Dear Colleagues,

I write about an internal change we are considering at the

University of Connecticut to our freshman transfer credit policies.
Unfortunately, there is quite a bit of misinformation and
misunderstanding about this proposed change due to recent
newspaper reports and I write to set the record straight.

First and foremost, the change would affect first-time UCONN
FRESHMAN ONLY. Students who start their college careers at
CSU, a Community College or other higher education institution
who transfer to UConn would NOT be affected at all by this
change. As such, there is no change in current policies governing
the transfer of CT community college degree recipients to UConn.
The existing policies including the guaranteed admissions
program (GAP) - remain in effect. Accordingly, this change would
not affect current UConn sophomores, juniors and seniors.

The change we are considering is the following: "Students who
matriculate at the University as freshman must earn a minimum of
90 credits in-residence. Freshman can transfer in up to 30 credits,
of which no more than 15 can be General Education credits.
Courses taken at the University prior to matriculation and through
the Universitys Study Abroad, National Student Exchange,
Advanced Placement, and Early College Experience programs are
all deemed in-residence and do not apply to this policy."

The truth is fairly simple: UConn currently accepts 90 credits of
transfer credit in all Bachelors programs (usually consisting of
120 credits) for freshmen who matriculate at UConn. This
policy has existed at UConn since 1938 and a small number of our
students, (approximately 70 each year) have taken advantage of
this policy, with some students taking as many as 60 or 70 credits
at institutions other than UConn even though they attend UConn
for 4 years. The vast majority of our students, however, who
transfer in credits, earn approximately 8 transfer credits elsewhere,
and we believe this trend will continue.

This policy change should not be viewed in isolation as it is one
part of an overall effort at UConn to help our students graduate on
time. We are hiring more faculty to teach the courses students
need when they need them. We realized that this outdated policy
could inadvertently be creating an environment that encourages
students to take classes elsewhere.

We respect and admire the work done by all institutions in the
state. Transfer students from Connecticuts Community Colleges
are an integral part of the UConn fabric. Collectively, these
students bring diversity, life experiences and new perspectives
critical to a vibrant campus life.

In closing, I want to reiterate that this proposed policy does not
apply to any particular college or set of colleges. Rather, we
believe that students who matriculate at UConn as first time
freshmen should take the majority of their courses at UConn.

I would be happy to provide any additional information if you have
questions and want you to know that we respect and admire the
work that you do. I apologize for any misunderstanding that was
caused due to the articles that were published and thank you.

--
Sally M. 8els, h.u.
vlce rovosL for Academlc Affalrs
LeLlLla neag Morgan Chalr ln LducaLlonal sychology
8oard of 1rusLees ulsLlngulshed rofessor
unlverslLy 1eachlng lellow
unlverslLy of ConnecLlcuL
332 Mansfleld 8oad unlL 1086
SLorrs, C1 06269-1086
h: 860-486-4037
lax: 860-486-6379
sally.rels[uconn.edu