The following is a column written by Vickie S. Cook, PhD, vice chancellor for enrollment and retention management at the University of Illinois Springfield, that was published by the Illinois Times on July 27, 2023.
"Transfer students are an important part of the University of Illinois Springfield, making up 60% of our undergraduate population. UIS is making it easier for community college transfer students to complete their bachelor's degree and become a member of a learning community at UIS through a variety of new initiatives, including participating in a national research project that reviews the transfer process to reduce barriers and provide stronger support for transfer students.
UIS has committed to support transfer students to assist with reducing the gap between when transfer applicants are admitted and their initial advising appointments, develop clear articulation pathways for top feeder community colleges and establish advising hours on community college campuses. This allows students to have direct access to UIS staff throughout their transfer planning journey. Additionally, transfer students often report that their financial aid packages from UIS are very generous toward helping them complete their degree goals."