Last November, LeadMN sent a detailed letter to Minnesota State Chancellor Malhotra expressing concerns about the Transfer Pathways program and Developmental Education courses. The letter was in response to numerous issues raised by students experiencing difficulties with the transfer process.

Student Julia Yates testifying in front of the Senate Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee on Feb 14. The letter detailed findings following an extensive review of available pathways, noting significant gaps in programs offered, both in terms of the number of pathways created and disparities between Metro-area campuses and those in Greater Minnesota. Additionally, the letter sought clarification from Chancellor Malhotra on whether Minnesota State has plans to fill Transfer Pathways gaps or expand the program for students interested in pathways to the University of Minnesota. Lastly, the letter informed Chancellor Malhotra of instances of students who completed a Developmental Education course at one institution who were forced to repeat the course after transferring, and insisted a fix be put in place.

In early January, Minnesota State and Chancellor Malhotra responded to the letter by convening a meeting with LeadMN. At the meeting, LeadMN President Becerra pressed Chancellor Malhotra on issues detailed in the November letter, asking him where the system was on filling gaps in Transfer Pathways and if there was a plan to address redundant Developmental Education courses.

Responding to President Becerra, Vice Chancellor Ron Anderson and Transfer Coordinator Nicole Merz explained the number of pathways across the system would total no more than 219 and there was no plan to expand beyond the 26 pathway programs currently offered. This represents a significantly less number than was anticipated when the legislature mandated Minnesota State make student transfer more efficient and user friendly and LeadMN said as much in the meeting. On top of that, Minnesota State staff did address gaps and Developmental Education issues, stating that fixes would be in place by fall semester 2020.

Discussions with Minnesota State will be ongoing though LeadMN will be pursuing legislative action for numerous issues it sees with Transfer Pathways and the transfer options available to Minnesota State community and technical college students.

If you have questions on transfer pathways or would like more information, contact LeadMN Policy Manager Marco Lanz at mlanz@leadmn.org.