July 11, 2022
South Dakota students should find it easier to transfer credits between the state’s technical colleges and public universities if a proposal, now under review, is approved.
According to an announcement from the South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR), the efforts to revise the existing policy stems from the BOR's newly adopted strategic plan objective of increasing transfer enrollment through improved access.
"The overall goal of these proposed changes is to make our transfer policies and guideline more student-centered," said South Dakota BOR System Vice President for Academic Policy and Planning Dr. Janice Minder.
According to the announcement, a subcommittee of campus representatives from South Dakota university registrars, enrollment services, academic affairs, and enrollment offices collaborated on these changes over the past several months.
The revised policy, which can be viewed at sdbor.edu, includes credit hours earned through the South Dakota Regental system, external accredited universities or colleges, and non-accredited universities or colleges. Also included in the proposed revisions is the prior learning and validated credit policy transfer, which reflects test scores or military experience.
"Right now, transferring within our Regental system is pretty accessible, but we needed to expand the conversation," said South Dakota BOR Executive Director Dr. Brian Maher. "By identifying a strategic partnership with the Board of Technical Education, we can continue improving higher education opportunities in our state."
The new transfer policy will receive final consideration at the August Board of Regents meeting in Yankton.