Supporting students who have transferred to BSU
The BSU faculty create and maintain our curriculum (the courses and academic programs we offer at BSU). When a transfer student enters BSU, the coursework they transfer must be reviewed for substitution and/or equivalency to BSU courses and requirements, especially into major and minor areas of study. To perform those reviews equitably and quickly, we’ve curated some resources for BSU faculty below.
- Minnesota State Board Policy on reviewing transfer courses for equivalency
- Bemidji State Undergraduate Transfer Credit Acceptance policy (new in 2022)
- BSU Substitute/Transfer Equivalency form
What is the difference between a substitution and an equivalency
A substitution is accepting a transfer or BSU course (or courses) as a suitable replacement for a BSU degree or program requirement. These are “one-off” actions that apply to a single student on a case-by-case basis.
An equivalency is accepting a transfer course (or courses) as a permanent equivalent course for one offered by BSU, based on a 75% or greater alignment of course topics and learning outcomes. Courses may not be reviewed for equivalency based on course number, level, institution type or instructor credentials alone.
An equivalency works for all students who transfer with that course, and is discoverable in public-facing tools like Transferology.com. Courses in Transfer Pathways are always coded as equivalents.
Students appreciate both substitutions and equivalencies, and we prefer to code course equivalencies whenever possible. This is the most equitable way to handle the transfer of credit, and helps reduce discretionary review when faculty, chairs, and deans change roles.
One thing to remember about equivalencies: They live on. A course is considered equivalent until we have evidence that it no longer meets the required 75% or greater alignment based on course changes at the college or at BSU. Faculty and departments are responsible for reviewing the equivalencies in their subject areas on a regular basis to ensure alignment. Equivalencies can be end-dated if it is appropriate to do so. Work with the BSU Transfer Team on that process.