Transfer Information

Minnesota's colleges and universities are working to make transfer easier. Students can help if they plan ahead, ask questions, and use the established pathways created by transfer agreements. Inver Hills counselors will assist students in planning the sequence of courses necessary to fulfill transfer program requirements. Copies of transfer guides and equivalency guides for many of these programs are available in the Counseling Office in the College Center Building. In addition, many colleges and universities send representatives to Inver Hills to answer questions. To ease transfer, students should follow these steps.

1. Discuss their plans with an Inver Hills counselor
2. Call or visit their intended transfer college. They should obtain the following materials and information:

   1. College catalog
   2. Transfer brochure
   3. Information on admissions criteria and on materials required for admission (e.g., portfolio, transcripts, test scores). Students should note that some majors have limited enrollments and special requirements such as a higher grade point average.
   4. Information on financial aid procedure and deadlines (how to apply and by what date).

3. After reviewing these materials, students should make an appointment to talk with an adviser/counselor in the college or program they want to enter.

Your credits earned at Inver Hills (or transferred in) appear on your student record and in your Degree Audit Report (DARS), a summary of the degree requirements you have fulfilled and those you still need to complete. See DARS for more information.

u.select is a web based course transfer system similar to DARS that can be used by students considering transferring credits to Inver Hills or those considering transferring Inver Hills credits to another college or university. See u.select for more information.

Understanding How Transfer of Credit Works

1. The receiving college or university decides what credits transfer and whether those credits meet its degree requirements. The accreditation of both the sending and the receiving institution can affect the transfer of the credits.
2. Institutions accept credits from courses and programs like those they offer. They look for similarity in course goals, content, and level. "Like" transfers to "like."
3. Not everything that transfers will help a student graduate. Baccalaureate degree programs usually count credits in three categories: general education; major/minor courses and prerequisites; and electives. The key question is, "Will the credits fulfill requirements of the degree or program the student has chosen?"
4. If a student changes career goals or major, he or she might not be able to complete all degree requirements within the usual number of graduation credits.

Applying for Transfer Admission

1. Completing an Application for Admission is always the first step in transferring. The student should fill out the application as early as possible to meet the deadline. Enclosing the application fee is essential.
2. Official transcripts should be sent from every institution the student has attended. A high school transcript or GED test scores may be required as well.
3. The student should confirm that all necessary documentation has been supplied. Most colleges make no decisions until all required documents are in the applicant's file.
4. After the college notifies the student that he or she has been accepted for admission, submitted transcript credits will be evaluated for transferable credits. A written evaluation will be provided when the student arrives for orientation or has chosen a major.
5. If the student has questions about his or her evaluation, the student should speak with a counselor. The student should ask why judgments were made about specific courses. Many concerns can be cleared up if the student understands why the decisions were made. If not satisfied, the student can appeal.

The Student's Rights in Transferring

1. A clear, understandable statement of an institution's transfer policy.
2. A fair credit review and an explanation of why credits were or were not accepted.
3. A copy of the formal appeals process. Usual appeals steps are:

   1. Student fills out an appeals form. Supplemental information the student provides to reviewers-a syllabus, course description, or reading list-can help.
   2. Department or committee will review.
   3. Student receives, in writing, the outcome of the appeal.
   4. Student can appeal decision to the Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Development.

4. At the student's request, a review of eligibility for financial aid or scholarships will be conducted.

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