Accepting Transfer Credit from Non- Regionally Accredited Institutions. Andi Liner Dean/Registrar, Enrollment Services Blinn College

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1 Accepting Transfer Credit from Non- Regionally Accredited Institutions Andi Liner Dean/Registrar, Enrollment Services Blinn College

2 SACSCOC Statement The Commission supports institutional autonomy in determining its own standards for transfer of academic credit while also encouraging institutions not to impose artificial impediments or meaningless requirements on the transfer process. The accreditation standards of this Commission require member institutions to analyze credit accepted for transfer in terms of level, content, quality, comparability, and degree program relevance. The accreditation standards do not mandate that institutions accept transfer credit only from regionally accredited institutions. When an institution relies on another institution s regional accreditation as an indicator for acceptability of credit, it should not be the only criterion used for acceptability nor should it be represented as a requirement of this accreditation agency, which it is not.

3 CHEA Council for Higher Education Accreditation SACSCOC actively works with CHEA in response to accreditation mills. List resources to determine degree mills and list of degree mills Great resource for reviewing institutions that you are unsure about for transfer of credit.

4 SACSCOC Things to Remember based on SACSCOC It is the responsibility of the institution to ensure that transfer credit meets the requirements of the institution. Be consistent and follow your policy set forth by your institution. SACSCOC does not define your transfer credit policy. Do not say because of SACSCOC.

5 Dept. of Education U.S. Secretary of Education is required by statue to publish a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies. Only agencies that apply for recognition and meet certain criteria for recognition are reviewed to make the published list.

6 Dept. of Education The Accrediting Agency Evaluation Unit has been established within the Department of Education to deal with accreditation matters. Located in the Office of Postsecondary Education, the Unit carries out the following major functions with respect to accreditation: Conduct a continuous review of standards, policies, procedures, and issues in the area of the Department of Education's interests and responsibilities relative to accreditation; Administer the process whereby accrediting agencies and State approval agencies secure initial and renewed recognition by the Secretary of Education; Serving as the Department's liaison with accrediting agencies and State approval agencies; Providing consultative services to institutions, associations, state agencies, other federal agencies, and Congress regarding accreditation; Interpreting and disseminating policy relative to accreditation issues in the case of all appropriate programs administered by the Department of Education; Conducting and stimulating appropriate research; and Providing support for the Secretary's National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity.

7 Reg. and Nat. Accred. Agencies Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges*** Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools Council on Occupational Education

8 Reg. and Nat. Accred. Agencies Distance Education Accrediting Commission*** Middle States Commission on Higher Education*** Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools*** New England Association of Schools and Colleges*** New York State Board of Regents

9 Reg. and Nat. Accred. Agencies The Higher Learning Commission*** Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities*** Southern Association of Colleges and Schools*** Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools***

10 Reg. and Nat. Accred. Agencies Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Community and Jr. Colleges*** Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior Colleges and University Commission*** ***Denotes a recognized agencies by the Coordinating Board

11 Co Board List of Recognized

12 Texas Education Code Recognized accrediting agency" means the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and any other association or organization so designated by the board. Title 3, Subtitle B, Chapter 61, Subchapter A

13 Texas Education Code Title 19, Part 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter A, Rule 7.3 Defines Accreditation as a public recognition and a legal entity that conducts accreditation activities through peer review. Defines authority to represent as a degree grant institution as an institution that holds a certificate of authority. RULE 7.12

14 Reviewing Transfer Credit Institution should request documentation that can ascertain: Course content Learning outcomes Faculty credentials Review requirements with faculty who can make the determination of transfer credit

15 Advising Students Students seeking petitions for credit should think about: Pace of Completion if seeking Financial aid Hours Attempted and/or Earned that will not apply towards their degree plan If hours attempted will push the student above 150% of hours normally required for completion. Decisions for transfer credit should always be made based on the best interest of the student.

16 Things to Do Keep a good inventory of courses that have been selected for transfer and their documentation. Be Fair and Consistent Publish and communicate whatever policy is determined to the campus community

17 Resources ed/accreditation.html#recognition tid=106bd76b-c2c9-1ced- D9AEAF20A2CEB4C3 /htm/ed.61.htm 45.PDF?CFID= &CFTOKEN=

18 Resources Transfer of Academic Credit (endorsed June 2003) SACSCOC Position Statement Texas Coordinating Board List of Recognized Accreditors US Department of Education Accreditation in the United States

19 Discussion on how your institution is handling this topic QUESTIONS????