HEA: Transfer of Credit

HEA Title IV, Part G, Section 485(h) and Part H, Section 496(c)(9)

Quick Take:

The new law requires an institution to disclose its transfer of credit policies, including any criteria it uses to make credit transfer decisions and a list of institutions with which it has articulation agreements. These policies must be published on the institution's website. As part of its regular review for accreditation or re-accreditation, the institution's accreditor will be required to examine whether the institution has disclosed its policies, and the criteria underlying them.

When Will This Take Effect?

This provision went into effect when the bill was signed into law on August 14, 2008. It is subject to negotiated rulemaking, so specific regulatory guidance may be provided in the future. In the meantime, institutions must make a "good faith" effort to comply with the law. As part of the law's consumer information requirements, these policies must be "easily accessible" on the institution's website by August 14, 2009.

Who on Campus May Need to Be Involved?

Academic affairs; registrar; webmaster; institutional research

Additional Resources

Statuatory Language
NAICU Perspective

Regulatory Language

• Final Regulations

• Proposed Regulations

HEA101 Web Keyword for More Information: Transfer