Online ‘Transfer Madness’ to Connect KCTCS Students to UK and Other Universities

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2013) — Help is on the way for Kentucky college students interested in transferring their credits or associate degree to a four-year university. On Wednesday, March 6, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. EST, the state’s colleges and universities will host “Transfer Madness,” the first entirely online, statewide transfer fair where students can chat online with transfer advisors, search for scholarships, download materials and get questions answered.

Students can register early for Transfer Madness at http://www.transfermadness.org.

Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson made the announcement on Tuesday at a news conference at the Capitol. He was joined by Bob King, president of the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), Dr. Jay Box, chancellor of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), as well as several transfer students, who spoke on the importance of transfer to their educational and career goals. Legislators and representatives from the 25 participating universities and KCTCS also attended.

UK student Rachel Trivette spoke at the event as well. Trivette began at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) and transferred to the University of Kentucky where she is now majoring in integrated strategic communications.

“I always knew I wanted to go to UK; I just took a different path. My path took me to BCTC where I had amazing professors and advisors, and my experience helped prepare me for success at the University of Kentucky,” Trivette said. “I will be so proud to be a graduate of both of these schools that have helped make my dreams come true."

High school students who plan to begin their educational journey at a community college should also plan to attend this event.

“I applaud our education partners for helping promote awareness about the seamless transition from high school to community and technical colleges to our four-year institutions,” Abramson said. “The best way to improve the quality of Kentucky’s workforce and give our companies strong employees is through a top-notch education system that aggressively promotes a college-going culture that has no barriers in credit transfers.”

Organizers hope the convenience of an online transfer fair will boost student participation since students can access the event from the comfort of their home and at a time that suits their family and work schedules.

“We are excited to bring together colleges and universities with our education partners to smooth the transfer process for students,” said King. “Transfer Madness supports the state’s Stronger by Degrees strategic plan as well as House Bill 160, both of which call for improving the quality of Kentucky’s workforce by increasing the number of Kentuckians who earn a bachelor’s degree. Starting at KCTCS is a great way to help achieve that goal."

“One of the key success factors in the transfer game is connecting with and developing a relationship with four-year institutions prior to attendance. That is why this Transfer Madness event is so important ... and a real slam dunk for everyone involved,” said KCTCS’s Dr. Box.

To register for the event and prizes, and to view the list of the participating colleges, universities and education partners, go to http://www.transfermadness.org.

We believe in the transformative power of postsecondary education. Stronger by Degrees, the new strategic agenda for Kentucky’s colleges and universities and adult basic education, is powering a stronger Kentucky economy and improving the lives of Kentuckians. To learn more about Stronger by Degrees, visit http://cpe.ky.gov/strongerbydegrees. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Geegan, (859) 257-5365; sarah.geegan@uky.edu