105: Evaluation of Coursework

Effective Date: February 4, 2021
Purpose: To identify processes for evaluation of coursework for equivalencies and to reaffirm criteria used in those processes.
Sources: Higher Learning Commission Criterion, Steering Committee Meeting Notes Feb 2021
Responsibility & Approval: GEATF / AZTransfer Steering Committee

Consistent with Criterion 4.A.A from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), each institution “maintains and exercises authority over the prerequisites for courses, rigor of courses, expectations for student learning, access to learning resources, and faculty qualifications for all its programs, including dual credit programs. It ensures that its dual credit courses or programs for high school students are equivalent in learning outcomes and levels of achievement to its higher education curriculum.”

Given the obligation as part of maintaining institutional accreditation, courses at HLC-accredited institutions in Arizona are assumed to be equivalent regardless of delivery modality. All credits [within an AGEC, pathway, or transfer associate’s degree] are accepted and applied regardless of whether the credit was awarded for course completion on campus or through distance learning or dual enrollment, assessment of prior learning, or via some other nontraditional learning mode.

To determine university equivalencies of community college courses, learning outcomes and course competencies are evaluated through the Arizona Course Equivalency Tracking System. Modality of instruction, campus location, and faculty credentials are not used to determine equivalency.