Within Reach: initiative assists students “within reach” of earning their degree
HFC’s Within Reach initiative is an HFC advising effort that identifies students who may be closer to completing an associate degree – and often the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) certificate – than they realize.
“Within Reach is one of our outreach programs that provides students with the full benefits of attending HFC,” said HFC Special Projects Advisor Troy Gibson. “Some students may not be aware that they are within reach of earning an associate degree. Many students don’t know they’ve accumulated more credits than they realize, and they’re 1-2 classes shy of achieving a degree, but they end up leaving the College without completing it. We want them to earn their degrees and transfer to a 4-year educational institution to finish their bachelor’s degrees.”
Building on this goal, Within Reach provides structured, proactive support by reviewing students’ academic progress at key points. Advisors look at total credits earned, program changes, and any completed requirements that would count toward a credential. When a student appears close to degree completion, the Advising Team reaches out directly to explain their options and outline any remaining steps.
"Does the student meet or are they ‘within reach’ of an associate degree at HFC?" said Gibson. "The goal for full-time students attending HFC is to graduate within two to three years and transfer to a 4-year educational institution."
With this in mind, advisors take a proactive approach to reviewing student progress and alerting students when a credential may already be within reach.
"Our advisors regularly review student progress and reach out when someone is close to completing a credential," said Director of Academic Advising and Student Success Jennifer C. Markin. "Many students don’t realize they’ve already met most of the requirements for an associate degree. A quick audit can show whether they’re finished or just a class or two away. Completing that degree before transferring can strengthen their pathway and ensure they take the maximum amount of credits with them."
The value of an associate degree
Some students may have transferred to a 4-year educational institution before earning an associate degree but have enough credits to graduate from an academic program at HFC. This is a situation where reverse transfer credits may be helpful.
Reverse Transfer Agreements (RTAs) allow you to transfer credits that you have earned at participating 4-year educational institutions back to HFC, so that you may earn your associate degree from HFC after you have left the College. Because the requirements for RTAs vary by educational institution, please review the requirements of the agreement at your transfer college or university.
Why should you earn an associate degree?
Associate degrees are a very affordable (sometimes free) high-quality, personalized way to complete general ed requirements and the first half (or more) of a bachelor’s degree.
Associate degrees can be transferred toward a bachelor’s degree in nearly any program at a university, providing a clear pathway toward myriad careers.
An associate degree can lead to better job prospects and significantly higher salaries compared to a high school diploma or GED or even just two years of college.
Some associate degrees come with specific, valuable industry certifications and credentials.
An associate degree may lead to guaranteed acceptance at a university.
Becoming an alumnus of HFC also offers numerous benefits that include networking opportunities, career services, access to resources, and other lifelong connections.
You will have a college degree, an accomplishment that will be with you for the rest of your life!
“We want the best for our transfer students, which means earning their associate degrees, not just completing two years of college,” explained Gibson. “An associate degree carries much more weight than just accumulating credits and saying you completed two years of college.”
Students may be able to earn 2 associate degrees at HFC
A student may have changed their academic program within the last three years while attending HFC and have completed enough credits to earn an associate degree within another program. In many cases, the student could apply for a different associate degree than what they are currently pursuing at HFC, and this would not interfere with their current degree path.
“Some students may leave here with two associate degrees and MTA certification, but they need to meet regularly with an advisor to determine if they’re on the right track,” said Gibson.
The importance of the MTA
The MTA was designed to facilitate the transfer of general education requirements from one educational institution to another. Students may complete the MTA as part of an associate degree program or as a stand-alone package at a Michigan community college. To fulfill the MTA, students must successfully complete at least 30 credits in six defined areas with a grade of a “C” or higher in each course.
If a student achieves 30 specific credits, they can earn the MTA certificate and transfer to a 4-year educational institution within Michigan. If a student achieves 60 credits, they earn both the MTA certificate and an associate degree.
“If students earn an associate degree from here, they can tie it within Learn4ward, which guarantees students admission to four Michigan-based 4-year educational institutions, or our other articulation agreements,” said Gibson. “The main focus is to make sure students are aware of all of their options while attending HFC. This will benefit them in the future.”
For questions or more information about Within Reach and similar advising initiatives, contact Gibson at 313-317-6868 or trgibson3@hfcc.edu.