Transfer and External Credit

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Transfer Credit

Any applicant who is degree-seeking and has attended any institution of higher learning will be considered a transfer student. Transcripts will be required from all colleges or universities attended. VSCC generally accepts credits from other institutions of higher education that hold similar accreditation status to VSCC and may accept transfer credits from other colleges that do not hold similar accreditation status to VSCC. All collegiate level coursework for each transfer student who is degree seeking or seeking a technical certificate will be evaluated according to the following criteria: (1) course similarity within the programs enrolled in at VSCC; (2) course content equivalent to course taught at the same level at VSCC; (3) similar credentialing requirements for faculty at the transferring institution. In some cases VSCC may request that additional information be submitted before awarding credit on a course-by-course basis.

Transcripts will be evaluated prior to or during the initial term of enrollment. Visiting student transcripts are only evaluated upon request. Students are notified of credits awarded as evaluations are completed. Only grades of “D” or higher will be accepted for credit. Transfer grades are not calculated in the VSCC grade point average. Transfer grades are included in financial aid and graduation honor calculations. Credit for courses not corresponding with the curriculum at VSCC may be entered on the transcript as elective credits. Credit from colleges that do not hold accreditation similar to VSCC’s will be considered on a course-by-course basis and may require additional documentation to be submitted to the Office of Records and Registration.

A student transferring from another institution of higher learning may be permitted to attend VSCC for one semester regardless of academic standing at the last institution attended. Transfer students who have credit for Learning Support courses (reading, writing, and math) at non-TBR institutions may receive credit for those courses pending review and approval. Transfer students who have not completed a college-level English composition and/or college-level math course with a grade of “C” or higher may be assessed upon entrance to the College following the assessment and placement procedures.

Prior Learning Assessment

VSCC may review and approve course credit for college-level student learning that has taken place outside of institutions of higher education. When credit is awarded in this manner, it is because the student has demonstrated the equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities as would be gained in pursuing a specific course or courses offered by the college. This type of credit is referred to as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and falls into four main categories.

Credit For Service in The Armed Forces

Military veterans will receive three semester hours (less credit already earned) of physical education credit and three semester hours of HED 120 (Introduction to Wellness) upon presentation of a copy of their discharge form (DD214) or verification of successful completion of Basic Military Training/Boot Camp, to the Office of Adult Learners and Veteran Affairs and/or Office of Records and Registration.

The College Registrar should be consulted to determine whether additional credit can be given for other military training through recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) from the Joint Service Transcript or credit from a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) or Air University transcript. An evaluation of service credit is not made until a student has applied and been granted admission to the College and a transcript has been provided to the College from their military service.

Credit by Examination

Currently enrolled students may request college credit for the successful completion of acceptable national, regional, state or local examinations.

For examinations specifically listed below, credit will be applied upon presentation of the official exam result to the Office of Records and Registration.

Students may also request that additional examinations be reviewed for credit on an individual basis. These requests should be presented to the Office of Records and Registration with a copy of the official examination result and will be reviewed and approved by the relevant faculty, the Division Dean, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Any credit approved in this manner will be transcripted by the Office of Records and Registration as Credit by Exam.

Credit for ACT/SAT scores

For credential-seeking students, credit will be granted upon admission and submission of ACT or SAT scores within five years of original test date. Students admitted as non credential-seeking will receive credit upon specific request to the Office of Records and Registration. Similar credit granted by another Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institution will be honored regardless of the timeframe. Upon review and approval, similar credit may also be honored, regardless of timeframe, when granted by non-TBR institutions.

Credit for CLEP Subject Examinations

Examinations for credit in courses offered by the College are offered to students who believe they have already mastered the material of the course through private study, technical employment, or other means. The College will recognize credit for exams offered through the Educational Testing Service CLEP exam program. Local tests will not be developed for courses where CLEP exams are available. Students interested in taking a CLEP exam should contact the Testing Center for registration and testing information.

CLEP subject exam credits can apply at other institutions that accept CLEP credit. Before registering for a CLEP exam that will be used at another institution, please contact the institution in order to determine if the CLEP credit is accepted, the minimum score needed and the course for which credit is granted. The Testing Center offers CLEP exams in addition to the exams listed below.

