Washington State University launched a new transfer student program that "allows transfer students to apply credits earned at the campus toward unfinished associate degrees," Kiro-TV reported.

The one-year pilot program beginning this semester will be conducted by WSU in partnership with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and the Washington Council of Presidents (COP), is expected to produce a significant increase in the number of associate degree completed in Washington state.

"While we encourage transfer students to complete associate degree programs before applying to WSU and other four-year institutions, we recognize that many transfer students can and do successfully transition from community and technical colleges to four-year universities prior to obtaining a degree," Mary Wack, WSU vice provost for undergraduate education, said in a statement. "In such cases, the university recognizes that there can be important benefits to both the student and the institutions if students are allowed to use appropriate courses taken while completing their bachelor's degree to complete unfinished degrees at a previous technical or community college."

According to Wack, about 1,000 Washington State University transfer students are currently eligible to participate in the "reverse transfer" pilot program, which will be reviewed by the partners at the end of the trial period and either modified or implemented as a regular, ongoing WSU program.

To be eligible for the program transfer students must be enrolled at WSU prior to obtaining their associate's degree but after obtaining 60 or more quarter credits of transferable coursework, including 30 or more credits at a Washington state community or technical college.

During the pilot program period, SBCTC will be the first point of contact for students opting into the program and will serve as a clearinghouse to ensure that student requests are directed to the appropriate college or colleges. The SBCTC will also analyze and evaluate the success of the pilot program.

"This program is an excellent example of the continuing partnership between the two- and four-year sectors in smoothing transfer and assisting students in degree completion," Wack said.  "WSU expects to convey 'lessons learned' from this pilot year to assist the other four-year institutions in mounting similar programs for their students."