UW System Undergraduate Transfer Policy

Original Issuance Date:        April 2001
Last Revision Date:                March 1, 2019

1. Policy Purpose

This policy establishes procedures and guidelines for UW System institutions to facilitate the overall transfer process for all students.

2. Responsible UW System Officer

Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
Associate Vice President for Academic Programs and Educational Innovation

3. Scope

This policy applies to all UW System institutions’ transfer students.

4. Background

The University of Wisconsin System (UW System) welcomes transfer students from accredited colleges and universities both within and outside Wisconsin. The UW System Undergraduate Transfer Policy endorses a student-centered transfer process which fosters educational attainment, accommodates student mobility, and provides equitable treatment of transfer and continuing students. At the same time, this transfer policy recognizes legitimate differences among educational institutions, their missions and academic programs, and acknowledges institutional autonomy and program integrity. In order to maintain our commitment to transfer students, this policy should be reviewed periodically and updated as needed.

5. Definitions

Terms included in this policy are defined for purposes of this policy and may not be consistent with definitions used in other settings.

30 Credit Transfer Rule: Wisconsin Statutes, § 36.31(2m) went into effect July 1, 2014, requiring the UW System and Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) to “implement an agreement that identifies core general education courses totaling not fewer than 30 credits” that are “transferable and would satisfy general education requirements at the receiving institution or college, between and within each institution, college campus and technical college.”

Academic Program: A specifically designed curriculum leading to the attainment of a degree, area of specialization, or certificate.

Accreditation: A process of external quality review created and used by higher education to scrutinize colleges, universities and programs for quality assurance and quality improvement.

Institutional Accreditation: The review and certification of an institution by a regional or national accrediting body.

Programmatic Accreditation: The review of a specific program (e.g., art, music), profession (e.g., engineering, nursing), or freestanding school (e.g., law, medicine) by a professional organization that accredits programs in a particular field.

Applied Associate Degree: A degree awarded by WTCS and other technical institutions upon completion of a program that combines general education and occupational/technical courses and requirements, designed to lead directly to employment in a specific field.

Articulation Agreement: An agreement that is generally between WTCS and UW institutions allowing for transfer of credit, either as course-by-course and/or as a block of credits. These agreements are usually program to program and designed to grant advanced standing in a specific major.

Attribute: A designation assigned to courses offered at an institution. An attribute may designate a course as meeting a requirement, such as breadth, general education, or ethnic studies, may denote the level at which the course is offered, or may in some other way describe the characteristics of a course.

Baccalaureate institution: A four-year, bachelor degree granting institution.

College/School/Graduation Requirements: See Requirements

Competency/Proficiency Requirements: See Requirements

Continuing Student: A student who maintains continuous enrollment at the same institution, while working towards program/degree completion (as distinct from a transfer student.).

Course-by-course: The evaluation of transfer courses one-by-one rather than as part of a block of credits.

Credit by Examination: Credit awarded as the result of learning demonstrated through the successful completion of an external standardized exam (e.g., CLEP, AP, IB, etc.) or internal department exam.

Credit for Prior Learning: Credit awarded for college-level knowledge and skills acquired through extra- institutional settings.

Credits: Semester hour units (distinct from quarter or trimester).

Cultural Diversity Requirements: See Requirements

Degree Requirements: See Requirements

Department Exam: Exams developed by an academic department program that awards credit for prior learning through the assessment of learning outcomes associated with a particular course or academic program curriculum.

Ethnic Studies Requirement: See Requirements

General Education/Breadth Requirements: See Requirements

Institutional Accreditation: See Accreditation

Liberal Arts/Collegiate Transfer: A term defining the WTCS programs that offer an associate of arts or associate of science degree and/or prepare the student for transfer to a baccalaureate program (previously referred to as a WTCS College Parallel program).

Major: A field of specialization in undergraduate studies, with specific course requirements that may be fulfilled by transfer coursework.

Non-Baccalaureate Institution: Two year, associate degree or certificate granting institutions.

Non-Resident Student: A student who does not meet the requirements for paying in-state tuition rates as defined by state statute.

Occupational/Technical Coursework: Courses associated with a program offered at a technical college or institution where the program has a specific focus on job related topics.

