HB5786 - Student Transfer Achievement Reform Act

• Creates associate degrees for transfer starting fall 2014-2015, automatically granting eligible community college students junior status and fulfillment of lower division coursework when transferring to State universities.

• Requires community college districts to align associate degree for transfer programs with models established by the Illinois Community College Board in coordination with the Board of Higher Education, ensuring comparable lower division courses across institutions.

• Guarantees State universities must admit transfer students to junior status and count minimum 60 semester credit hours (or equivalent quarter hours) from community college toward baccalaureate degree requirements, without requiring course repetition for similar coursework already completed.

• Requires the Board of Higher Education to report implementation outcomes by May 31, 2016, and submit comprehensive review within 4 years covering transfer rates, degree completion, and recommendations for statutory changes to improve the transfer process.

• Exempts the mandate from State reimbursement requirements under the State Mandates Act, with implementation intended to occur through normal community college program development and degree issuance procedures.