Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development

The Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) and the Committee on Transfer and Articulation (COTA) hosted its annual conference today, titled “Transfer League: Ensuring Equity in Transfer.”

The conference was held virtually, with nearly 200 college and university staff and college access groups sharing ideas on ways to help reduce barriers college students often face when transferring from one college to another.

COTA encourages Missouri’s higher education institutions to work collaboratively to improve the total transfer process and to develop efficient policies that minimize the loss of course credits.

“The group of people joining us today are passionate about student success and continuous improvements to the transfer process,” said Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education. “Since thousands of students across Missouri transfer every year, bringing our institutions together to discuss ways to reduce barriers and focus on equity among transfer students will not only help ensure the success of all students, but especially those typically underrepresented in higher education.”

Today’s conference was made up of several breakout sessions spanning topics from “transfer students 101,” equity-centered practices, career and technical education, mental health and wellness, and core curriculum policies. A keynote address was the highlight of the conference with Dr. Toyia Younger, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs at Iowa State University, speaking about creating a transfer receptive culture using an equity lens. Dr. Younger identified several key areas that institutions could start the process, including creating unique resources for transfer students and backing away from a one-size-fits-all approach.

Recorded sessions and materials will be available online next week for anyone who was unable to attend the live conference. Learn more the COTA committee and to find conference resources by visiting dhewd.mo.gov/cota.