Bama Fast Pass Simplifies the Student Transfer Process

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama is making the transfer process easier through a program that allows students at two-year colleges to track their bachelor’s degree progress prior to enrolling at UA.

The Bama Fast Pass gives future UA students the opportunity to apply for admission as early as their first semester at a two-year college. Students are given a myBama student identification number and Crimson Mail email account that will give them access to Degree Works, UA’s web-based degree completion tracker.

“Two-year college students are very focused on their academics and want to know how long it will take them to graduate from UA,” said Landon Waid, UA interim assistant vice president for enrollment management. “The Bama Fast Pass is a great tool that allows them to see their progress before coming to campus.”

According to Waid, the Bama Fast Pass was created two years ago to give two-year college students the ability to know how their community college courses will transfer to UA as they work toward their associate degree. At the end of each semester at the two-year college, students are able to submit their transcript to Degree Works and track the completion percentage of their bachelor’s degree.

“Given that one of the primary concerns for transfer students is finishing their degree ‘on-time’ even after transferring, Bama Fast Pass has been a critical tool in helping them toward this goal,” said Brittnay McMillian, UA assistant director for in-state and transfer recruitment. “Students get to see their progress toward their degree, even when they are several semesters away from actually transferring, encouraging them in persistence to graduation.”

In addition to benefitting students, the Bama Fast Pass is a valuable resource for academic advisers at two-year colleges.

“We have heard from community college advisers who love the ability to advise their students effectively, knowing that they can confidently assist students in choosing classes that they know will transfer directly to the student’s UA degree program,” said McMillian.

While most universities require potential students to start the application process closer to the time of enrollment, the Bama Fast Pass allows students to apply up to two years prior to enrolling at UA. Aside from the standard application fee, there is no additional cost to sign up.