Undergraduate credit for prior learning (CPL) is an important aspect of today's higher-education landscape. This report presents an in-depth look at the current state of undergraduate CPL in the United States and Canada. The primary objective of the report is to foment dialogue and action toward a more inclusive, effective higher-education system…

In this commentary, the authors advocate support for the adoption of a universal credential registry. By connecting information about credentials and their value, Credential Engine's registry (CE) creates an ever-expanding atlas of educational possibilities for students. Many registrars, however, have yet to recognize the institutional value of…

When making study choices, students often find it challenging to identify their interests and strengths. Higher education (HE) systems that do not offer opportunities for reorientation and transfer run the risk of some students never completing their studies. This policy brief examines the different flexible pathways institutions can choose to…

Every year millions of Americans gain valuable college credit-worthy learning through workplace training, the military, apprenticeships, & professional certifications. Nearly all of this learning goes unrecognized by colleges & universities. Without a consistent way to recognize, reward, and transfer this learning, many people are left…

This report examines the structural divide between for-credit and noncredit postsecondary education and the problems it presents for people seeking better jobs with higher pay. It highlights innovative ways that some community colleges are trying to bridge the gap nationally--creating more seamless pathways between credit and noncredit…

Early college schools are succeeding at our nation's most daunting educational challenge--propelling students from underserved backgrounds to graduate high school and earn postsecondary degrees. These schools combine high school and college in rigorous, yet supportive environments that embrace acceleration over remediation. Their "college for…

Recent figures show that each year over 22,000 students move between institutions in BC's geographically dispersed network of public colleges, institutes, teaching-intensive universities, and research-intensive universities. The ability of students to move easily through the system, accessing the institutions, programs of study, and courses that…

The BC Transfer System allows students to attend public colleges, institutes and teaching intensive universities (i.e., Central Data Warehouse or CDW reporting institutions) throughout the province where they accumulate credits which they can transfer to research intensive universities and use to fulfill their degree requirements. The Student…

Movement toward a North American free trade agreement has provided impetus for a similar academic common market. However, differences in educational structure and quality make integration difficult. Priorities must be articulated, financing cooperation arranged, credit transfers facilitated, and achievement measures coordinated. Some isolated…

In attempting to provide answers to the questions posed by the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer, the consultant examined practices of credit transfer between and among both public and private institutions in selected jurisdictions outside British Columbia and discussed the questions with representatives of public and private…

The Task Force on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Education undertook a two-year study to determine how postsecondary education's system for awarding credit and credentials can be changed or its adequacy improved to meet today's educational and social needs. This book sets forth the Task Force's report and…

Fifteen recommendations, based on a two-year study, are presented on the credit and credential system in postsecondary education. Objectives are to increase the awareness of employers and those concerned with postsecondary education of the educational and social significance of credentialing educational accomplishment and to help institutions…