Official Campus Document: Summaries, transcripts, degree audits, or other documents displaying transfer credit, either as an electronic or hard copy version.

Portfolio: An organized collection of materials developed by a learner that describes, records, and verifies learning achievements as well as personal goals.

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): A process to evaluate learner competencies acquired by a student through formal and non-formal learning experiences that occurred outside of the college classroom. Within the setting of an institution of higher education, the assessment evaluates whether the demonstrated learning outcomes are comparable to those required as part of a college-level course or academic program.

Common formats of PLA may fall into the following categories:

1. External assessment by exam – An external organization assesses prior learning through the administration of a standardized exam (e.g., AP, IB, Project Lead the Way, CLEP, Excelsior, or DSST).
2. External assessment and credit recommendations – The primary example of such external credit recommendations are those completed by the American Council on Education (ACE) that assesses military and corporate training experiences.
3. External assessment by portfolio assessment- The assessment of college-level learning that is conducted by an external organization such as the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning’s (CAEL) Learning Counts program.
4. Internal assessment by exam or portfolio assessment – The assessment of college-level learning that took place external to the institution that is assessed and credit awarded internally by the institution.

Programmatic Accreditation: See Accreditation

Receiving Institution: The institution to which the student is transferring.

Resident Student: A student who meets requirements for paying in-state tuition rates as defined by state statute.

Requirements:

1. General Education/Breadth: A category of requirements within a degree program that seeks to instill in students a “breadth” or range of knowledge in several disciplines (e.g. humanities, natural  sciences,  social  sciences). NOTE: The term “general  education” can be used in a wide variety of ways and UW institutions do not use the term identically. It may be used very broadly to encompass several kinds of requirements, or narrowly to include only very specific requirements.
2. College/School/Graduation: A set of requirements that may be university-wide and/or determined by a college/school or program for completion of a degree by students enrolled in that college/school.
3. Competency/Proficiency: A category of requirements, within a program, that seeks to establish a minimum level of student proficiency in certain disciplines (e.g., English composition, speech, foreign language, math, quantitative reasoning).
4. Cultural Diversity: Similar in nature to Ethnic Studies requirement, but may also include coursework covering other international or national immigrant groups.
5. Degree: The combination of requirements necessary to be awarded a degree.
6. Ethnic Studies: UW System graduation or general education requirement for coursework centered on African-American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian-American, or American Indian populations in the U.S.
7. University-wide: Requirement(s) that must be completed by all undergraduate degree students enrolled at the institution.

Reverse Transfer: The post-transfer recognition of college credits, earned at the receiving baccalaureate institution, for which the sending associate degree granting institution accepts in transfer and grants credit toward conferral of an associate degree, after a student transfers from an associate degree granting institution to the baccalaureate granting institution.

Sending Institution: The institution from which the student is transferring.

Transfer Credit: Credit earned at one institution accepted in transfer at another institution.

Transfer Student: A designation given to a degree-seeking student who transfers credit from another institution of higher education, other than credits earned solely during summer session or while enrolled in high school.

University-wide Requirements: See Requirements

Universal Undergraduate Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA): The annually reviewed and renewed agreement between UW System and Wisconsin Technical  Colleges  System  (WTCS) that describes the history, process and course sets to meet the requirements of the 30-Credit Transfer Rule (Wisconsin Statutes, § 36.31(2m)).

UW Institution Associate Degree: An associate of arts and science degree awarded by UW institutions which meets the minimum requirements approved by the UW Board of Regents.

6. Policy Statement

A. Admission of Transfer Students

Transfer students will be evaluated for admission through a comprehensive, individualized review process. This process allows institutions to admit students whose academic preparation, background and personal experience suggest that the student will succeed at the institution, benefit from that educational experience, and contribute to the educational environment. This review process is similar to the practice for the admission of the freshmen to UW institutions. (See Regent Policy 7-3, University of Wisconsin System Freshman Admissions Policy)

I.  Transfer applicants must demonstrate that they are prepared to do satisfactory academic work at the institution to which they are applying, and that, as members of the campus community, they will benefit from and enrich the educational environment and enhance the quality of the institution. Each applicant’s file will be given a comprehensive review. Academic information considered will include the student’s postsecondary academic records, and may also include high school records, standardized test scores, and/or other relevant academic information.

