Student Success
Transfer Information
Academic Passport and Student Transfer Policy for the State System of Higher Education (SSHE) Universities
The Academic Passport was approved unanimously by the SSHE Board of Governors on January 14, 1999. It assures entry into a State System university to those who have earned an Associate in Arts (A.A.) or Associate in Science (A.S.) degree from a Pennsylvania community college. Careful planning in selecting majors and courses will maximize the Passport's value. What the policy does and who is eligible are outlined in the following questions and answers:
- Which universities grant Academic Passport to qualified students?
- The Academic Passport applies to all fourteen PA State System of Higher Education (SSHE) universities: Bloomsburg University, California University of PA, Clarion University, Cheyney University, East Stroudsburg University, Edinboro University, Indiana University of PA, Kutztown University, Lock Haven University, Mansfield University, Millersville University, Shippensburg University, Slippery Rock University, and West Chester University.
- The Academic Passport does not apply to other public universities such as Penn State University, Temple University, Lincoln University, and University of Pittsburgh.
- The Academic Passport does not apply to any private colleges or universities.
- Who is eligible for Academic Passport to a SSHE university?
- Graduates of Pennsylvania community colleges holding the Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) degree.
- Students who have earned at least 12 credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher from another State System school.
- What are the eligibility criteria for the Academic Passport?
- To be eligible, all students must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or greater. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater is required to earn an associate degree from MCCC.
- The A.A. or A.S. degree must contain a minimum of 30 hours of liberal arts course work. MCCC's A.A. and A.S. degrees require a minimum of 36 hours of liberal arts/general education course work.
- What does the Academic Passport provide?
- Passport holders are guaranteed entry into any System university. The Academic Passport does not guarantee students will be admitted to the major of their choice. The universities will maintain their regular admissions processes to programs with limited openings or additional requirements.
- State System universities shall strive to apply credits toward graduation for all college parallel course work completed for the A.A. and A.S. degrees. The Academic Passport does not apply to remedial, developmental or study skill courses.
- How does the Academic Passport deal with grades of "D"?
- Academic Passport students and students transferring without an A.A. or A.S. degree may transfer credits in courses where the grade of "D" is earned only if the student has an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher from each institution attended.
- Grades of "D" may not transfer in those cases where the "D" was earned in a course in the student's major or in a course that requires a grade of "C" or above. Students should contact the specific State System university for more information regarding the transfer of "D" grades.
- How are credits applied to graduation for students holding the Academic Passport?
- MCCC A.A. and A.S. degrees contain 60-69 credit hours of course work. The university to which a student transfers will make every effort to use all these credits toward graduation. First, up to 45 credits may be used toward satisfying freshman and sophomore general education requirements. The remaining credits will be used toward meeting the requirements of the student's chosen major and then as electives.
- What happens if a student changes majors or programs of study?
- In certain circumstances, such as change of major, it may not be possible to apply all credits earned at the community college to the four year degree. It is, however, the intent of this policy to make full and complete use of as many earned credits as possible.
- The policy also covers community college students who transfer without the A.A. or A.S. degree. Do these students have a Passport?
- No. Students who seek to transfer without an A.A. or A.S. degree may apply to and be considered for admission by System universities provided the student completes a minimum of 12 credit hours of college-level work and has a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher from each institution attended. A higher cumulative GPA may be required for admission consideration to some majors.
- A maximum of 45 credits in courses designated by and credited as general education by a PA community college may be applied to meet university lower division general education requirements. Other college-level credits may be applied to major requirements or electives.
- Will credits earned in occupational, technical and vocational programs transfer?
- Generally, technical and occupational courses do not transfer. The emphasis of the Passport is on liberal arts and general education. Under certain instances some technical courses may transfer in particular programs. Students seeking credit for technical courses are urged to contact the university to determine the specifics for each degree program.
- A number of universities have junior and senior year general education requirements. Will Passport holders be exempt from these requirements?
- No. Passport holders may have earned credits applied to lower division (freshman & sophomore level) general education requirements, but not upper division general education requirements.
For more information, visit: www.sshechan.edu/passport
