Indeed, transfer and articulation can no longer be thought of solely in terms of the linear progression of community college students to four-year institutions. While precise definitions and counting procedures vary considerably among institutions and states, several categories of transfer students can be roughly identified. These diverse student types and the special problems they pose are discussed below. Articulated Vertical Transfers, those who move in regular sequence from high school to community college to the university, are the most visible community college transfer students. Policies regarding these types of transfer students are not consistent or uniform.
Few colleges provide re-orientation, personal counseling, and special career advising.
In addition, advanced standing credit is rarely provided for the baccalaureate degree holder who turns to a community college for training in a more salable career area. Clearly, more research is needed to determine the characteristics and aspirations of reverse transfers. While few statewide pacts carry policies on vocational education transfer, interinstitutional agreements are spreading rapidly. The most popular arrangement is a joint degree program between one or more community colleges and a university. Another collaborative style now emerging combines the efforts of community colleges with nearby industries or proprietary schools.