Directives

PURPOSE

To document the process to receive transfer of credit for courses completed at other recognized postsecondary institutions

SCOPE

This policy applies to all courses of similar duration completed with a minimum grade of “C” or equivalent at other recognized postsecondary institutions.

DEFINITIONS

POLICY

1.  Algonquin College will award transfer of credit to students for courses completed at other recognized post secondary institutions, on the basis that the learning outcomes are equivalent and current to the courses within their program of study.
2.  Normally, only those courses completed during the last five (5) years will be considered for transfer of credit.  A minimum grade of “C” or equivalent is required.
3.  The amount of transfer of credit will be limited by the residency policy which states that at least 25% of the hours of instruction required in a program of study must be completed at the College.  Programs may require residency immediately prior to graduation.
4.  Transfers of academic credit will not normally be granted for high school courses, unless a gap analysis has been completed and the content has been found to be equivalent to a College course. 
5.  Transfer of credit will be recognized in the form of course exemptions. 

   
   

   
   

   5.1  Exemptions will be given a designation of “EX” on the transcript and as such will not contribute to the Grade Point Average.
   5.2  Students must request exemptions for the current term within the 10-day drop/add period    (Timetable Change Period).  Some exceptions may apply.
   5.3  Students who wish to add a course(s) to replace the transfer of credit granted, must request the transfer of credit prior to the start-of-term.
   5.4  Students who request transfer of credit outside of the 10-day drop/add period (Timetable Change Period) will have their request processed for the next term.
   5.5  Students are advised to remain in the course(s) until such time as they are notified of the status of their request for transfer of credit.
   

6. All transfer of credit (course exemptions) must be approved by the Academic Department and forwarded to the Registrar’s Office  by the fourth week of the term. 
7. If students register in a course where they have already been granted an exemption, the exemption is valid until the end of the formal withdrawal period, after which the grade to be earned will take precedence.
8. Students granted transfer of credit (course exemption) are encouraged to obtain guidance from their academic advisor or program coordinator, in selecting other courses from their program of study, should they wish to maintain their full-time status.
9. Application for transfer of credit (exemptions) from students studying in continuous entry programs will be processed at the point of registration.

Transfer of Academic Credit for General Education Courses

1. For General Education mandated courses, the granting of transfer of credit will be based on the successful prior completion of a course covering the same theme and meeting similar course learning requirements.  The Course Chair will be responsible for assessing applications for transfer of credit. For details refer to AA 27 General Education.
2. For General Education elective courses, the granting of transfer of credit will be based on the nature of the course(s) a student has successfully completed. For details refer to AA 27 General Education.



PROCEDURE

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Appendix 1         Application for External Transfer of Academic Credit (Exemption) Forms

RELATED POLICIES
AD 04    Fees
AA 05    Advanced Standing
AA 08    Course Load
AA 12    Changes to Original Registration – Course Drop/Add
AA 14    Grading System
AA 11    Registration
AA 04    Admissions Policy
AA 06    Prior Learning Assessment
AA  27   General Education

RELATED MATERIALS
None