The Associate Degree as a Transfer Credential: A Discussion Paper.

Intends to facilitate discussion between the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer and degree-granting institutions regarding the feasibility of establishing new transfer arrangements for students who have completed an associate degree in a British Columbian (BC) college or university college and are subsequently admitted to another degree-granting institution. Focuses on the initiative of providing improved transfer for associate degrees as transfer difficulties created by the complexity of the BC transfer environment increases. Asserts that new agreements for the transfer of completed associate degrees, as well as admission priority for students holding an associate degree would achieve this end. Recommends that an "Associate Degree Transfer Policy" could guarantee a minimum of 60 transfer credits but still require students to complete all lower and upper division requirements for their baccalaureate degree. Under any new arrangement respecting transfer for the associate degree, institutions would maintain appropriate control over the academic requirements for all degrees, majors, and concentrations. Under ideal conditions potential transfer students would plan their selection of courses for the associate degree by including the requirements for majors within the electives. Students who failed to do so could be required to complete additional credits beyond the 60 specified in the associate degree. Priority admission over all other transfer institutions could be granted to any student who has completed an associate degree. (VWC)