Transfer of credits, whether into our school or out to another school, is very important to express, because there have been many shcools caught on tape misleading students about both areas. No school wants to be the one labeled as misleading potential students.
You are absolutely right. We can never guarantee that someone's credits will transfer to another school. That's one of the main FAQ's that I receive from students. Many of them don't realize it's up to the receiving institution.
This subject can be very sensitive.I have always found that the best way to handle it is to, just simply state that it is solely up to the receiving institution,as to what credits can transfer into a program.
I think this is so important to inform the students that they really, really need to look into credit transfer. Even if they do not think they are going to transfer it always a good idea to look into a few different schools and their credit transfer policy. What if something unexpected comes up. They need to always be prepared.
Transfer of credits is very important to all students! Most students I meet with say that they are not planning on furthering thier education, however with the job market changes a lot of adults look to re-train in a new career. I always encourage students to further thier education and to look one-step ahead. Transfering is usually a hassle (I know first hand) and so researching your next school is important. I know that once I returned to school I chose a school that already has credits that will transfer to other schools. It was the best choice I made.
I think the need to know the articululation agreements that your school has is one of the more important things you can learn over time. This would be an excellent addition to your binder of information. Articulation agreements let you speak condfidently about incoming courses that are outlined in the agreement. It is always a best practice to advise the student to check with the school they want to take go to. Especially in the scenario they are looking to take classes with them.
After learning that each school sets its own standards for acceptance of credits, it is imperative that we let the student know that the transfer of credits is different at each institution and to find out what credits might transfer with another school especially if they have attended and earned credits with a school while pursuing their undergraduate degree.
I too was surprised to realize that the regulations covered the transfer of credits out of the school. I think it is important to inform every student that if they plan to transfer to another school, it is up to the school they are transferring to weather or not they accept any credits earned.
We have recently obtained a written articulation agreement with a college in our area that offers bachelor and master's degrees. This has been a tremendous help for our students. We have one of the best community colleges in the nation in our area that offers articulations with over 180 colleges so this has given our students options in the private sector.
Salvador:
Transfer of credit decisions are always made by the school that is accepting the credits. Thus, each school has their own policy for determining what type of credits will be accepted. Admissions representatives should not suggest or imply that credits are easily transferrable because this is rarely the case. If a student insists on knowing whether "school x" will accept transfer credits from your school, its best to advise the student to contact "school x" about their transfer of credit policy.
