Methods of TranscriptingStudy AbroadAACRAO Annual MeetingOrlandoMarch 2008

Steve Seaworth Sarah MartinField Director Director of Univ.Institute for Study Abroad Relations, SITSseawort@san.rr.com sarah.martin@sit.edu

Topics for Discussion

The Question of Quality ControlModes of Credit TransferElements of a Study Abroad TranscriptAnalyzing US College Sponsored/operated programsAnalyzing Grade Reports from Foreign institutionsAnalyzing Grade Reports from non-accredited programs.

Types of Study Abroad Programs

US Regionally AccreditedForeign Institution recognized by Ministry of EducationSpecial Purpose teaching institution – not ministry approved OR regionally accreditedProvider or Agency Programs

US Accredited Academic InstitutionUS Non-accredited institutionForeign institution.

Quality Control Issues

You may be the person on campus to determine academic quality based on the transcript. Or, do you rely on someone else on campus to make the decision? If so, WHO……Given the evolution of study abroad and the expansion of programs, this has become much more difficult task.

What can you do to ensure quality?

Rely on your study abroad director for information and advice.Be sure your voice is heard when policies are discussed regarding institutional goals for study abroad.Rely on faculty to evaluate course work.Utilize your colleagues in the field.Don’t feel obligated to take credit based on a US transcript.Include your risk manager in the discussions as well..

Modes of Credit Transfer

Course Equivalent CreditDiscipline-related Elective CreditGeneral Elective CreditIs there a pre-approval process?.

Essential Elements of a Study Abroad Transcript

Institutional IdentificationStudent IdentificationOfficial Verification and Translations11 Basic Data Elements:.

Data ElementsAcademic DisciplineLocation of program (Study abroad only)Course TitleLength of TermHours of classworkLength of class hourType of class (lecture, seminar)GradeGrading ScaleAcademic LevelLegal Status of Institution.

Analyzing Transcripts from US Accredited College Programs

US AccreditedDoes it contain the 11 data elements?

Usually not!Does it clearly list where the courses were taken and who taught them?Was the coursework ‘contracted’ out?

School of RecordNon accredited contractors – course changes in translation to US transcript

Can’t necessarily rely on US accreditation. Ask for supporting documentation..

Translation Issues

How did they arrive at the grade translations?How did they arrive at the number of credit hours?Will you adjust the grades or credit based on your institutional policies?.

Analyzing Grade Reports from Foreign Institutions

Is the institution recognized by the local ministry of education?Do they provide guidelines for grade interpretation? –Credit interpretation?What does it mean for the grade report to be official?Do you need to have the credential evaluated professionally?

Be as consistent as possible..

Analyzing Grade Reports from Non Accredited Programs

You must ‘accredit’ the workUsually means having courses approved through curriculum committeeHow are grades/credits listed?Must also analyze the program

For profit or not for profit?Academic Rigor/class structure/contact hoursFaculty credentialsLevel of student servicesLevel of security.

ResourcesInternational Association of Universities http://www.unesco.org/iau/whed.htmlNAFSA’s A Guide to Educational Systems Around the WorldAACRAO Country specific publications (E.D.G.E)Education Abroad (www.nafsa.org)Study Abroad professional on your campus (and their network)Your colleagues in the field.