Transfer of Credits, Meetings
It is definately helpful to be informed as to the transfer of credits from one instution to another. I have learned that so many schools only offer a set amount of credit hours unless they have an articulation agreement with another school or program. Meetings with all the institutions departments more frequently is a great idea to have effective communication within the entire organization.
Francis
6E-1.003 (45)
“Nontraditional Education†means any positive progress toward a credential that is earned through experiential means or distance education and approved by the faculty of the institution granting the credential, or other sources verified by the American Council on Education, or testing from recognized sources such as but not limited to the Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES), Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC), or other sources deemed by the Commission to have similar quality controls.
6E-2.004 Standards and Procedures for Licensure. Standard 12
(5)
Credit for prior learning. An institution may grant credit to a student for prior experiential learning only if all of the following apply:
(a) The prior learning is equivalent to the level of learning in which the student is enrolling.
(b)
The prior learning is demonstrated to provide a balance between theory and practice, for academic programs; or a verifiable mastery of appropriate skills, for vocational courses or programs. For courses or programs requiring a combination of theory and skills, the prior learning is demonstrated to provide the appropriate combination.
(c)
The credit awarded for the prior learning directly relates to the student’s course or program and is applied in satisfaction of some of the credential requirements.
(d)
College and university level learning for which credit is sought shall be documented by the student in writing, and validated, confirmed, and evaluated by faculty qualified in that specific subject area, who shall ascertain to what college or university level learning the student’s prior learning is equivalent, and how many credits toward a degree may be granted for that prior learning. The faculty evaluating the prior learning shall prepare a written report indicating all of the following, which report shall be retained by the college or university for review by visiting Commission representatives upon request:
1.
The documents in the student’s file on which the faculty relied in determining and confirming the nature of the student’s prior learning;
2.
The basis for determining that the prior learning is equivalent to college or university level learning, and demonstrates a balance between theory and practice; and
3.
The basis for determining to what college or university level the prior learning is equivalent, and the proper number of credits to be awarded toward the degree, based upon that prior learning.
(e) No more than 25 percent of the units required and validated through the institution’s internal review process for a degree shall be awarded for prior experiential learning.
Thanks Patty. Where can I find the rules for life credits.
Frances,
Check out the CIE rules for life credits. Very few schools even consider this for substitution of credit. It is rare.
Giving credit for life experience is very complex. Are there any guidelines that that admissions professionals use? Currently, our advisors review certificates and award credits based on the number of hours attended?
Kenny,
At most schools, it is a review of the Education Department and Registrar as to whether or not credits will transfer.
With any school - academic departments (Deans, Provost, VPs) should be included in transfer of credits, matriculation agreements etc as they are the ones that are well versed in this area as many admissions representatives are not.
Kenrick,
It takes research which is the stuent's responsibility.
Dale,
It is up to the receiving institution and the responsibility of the student.
yes as being a technicial school the tranfer of credit from another instution is up to the recieving instution
I agree, different school will have different course content even for the same type of programs.
Becky,
It is up to the institution on whether or not they will accept credits. Common sense would state that education 35 years ago would not be comparable to the class you are providing today. It is important to be consistent in applying credits. Ask yourself... are they truly applicable?
John,
...and to remind students that there are no guarantees.
I have heard different things... The state tells me its up to the institution how many hours I want to accept. Also the state says vocational hours for my industry NEVER expire, so if someone went to school 35 years ago I can accept however many credits/hours I want and have them start from there. I don't feel that's setting them up for success.
Any words of encouragement?
I agree that it is important to explain to the student that their college credits may or may not transfer into our school, and that the credits they receive here may not be transferable to another school. It is also important to be informed about why certain credits will not transfer, such as those taken at different educational levels.
Errol,
Many students do automatically assume that credits will transfer. This is the importance of the statement in the catalog. It is the student's responsibility to research with the receiving institution.
Transfer of credits is one area that generate lots of complaints especially institutions that offer the Occupational Associate Degree since students usually assume that since the credential has the word Degree it can be automatically transferred to a 4 year college. It is critical that the Admissions Rep follow the institution's policy and inform the sudent on the transfrerability of credits.
We tried to do an articulation with a local college at my institution. It is important to invovle the academic department of the isntutions seeking this agreement.
Transfer credits are completely based on the receiving institution. Admissions should never say they guarantee credits are 100% transferrable.
Nicholas,
Any credit given for substitution of credit must be followed by CIE rules.
