W. Va. Code R. § 133-60-2 - Purpose

2.1. Reverse transfer is a strategy for increasing the completion rates of students. Students often transfer credit hours from two-year to four-year institutions of higher education. Many students complete an associate degree before transferring to a four-year institution and many others do not earn an associate degree but transfer to another institution where they complete a baccalaureate degree. Some students, however, do not complete either the associate or baccalaureate degree despite earning a significant number of college credits. These students are often left without a postsecondary credential even though they have earned enough credits to be eligible for an associate degree.

2.2. This policy establishes a statewide reverse transfer process that allows any student who has completed the requirements for an associate degree, combining credit hours earned at a public higher education institution in West Virginia that offers an associate degree with hours earned at a public four-year higher education institution, to be awarded that associate degree.

2.3. This policy provides the process by which students who have met degree requirements of an associate degree program can be identified and awarded their first associate degree if that work has been completed at the four-year institution. The application of the reverse transfer process ensures that all eligible students have the opportunity to be awarded a first associate degree that reflects their educational efforts and allows them to compete more successfully in other academic arenas and the workforce.

2.4. As of the effective date noted above, the West Virginia Reverse Transfer (WVRT) policy supersedes all existing reverse transfer agreements. Those students involved in another reverse transfer agreement at the time of the effective date of this policy may choose to complete program requirements under the previous agreement. Students will also be given the option to transition to the new WVRT program, thereby selecting the less restrictive agreement.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 133-60-2