III.  While academic factors are the most important consideration, other factors may also be considered. These factors include, but are not limited to, student experiences, work experience, leadership qualities, motivation, community service, special talents, status as a non-traditional or returning adult, status as a veteran of the U.S. military, whether the applicant is socioeconomically disadvantaged, and whether the applicant is a member of an historically underrepresented racial or ethnic group

IV.  Transfer students who do not qualify under the provisions above may appeal through the appropriate institutional appeal procedures. Institutions should publish appeal procedures in the catalog or another official institution publication.

V.  Admission requirements into schools/colleges, academic programs or majors may exceed those for admission to the institution. Such requirements for entry shall apply equally to continuing and transfer students.

VI.  Admission requirements for non-resident transfer students will be the same as those for other transfer students except that an institution may adopt special requirements for international student applicants. (Note: for purposes of this policy, Minnesota students eligible for reciprocity are considered as residents.)

VII.  Regent enrollment planning policy establishes limits on non-resident enrollment (Regent Policy 7-3. University of Wisconsin System Freshman Admissions Policy). Each UW institution may limit the admission of non-residents to ensure that the total non-resident undergraduate enrollment does not exceed the Regent limit.

1. 1. If the number of qualified non-resident transfer students exceeds the ability of the institution to accommodate them, or if the institution needs to ensure that priority is granted to students transferring from UW institutions are specified in A.6. below, the institution shall determine the criteria for selection from among qualified applicants.

VIII.  For enrollment management purposes, the number of transfer students admitted may be controlled. In such cases, institutional policy will determine the criteria by which limitations of access shall be applied, but preference for admission of transfer students shall be given to students transferring from the UW Colleges, and from other UW institutions where the student’s desired major or program is not offered, subject to the limits of an institution’s enrollment target.

B. Transfer Credit Principles

The UW System endorses the Joint Statement on the Transfer and Award of Credit developed by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), the American Council on Education (ACE), and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). This document sets forth a number of basic assumptions regarding the transfer of credit between institutions, be they similar or dissimilar, as well as recommended best practices for developing institution-specific policies and procedures.

Following the principles set forth in the Joint Statement, each UW institution should award transfer credit based on the combination of the quality, comparability, and applicability of the sending institution’s academic program.

1. Quality of the Academic Program. The legitimacy and quality of the sending institution can be evaluated in part by its accreditation status. Both institutional and programmatic accreditation should be considered when assessing the potential for transfer credit.
   1. Institutional Accreditation. Credit is generally awarded for college level coursework completed at institutions accredited by a regional or national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Foreign institutions must be recognized by the Ministry of Education (or equivalent) in that country.
   2. Programmatic Accreditation. If the sending institution is accredited by a programmatic accrediting association recognized by CHEA, credit may be granted in the specialty of accreditation (e.g., art, music, etc.) if recommended by the appropriate academic department or equivalent.
   3. Not Accredited. Credit earned in institutions of higher education not accredited as outlined in I.1. or I.2. above, is generally not accepted for transfer. However, credit may be granted for postsecondary work from non-accredited institutions by examination and/or upon departmental evaluation of course syllabi and other program information.
2. Comparability of the Academic Program. Credit is generally awarded when the sending institution’s mission, type of education (occupational, liberal arts, professional), and level of degree (certificate, associate, baccalaureate, graduate) are comparable to that of the UW institution.
3. Applicability of the Academic Program. Credit is generally awarded when the academic program, level of study, and course content are similar in nature and applicable to the academic program of the UW institution.

C. Principles of Accommodation

This policy endorses a student-centered transfer process designed to foster educational attainment, meet the needs of transfer students, and provide equitable treatment of transfer and continuing students. To achieve these goals, UW institutions are encouraged to apply the principles of accommodation detailed here.

