Print this page

Minnesota Public Higher Education Transfer Agreement

In 1991, the systems of public higher education entered into a Transfer Agreement that was the beginning of increased cooperation to enable students to transfer smoothly from one campus to another. This Agreement was signed by the Chancellors of the Minnesota Community College System, Minnesota Technical College System, Minnesota State University System and the University of Minnesota. (Note: In 1995, the Community College, Technical College and State University Systems merged to form the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.)

Preamble:

The state of Minnesota has established an array of higher educational institutions, including the University of Minnesota, State Universities, Community Colleges and Technical Colleges. The people of Minnesota and the Legislature expect and believe that these institutions operate in full partnership, with a broad understanding within each system of the degrees and programs offered by the others. Given this understanding, it follows that responsibility for making student transfers between institutions simple and efficient rests with the systems of higher education.

Statement of Agreement:

We, the undersigned, agree that the public higher education systems of Minnesota - the University of Minnesota, State Universities, Community Colleges and Technical Colleges -

Accept the responsibility for making the transfer of credits from one institution to another a simpler, more predictable process for students,
Agree that accountability for making this process work rests with the higher education systems and institutions
We agree to discharge this responsibility for transfer through a well-designed network of further agreements and relationships that honor the following principles::

Principles:

• All students, transfer and non transfer, will receive comparable treatment.
• Institutions will continue efforts to improve students' access to information about transfer and to simplify the processes of transfer.
• For their part, students will be expected to plan for transfer using the information and assistance available at all institutions.
• A standard of quality for general education will be insured across all systems.
• On each campus authorized by legislated mission and accredited to offer general education, faculty will develop coherent, educationally-sound curricula that meet the general education goals and objectives accepted by all systems.
• Faculty and administrators will have opportunities for communication across systems.
• The success of transferring students will be evaluated through the collection and analysis of performance data

We further agree at this time to implement three initiatives that will be the foundation of our future efforts. They are:

• The Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
• The Minnesota Standards and Procedures for Transfer
• The Minnesota Faculty Articulation Councils

Finally, we agree to submit this Agreement, with a recommendation for approval, to the governing boards of our college and university systems.

Signed on this day: December 7, 1991

By: Dr. Gerald W. Christenson, Chancellor, Minnesota Community College System Dr. Carole M Johnson, Chancellor, Minnesota Technical College System Dr. Terrence MacTaggart, Chancellor, Minnesota State University System Dr. Nils Hasselmo, President, University of Minnesota