1. Transitioning the Transfer Credit Culture from Boos to Woo-Hoos: It’s a Marathon, not a Sprint … … or is it an Obstacle Course?
AACRAO 2017 Technology & Transfer Conference

2. Presenters
Adrian R. Cornelius University Registrar University of Maryland
Sandra Quinn Coordinator Transfer Credit Services University of Maryland

3. Overview History of transfer credit at UMD
Reorganization/transition of Transfer Credit Services
Obstacles and challenges throughout the marathon
Boos to Woo-hoos
Tools and resources implemented
Training materials

4. History of Transfer Credit at UMD
Established Transfer Credit Center (TCC) = Admissions + Registrar
UMD transfer course articulation database created
TCC rebranded as Transfer Credit Services (TCS)
TCS reorganized under the Office of the Registrar Office
Extensive assessment of TCS
Assessment of international transfer credit (Admissions Education Abroad + Registrar)

5. Reorganization/Transition of TCS
Staffing
Transfer course evaluation process
Policy and procedure compliance
Acceptability vs. Applicability of transfer courses
Repeat and duplicate credit policies
Prior Learning Credit (e.g. AP, IB, CLEP, A-Level)
Business Practices
Resources to students, advisors, and support staff

6. Obstacles and Challenges
Technology limitations
SIS – Enhancements – Data – Workflow – Articulation database – Imaging Ticketing system – ET errors
Varying business practices
Record touchpoints – Evaluation process workload – Evaluators’ responsiveness Obtaining syllabi & course descriptions – # of students – Exceptions to policy
Communication and the dissemination of information
Students – Advisors – Support staff
Enforcement of polices and procedures
Documentation – Stakeholder engagement & support for compliance – Training TC acceptability v. applicability

7. Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholders’ agendas
Varying degrees of policy enforcement, resulting in “exceptions”
“I’ve been here for 20 years …”
Communication & support up and down the chain
Balancing academic integrity with supporting students

8. Boos! 2016 AACRAO Tech and Transfer Conference
Asked if other institutions post transfer courses to the student’s record with a default acceptability of YES, and then later remove the credits once the courses have been evaluated for acceptability …

9. Woo-hoos!
“Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
“Without continual growth and progress, such words and improvement, achievement and success have no meaning.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

10. Technology Change the default acceptability from “YES” to “PENDING”
Restrict the display of transfer courses on the student’s record until a baseline evaluation of the courses is completed by TCS
Add codes in SIS to better communicate notations on the student record
Implement electronic workflow (inquiries, updates, etc.)
Investigate issues with ET and ways to improve postings to student records
Update ARTSYS (Articulation System for Maryland College and Universities) database
Modernize transfer course evaluation system (uAchieve Transfer Articulation)
Acquire a new SIS

11. Business Practices
Streamline review of student records (to reduce multiple touch points)
Establish expected timeline for the completion of evaluations (10 days)
Require third-party international credential evaluation
Centralize location for receipt of transcripts
Make baseline decisions on acceptability for general elective credit
Institute guidelines for exception to policy (rare and extraordinary circumstances?)
Implement periodic review of transfer courses for acceptability to UMD (5 years)
Staff a table at Orientation
Cross-train TCS staff

12. Stakeholder Engagement
Transfer Evaluator Workgroup
Documentation (cheat-sheets, spreadsheets, process flowchart, policy FAQs, contacts, etc.)
Training/workshops
Advisor Guide
Proactive Communication (instructions, changes, etc.)
Increase communication with newly admitted students
Collaborations (Undergrad Admissions + Orientation + Registrar) to ensure accuracy of information
Mass s to currently enrolled students
Website enhancements

13. Tools & Resources Implemented
TES (Transfer Evaluation System) -
ARTSYS -
Wufoo online forms -
AACRAO Edge -
ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) -
Google Translate and Google Translate App
Google Drive & Shared Documents

14. Training Materials
Advisor training resources
Acceptability vs. Applicability of transfer courses
Interim SIS/Unofficial Notations cheat sheet
Who to Contact When for Assistance cheat sheet
Student handouts on domestic and international transfer courses
Prior Learning Credit policy -
Transfer Evaluation Process
Database of Transfer Course Evaluations

16. Thank
You!

18. Presenters
Adrian R. Cornelius University Registrar University of Maryland
Sandra Quinn Coordinator Transfer Credit Services University of Maryland