Credit for Advanced Placement Examinations

VSCC participates in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board . To be eligible for credit, an entering freshman must place in group three, four, or five of the Advanced Placement Tests. Each applicant under this plan is required to take the Advanced Placement Test during secondary school. The tests are scored by the College Board and an official copy should be sent from them to the Office of Admissions.

Credit at VSCC for the Advanced Placement test will be given as follows:

International Baccalaureate Credit

VSCC recognizes International Baccalaureate achievement by awarding credits that may be counted toward courses required for graduation. International Baccalaureate test scores accepted for credit by the various departments at VSCC are listed below. Students who have taken tests in other areas may submit their scores to the appropriate dean’s office for evaluation.

Standard Level IB Courses

Higher Level IB Courses

Cambridge International Exam (CIE) Credit

VSCC recognizes Cambridge International Exam Credit. Cambridge International Exams are generally given at the high school. Credit at VSCC for the Cambridge International Exam will be given as follows:

Dual Credit Exams

Statewide dual credit classes are college-level courses taught at the highschool level by trained high-school teachers. Course learning objectives are developed by Tennessee high school and college faculty in order to ensure alignment with post-secondary standards. All statewide dual credit courses are approved by the Consortium for Cooperative Innovative Education before they can be offered as a part of the state’s current pilot program (see Public Chapter 967 for more information).

All students enrolled in a statewide dual credit course take the online challenge exam, which is used to assess mastery of the postsecondary-level learning objectives. Students who meet or exceed the exam ‘cut score’ receive college credit will receive VSCC credit as listed below. Credit will be recorded on the transcript as “Pass, credit by examination.”

Course	Course Description	Credit
HIST 2020	American History II	3
HIST 2320	Modern World History	3
CRMJ 1010	Criminal Justice	3
BUSN 1305	Introduction to Busienss	3
BUSN 2380	Principles of Marketing	3
EDU 101	Introduction to Education	3
MATH 1530	Introduction to Probability & Statistics	3
MATH 1730	Pre-Calculus	5
PSYC 1030	Psychology	3
COMM 2025	Speech and Communications	3
AGRI 1010	Introduction to Agriculture Business	3
AGRI 1030	Introduction to Plant Science	3
SOCI 1010	Introduction to Sociology	3

Additional exams are in development and will be eligible for dual credit consideration once they are posted on the TN Department of Education website.

Additionally, VSCC partners with certain county school systems to allow applicants who graduated from high school within two years of enrollment at VSCC and earned at least a B in specified Career and Technical (Vocational) courses to earn college credits for those high school courses through taking a local dual credit exam. A complete list of courses, participating high schools, and an explanation of the process to obtain credits can be found online at www.volstate.edu/dualenrollment/dual-credit-testing or by contacting the Office of Dual Enrollment and Off-Campus Sites.

Credit for CAP Exam

Students having earned the Certified Administrative Professional certification are eligible to receive twelve hours of credit at VSCC as follows:

In order to receive VSCC credit for the CAP the student must meet the following criteria:

• Be accepted into the College
• Show validated evidence of the CAP certificate.
• Complete eighteen (18) semester hours of approved courses at the college.

Foreign Language Placement Testing and Credits Granted

Students who have taken French or Spanish in high school or have otherwise acquired proficiency in French, or Spanish may be placed at the appropriate level on the basis of a placement test. The test is computerized and can be taken by making an appointment with the Testing Center. Upon completion with a C or above of the courses in which the student is placed, the student receives credit for all lower-numbered courses in the 1010-1020- 2010-2020 sequence. For example, a student placed in 2020 would, on completing the course with a grade of A. B, or C, receive credit for 1010, 1020, and 2010. A grade of P for Pass will be assigned for credit earned through the placement test.

