Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability
Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability

Inconsistent Implementation of Common Prerequisites Creates Barriers to Effective 2+2 Articulation

Report 08-11, March 2008

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Report Summary

The state's common prerequisites policy is intended to facilitate articulation for students transferring from community colleges to universities by establishing common courses needed for admission to upper division programs at any of the state's universities. However, the policy has not been effectively implemented by universities, the Board of Governors, and the Department of Education.

  • For nearly two-thirds (65%) of the degree programs we examined, universities were implementing prerequisites in ways that could create barriers for students who have followed the approved common prerequisites.
  • The Board of Governors and Department of Education have not effectively monitored and enforced the common prerequisites policy.

As a result, transfer students may be denied admission to universities' upper division programs or be required to complete additional courses, increasing both state and student costs. The inconsistencies across universities can also make it difficult for transfer students to plan their Associate in Arts degree coursework.

While most community colleges offer the required prerequisite courses for popular majors, only five colleges have formally integrated prerequisites into the structure of their Associate in Arts programs by requiring students to declare pre-majors at a specific point in their academic careers.

Related Reports
  1. Steps Taken to Improve FACTS; Better Information on Postsecondary Student Use Is Still Needed
    Report 10-48 July 2010
  2. University Implementation and State Oversight of Common Program Prerequisites Has Improved
    Report 10-43 May 2010
  3. Postsecondary Student Use of the Florida Academic Counseling and Tracking for Students (FACTS) Is Low
    Report 08-25 April 2008
  4. State Policies for Excess Hours Remain Unchanged; Steps Taken to Strengthen Academic Advising
    Report 07-37 September 2007
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.
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