Two new initiatives at the University of Hawaii benefit community college students.

Starting next year, students who obtain their associate's degree at any of the seven community colleges under the UH system will automatically be accepted to UH-Manoa, UH-Hilo or UH-West Oahu. UH will also waive application fees.

The students will also be eligible for early registration at any four-year college under the new automatic admission process.

This makes it easier for students to move between campuses, said Linda Johnsrud, UH vice president for academic planning and policy.

Officials also implemented the “;reverse credit transfer”; procedure, which allows students who transfer from any of the seven community colleges to obtain their associate's degree while attending any of the three four-year colleges.

College officials will review the transfer student's credits and, if they have enough, will inform the individual that he or she can obtain their Associate of Arts if they wish.

“;This way, they would earn a degree along the way,”; said Johnsrud. “;Hopefully getting one degree would be motivation to keep on going and getting your bachelor's degree.”;

The reverse credit transfer initiative will also start next year.

An estimated 1,100 community college students in the UH system earn an associate's degree every year.