 years, Washington State College of Ohio has provided residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley the opportunity to realize dreams, to enhance skills, and to broaden understanding. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or an adult student looking to move your life in a new direction, Washington State has the classes to suit your needs. For more information about Washington State College of Ohio, visit www.wscc.edu or call 740.374.8716.
