University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

"As a public institution we place a high priority on making the University of Michigan accessible to students of limited means. We are delighted that this initiative will enable us to provide new pathways into the University for high-achieving community college students. We are committed to overcoming barriers to admission, whether real or perceived, and ensuring that we enroll a socioeconomically diverse student body."
- Mary Sue Coleman, University of Michigan President

The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, has undertaken an ambitious effort to build relationships with, and improve outreach to, all of the community and tribal colleges in the state.  As a participant in this initiative, the University’s goal is to significantly increase enrollment and success of low- to moderate-income community-college transfer students by improving the University’s engagement with the two-year institutions and establishing new programs for admitted transfer students. 

The elements of the University of Michigan's CCTI program include:

• Increased outreach to and presence at community colleges, on-campus workshops, and weekend events for community college counselors.
• Coordinated outreach and student success programs across all 11 undergraduate schools and colleges.
• A yearly “campus day” for admitted transfer students and their families to learn more about the University and its services.
• A monthly "campus day" for interested community college students and counselors including sessions on admissions, financial aid, academic unit counseling, and a campus tour.
• Improved communication about financial aid opportunities for transfer students by having a designated financial aid counselor for the community college outreach program and establishing working relationships with financial aid staff at community colleges.
• New scholarships for community college transfer students (ten $5,000 scholarships renewable each year), and increased amounts per scholarship for existing awards.
• A summer bridge Navigation Course, for incoming transfer students to ease their transition to the university.
• A Community College Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program that provides transfer students with the opportunity to work with University faculty and conduct high-level research. The program includes the option of working on an intensive 10-to-12 week summer research project on campus each year.
• Including families of transfer students in orientation programs.
• Creating professional development opportunities for university faculty by providing them with the opportunity to teach transfer, low-income and first-generation college students.

Learn more about the University of Michigan's achievments and promising practices, or visit the University's Community College Transfer Web site to learn more about transfer opportunities.