Subject: Transfer of Academic Credit

Organizational Area: Academic and Student Affairs
Proposal Date: XXX
Effective Date: July 1, 2025
Review Cycle: Three Years 
Revision and Review History: Effective: 5/18/81, Last Revised: 1/15/25; 9/24/84; 3/98; 11/17/03
Corresponding BOT Policies: Policy Manual Section 304: Transfer of Academic Credit

Section One: Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this APL is to outline the process for transferring undergraduate academic credit into or within the University of Maine System (UMS).  Section I outlines the process by which a student may transfer credit within the UMS, while Section II outlines the process by which a student may transfer credit from an external institution into the UMS, and Section III provides additional information regarding transfer evaluations.

Section Two: Procedures for Transfer of Academic Credit

Board of Trustees transfer policies provide the maximum opportunity for transfer both into and within the University of Maine System (UMS).  The following transfer practices are endorsed and followed by the UMS.

Section Three: Transfer Credit within the UMS

  1. All undergraduate courses successfully completed with a grade of C- or higher, including P grades, will transfer from one UMS institution another.  Grades will be recorded on the student’s transcript but not computed into the Grade Point Average (GPA).  Semester and cumulative grade point averages reflect only those courses taken at the home institution. Students who are enrolled in multi-university degree programs should inquire about any exceptions that may apply.
  1. Students who have completed the UMS General Education Transfer Block at one UMS institution will be regarded as having completed their general education requirements at every other UMS institution, with the exception of up to 11 credits of general education coursework specified by the receiving institution.  Students who are interested should contact the Registrar’s Office at the institution where the general education requirements were completed in order to have the block certification verified and added to their academic record.
  1. Additional grade or credit requirements may exist at the institution or program level of the receiving institution.

Section Four: Transfer Credit from External Institutions

  1. Transfer students must request to have official transcripts sent directly from all previous institutions to the UMS Shared Processing Center.  Electronic transcripts may be sent to edocs@maine.edu or paper copies may be sent to Application Processing, University of Maine System, P.O. Box 412, Bangor, ME 04402-0412.
  1. In order to qualify for transfer credit within the UMS, courses must be successfully completed with a grade of C- or higher at an accredited institution of higher learning which is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE).  Grades will be recorded on the student’s transcript but will not be computed into the Grade Point Average (GPA).
  1. Courses taken under a Pass/Fail grading basis at an institution external to the UMS must have the “Passing” grade defined as being equal to a grade of C- or higher in order to qualify for transfer within the UMS. 
  1. Course credit originating from international institutions may qualify for transfer consistent with established institutional policies.
  1. Transfer students are required to satisfy residency requirements at the institution to which they are admitted.
  1. Students transferring from the Maine Community College System (MCCS) into the UMS, who have completed the General Education Transfer Block (as noted on their MCCS institution’s official transcript), will be regarded as having completed the UMS general education requirements, with the exception of up to 11 credits of general education coursework to be specified by the receiving institution.

Section Five: Transfer Evaluations

  1. Transfer credit evaluations will be completed for admitted students and will be available to view within the Student Center in MaineStreet.  Transfer students should meet with program faculty/advisors at the receiving UMS institution to review how the awarded credits may be applied toward their degree plan.
  1. Students with coursework from schools which are not recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the United States Department of Education (USDE) as being accredited institutions of higher learning may inquire into the possibility of validating some or all of their learning through testing and/or approved institutional Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) processes.
  1. Coursework defined as developmental or remedial by the receiving institution is considered preparatory to college-level work and will not be awarded transfer credit within the UMS.
  1. Transfer students will be expected to meet the established requirements of the academic program, college and/or degree plan into which they are transferring.  Students should consult their individual institution’s catalog and/or meet with an appropriate advisor to determine requirements regarding the number and distribution of credits that must be completed at their home institution to earn the desired degree.
  1. Students may also confer with the appropriate transfer contact at their home institution and/or their academic advisor regarding possible flexibility in the application of their credits through approved institutional processes.  Appropriate application of transfer credit is the responsibility of the particular academic unit (college or department).
  1. If a student has concerns with a decision made in regard to the evaluation of their transfer credits they may appeal through the regular academic appeals process at the receiving institution. 
  1. Current UMS students who plan to take courses at another institution, inside or outside of the UMS, are strongly encouraged to seek prior approval of their plans by completing a Domestic or International Study Away Form at the institution where they are matriculated.

Revisions and Change Approvals

This APL provides guidelines for the Transfer of Academic Credit at the University of Maine System. Future modifications may be considered based on recommendations from transfer officers, registrars, the Faculty Governance Council, and/or the office of the VCASA. Future modifications will be administered and supported by the office of the VCASA. The final authority for approving modifications sits with the Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs. Any changes to this APL should be distributed widely to registrars, advisors, and faculty.

The VCASA will determine if changes to the APL are substantive or non-substantive. Substantive changes are required to follow the APL creation and revision process. Non-substantive changes to this APL do not require any review beyond the VCASA. Non-substantive changes are minor changes that do not affect the overall purpose and instructions outlined by the document. Non-substantive changes may take many forms, including, but not limited to: grammar or spelling corrections, inclusive language, technical revisions, updated names and contacts of pertinent offices or departments, or reorganized APL sections.

Contact Information

For questions regarding the APL on Transfer of Academic Credit, please contact the Office of the Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs.

Additional Resources:

Board of Trustees Policy Manual Section 304: Transfer of Academic Credit