I. For All Transfer Students

The following principles of accommodation apply to all students transferring into a UW System institution:

1. Institutions should apply transfer credits to degree requirements where appropriate.
2. Institutions should recognize general education/liberal arts requirements in terms of broad academic areas (social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, etc.) as well as specific courses.
3. Institutions may award transfer credit for courses for which they do no have a comparable department or curricular area, or for which they do not have direct course equivalent. Where appropriate, these credits should apply toward satisfying general education and other degree requirements. When applying a course toward general education/breadth requirements, the receiving institution generally applies it in the same category as similar courses at that institution. However, if the course fulfills a different category at the sending institution and the student requests that the original designation be applied, the request should be approved where appropriate.
4. In granting a direct equivalent to courses taken at other institutions, the attributes of the equivalent course should apply. However, in determining whether to award upper level credit for courses completed by transfer students, institutions may apply the same practice used for their own freshmen and sophomores.
5. UW institutions should apply academic policies and procedures to continuing and transfer students in a similar manner.
6. Students may generally transfer up to 72 degree credits earned at non-baccalaureate institutions. UW institutions may accept additional credits toward the degree where appropriate. This does not alter policies concerning credits to be earned in residence at an institution.
7. UW institutions should apply the same criteria for admission to a major or program, or for applying a course toward a degree, to both transfer students and continuing students.
8. Student course grades may be used as a factor to determine if, and how, transfer credit is applied, but the same principles should be applied to both transfer and continuing students.
9. If a student changes his/her academic major or program, all transfer credits may be reevaluated to determine if, and how, they apply to the new major or program.
10. All students will receive an evaluation of transfer credits. Institutions should make every effort to provide this evaluation prior to enrollment.
11. When a student transfers, the receiving institution will do its own evaluation of the transfer work based on official transcript(s) from each institution the student attended. The student is responsible for submitting official transcript(s) from each sending institution to the receiving institution for transfer evaluation.
12. Transfer credits that have been awarded should be evaluated to determine which will apply to major requirements, general education/breadth requirements, competency requirements, or the graduation requirements of the specific program the student intends to pursue. Credits which are not applicable to the requirements of the specific program should be noted on an official campus document.
13. UW institutions should make every effort to provide admitted transfer students the opportunity to register with similar access to courses as continuing students.
14. Students should be informed in writing of the opportunity and procedures for appealing any course transfer determination.

II. For Students Transferring Within the UW System

The following additional principles of accommodation apply to students transferring within the UW System:

1. A course designated as fulfilling a general education/breadth requirement at one UW institution should transfer as general education/breadth at the receiving UW institution. This principle should apply whether or not the receiving institution has a direct course equivalent.
2. A course designated as fulfilling an ethnic studies requirement at one UW institution should apply toward the ethnic studies requirement at the receiving UW institution.
3. UW institutions should permit courses completed by UW System transfer students to transfer in accordance with the course equivalency in effect when the courses were taken.
4. UW institutions that permit continuing students to graduate using the catalog requirements in effect at the time of their matriculation should employ the same policy for UW System transfers using their date of matriculation at their first UW institution.
5. When a student transfers within the UW System, the record of all successfully completed undergraduate credit courses taken by the student at UW institutions previously attended should be reported on the transcript or another official campus document.
6. University level courses offered through UW-Extension will transfer on the same basis as equivalent courses taken at UW institutions.
7. Credit for prior learning that is internally assessed and transcribed as a course equivalent by one UW institution will be evaluated for transfer by the receiving UW institution on the same basis as courses taken at UW institutions.
8. Reverse transfer is intended for students who transfer from one associate degree granting UW institution to another UW System institution without completing the associate’s degree. The reverse transfer of credit is intended to add accumulated credits for the awarding of an associate’s degree at the sending UW institution.
   1. UW Colleges may enter into cooperating agreements for reverse transfer with other UW institutions. Participating institutions will maintain the integrity of their separate requirements and enter into an agreement as cooperating institutions that includes processes for student consent and sharing student academic information.
      1. Students must have earned at least 36 credits at UW Colleges.
      2. Advising to complete the associate’s degree will be done by UW Colleges.
      3. The associate’s degree will be awarded by UW Colleges.
   2. UW comprehensive institutions with the authority to grant associate’s degree may enter into cooperating agreements for reverse transfer with other UW institutions. Participating institutions will maintain the integrity of their separate requirements and enter into an agreement as cooperating institutions that includes processes for student consent and sharing student academic information.

