SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5345

BYSenator McCaslin

Providing for transfer of credits and grades among state institutions of higher education.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 9, 1989

Senate Staff:Scott Huntley (786-7421)

AS OF FEBRUARY 8, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Legislation was enacted in 1983 which required the Higher Education Coordinating Board to establish and maintain a statewide transfer of credit policy and agreement in cooperation with the state institutions of higher education and the State Board for Community College Education.

The transfer of credit policy was completed in 1986 and is under review by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.  The board will develop a policy complementary to new admissions policies, will maximize accessibility to upper-division study, and efficiently utilize the state's community college system.

Some hold that a statewide transfer of credit policy should assure the full transferability of credits and grades among state institutions of higher education.

SUMMARY:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board, in cooperation with the state institutions of higher education and the State Board for Community College Education, shall revise the statewide transfer of credit policy in order to assure the full transferability of credits and grades among state institutions of higher education.

The statewide transfer of credit policy is to encourage the standardization of course content to the extent necessary to assure the full transferability of credits and grades.

The revised policy shall be submitted to the Legislature for review by December 1, 1990, and shall be effective beginning with the 1990-91 academic year.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested, January 27, 1989