In 2015-16, the Education Policy Center (EPC) at The University of Alabama was hired by the Alabama General Studies Committee to conduct the second external review in the history of the AGSC and STARS (Statewide Transfer and Articulation Reporting System). Surveys and focus groups with transfer advisers, transfer-intending community college students, and university students who had transferred, were conducted. Key findings were: (1) transfer had evolved from a vertical single 2-year to 4-year process to a dynamic one with multiple levels and institutions (just 30% of all UA & Auburn graduating seniors in 201516 earned all of their credits from UA and AU); and (2) the existing STARS system was failing to adapt its pencil-paper system to a rapidly changing environment where students and administrators could crossreference searches and college advising software using smartphones and mobile devices. The report noted “Addressing Area V concerns (Business, Engineering, Nursing), the top recommendation from the 2002 external evaluation, are of even greater concern in 2016, and must be addressed by the AGSC.”Since its creation in 1994, the Articulation and General Studies Committee (AGSC) has fought to save students credits, time, and money. As a result of our efforts, when Alabama students transfer from a community college to a public four-year university, they can rest assured that their coursework will accompany them.
At the community college level, the AGSC implemented and maintains a common course numbering system. It audits the course curricula to ensure that each course carries the same weight, no matter where a student takes it.
At the university level, the AGSC has overseen the Statewide Transfer and Articulation Reporting System (STARS). This online system lets students preview how their credits will transfer for a target major and university. By submitting an official “transfer guide,” they can enter into a legally binding agreement with the university to hold it to its word.
Alabama Transfers is powered by the Alabama General Studies Committee (AGSC) and Statewide Transfer & Articulation Reporting System (STARS), and developed in partnership with the Education Policy Center at The University of Alabama.
For our reports on transfer in Alabama visit our Transfers research page, and for more information on how you can navigate your academic pathways in Alabama Higher Education, visit the Alabama Transfers. The complete appendix discussing the EPC's involvement with Alabama Transfers can be seen in their 2022-23 Annual Report.
At the community college level, the AGSC implemented and maintains a common course numbering system. It audits the course curricula to ensure that each course carries the same weight, no matter where a student takes it.
At the university level, the AGSC has overseen the Statewide Transfer and Articulation Reporting System (STARS). This online system lets students preview how their credits will transfer for a target major and university. By submitting an official “transfer guide,” they can enter into a legally binding agreement with the university to hold it to its word.
Alabama Transfers is powered by the Alabama General Studies Committee (AGSC) and Statewide Transfer & Articulation Reporting System (STARS), and developed in partnership with the Education Policy Center at The University of Alabama.
For our reports on transfer in Alabama visit our Transfers research page, and for more information on how you can navigate your academic pathways in Alabama Higher Education, visit the Alabama Transfers. The complete appendix discussing the EPC's involvement with Alabama Transfers can be seen in their 2022-23 Annual Report.