III. For Students Transferring with a UW Institution Associate Degree

For purposes of facilitating transfer between UW institutions, Associate Degrees awarded by UW institutions should include the minimum general education/breadth requirements defined by UW System policy. In recognition of these common requirements, the following principles apply:

1. UW baccalaureate-granting institutions shall consider transfer students holding such an Associate Degree to have satisfied the university-wide general education/breadth requirements of the receiving institution.
2. Colleges and schools may require transfer students to complete additional general education/breadth requirements beyond the university-wide total if also required of continuing students.
3. The following may not necessarily be satisfied by the Associate Degree:
   1. Competency requirements or levels of proficiency (e.g., English composition, speech, foreign language, math, quantitative reasoning) established by the receiving institution for continuing students.
   2. Upper division general education courses normally required of continuing junior and senior students.
   3. General education courses that are prerequisites to a particular program or major and are required of continuing students (e.g., micro and macro economics for business majors).
   4. Requirements mandated by external professional accrediting associations or program approving agencies (e.g., Department of Public Instruction, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business).
4. Students who transfer with an Associate Degree awarded by a UW institution which includes an ethnic studies (cultural diversity) component will be considered to have satisfied the ethnic studies requirement at any other UW institution. Transfer credits will be evaluated by the receiving institution on a course-by-course basis to determine if and whether credits will apply beyond the satisfaction of general education breadth requirements.
5. Transfer credits will be evaluated by the receiving institution on a course-by-course basis to determine if and whether credits will apply beyond the satisfaction of general education breadth requirements.
6. UW System Guaranteed Transfer Admission Program (formerly UW Colleges Guaranteed Transfer Program)
   1. Students that are admitted as a new freshman to the Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree program at a UW branch campus receive “guaranteed” admission to any UW System 4-year institution as a junior by participating in the UW System Guaranteed Transfer Admission Program. After fulfilling certain credit and grade point average requirements, students transfer with the same rights and privileges as those who begin their education at the 4-year institutions.
   2. Requirements:
      1. Student must be admitted as a new freshman in the Associate of Arts and Sciences (AAS) degree program at a UW branch campus.
      2. Student must submit a Declaration of Intent to Participate form to their home branch campus at any time prior to the start of their sophomore year (30 credits) in the AAS degree program.
      3. Student must complete the number of credits required for junior status at their destination 4-year institution with a minimum grade point average of 2.0; or 3.2 for UW-Madison.
      4. Students have three academic years from the time of enrolling in the associate degree program in which to complete the minimum credits required. The 4-year institution may make exceptions to the required number of credits for those majors/programs for which early transfer is recommended.
      5. Transfer G.P.A.s are calculated using the formula/method of the 4-year campus.
      6. Students must apply to the intended UW 4-year institution and must meet the same criteria (e.g., GPA, course requirements, etc.) for admission to specific majors/programs as continuing students. The Guaranteed Transfer Admission Program guarantees admission to the 4-year institution only and not to the specific program or major.

IV. For Students Transferring From the Wisconsin Technical College System

Credit transfer between the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the UW System is based upon the following principles:

