Board of Regents Policy General Education Transfer Credit Alignment Policy

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (“CSCU”) is committed to facilitating a smooth and efficient academic transition for students transferring from CT State Community College to any CSCU four-year institution (collectively, “CSCU Institutions”). The CSCU General Education Transfer Credit Alignment Policy (hereinafter referred to as "the Policy") is designed to standardize the process of transferring general education credits. By establishing a clear framework based on broad competency categories, this Policy aims to enhance academic flexibility, minimize barriers to credit transfer and general education satisfaction, and support the overarching goal of student success within the CSCU System.

“CSCU Four-Year Institution(s)” refers collectively and individually to Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, and Charter Oak State College.

“General Education” is defined by the New England Commission of Higher Education, is a program that is a fundamental component that reflects the institution's mission and values, embodying the institution's vision of an educated individual. This program is designed to be coherent and substantial, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the diverse world they will inhabit. The general education framework is crafted with the intent to provide a comprehensive educational experience, encompassing a balanced integration of arts and humanities, sciences including mathematics, and social sciences. This integration fosters a holistic understanding of the primary domains of knowledge and their interconnections. The general education requirements mandate that undergraduate students complete a minimum of 40 semester credits in bachelor’s degree programs, or 20 semester credits in associate degree programs, thereby ensuring an adequate breadth of knowledge across various disciplines.

“General Education Core” is a curated collection of courses within each CSCU institution’s general education program that represents the essential academic competencies every student is required to attain. It emphasizes foundational skills in critical thinking, effective communication, quantitative reasoning, and scientific and cultural literacy. This core is strategically designed to support students' personal and intellectual growth, laying the groundwork for specialized study in their chosen fields and preparing them for responsible, informed citizenship in a global society.

“Framework 30” or “FW30” is a categorically structured General Education curriculum specifically developed for associate degree programs designed for transfer within the CSCU system. The FW30 encompasses the following categories: 

• Written Communications I
• Written Communications II
• Historical Knowledge
• Social and Behavioral Sciences
• Arts and Humanities
• Scientific Reasoning
• Scientific Knowledge and Understanding
• Oral Communication
• Continued Learning and Information Literacy
• Quantitative Reasoning

These categories are curated to ensure that students gain proficiency in critical thinking, effective communication, and a broad spectrum of knowledge areas that are crucial for academic success and personal growth.

Credit Acceptance and Alignment

1. Each CSCU Four-Year Institution will accept and apply to its General Education Core requirements all courses that students have successfully completed within the General Education Core at CT State Community College, provided (i) these courses have been appropriately mapped to the corresponding categories in the Framework 30, as outlined in the CSCU General Education Category-to-Category Alignment Template (Exhibit A) and, (ii) any specific grade requirements for the acceptance of transfer credits set by the receiving institution are satisfied.
2. Courses categorized within the FW30 will be coded (e.g., through course-to-course equivalency or assigned attributes) to fulfill the General Education Core requirements at the CSCU Four-Year Institution to which the student is transferring.

Category Alignment

1. Each CSCU institution will align its General Education Core categories with the competency categories established in the Framework 30, utilizing the CSCU General Education Category-to-Category Alignment Template.
2. The alignment will be based on comparable Student Learning Outcomes (“SLOs”), providing essential information to students, faculty, and staff for selecting courses that satisfy General Education requirements across the CSCU System.
3. The General Education Core categories covered in this Policy do not set aside specific major or programmatic requirements. Transfer courses that fall under this policy will be applied to the program the same as they would for a non-transfer student.

Institutional Autonomy

Nothing within this Policy shall be construed to limit the autonomy of CSCU institutions in developing its General Education Core courses and offering a diverse curriculum tailored to meet the specific SLOs of each General Education category.

Appeal Process

Each CSCU Four-Year Institution will provide a process for students to appeal decisions related to the transfer of General Education credits from CT State Community College to the CSCU Four-Year Institution.

Implementation and Oversight

1. Implementation
   This Policy shall be enacted with immediate effect across all CSCU institutions, with ongoing support provided by the CSCU System Office.
2. Oversight and Compliance
   To ensure sustained adherence to and consistent application of this Policy and to manage its ongoing evaluation, a dedicated Advisory Committee (“Committee”) will be established as a standing sub-committee of the CSCU Transfer Council. The Committee will be comprised of faculty and staff representatives nominated from CT State Community College and each CSCU Four-Year Institution. Charged by the CSCU Provost and reporting directly to the CSCU Transfer Council, the Committee will:
   1. Develop a comprehensive implementation guide that includes procedures for the continuous review and adjustment of General Education requirements across CSCU institutions, ensuring alignment with this Policy and adherence to relevant accreditation standards. This encompasses updates to General Education Core categories, SLOs, and the roster of approved courses.
   2. Regularly report on Policy implementation progress to the CSCU Provost or other designee, CSCU Transfer Council, and the Board of Regents Academic and Student Affairs Committee, as appropriate.
   3. Maintain records of current General Education categories and approved courses throughout all CSCU institutions, promoting transparency and accessibility, including, but not limited to, making any revisions to the CSCU General Education Category-to-Category Alignment Template (Exhibit A) as needed.
   4. Convene routinely to deliberate on matters related to credit transfer in accordance with this Policy.
   5. Promptly identify and report to the Transfer Council and the CSCU Provost or other designee any deviations from the Policy, ensuring swift resolution and compliance.