Reverse Transfer

What is Reverse Transfer? Reverse transfer is a process where academic credits for applicable coursework at a university are transferred back to the community college for purposes of awarding an associate degree. In the past, most reverse transfer agreements were agreements between individual universities and community colleges, however in 2011, the Texas Legislature approved HB 3025. Part of this house bill became Texas Education Code 61.833 (Credit Transfer for Associate Degree) which mandates universities shall request authorization from eligible students to send an official transcript to the students’ previous institution to determine whether the student may qualify to be awarded an associate degree.

Associate Degree Transcript Authorization screen shot images in Howdy Portal

Associate Degree Transcript Authorization screen shot images in Howdy Portal

Student Eligibility Criteria

(per Sec. 61.833 of Texas Education Code) 1. Student must have transferred from a public college, state college, or technical institute 2. Earned at least 30 credit hours for coursework successfully completed at the lower-division institution. 3. Earned a cumulative total of at least 66 credit hours. • Prior to the fall 2013 semester, eligible students had to earn a cumulative total of at least 90 credit hours.

Benefits of Reverse Transfer

Benefits to Students

Students are able to achieve a degree milestone while progressing toward their baccalaureate degree and can encourage further degree attainment.
- Research shows greater persistence in students to earn a bachelor’s degree in those who have also earned an associate degree.
Students will have a marketable credential through the associate degree. Employers recognize its value because it shows a student’s commitment to improvement, education, and receiving training. An associate degree is considered to be one of the nation’s fastest growing work credential.
Allows for the freedom of early transfer, especially in academic disciplines which promote expedient pathways to the university (e.g., engineering, etc.).

Example of Reverse Transfer Eligibility Notification

Dear [Student Name]:

Section 61.833 of the Texas Education Code dictates that if a Texas A&M student has earned 30 credit hours at a Texas community college and has earned a total of 66 credit hours from all institutions attended, then Texas A&M University shall request authorization from the student to send a Texas A&M University transcript to the student’s community college for the purpose of determining whether the student is eligible to receive an associate degree. Your records indicate you meet the qualifications to authorize Texas A&M University to send your transcript back to your community college. You may provide this authorization by accessing the Associate Degree Transcript Authorization channel on the My Record tab in Howdy. You must provide your authorization through the channel by [Date]. The transcript that you authorize will be sent at no cost to you. If you have questions, please contact the Office of the Registrar at transcript@tamu.edu.

Reverse Transfer Process Timeline

First Class Day – Identify eligible students, create survey and activate Howdy.

Eligible students are notified via email regarding one-time free reverse transfer transcript opportunity and provided link to Howdy survey.

Student may access Howdy survey to authorize/decline reverse transfer transcript offer until deadline.
(Fall – October 1, Spring – March 1)

Registrar’s Office processes authorized reverse transfer transcripts for students after Howdy survey deadline.

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