Transfer Credit

Purpose

To define allowable transfer of academic credits and their grade equivalency.

To Whom Does This Policy Apply

All individuals currently registered for academic classes or who have previously earned academic credits at Tacoma Community College.

References

Degrees, Certificates and Diplomas STSV - 207

Intercollege Relations Commission

Washington Student Achievement Council - Transfer Information

Inter-College Reciprocity Policy

Definitions

Academic Credit: Credit which may be applied to the completion of a credential. Courses offered through Continuing Education are not considered as academic credit.

Policy

Tacoma Community College (TCC) recognizes college level academic credits that are equivalent in academic level and nature to credits (or courses) offered at TCC. Credits must be earned at other colleges accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges or by another accrediting body duly recognized by Tacoma Community College. TCC may also accept transfer credits for professional/technical programs if the credits are from an institution with a related program accreditation. TCC may also accept credits from foreign institutions with comparable accreditation.

The amount of transfer credits that may be applied to a credential is limited by the Degrees, Certificates and Diplomas policy (STSV 207). Specific degree and program requirements may further limit this number. TCC may accept credits that do not apply to a student’s current program, but may be applicable to other programs or which may be used to satisfy prerequisites.

TCC participates in the Intercollege Relations Commission (ICRC) and follows the ICRC handbook regarding transfer. TCC will also maintain compliance with the Inter-College

Reciprocity Policy. TCC will also maintain compliance with the Washington Student Achievement Council transfer guidelines, which also address transfer student concerns.

Procedure

Course equivalencies are determined by the appropriate instructional department and posted by Enrollment Services.

Pass / Satisfactory grades will be awarded credit with no grade point average (GPA) impact.

Foreign transcripts must be evaluated by an approved agency to be considered for transfer credit.

When accepting transfer, one semester credit hour is equivalent to one and one-half quarter credit hours. Therefore, a three-credit semester course is transferred in as four and one-half quarter credits. When students transfer courses from a semester institution are converted, an individual requirement may be considered fulfilled, but students may still have to complete additional credits to earn a credential and offset a potential shortfall of credits due to this transfer ratio.

Grading equivalency for Transfer Credit

Transfer in grades of 3.9-4.0 are calculated as an A

Transfer in grades of 3.6-3.8 are calculated as an A-

Transfer in grades of 3.2-3.5 are calculated as a B+

Transfer in grades of 2.9-3.1 are calculated as a B

Transfer in grades of 2.6-2.8 are calculated as a B-

Transfer in grades of 2.2-2.5 are calculated as a C+

Transfer in grades of 1.9-2.1 are calculated as a C

Transfer in grades of 1.6-1.8 are calculated as a C-

Transfer in grades of 1.2-1.5 are calculated as a D+

Transfer in grades of 1.0-1.1 are calculated as a D