I write about an internal change we are considering at the
University of Connecticut to our freshman transfer credit policies. Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of misinformation and misunderstanding about this proposed change due to recent newspaper reports and I write to set the record straight.
First and foremost, the change would affect first-time UCONN FRESHMAN ONLY. Students who start their college careers at CSU, a Community College or other higher education institution who transfer to UConn would NOT be affected at all by this change. As such, there is no change in current policies governing the transfer of CT community college degree recipients to UConn. The existing policies including the guaranteed admissions program (GAP) - remain in effect. Accordingly, this change would not affect current UConn sophomores, juniors and seniors.
The change we are considering is the following: "Students who matriculate at the University as freshman must earn a minimum of 90 credits in-residence. Freshman can transfer in up to 30 credits, of which no more than 15 can be General Education credits. Courses taken at the University prior to matriculation and through the Universitys Study Abroad, National Student Exchange, Advanced Placement, and Early College Experience programs are all deemed in-residence and do not apply to this policy."
The truth is fairly simple: UConn currently accepts 90 credits of transfer credit in all Bachelors programs (usually consisting of 120 credits) for freshmen who matriculate at UConn. This policy has existed at UConn since 1938 and a small number of our students, (approximately 70 each year) have taken advantage of this policy, with some students taking as many as 60 or 70 credits at institutions other than UConn even though they attend UConn for 4 years. The vast majority of our students, however, who transfer in credits, earn approximately 8 transfer credits elsewhere, and we believe this trend will continue.
This policy change should not be viewed in isolation as it is one part of an overall effort at UConn to help our students graduate on time. We are hiring more faculty to teach the courses students need when they need them. We realized that this outdated policy could inadvertently be creating an environment that encourages students to take classes elsewhere.
We respect and admire the work done by all institutions in the state. Transfer students from Connecticuts Community Colleges are an integral part of the UConn fabric. Collectively, these students bring diversity, life experiences and new perspectives critical to a vibrant campus life.
In closing, I want to reiterate that this proposed policy does not apply to any particular college or set of colleges. Rather, we believe that students who matriculate at UConn as first time freshmen should take the majority of their courses at UConn.
I would be happy to provide any additional information if you have questions and want you to know that we respect and admire the work that you do. I apologize for any misunderstanding that was caused due to the articles that were published and thank you.
-- Sally M. 8els, h.u. vlce rovosL for Academlc Affalrs LeLlLla neag Morgan Chalr ln LducaLlonal sychology 8oard of 1rusLees ulsLlngulshed rofessor unlverslLy 1eachlng lellow unlverslLy of ConnecLlcuL 332 Mansfleld 8oad unlL 1086 SLorrs, C1 06269-1086 h: 860-486-4037 lax: 860-486-6379 sally.rels[uconn.edu