Transfer Matters: Forward to the Special Issue on Transfer

Abstract

Transfer has a long history that parallels the evolution of community colleges in the United States. Research on transfer has focused extensively on policies and processes that operate under the auspices of these institutions, with somewhat less emphasis on universities acting as transfer partners. This issue is important for the success of all students but especially students who are historically underserved by higher education. This article reviews four articles that focus on the most critical issues facing transfer today. Highlighting the importance of addressing diverse learners’ needs, state and local policies and processes that influence transfer and articulation implementation, and the roles of community colleges and universities operating as part of systems and also in tandum with one another is central the research appearing in this issue, including findings that are important for other researchers to consider to guide their work in the future.