Higher education has created global citizens who wish to move seamlessly through learning in ways that transcend cultural and political boundaries. In North America, many issues in policy development and institutional administration prevent students from full participation. Transfer procedures as stated in course calendars vary widely. As the higher education market is increasingly driven by student preference it is only a matter of time and economic expedience before Canada and many other countries develop universal credit models between colleges and universities. Canada's current ad hoc transfer system needs more to provide an equitable system of transfer for students. This loosely coupled system no longer serves those for who it is intended (Weick, 1988). A paradigm shift is occurring in the processes by which institutions handle transfers. Will higher education be coerced by outside legislation and impending business practices or will those within the system inform the shift through collaborative venture?