Banks' bill to streamline college credit tranfers moved out of committee today
By Krystal Shull
State Senator Jim Banks’ bill to allow academic credits transfer more easily between state universities passed out of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development today by a 9-1 vote.
Banks, of Columbia City, said Senate Bill 182 will not only prevent transfer students from enrolling in additional semesters of coursework in order to complete their degree on time, but also save students from additional tuition costs when re-taking classes.
“Hoosiers who change schools can spend thousands of dollars re-taking courses because their new school won’t accept their transfer credits,” Banks said. “By removing an unnecessary obstacle between students earning a college degree, time and money are saved and our workforce becomes stronger and ultimately more competitive in a global economy.”
An amendment that adopted to SB 182 during committee calls on the Commission for Higher Education (CHE) to develop a common course numbering system for general education courses at all public Indiana universities or institutions by May 15, 2013.
The CHE lists the Core Transfer Library on their website with courses eligible for transfer between state educational institutions. Unfortunately, the numbering system and acceptance guidelines are different for each school, making the system for transfer students harder to navigate. Banks said a less complicated and more universal system would allow students to easily identify where and how their credits transfer.
“Life can be unpredictable and college goals may be interrupted by circumstances beyond a student’s control,” Banks said. “Hard-working students deserve to know their dedication towards earning a diploma will not be lost when transferring schools. This legislation will ensure that every course a student takes in Indiana will count towards a degree and ultimately provide them with a better life.”
SB 182 moves to the Senate floor for consideration. Hoosiers can get a full updated copy of the legislation online by visiting http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2012/IN/IN0182.1.html