Transfer Success

What is transfer?

Transfer [of credits] is how a student moves academic credits from one institution to another. College transfer programs enable students to take classes at community colleges that transfer into 4-year programs to complete their baccalaureate degree. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College offers many college transfer programs. In North Carolina, transfer is a priority across the state and is even guaranteed in state policy. The term “Transfer Degrees” is becoming less clear as more are deemed transferrable.

Why should I consider transferring?
Transferring saves money. It creates space for emotional, cultural, and academic transition and provides greater flexibility for students. Students who complete their associate’s degree before transferring to a four-year program have consistently outperformed their peers for over a decade in North Carolina.
What types of transfer opportunities exist in North Carolina?
What program do I select if I plan on transferring to a UNC school?

Public Universities: North Carolina offers many transfer opportunities for community college graduates. There are three ways of transferring from a NC community college to a public university in NC. The Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) provides seamless transfer to graduates of Associate in Arts and Associate in Science programs to fifteen universities in the UNC System. The transfer opportunities in the CAA are guaranteed by legislation. 

Uniform Articulation Agreements (UAA) provide transfer opportunities across the state for students in discipline-specific programs such as Associate in Fine Arts – Visual Arts, Associate in Engineering, Associate Degree Nursing, and more. 

Independent Universities: There are also many transfer opportunities in NC for community college graduates at independent (private) colleges and universities. The Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (ICAA) provides seamless transfer to graduates of Associate in Arts and Associate in Science programs to dozens of independent colleges and universities. Uniform Articulation Agreements (UAA) provide students with transfer opportunities in discipline-specific programs, such as Associate in Fine Arts – Visual Arts, AA/AS in Teacher Preparation, Associate Degree Nursing, and more. Bilateral Articulation Agreements (BAA) provide unique transfer pathways for many degrees into specific universities.

Transfer opportunities are always expanding, so refer frequently to the list of transfer partners and talk with your Advisor, Faculty Mentor, and ACA 122 instructor about your options.

What degree should I choose at Rowan-Cabarrus if I am considering transfer?

Many degrees will transfer to a four-year university. The most general transfer degrees are the AA (Associate in Arts) and the AS (Associate in Science). However, many degrees offer transfer opportunities. Learn more about transfer opportunities.

When should I begin to think about my transfer plans?
As soon as you apply to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College! There are many options to consider and explore, and many transfer opportunities will require students to take specific classes while pursuing their associate’s degree. It is beneficial to follow the university’s recommendations as soon as you begin your coursework at Rowan-Cabarrus.
What is the Transfer Plan Survey? Should I complete it?
Whether you know for certain that you want to transfer, or if you think it could be a possibility in the future, it is important to complete the Transfer Plan Survey at Rowan-Cabarrus CC. By completing the survey you will be added to the list of students who will receive information about transfer opportunities across the state. And if your transfer plans change, you can re-submit the survey with your new plans.
Who can help me with transfer?

Rowan-Cabarrus CC supports every student with their own Student Success Team. There are several people on the Student Success Team who can help you consider all of your transfer options and help you decide which is best for you. Speak with your Career and Academic Advisor, and Faculty Mentor about your transfer goals – they are specially trained to help you. It is important to regularly meet with your advisor and faculty mentor throughout your time at the College to ensure you stay on track.

What is ACA 122 and when should I take it?

ACA 122 is a course called College Transfer Success. The course will help you learn important details about the transfer process. Be sure to take ACA-122 in your first semester at Rowan-Cabarrus to begin your transfer journey.

What is the University Mentor Program? How do I sign up?
The University Mentor Program is offered by the office of the Executive Director of Transfer Success & Higher Education Partnerships. The University Mentor Program enables students to sign up to meet one-on-one with academic transfer specialists from different universities on the campus of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. These appointments provide students with the opportunity to talk in-depth about transfer with a university representative. Opportunities to sign up for a University Mentor Program appointment will be sent throughout the academic year to students completing the Transfer Plan Survey.
For questions about the University Mentor Program email the Executive Director of Transfer Success & Higher Education Partnerships, Jenn Gardner Selby (jenn.selby@253000xa.com).
How do I request my transcripts from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College?
To get your official Rowan-Cabarrus transcript, navigate to our Transcript Request Policy webpage and select the ‘Request your Curriculum Transcript’ box. Once you select that option, follow the instructions and you will have your transcript within minutes. 
What do I do if I experience problems in the transfer process?

For detailed information, refer to the Transfer Issues & Appeals section.

Reverse Transfer

The Reverse Transfer Program is a collaborative effort between the North Carolina Community College System and the UNC System. The Reverse Transfer Program is designed to support students who transfer to a UNC System institution from one of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges before completing an associate degree. Through the Reverse Transfer Program, students are given the opportunity to combine the credits already earned at the community college with credits earned at the university by transferring a student’s university credits back to the community college. In many cases, this combination of credits from both the university and community college can meet all degree requirements for an associate degree. This ensures that students receive recognition and applicable credentials for the work they have completed. Each university has established procedures for participating in reverse transfer and policies regarding the potential benefits associated with receiving a degree through reverse transfer. Upon transferring, students should speak with the University Registrar’s Office to learn more about the program.

For more information, please review the University of NC System website.

What if I have a question that is not addressed here?

Email your question to the Executive Director of Transfer Success & Higher Education Partnerships, Jenn Gardner Selby (jenn.selby@253000xa.com).