POL 6.008 Transfer of Credits

Regionally accredited colleges and universities

Credit may be given for courses transferred from regionally accredited colleges and universities. Credits only, not grades, are transferred for “C” or better courses. Courses with less than a “C” grade may be accepted at the discretion of the Vice President of Instructional Services provided those courses do not conflict with any other program or institutional policies. Courses on transcripts are evaluated by the Registrar’s Office according to the student’s selected program.

Non-regionally accredited colleges and universities

Credit may be given for courses transferred from non-regionally accredited colleges and universities. The policy is the same as described above for “transfer of credit from regionally accredited colleges and universities” with the following exceptions:

1. The Registrar’s office may choose to request a recommendation of transfer credit for the transcript in question from the academic Dean/Director or his/her designee for the program in which the student has enrolled.
2. The student may be requested to demonstrate knowledge and/or skills commensurate with the performance required for satisfactory completion of existing courses.
3. Credit may or may not be granted.

Prior Learning Options

A student must have a Kirtland application on file, have earned at least one credit hour at Kirtland, be in good academic standing, and be actively seeking a certificate or a degree to be eligible for prior learning credit options. Prior learning credit may be specific course credit or an elective credit in a specific area. Program requirements should be reviewed to determine how prior learning credits will apply towards graduation. These credits cannot be applied toward satisfying minimum residency requirements for graduation. A credit grade (CR) will be awarded for proficiency exams and for portfolios evaluated at a 2.0 or better grade level. A maximum number of 15 credits can be awarded through CLEP/DSST, AP, departmental exams, and portfolio options. This does not apply to credit earned by licensure.

Kirtland Community College recognizes many other opportunities for awarding transfer credits. These opportunities include:

1. Advanced Placement (AP): College course credit will be granted to students who participate in AP and pass the advanced placement examination with a score of three, four, or five.
2. College-level examination program (CLEP): College course credit will be granted to students who participate in CLEP subject examinations and achieve the minimum passing score as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).
3. DANTES subject standardized tests (DSSTs): College course credit will be granted to students who participate in the DSSTs and achieve the minimum passing score as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).
4. Educational experiences in the armed services: Veterans can be awarded college credit for the service schools they attended and their work experience while in the US military. The college awards credit based on recommendations provided by the American Council on Education (ACE).
5. Articulation: College course credit will be granted to students who have met the requirements of formal articulation agreements between the college and secondary educational institutions.
6. Departmental exam (For occupational programs/classes only): If a nationally recognized standardized test is not available, the student will contact the Dean or Director of his/her program to see if an exam is available.
7. Possession of licensure or certification. If licensure of educational attainment is applicable to the student’s program of study, the advisor will fill out an Evaluation of Prior Learning form and indicate what course(s) the student is petitioning credit for.
8. Portfolio assessment (For occupational programs/classes only). The student will meet with their academic advisor to discuss and provide evidence of their work experience, and the advisor will determine if this is a viable option for the student.
9. Regional accreditation is the education accreditation of schools, colleges, and seven regionally accrediting agencies.

Adopted April 5, 1990
Revised March 19, 1998
Revised April 19, 2016

To view the procedure, go to PRO 6.008 Transfer of Credits