1. Students transferring from the WTCS accredited liberal arts/collegiate transfer programs, to UW baccalaureate-granting institutions may generally transfer up to 72 credits earned at non-baccalaureate institutions. UW institutions may accept additional credits toward the degree where appropriate.  This does not alter policies concerning credits to be earned in residence at an institution.
2. In cases where WTCS liberal arts/collegiate transfer programs award associate of arts/associate of science degrees that specifically align with the associate degrees awarded by UW institutions, the UW baccalaureate-granting institutions shall consider students holding such a degree to have satisfied the university-wide general education/breadth requirements at the receiving institution.
3. Colleges and schools may require transfer students to complete additional general education/breadth requirements beyond the university-wide total if also required of continuing students.
4. The following may not necessarily be satisfied by the WTCS associate of arts/associate of science (liberal arts) degrees:
   1. Competency requirements or levels of proficiency (e.g., English composition, speech, foreign language, math, quantitative reasoning) established by the receiving institution for continuing students.
   2. Upper division general education courses normally required of continuing junior and senior students.
   3. General education courses that are prerequisites integral to a particular program or major and are required of continuing students (e.g., micro and macro-economics for business majors).
   4. Requirements mandated by external professional accrediting associations or program approving agencies (e.g., Department of Public Instruction, Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business).
   5. Ethnic studies/cultural diversity requirements.
5. UW institutions may grant transfer credit for general education (i.e., in communications, behavioral sciences, social sciences, mathematics, and natural science) offered within a WTCS applied associate degree program.  In determining transferability of these courses, each UW institution will take into account the quality and comparability of the coursework and its applicability to degree requirements.
6. UW institutions may grant transfer credit on a course-by-course basis, for occupational and technical coursework leading to an applied associate degree from WTCS programs. In determining transferability of these courses, each UW institution will take into account the quality and comparability of the coursework and its applicability to degree requirements.
7. UW institutions should permit courses completed by WTCS transfer students to transfer in accordance with the course equivalency in effect when the courses were taken.
8. UW institutions should work with WTCS districts to identify areas where programs leading to an applied associate degree have direct relationships with baccalaureate degree programs.  Where program relationships are found to exist, transfer articulation agreements, are encouraged.  All such credit transfer and articulation agreements should conform to the “University of Wisconsin System Guidelines for Articulation Agreements between UW Institutions and WTCS Districts” (UW System Administrative Policy 140 (SYS 140), UW System Guidelines For Articulation Agreements Between UW System Institutions And WTCS Districts).
9. If an articulation agreement is in place, students in certain WTCS applied associate degree programs that subsequently enroll in a related UW baccalaureate degree program may be able to transfer related occupational and technical credits that may not transfer on a course-by-course basis.  These credits may transfer to other programs at that institution or to other UW institutions only if a similar credit transfer or articulation agreement exists.
10. Reverse transfer is intended for students who transfer from a WTCS Liberal Arts program to a UW institution without completing the associate’s degree.  The reverse transfer of credit is intended to add accumulated credits for the awarding of an associate’s degree by the WTCS institution.  Participating institutions will maintain the integrity and authority of their separate requirements.  Participating institutions will enter into an agreement that includes processes for student consent and sharing student academic information.

V. For Students Transferring between Wisconsin institutions participating in Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA)

The Universal Undergraduate Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) between the University of Wisconsin System and  Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) satisfies the requirement expressed in the 30-credit transfer rule (Wisconsin Statutes, § 36.31(2m)). UW institutions will collaborate to review and maintain the agreement and meet the statutory requirement. The agreement is posted at https://www.wisconsin.edu/transfer/universal-transfer/.

D. Credit for Prior Learning

1. As with the assessment of classroom learning, the objective of prior learning assessment is to identify student competency related to a specific set of learning outcomes. To support that objective, the faculty-based Prior Learning Assessment Academic Planning and Policy Task Force (2011) developed a number of principles that institutions should use to guide development of quality prior learning assessment practices. These principles are outlined in Appendix A.
2. Each UW institution should provide transfer students the same opportunities as continuing students to demonstrate their competence through the use of internally and/or externally developed tests, ACE credit recommendations for military and non-military training, portfolio assessment procedures and/or other competency-based alternatives.
3. UW institutions may grant credit for educational accomplishment attained in extra- institutional settings (e.g., military, professional development, work-place training, etc.) on the basis of an internally developed assessment such as department exams and portfolio review; internal review of recommendations from organizations such as ACE’s Center for Adult Learning and Educational Credentials or the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) through the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS);  or externally assessed standardized exams such as Advanced Placement (AP) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP).  All credits awarded by the institution based on extra-institutional accomplishment must be clearly indicated on the student transcript.
4. Notwithstanding Board of Regents Policy Document (RPD) 4-11, 4-17, and  7-2, each institution will retain the prerogative to establish proficiency score levels, courses for which credit by examination is deemed appropriate, limitations of credit allowed, policies regarding testing fees, and other related policies that are consistent with the characteristics, ability and achievement of the particular student body at the institution.
5. Transfer of Credit for Prior Learning
   1. Undergraduate credit for prior learning that is internally reviewed, assessed, and transcribed as a course equivalent by one UW institution will be evaluated for transfer credit by all UW institutions in accordance with the Transfer Credit Principles found in Section III and the Principles of Accommodation found in Section IV of this policy.
      1. The receiving institution will determine the course equivalent credits they will grant to the student and how the credit will apply to the degree, guided by existing institutional policies.
      2. UW institutions will advise students that the receiving institution will review credits transferred and determine how the credit will apply to the degree.
   2. Students who are awarded credit on the basis of external standardized assessment should be informed that in the event of transfer, they should expect the receiving institution to reevaluate the original exam score transcript.  The receiving institution will determine if, and how, such credit will be applied to the degree in accordance with applicable institutional and UW System policy.
6. Transcription of Credit for Prior Learning
   1. Internal Assessment and Reviews
      When a UW System institution grants credit for prior learning on an internal assessment conducted by their faculty or instructional staff, the institution will:
      1. Record the credit awarded as a course equivalent, except in instances when the competencies assessed and credit awarded cannot be linked to a specific course equivalency.  In such instances, UW System institutions may determine how the credits awarded will be articulated on the transcript.
      2. Utilize a recognizable transcription category that will serve to identify credits awarded for an internal prior learning assessment by portfolio review, department exam, or review of ACE credit recommendations for military and non-military training.
      3. List credit awarded by internal prior learning assessment at the top of the transcript.
      4. Establish methodologies to collect aggregate and student-level data that will aid institutional and System-wide prior learning assessment evaluation efforts.
   2. External Standardized Examinations
      When an UW System institution grants credit for prior learning based on an external standardized exam (e.g., AP, CLEP, etc.), the credit should be indicated on the student transcript and the equivalencies clearly articulated. (See RPD 4-11, 4-17, and 7-2.)