Foreign Language coursework completed with a passing grade at another college or university will be reviewed and evaluated by faculty upon request to determine if lower division course competencies have been met through the completion of a higher-level course. Faculty will review the learning outcomes and competencies of the higher-level course and determine whether the learning outcomes for all lower numbered courses have been met. A grade of P for Pass will be assigned for credit when the coursework completed in French or Spanish from another college or university satisfies the learning outcomes for 1010, 1020, 2010 and 2020.

Credit for Fundamentals of Music Theory

Students who pass a standardized assessment of music theory knowledge as determined by the department faculty will be granted credit for Fundamentals of Music (MUS 1002). This test is designed to enhance student’s understanding and enjoyment of music, demonstrate the skills that are needed to start writing music, and demonstrate preparation for an advanced theory class. Students must score 90% or above on this test to receive credit for MUS 1002.

If passed, the Division Dean will notify the Office of Records & Registration to award credit for MUS 1002 accordingly. 

Credit by Local Examination

Any student who has been admitted to the college may request to take a local examination for credit in courses that do not have a CLEP test available. No local examination may be given if a CLEP test is offered for that course. A student should be certain that he/she has at least the minimal preparation and background required before attempting any examination. A non-refundable $25 testing fee per course is required for each local exam requested. Examinations may not be given in sequential courses numbered lower than those the student has already completed.

The form of the examination and the method of administering it are left to the discretion of the Department Chair and Division Dean. Proficiency examinations cannot be taken to repeat course work or be used to replace an “F” or resolve an incomplete course/grade of “I.” Credit examinations may not be taken in areas where a student has been given course exemption without credit. Credit by examination is recorded on the transcript as “Pass, credit by examination.”

To receive credit by local examination, students must do the following:

• The student must submit a request to the division dean to challenge by local exam. Approval will be indicated to the applicant in writing along with other information regarding the process.
• The student may apply at any time during the year. Upon approval to test, the student must schedule a testing appointment with the Testing Center.
• The Division Dean will notify the student in writing of the results of the examination, and if the student has passed, will submit the proper forms to the Office of Records and Registration.

Credit by Local Examination is limited to one attempt per course.

Credit for Private Music Instruction

Students who seek credit for private music instruction must receive instruction from a qualified private music instructor at their own expense. Private instructors must be approved by full-time music faculty. To earn credit, students must perform an end-of-the-semester jury that includes performing literature, scales and playing techniques covered during the semester. A Jury sheet can be obtained from full-time music faculty members. Upon completion of the jury, the full-time music faculty will make a recommendation to the Department Chair for Performing Arts and Division Dean regarding credit to be awarded. If approved, the Division Dean will notify the Office of Records & Registration to award credit for specific music performance course(s). 

Credit for Class Piano

Students may earn credit for MUS 170 and 171 by demonstrating proficiency through the local jury process. Students will be required to perform for a jury of music faculty for each semester of piano. Upon completing the second semester, student will be required to perform a proficiency exam assessed by faculty at time of juries. Students who elect to use this process are encouraged to enroll in MUS 174 (Piano Instruction) to support their continued learning. Students who transfer piano credits from another institution will be required to meet the proficiency level in the aforementioned juries. Upon completion of the jury the faculty will verify proficiency and will then make a recommendation to the Department Chair of Performing Arts and the Division Dean regarding credit to be awarded.

If approved, the Division Dean will notify the Office of Records & Registration to award credit for Class Piano I and II (Music 170, 171).

Credit For Workforce and Other Training

Under certain circumstances, credit may be granted for on-the-job training, certifications, licensure, and other structured learning experiences completed outside of higher education or the military. In some cases, additional skills demonstrations or other activities may be required at the department’s discretion.

For the items listed below, credit will be applied upon presentation of the official certificate or other proof of completion to the Office of Records and Registration. Students may also request that additional training and certifications be reviewed for credit on an individual basis. These requests should be presented to the Office of Records and Registration with a copy of the official certificate or other proof of completion as well as information regarding the source of the training, the content/materials covered, and the clock hours involved, if applicable. The request will be reviewed and approved by relevant faculty, the Division Dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

If approved, course credit will be posted on the transcript under the heading; “Credit Granted on the Basis of Workforce or Other Training.”

