Transfer Ready Campus

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s Transfer Ready Campus Designation recognizes Tennessee’s public and private nonprofit institutions of higher education that prioritize the success of students with transfer credit. Per Tennessee Code Annotated §49-7-207, transfer designated institutions must be committed to improving student outcomes by recognizing and accepting both traditional and non-traditional credit, removing barriers, decreasing credit loss, and providing relevant support to transfer students. This designation highlights institutions who are committed to fostering an intentional and supportive transfer ready campus.

We are excited about your interest in becoming a Tennessee designated Transfer Ready Campus. Please review the criteria and application requirements below.

If you have questions, please contact Tracy T.Comer.

 

The criteria to become a Transfer Ready Campus is anchored in the Tennessee’s Higher Education Master Plan’s cornerstones; aligned, achievable, agile and includes corresponding sections (e.g., 1A, 1B, 1C) found below. Each section will be assessed on predetermined criteria and rated using three levels: E (Exceeds Standard), M (Meets Standard), and D (Does Not Meet Standard). Each section will be examined carefully, considering the evidence and documentation provided in the application and ratings will be assigned using the following guidelines: 

  • E (Exceeds Standard): The institution demonstrates exceptional clarity, completeness, and alignment with the criteria. Evidence is thorough, well-organized, and goes beyond the minimum expectations.
  • M (Meets Standard): The institution adequately satisfies all required criteria. Information is clear, accurate, and sufficient to support the evaluation without notable deficiencies.
  • D (Does Not Meet Standard): The institution fails to address one or more required criteria. Information may be missing, unclear, incomplete, or insufficient.

An institution must receive either an E or an M rating in every section to be designated as a Transfer Ready Campus.  Institutions receiving a D in any section will not qualify for the designation and may be asked to submit additional documentation or revise the relevant sections before being reconsidered.

Higher education is rapidly evolving. The rise of non-degree credentials, industry certifications, and experiential learning requires Tennessee to broaden its definition of higher education and integrate these experiences. To meet today’s students’ needs, Tennessee must become better aligned. Alignment demands greater efficiency and effectiveness, ensuring all learning experiences are recognized in the student’s journey. Higher education must be continuous, recognizing Tennesseans as lifelong learners and adapting to students wherever and whenever they enroll.

Source: Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Strategic Higher Education Master Plan 2025–2035 (2026)

 

Intentional credit mobility and thoughtful course alignment are essential practices that reduce credit loss and strengthen academic alignment for transfer students. An institution’s approach to evaluating, articulating, and applying transfer credit should demonstrate a clear commitment to supporting seamless and well aligned transfer of credit. Provide an overview and documentation of your institution’s innovative approach to credit acceptance across various major credit types. Additionally, demonstrate your institution’s intentional course alignment strategies that enhance transfer credit effectiveness, prevent unnecessary duplication of coursework and encompasses students’ varied learning experiences.

Alignment through collaboration among postsecondary institutions increases the success of students with transfer credit. Provide an overview and documentation that reflects intentional and sustained transfer partnerships

Participating in transfer and articulation initiatives not only supports seamless student transitions, but it strengthens institutional professional development and expertise related to transfer students. Provide an overview and documentation that indicate the institution’s engagement in statewide articulation and transfer efforts.

Higher education is complex, and an achievable system is one that is accessible, affordable, and supported at every stage of a student's journey. Realizing this vision requires deliberate, student-centered strategies that clarify processes, enhance transparency, and guide students so they can access, persist, and complete.

Source: Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Strategic Higher Education Master Plan 2025–2035 (2026)

The transition for transfer students often comes with a variety of challenges, making it essential for them to understand the resources available to support their journey and provide a positive transfer experience. Provide an overview and documentation of your institution’s onboarding and offboarding strategies to ensure transfer students have the necessary support when transitioning.

Supporting transfer students helps remove barriers and overcome challenges that can hinder students’ persistence and completion. Provide an overview and documentation of resources specific to transfer students to ensure student success outside the classroom. This includes, but is not limited to, scholarships, dedicated space for transfer students on campus, access to dedicated computer hardware and software, book assistance or scholarships, transportation assistance, food resources, housing support, mental health services, and childcare/caregiving assistance.

It is important for the campus community to ensure they are knowledgeable of transfer students’ needs and their sense of belonging. Provide an overview and documentation of how faculty and staff receive communication, resources, and training to help address both academic and basic needs for transfer students.

Tennessee higher education must be agile, proactive in its actions, coordinated in its efforts, and informed by data. To become more agile, and ultimately more valuable, requires intentionality. Being agile, will strengthen higher education in Tennessee to meet the challenges of today and anticipate the needs of tomorrow.

Source: Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Strategic Higher Education Master Plan 2025–2035 (2026)

Using informed decisions to be proactive and adaptable enables institutions to remain agile and respond effectively to the evolving needs of transfer students. Provide an overview and documentation of data or feedback (internal or external) gathered from a variety of stakeholders and used to make informed decisions or changes to policies and procedures related to transfer students. Stakeholders can include transfer students, peer/partner institutions, staff and faculty, potential employers and alumni.

The Transfer Ready Campus Designation application serves as your institution's written request to the Executive Director seeking designation. Please note that approval from your President is required to submit an application on behalf of your institution. If you have not, be sure to:

  1. Review the application criteria and requirements under the Transfer Ready Campus Designation Criteria above.
  2. Gather all necessary documentation to support your institution's application.

Click the application button below to get started.