Alternative Credit & Transfer Evaluation

BUFFALO STATE UNIVERSITY
DIRECTORY OF POLICY STATEMENTS

Category: Academic Affairs
Policy No.: E:04:01
Date Established: (to be determined)
Responsible Office: Registrar’s Office
Date Posted to Directory: (to be determined)

POLICY SUMMARY

This policy defines the types and limits of undergraduate credit that may be awarded for prior learning sources outside traditional classroom instruction—including published examinations, course challenge, military training, articulated non‑collegiate programs, and portfolio/experiential assessments. It consolidates and supersedes the former DOPS “Alternate Methods of Earning Credit” and related transfer‑credit tables into a single authoritative reference.

POLICY

Buffalo State University may award undergraduate degree credit for demonstrated college‑level learning achieved through the alternative mechanisms listed below. Credit is granted only after formal evaluation and does not carry quality points. The cumulative maximum that may be applied toward a bachelor’s degree from all alternative sources is 45 semester credit hours.

1. Published Standardized Examinations (max. 30 credits)

• Advanced Placement (AP)

• College‑Level Examination Program (CLEP)

• International Baccalaureate (IB)

• Excelsior/UExcel and other New York State proficiency examinations

• ACTFL language proficiency exams

Credit is awarded at the score thresholds published annually by the Registrar and in accordance with SUNY Transfer Path guidelines.

2. Course Challenge / Institutional Proficiency (max. 30 credits)

Matriculated students who believe they have already mastered course learning outcomes may petition to take a comprehensive assessment in lieu of the course.

• Requires department approval

• Results recorded as CR (credit) or NC (no credit) only

• Standard tuition/assessment fee applies

3. Military and Non‑Collegiate Learning (max. 15 credits)

Credit recommendations follow the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide or National Guide publications. Documented training must be germane to the student’s declared program of study.

4. Experiential Learning Portfolio (included in 45‑credit cap)

Students may submit a supervised portfolio mapped to course outcomes using the Individualized Prior Learning Assessment (iPLA) rubric. Portfolio credit counts toward the 45‑credit overall maximum.

5. Articulated Credential or Apprenticeship Programs

Where a formal articulation agreement exists, credit is awarded as specified in the agreement and applied to the 45‑credit cap.

IMPLEMENTATION AND OVERSIGHT

The University Registrar administers this policy in collaboration with department chairs and the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. A standing Alternative Credit Review Committee meets each spring to review score tables, articulation agreements, and portfolio standards.

DEFINITIONS