Revised: September 24, 2012
Original Number: 113
Original Date of Issue: March 26, 1980
Reissued: 113A - May 1, 1987
The consideration of transfer credit or recognition of degrees will not be determined exclusively on the basis of the accreditation of the sending institution or the mode of delivery but, rather, will consider course equivalencies, including expected learning outcomes, with those of the receiving institution’s curricula and standards.
This statement is qualified as follows:
The final determination for the acceptance of courses will be made by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or the Vice President’s designee in consultation with Academic Divisions as deemed appropriate.
Community College of Philadelphia will grant degrees and academic certificates only to students who have earned at least 30 credit hours in residence for a degree and 15 credit hours for an academic certificate. Credit by Examination or Credit for Life Experience can be counted towards the residency requirement. Students on active duty with the Armed Forces need to earn only 15 credits in residence for a degree.
In general, where a student has completed only six hours of the nine quarter hour system, this is equal to four credit hours under the semester system. Where a student has completed only three hours of the nine quarter hours, this is equal to two semester credit hours.
Academic transcripts are evaluated based upon the procedures established in this policy and through the guidance provided by the Academic Affairs areas. When transcripts are received for which there appears to be no Community College of Philadelphia equivalent, or for which no equivalency can be established based upon the course name and/or course description, the Academic Affairs areas are contacted to make a determination.
It is possible that errors in the articulation of course work, or omission of prior coursework can occur. In the event a student believes that this has happened, the appeal procedure is as follows:
- Students should first contact the Office of Student Records and Registration to discuss the evaluation results with a Placement/Transfer Credit Specialist, and provide any additional documentation needed to assist with the review (e.g., an updated transcript or college catalog, or other documentation from the sending institution).
- If the issue is not resolved in step A, the student may request a conference with the administrator responsible for Placement/Transfer Credit. After conferring with the student, the administrator will present the student’s claim along with any additional documentation to the academic area department head for consideration, and send written communication to the student within ten (10) working days regarding the decision.
- If the issue is not resolved in step B, the student may then request a meeting and final review with the Director of Student Records and Registration. The Director will consult with the appropriate academic dean for further guidance, and will communicate the dean’s decision to the student in writing, within ten (10) working days. The decision of the dean is final.
- Appeals must be submitted no later than four months after the completion of the initial evaluation.
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