Credit Recognition and Transfer Polify

Piedmont International University (PIU) recognizes that students may commence their studies at Piedmont with a variety of prior educational and professional experiences. Whilst Piedmont does not guarantee the transfer of credits from any educational institution, the university is receptive to the transfer of credits from accredited universities in the United States and elsewhere. Similarly, the university understands that adult learners may possess valuable work experience and professional competencies acquired over the duration of their careers that may be relevant to the community of practice pertaining to an academic area. Given the policies adopted by various state governments to encourage the recognition of such competencies and military service in order to enable degree completion, upskill workers to meet emerging skills gaps, and promote affordability in higher education, PIU seeks to provide credit for demonstrated competencies gained through professional work and alternative educational pathways. As a general matter, combined credit through all alternative means should not exceed 50 percent of the credits required for any degree awarded by the university. In other words, it is expected that students will complete 50 percent of their studies at PIU in order to graduate with a PIU degree. The Provost/ EVPAA may recommend a variance to this principle and grant additional credit where evidentiary justification exists. Where discipline/profession-specific accreditation requirements apply, the maximum transferrable credits are those specified by the professional accreditation body and alternative credit may not be granted toward any mandatory courses specified for such accreditation. In addition, any coursework submitted for credit must have been completed within the prior ten years. For courses completed before ten years, the candidate must submit a written statement providing a rationale for the granting of credits and explain why their knowledge is current.

In all cases of credit recognition and transfer, the competencies must be clearly evidenced, current, and relevant to the discipline area. It is also essential that credit recognition and transfer is pursuant to policies and procedures that ensure robust quality assurance, academic oversight and integrity, and satisfy program learning outcome requirements applicable to the relevant discipline.

Credit Gained at other Universities/Colleges

Piedmont International University grants transfer credit for previous college work from colleges or universities that are accredited by agencies approved by the Department of Education. Additionally, transfer work must adhere to the following guidelines.

• Only courses with the grade “C” or better will be transferred for credit.
• Only courses taken at Piedmont International University will apply to the student’s cumulative GPA
• In order to qualify for transfer credit, courses must be equivalent to the respective Piedmont International University program of study, and course work must be comparable. Equivalency is a matter for academic judgment.
• Courses taken at other institutions (including correspondence courses) while a student is enrolled at Piedmont require prior approval by the Registrar.
• A transfer applicant must have left his/her previous institution in good standing. A student who has been dismissed or suspended from another college for disciplinary reasons must submit a letter from the dean of the college giving the reason for dismissal. In addition, all debts with former institutions must be settled before acceptance is granted at Piedmont International University.
• Official transcripts of all former institutions must be received by the Admission Office prior to approval for admittance.
• Transfer Credit should be evaluated as part of the applicant’s original admission to the program.
• Correspondence work from some colleges may be transferred. The above guidelines for transfer apply. The Registrar should approve such studies in advance.

Additional Admissions Requirements for Transfer Students

• In addition to these policies, transfer of credits from institutions not accredited by an agency approved by the Department of Education must adhere to the following guidelines. The following documentation will be sought: The course work has been taught by faculty who are qualified by education and/or experience to teach at the appropriate degree level.
• The course content is comparable as demonstrated by college catalog, course syllabi, hours of attendance, and grading standards.
• The institution has received legal authorization or official exemption in its state or country.
• In any case, a transfer student from an institution not accredited by an agency approved by the Department of Education must successfully complete 12 hours of work at Piedmont with a C average for the transfer work to be accepted.

Credits Granted by Way of Articulation Agreements

Piedmont International University may conclude articulation agreements with universities/colleges and professional organizations providing for articulation pathways into its degree programs. Where an articulation agreement exists, an eligible student who is in good standing from the partner institution will be automatically granted credits as provided in the articulation agreement toward an applicable degree program at PIU. A student from an eligible partner institution which is a signatory to an articulation agreement may be issued a provisional offer of admission into the relevant degree program with a conditional recognition of prior credits. In such cases, the full and final recognition of prior credits completed at the partner institution may be confirmed upon enrollment after assessing the evidence of learning.

Non-Traditional Credits

Piedmont International University may award credit by examination, experiential learning, advanced standing, and professional certification. The following policies apply and additional details may be found in the appropriate Handbook or by contacting the Registrar’s Office. In no case will combined nontraditional credits exceed one-half of the program length. Non-traditional credits may not be used to meet residency requirements. The full procedure for applications and processing may be specified by the Registrar’s Office and amended as needed.

Credit by Examination

Advanced Placement, CLEP, and DSST

Piedmont International University awards credits based on passing scores obtained in external examinations such as the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs), the Defense Language Proficiency Tests, and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). In order to receive credit for Advanced Placement, the student must score at least three on any exam, and the course(s) must be equivalent to courses offered at Piedmont. Information on CLEP registration and testing centers may be obtained in the Registrar’s Office. An official CLEP transcript must be submitted to the University.

DSST Exams are available in six subject areas. Please contact your advisor to discuss ones that might be applicable to your program. Other external examination scores will be assessed for credit on a case by case basis.