Changes Regarding Academic Program Criteria
Rowan University Undergraduate Programs
FAQs for Faculty & Staff
November 2014
Several policy changes relating to academic program criteria, including transfer credit, GPA
requirements, and restrictions on acceptance of credit, are now in effect. Below are answers to
some frequently asked questions about these changes.
1. What is the current Rowan University transfer policy?
See Rowan University Transfer of Credit Policy for the updated policy. A summary and overview are
also available on the Registrar’s transfer website: at www.rowan.edu/provost/registrar/transfer.html.
2. Why were these changes in transfer credit and academic policy made?
Transfer credit policies are reviewed by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to verify
compliance with accreditation-related federal regulations. Rowan University’s compliance review
revealed inconsistencies and gaps in policy and practice and required improvements to the clarity and
comprehensiveness of the transfer credit policy and presentation of information regarding transfer
issues on the website. Compliance with both the spirit and the letter of the Lampitt Law was also
considered. Ultimately, Rowan University must set forth policies, procedures, and practices that
ensure a rigorous, quality education for all students while not imposing undue and inconsistent
barriers to student progress.
3. Is there a limit to the number of transfer credits that will be accepted at Rowan?
For students who enter Rowan in Fall 2014 or later, there is not a limit to the number of transfer
credits that can be applied. However, each student must meet Rowan’s residency requirement of
completing at least 30 credits at Rowan University. Additionally, students must meet all program
requirements regardless of the number of transfer credits.
4. Does the removal of limits to the number of transfer credits permitted apply to students who
matriculated prior to Fall 2014?
The policy only applies to students who entered in Fall 2014 or later. Students who entered earlier
than Fall 2014 can be referred to the Rowan University Transfer Credit Appeals Process as appropriate.
5. Can academic programs (majors, minors, etc.) specify a minimum number of Rowan credits to be
completed at Rowan?
Programs cannot specify a minimum beyond the residency requirement. That is, if a student completes
at least 30 credits at Rowan, there can be no other constraint on the number or placement of credits
they complete at Rowan. For example, a major or minor cannot specify that at least X credits must be
taken at Rowan.
6. Can academic programs differentiate between credits from two- and four-year institutions?
Credits from two- and four-year institutions must be treated equivalently. However, by definition, 300level and 400-level courses cannot be transferred from two-year institutions.
7. Can academic programs differentiate between courses on the basis of whether the institution is
regionally accredited?
Programs cannot differentiate acceptance of credit based solely on accreditation status. Each course
must be evaluated by the relevant academic department based on whether a course taken at another
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institution is equivalent to a course offered by Rowan University in terms of objectives, learning
outcomes, and educational level.
8. Can academic programs require that a course be taken in a given modality (e.g., face to face versus
online)?
No, mode of delivery is not a relevant or distinguishing factor in evaluating equivalency.
9.
Is there a maximum age of credits (transfer or native)? That is, do they “expire”?
Any courses outside major requirements do not expire. Academic programs can specify the
appropriate age of credit expiration for their programs, in consultation with the Dean and Provost.
10. Are academic programs required to accept any grade above F as a passing grade?
Academic programs must accept any grade above F as a passing and adequate grade for any courses
outside the major (general education; Rowan Experience; nonprogram electives; free electives).
Courses required for the major can exclude D grades as fulfilling the requirement (though the credits
would still apply outside of major requirements, e. g. free elective credits), following consultation with
the Dean and Provost for the program standard.
11. Can academic programs require students to earn a GPA above 2.0 (the University’s standard) for
graduation?
Following consultation with the Dean and Provost, academic programs may be able to specify a higher
GPA for courses in the major. Programs cannot specify an overall GPA requirement above 2.0.
12. What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)? Are there limits on the number of credits students can
apply to their degrees that are earned through PLA or other external assessments (CLEP, ACE, AP,
etc.)?
Rowan is a partner in the New Jersey Prior Learning Assessment Network, a consortium of NJ
institutions collaborating with Thomas Edison State College to offer their students the opportunity to
earn college credit by demonstrating that they have acquired college-level learning outside the
classroom (see www.tesc.edu/njplan). Credits earned through external assessments are recognized as
transfer credits and are subject to same acceptance and application policies.
13. Do students have recourse if they wish to appeal their transfer credit evaluation?
Students can follow the appeals process described here: Rowan University Transfer Credit Appeals
Process.
14. Some of these new policies are incompatible with our program’s accreditation or certification
criteria. What do we do?
Programs with accreditation or certification criteria may provide a rationale for any variance to the
above University standards and policies (for example, an external accrediting body that requires a
higher GPA). The Dean and Provost will evaluate these rationales and make a final determination.
For further information, please contact:
Roberta Harvey, Vice President for Academic Affairs
(856-256-5140 or harvey@rowan.edu)
Rory McElwee, Associate Vice President for Student Retention
(856-256-5187 or mcelwee@rowan.edu)
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