The Great Admissions Redesign: Simplifying the Admissions and Transfer Process Across ISU, CEI, and CSI

For many students in Idaho, the path from community college to a four-year degree can feel confusing, repetitive, and overwhelming. Applying twice, sending transcripts twice, and navigating separate systems can slow progress or stop it altogether.

Under the new model, students will apply once at CSI or CEI and automatically be admitted to ISU. From the beginning, they will see how their courses connect to a four-year degree, understand what comes next, and receive coordinated support across all three institutions. The new process is expected to launch in September 2027.

“Through this partnership, we collaborate as genuine partners engaged in co-shepherding students through their experience rather than separate entities occasionally exchanging information,” said ISU President Robert Wagner, Ph.D. “For all students, especially first-generation students, this approach significantly improves their ability to navigate their educational journey.”

Why change is needed
Right now, moving between colleges isn’t as simple as it should be. Student information systems at the three institutions don’t connect, which means staff often rely on manual processes—pulling reports, sending emails, and waiting for responses just to piece together a student’s progress. Financial aid information isn’t always visible across schools, and coordinating advising can be slow and complicated.

For students, that disconnect shows up in real ways. They often have to:

• Apply to multiple schools
• Send transcripts more than once
• Repeat residency and financial aid steps
• Navigate different advising systems

The impact goes beyond inconvenience. Students may not know if their credits will count toward a bachelor’s degree, or they may miss opportunities to take university courses while still enrolled at a community college. Delays, confusion, and duplicated steps can make it harder to stay on track.

A simpler path forward
The redesign introduces a “One Good Decision” approach: students apply once and gain access to a clear, connected pathway to their degree.

That means:

• One application opens the door to both community college and ISU
• Co-admission and co-enrollment options are available from the start
• Shared advising helps students make informed decisions early
• No repeated paperwork or unnecessary steps

Students will be able to map out their entire academic journey from day one with fewer barriers along the way.

“These are thoughtful, student-centered efforts that will make a real difference for our state,” said Jennifer White, executive director for the Idaho State Board of Education. “Students benefit from a seamless experience that reduces friction when moving from our community colleges to a four-year institution. The Lumina grant is a strong recognition of these innovative and impactful collaborations.”

What the grant supports
The funding will help connect systems across institutions, ensuring that student information can be shared securely and efficiently. It will also support training for advisors and staff, allowing them to better coordinate and respond to student needs.

“These investments move us from aspirational partnerships to functioning infrastructure that actually changes student experiences,” said Angela Sackett, vice president of academic and student affairs at the College of Eastern Idaho.

“By aligning our systems and support from the start, we’re removing barriers and giving students a clearer, more confident path to a bachelor’s degree,” said Tiffany Seeley-Case, vice president of instruction at the College of Southern Idaho.

What it means for students
At its core, this effort is about making higher education more accessible and easier to navigate, especially for students who may be the first in their families to attend college.

By creating a more connected system, students will build relationships with advisors earlier, make more informed choices, and move more confidently toward their goals.

“This is about fundamentally changing how students experience higher education in Idaho,” said Adam Bradford, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs at ISU. “When we simplify the process and work as one system, more students can start strong, stay on track, and reach their goals.”