Reverse Transfer Program Allows UofM Students to Earn Associate Degrees

January 26, 2016 - Students at the University of Memphis who started their college journey at a Tennessee community college may be eligible to receive their associate degree through the Tennessee Reverse Transfer program. Reverse Transfer makes it possible for students who transferred from a Tennessee community college before earning a two-year degree to retroactively receive that credential when they meet requirements while pursuing a bachelor's degree.

The program represents a partnership involving the state's three public and private higher education systems and is an example of Tennessee's commitment to helping more students earn college degrees. Approximately 2,300 students transfer each year from Tennessee's community colleges to four-year universities with at least 45 of the 60 credit hours required for most associate degrees.

"The process allows students who transfer early the opportunity to have their completed four-year courses and grades combined with their completed community college courses and grades to determine if they meet the requirements for an associate degree," said Gloria Gammell, project coordinator for Tennessee Reverse Transfer.

Eligible transfer students are those currently enrolled at the UofM and who have earned a minimum of 15 college-level credits from a Tennessee community college, transferred before earning an associate degree, and completed a combined total of 60 college-level credits post-transfer.

Participating students will be contacted in the spring by their former community college and notified if the degree will be awarded or if courses for an associate degree are lacking. Eligible transfer students will be identified and notified each semester.

"The benefits of a Tennessee Reverse Transfer degree include having a credential that matters in the world of work, serving as a motivator to complete the bachelor's degree and having the satisfaction of receiving a degree already earned," said Gammell. The program is funded by a state of Tennessee appropriation and a "Credit When It's Due" grant from Lumina Foundation, an Indianapolis-based private foundation dedicated to expanding access to and success in education beyond high school.

For more information about Tennessee Reverse Transfer, visit www.tnreversetransfer.org.

Contact: Gabrielle Maxey
901.678.2843
gmaxey@memphis.edu