E. Institutional Responsibilities Regarding Transfer Information

1. The Transfer Information System (TIS) is a source for official UW System institutional undergraduate course and program information. Institutions will provide information and data necessary to keep TIS current and accurate.
2. UW institutions should provide timely information to UW System Administration about all new programs and curricular changes.  The institution initiating curricular action should consider the effects of program development or modification on potential transfer students.
3. UW institution transfer information should be explicitly stated on the institution’s website and in other appropriate sources.  Changes in admission and/or program requirements should be announced and well publicized prior to implementation.
4. Copies of new and updated transfer articulation agreements should be sent to the UW System Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
5. The UW System Office of Academic and Student Affairs will coordinate system-wide transfer policy and procedures.  Questions about interpretation of transfer policy and procedures should be referred to that office.
6. UW institutions will work with UW System Administration annually to maintain the Universal Credit Transfer Agreement (UCTA) and transfer equivalency data maintained in TIS.

7. Related Documents

Appendix A: Principles and Guidelines for Quality Prior Learning Assessment
Board of Regents Policy Document 4-11: Advanced Placement
Board of Regents Policy Document 4-16: Criteria for Approval of Wisconsin Technical College System Liberal Arts and Pre-Professional Transfer Programs
Board of Regents Policy Document 4-17: Advanced Standing Credit Project Lead the Way
Board of Regents Policy Document 7-1: Transfer and Award of Credit for Extra-Institutional Learning
Board of Regents Policy Document 7-2: Recognition of International Baccalaureate Program
SYS 140, Guidelines for Articulation Agreements Between UW System Institutions and WTCS Districts
Wisconsin Statutes, § 36.11(3b, 3c, 3cm)
Wisconsin Statutes, § 36.31(2m)
Universal Credit Transfer Agreement
Higher Learning Commission FDCR.A.10.040

Historical Documents:

UW System Planning the Future (12-1986)
Undergraduate Transfer Policy Memorandum (12-1982)
ACIS 6.1 (4-2001)
UWS Transfer Working Group Final Report (6-1995)
UWS General Education Transfer Working Group Final Report (9-1997)
Statement of Principles on Student Transfer from WTCS to UWS (4-7-2000)
Board of Regents Resolution # 8107 (4-7-2000)
Board of Regents Resolution # 8759 (11-7-2003)
Board of Regents Resolution # 8775 (12-5-2003
Board of Regent Resolution #9927 (6-2011)
Board of Regents Resolution #10383 (6-2014)

8. Policy History

Revision 4: March 1, 2019
Revision 3: December 17, 2018
Revision 2: June 1, 2015
Revision 1: June 9, 2011
First Approved: April 2001

9. Scheduled Review

November 2023