Why Bowdoin’s New Transfer Credit Policy Matters

The incoming group, which comes from all over the country, “adds to already the most diverse class diversity in the history of the university,” said Claudia Marroquin, dean of admissions and student aid.

Passed by an overwhelming majority of faculty and staff (76 wins, 2 losses) last spring, a new policy allows students to attend Bowdoin for established credits. Previously an exception, now all students can transfer associate degree credits.

One of the reasons this came about is that we decided to look at all our policies through the lens of DEI, including diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Jen Scanlon, Dean of Academic Affairs. you may have overlooked in the past. ”

The previous policy of officially only accepting credit from four-year colleges was rooted in the belief that a high degree of academic rigor was required to earn a bachelor’s degree at Bowdoin College. However, it did so to the detriment of the students and had the effect of closing Bowdoin from a diverse pool of talented students whose academic endeavors were characterized by considerable rigor.

In addition to the changes affecting transfer students, the department voted to give current Bowdoin students the option to take community college classes off campus if they are on vacation. The department has also adjusted the College’s credit transfer rules so that credit for semester-credited classes elsewhere is equivalent to credit for semester-credited classes here.

“The impact of the policy change will allow a wider range of students to be admitted, but it also means that current students can enroll in community colleges if they take medical leave, for example,” Marroquin said. ‘ said. For some, these agencies are not only a more affordable option, but if you live in a rural area, they may be your only option, she added.

The move to accept credits from associate degree programs is becoming more common in four-year colleges. Scanlon said the changes at Bowdoin are exciting and should make the community proud. “We may not always be leaders in her DEI work, but if our purpose is to consider policy and promote better practices, we can make the university a better place.” she said.