Transfer Credit Policy

Prior to Matriculation

The following procedures must be complied with in awarding transfer credit prior to the student’s matriculation to Paul Smith’s
College.

Courses Taken at Another College
A. The Admissions Office, in consultation with the Department Chair responsible for the subject of the
course, shall evaluate the transcripts submitted by entering students. Credit will be accepted only for those approved courses which are passed with grades of “C-” or better. Grades in such courses are not used in computing a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). It is the student’s responsibility to have transcripts of prior college work sent to the Registrar’s Office. To provide for optimum academic advising and scheduling of the student, transcripts should be received at least one week before the start of the student’s first semester

College Proficiency Examinations (CPEP) and College Level Examinations (CLEP)*
B. An applicant who passes a CPEP or CLEP exam with a grade of “C” or better will receive transfer credit for those courses applicable to his or her program as determined by the Department Chair responsible for the subject of the course. *The awarding of credit by examination, including CLEP and/or CPEP exams, is limited to 15 credit hours.

Advanced Placement (AP)
C. Transfer credit will be awarded for Advanced Placement scores of 3, 4, and 5. College courses taught in a high school under the sponsorship of an accredited college in which a grade of “C” or better is received, will receive transfer credit for those courses.

International Baccalaureate (IB credit)
D. Paul Smith’s College recognizes the rigorous academic nature of the International Baccalaureate program and actively seeks students with this academic preparation. Thus, students receiving a 4 or above on their Higher Level IB exams will be given credit for the equivalent Paul Smith’s course. Higher Level exam scores of a 6 or 7 will be considered for credit for a two course sequence in the equivalent Paul Smith’s course. Students completing the full International Baccalaureate Diploma will be admitted with 30 transfer credits and advanced standing as a sophomore. To be considered for transfer credits and advanced standing, students must submit their official IB transcripts with their admission application. The Registrar’s Office, in consultation with the appropriate Department Chair, will make the final determination as to the amount of transfer and course credit. No credit will be received for Standard Level courses.

ACE Credit Recommendations
E. Paul Smith’s College recognizes most credit recommendations from ACE (American Council on Education). ACE credit recommendations can originate from work completed with various organizations. Two common sources of ACE credit are military transcripts (through DANTES) or industry work experience from large corporate employers (for example externships at Disney Inc.). Please have your ACE Credit Recommendation transcript sent to the Registrar’s Office for evaluation. The Registrar’s Office, in consultation with the appropriate Department Chair, will make the final determination as to the amount of transfer credit applicable to a particular degree program.

After Matriculation

The following procedures must be complied with in the awarding of transfer credit subsequent to the student's matriculation to Paul Smith’s College.

Courses Taken at Another College

a. Students should obtain pre-approval from the Registrar’s Office before taking a course at another college to avoid the possibility of having a completed course disapproved.
b. A catalog description of the course must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office for prior approval. Courses are subject to approval by the Department Chair responsible for the subject of the course and by the student's Department Chair.
c. It is the student’s responsibility to have transcripts of college work sent to the Registrar’s Office.
d. Grades in courses taken at another college are not used in computing a student’s GPA.
e. For courses taken prior to May 2006, credit will be accepted only for those approved courses which are passed with grades of “C” or better. For courses taken after May 2006, credit will be accepted only for those approved courses which are passed with grades of “C-” or better.
f. Courses that are taken at Paul Smith’s College and then repeated elsewhere and transferred back with the grade level as in part (e) will be noted on the student’s transcript. The original Paul Smith’s College grade will not be included in the computation of the student’s GPA.
g. In no instance may the total transfer credit accepted exceed one-half the program credit requirement for associate degrees or 90 credits for the baccalaureate degrees.
h. A candidate for a baccalaureate degree must complete at least 30 credit hours with Paul Smith’s College, with at least 15 of those credits in the major. Developmental credits cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
i. With approval, a student will be allowed to transfer back up to a maximum of 9 credit hours following his or her last semester in residence at Paul Smith’s College.
j. At no time may credit be awarded more than once for the same learning. Articulation/Transfer Agreements are listed under the Profile of Paul Smith's College section. Further questions on Articulation Agreements should be directed to the Admissions Office at 518-327-6227.

Articulation/Transfer Agreements are listed under the Profile of Paul Smith's College section. Further questions on Articulation Agreements should be directed to the Admissions Office at 518-327-6227.