Transfer Coordinators of Illinois - A Brief History

In early 1970, Dr. G. Robert Darnes brought together a small group of individuals interested in the transfer student process. It was Dr. Darnes' idea to create a network of individuals around the state who could work toward improving channels of communication, identifying problems and concerns, and arriving at solutions related to the transfer process.
This first meeting hosted by DePaul University and Dr. Darnes' early initiatives of the Illinois Community College Board was the beginning of what we now refer to as the Transfer Coordinators of Illinois Colleges and Universities.

Each president of a public or private senior institution or a public community college was asked to designate an individual to serve as the college's Transfer Coordinator, whose responsibility would involve communicating with other institutional representatives on transfer matters. The Transfer Coordinator would serve as a facilitator, a resource person, a referral agent, and a problem solver on transfer issues.

The Coordinators began meeting formally in conjunction with the annual fall meeting of the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators. In these early years, the Coordinators were divided into two groups, those from two-year institutions and those representing the four-year colleges and universities. Each group elected a chairperson. The two groups met separately and as a combined group.

The issues and concerns of both groups were common to the student and the transfer process. Some time later, the two groups merged into one body and began holding two combined meetings annually, one in the fall and the other in the spring.

The group has continued to meet on a regular basis without any formal organizational structure. Currently, membership includes each Illinois public two- and four-year institution and 37 private four-year and two-year institutions. Representatives from the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Board of Higher Education also participate.