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TechnographParkland Pathway to assist transfer students get to UI
By Renee Chacko
Posted: 5/20/08 Section: News
In an effort to facilitate the experience of transfer students, the University has launched a dual-admissions program in conjunction with Parkland Community College. Starting in fall, the Parkland Pathway to Illinois program will admit 60 registered Parkland students in total to the University's colleges of Engineering, ACES and FAA.
After receiving a Lumina Foundation grant to further the access of a four-year university to transfer students, the University set out to involve 10 community colleges across Illinois in similar dual programs. Parkland's proximity to the University made it a natural choice.
"The University of Illinois and Parkland College have always had a good relationship," said Kris Young, vice president of academic services at Parkland. "We are very excited that the University recognizes the barriers to our transfer students and wants to do something about it."
Through the pathway program, Parkland students are guaranteed admission to the University if they meet certain requirements.
"There are many other reasons that students feel the U of I is out of reach and we want to let them know that they can be accepted to U of I," Young said.
In order to be admitted to the program, Parkland students have to meet minimum GPA and credit hour standards. Taking classes at the University allows Parkland students to have access to University advising services, library resources and more course options.
Students would only have to pay Parkland College tuition for the first two years, with access to selected courses held on the University of Illinois campus. Parkland Pathway students would also be given the opportunity to live in University housing and have access to extracurricular activities.
"Sometimes our best students get lost in the transition," said Young. "We want to make sure they don't feel that way."
For some transfer students, the program provides hope of an easier transition than they experienced.
"I got the impression that the University didn't really want me here," said Blake Anderson, graduate student in Engineering who transferred to the University as an undergraduate. "All the other students knew what was going on and the transfer students didn't really know what resources to go to for help. I think the program is good also because it seems like it allows more classes to be available that normally wouldn't be available at community college."
Although only 20 students were chosen to participate in each of the three programs, Parkland hopes to expand eventually.
"We plan on getting feedback as time goes on and hope to be able to add more courses and participants to the program," Young said.
After receiving a Lumina Foundation grant to further the access of a four-year university to transfer students, the University set out to involve 10 community colleges across Illinois in similar dual programs. Parkland's proximity to the University made it a natural choice.
"The University of Illinois and Parkland College have always had a good relationship," said Kris Young, vice president of academic services at Parkland. "We are very excited that the University recognizes the barriers to our transfer students and wants to do something about it."
Through the pathway program, Parkland students are guaranteed admission to the University if they meet certain requirements.
"There are many other reasons that students feel the U of I is out of reach and we want to let them know that they can be accepted to U of I," Young said.
In order to be admitted to the program, Parkland students have to meet minimum GPA and credit hour standards. Taking classes at the University allows Parkland students to have access to University advising services, library resources and more course options.
Students would only have to pay Parkland College tuition for the first two years, with access to selected courses held on the University of Illinois campus. Parkland Pathway students would also be given the opportunity to live in University housing and have access to extracurricular activities.
"Sometimes our best students get lost in the transition," said Young. "We want to make sure they don't feel that way."
For some transfer students, the program provides hope of an easier transition than they experienced.
"I got the impression that the University didn't really want me here," said Blake Anderson, graduate student in Engineering who transferred to the University as an undergraduate. "All the other students knew what was going on and the transfer students didn't really know what resources to go to for help. I think the program is good also because it seems like it allows more classes to be available that normally wouldn't be available at community college."
Although only 20 students were chosen to participate in each of the three programs, Parkland hopes to expand eventually.
"We plan on getting feedback as time goes on and hope to be able to add more courses and participants to the program," Young said.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 7 of 12
Nick
posted 5/20/08 @ 11:10 AM CST
Bad idea. It's easy to get a better GPA at a community college. How about the University focus on those within who are trying to do an inter-college transfer?
Those are the ones getting lost in the transition. (Continued…)
Doow Boy
posted 5/20/08 @ 1:02 PM CST
I want the chief to be the mascot of Parkland. I will only then donate money to Parkland. I need a new circus tent for my Icon. U of I is too progressive. (Continued…)
Noogie
posted 5/20/08 @ 2:46 PM CST
There's one reason for this, and it's not because U of I actually cares about transfer students. They don't care about them, and certainly don't want them. (Continued…)
noogie
posted 5/20/08 @ 2:48 PM CST
Before I get hammered for a typo, it should be "They're" at the beginning of the forth sentence. Sorry, my bad.
Dr. Patel
posted 5/20/08 @ 8:51 PM CST
Dearest Dough boy,
You are a sad individual. You are such a moron I'm surprised they even let you in to a place such as the United States. You can't spell. (Continued…)
All about the numbers
posted 5/21/08 @ 2:23 AM CST
I think a crucial point is being missed here. The reason major 4 year institutions do not want/like transfer students is two fold. a)Students who transfer did not have to pay for their fr/so years. (Continued…)
Guy
posted 8/22/08 @ 5:39 PM CST
To all of you,
Having attended both Parkland and the U of I, I can wholeheartedly say that the U of I is an overrated institution when it comes to teaching undergraduate students. (Continued…)
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