Credit for Nursing LPN to RN

When accepted into the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing Program, LPNs with a current, unencumbered TN license, may waive out of Fundamentals of Nursing (NRSG 1710) upon successful completion of assigned Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs). The LPN will then receive seven credit hours for NRSG 1710. Contact the nursing division at 615-230-4760 for specific details and a PLA packet.

Credit for POST Certification

Students having earned the POST certification (Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training) are eligible to receive twenty-four (24)hours of credit at VSCC as follows:

In order to receive VSCC credit for having earned the POST certification the student must meet the following criteria:

• Be accepted into the College
• Show validated evidence of having earned POST certification.

Credit for Firefighter Certifications

Students who hold the Firefighter professional certifications below are eligible to receive credit at VSCC as follows:

In order to receive VSCC credit for these Firefighter professional certifications the student must meet the following criteria:

• Be accepted into the College
• Provide valid proof of the certifications to the Office of Records and Registration

Credit for EMT, AEMT or Paramedic Certification

Students having earned the EMT, AEMT or Paramedic professional certifications are eligible to receive sixteen (16) hours of credit at VSCC as follows:

In order to receive VSCC credit for having earned the EMT, AEMT or Paramedic professional certification the student must meet the following criteria:

• Be accepted into the College
• Show validated evidence of having earned the EMT, AEMT or Paramedic professional certification.

Portfolio Credit

Currently enrolled and former credit students may request consideration of college credit to be awarded for life experience. Portfolio Credit may not be requested for subject areas that offer credit by examination options, and some courses may not be available for Portfolio Credit at the discretion of the department faculty.

The Office of Adult Learners and Veteran’s Affairs (ALVA) oversees the Portfolio Credit application process. Applicants may contact ALVA at 615-230-3447 or go to www.volstate.edu/Records/Portfolio-Credit, to obtain a description of the application process and required forms. A non-refundable $25 application fee per course is required for credit requested. Students requesting Portfolio Credit should apply at least one semester before they are considering enrolling in a particular class. Requests for Portfolio Credit should be submitted at least two semesters prior to graduation.

The student’s portfolio should include the following:

• Cover page and detailed outline or table of contents.
• Most current course syllabus of the course petitioned for credit.
• Detailed resume to include the following: education, employment history, continuing education units, professional activities, association memberships, civic and social activities, honors, etc.
• Narrative: A detailed explanation of activities listed in the resume and the verifications, describing the theoretical and experiential knowledge as it relates to the specific course.
• Verifications: documents such as transcripts, professional certificates, documentation regarding previous military experiences, CEU’s, letters of reference from employers and colleagues, professional evaluations, testimonials, position descriptions, performance evaluations, products of professional activities, etc.
• In some cases, additional skills demonstrations or other activities may be required at the discretion of the department. Additionally, some departments may require specific elements or assignments be included in portfolios. Department-specific directions can be obtained from the relevant department or from the ALVA office.

Once received, the Portfolio will be evaluated by a Portfolio Assessment Committee, consisting of faculty in the discipline(s) for which portfolio credit has been requested. The Portfolio Assessment Committee will review the Portfolio and recommend appropriate course credit based on an analysis of the Student Learning Outcomes of the courses and the learning documented in the Portfolio. If the Portfolio Assessment Committee recommends credit, the Portfolio will be routed to the relevant Division Dean(s) and the Vice President for Academic Affairs for approval. If approved, course credit will be posted on the transcript under the heading; “Portfolio Credit”

Credit awarded through Portfolio Credit is not considered towards  the College’s 25% graduation residency requirement.

Maximum External Credit Allowed From Various Sources

Not more than a total of 75 percent of semester hours credit can be granted by VSCC through any combination of external sources, including both transfer credit and PLA credit.Should a student be granted the maximum total of 75 percent of semester hours credit through external sources, he/she must still complete all specific degree or certificate requirements as given in an outlined Program of Study. In order to receive a credential from VSCC, students must meet the 25 percent of semester hours graduation residence requirement for conferral of the credential. At least 25 percent of semester credit hours applied toward a degree or certificate must be completed in residence at VSCC.