The Transfer Evaluation for credits and course equivalencies
What it is. A transfer evaluation is the official document that details which (and how) the credits you have already completed will become part of your permanent record at Alma College. Your transfer evaluation is performed by the Registrar’s Office using your formal transcript of classes completed at your former institution. It is designed to help you plan for completing a degree in as prompt a manner as possible.
The general rules for transfer credit evaluation are located here.
The information below is provided as a guide to understanding and utilizing your transfer evaluation to your best advantage.
Equivalent classes. The Registrar’s Office will determine as many course equivalencies as possible, and will list the corresponding Alma College course number. Any class listed with the course number of 180 within a department may indicate that the final assignment of course number awaits further action in the transfer process (see below).
General Education Requirements (DRs). Equivalent classes as determined by the Registrar will be listed with the number of the corresponding DR category next to the class title. These classes will be listed in the appropriate places on the transfer evaluation form as well.
Overall credit total and class standing. Your Alma College transfer credits and class standing should be clear and consistent. Please bring any questions to the Registrar promptly so that you understand your situation.
Interpreting your evaluation. You and your advisor should examine your transfer evaluation carefully to determine if all classes have been properly assigned to DR status, and given the proper major/minor equivalencies. Make sure you clearly indicate the nature of each class to your advisor so that you can work together to decide if further action (or a different credit assignment) is warranted.
What may be left for you to do. Any remaining credits for which there is a question of equivalencies will need to be brought forward to individual departments for approval. This is especially true of classes within a department that are listed with a 180 course number. These classes may indeed be equivalent to an Alma College class, but it is up to you, as a transfer student, to discuss this with the department and provide additional documentation (such as syllabi, papers and exams) to substantiate your case. Start this process with a form obtained at the Registrar’s Office.
Act promptly. Start any transfer equivalency discussion promptly in order to maximize your progress toward graduation, and avoid unpleasant surprises during your senior graduation audit. You cannot receive credit twice for the same class, so make sure you determine how each class will transfer before you inadvertently repeat the same class under a different name!
A final note. As with all official documentation concerning your college degree, file (and save!!) everything until well after graduation.
