Brianna Gray, an undergraduate transfer student to the College of ACES from Kankakee Community College, mentors Kyle Beaumont, an ACES Animal Sciences major who just transferred to the University of Illinois from Parkland College. Mentorship is just one of the new initiatives now in place to help community college transfer students make a smooth transition into the College of ACES at the University of Illinois, said Laurie Kramer, associate dean for academic programs.
New in 2008 is the option to transfer into the U of I as a sophomore with 30 hours of credit, Kramer said. Previously, junior status (or 60 credit hours) was necessary.
“In ACES, we’re interested in serving community college transfer students, and we have the capacity to do so. The state’s workforce benefits when more young people complete a bachelor’s degree, and we have developed programs that will make completing those degrees easier,” she said.
Another new initiative this year is the Parkland “Pathways to Illinois” program, a dual-admission program between Parkland College and the university. Students in the program take one course each semester at the U of I and gain automatic admission to the university when they have completed their associate’s degree. “Parkland Pathways students have access to all the university’s resources, including libraries, recreation facilities, and computer labs. They can even live in a dorm on campus,” Kramer said.
Brianna Gray, a transfer to ACES from Kankakee Community College, encourages other community college students to make the leap.
“Transferring to Illinois was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I was a bit apprehensive at first because it’s such a big campus. However, all my professors learned my name quickly, and suddenly campus seemed to shrink tremendously.
“Being a transfer mentor is also a great experience. I’m glad to help other transfer students in any way I can,” she added.
An ACES degree is a valuable asset, Kramer noted. “Here students gain research expertise as they study with world-class faculty, can take advantage of career planning in the college’s Office of Student Development and Career Services, and participate in their choice of 25 student organizations that will help them develop leadership skills, knowledge, and the social networks necessary to achieve their goals.”
