Transfer Glossary
Simplify and Align National Nomenclature
The Transfer Glossary seeks to align nomenclature usage across the country and broaden access to additional resources. Search for a glossary term using freeform text or by predefined categories. For each glossary term, you will find a definition and, if available, additional resources and the related transcript data element associated with the term. If you wish to view a transcript data element associated with a glossary term, use the Transcript Standards Search.
Transfer Glossary Search
- Search for a keyword or acronym using the “Keyword Search” freeform field. Search by category or jurisdiction using the “Category” or “Jurisdiction” dropdown field. Search by first letter by selecting one of the letters of the alphabet.
- The search results will include content related to any or all of the search fields you input. For example, if you search by “Keyword Search, Category, Jurisdiction, AND by Letter of the Alphabet”, the search will return entries that match either the keyword, the category, the jurisdiction, or the letter of the alphabet that you specified.
- For an optimal experience, the search is best supported by Google Chrome 15 or higher, Internet Explorer 9 or higher, Firefox 10 or higher or Safari 5.1 or higher.
Background
During the research for the national ARUCC PCCAT Transcript and Transfer Credit Nomenclature Study, the Canadian post-secondary community identified core principles that should guide nomenclature development and usage for transfer policies and protocols. These also apply when institutions create inter-institutional partnerships.
- Establish nomenclature that is consistent, clear, and simple to understand for the layperson and that is specific enough to define the term but flexible enough to be used by all institutions
- Avoid jargon
- Align with international standards
- Recognize institutional autonomy and provincial authority
For the Guide, more than 1,000 terms currently in use in Canada were identified and assessed. There were numerous examples provided where different labels described the same situation or the same label described different situations. The potential exists for considerable confusion. The Transfer Glossary provides access to more than 300 concise terms and acronyms related to the areas of transcript standards, transfer credit, and inter-institutional partnerships. Each term is supported by an associated definition and, if available, links to additional resources. Jurisdictionally-unique terms are noted along with sources for those wishing more information. The Glossary highlights terms used in particular Canadian jurisdictions and links to provincial, national, and international organizations.
The rationale supporting alignment
The transfer credit nomenclature and related policy research conducted for the ARUCC PCCAT Transcript and Transfer Credit Nomenclature Standards Study (the “Study”) revealed differences in terminology. The Phase 1 Report and the Phase 2 Consultation Document provide specific examples.
Students, allied organizations, and institutional faculty and staff are experiencing difficulty sorting through the many terms used to describe the same or similar elements. It is affecting reporting, student success initiatives, and research. As an example, a recently published study by Dr. Christine Helen Arnold provides demonstrable evidence of the challenges this situation creates and the impact it is having on transfer literacy.
To resolve this situation and advance student mobility, Canadian practitioners and policy developers are encouraging transcript standards and development of simplified transfer nomenclature. Sample areas requiring refinement include establishing standards and terms for pathway agreements (e.g., articulation, degree completion, block transfer, and joint programs); alternative learning delivery such as online learning and experiential learning; competency-based education (e.g., learning outcomes); and equivalent learning (e.g., Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition – PLAR, challenge exams, etc.).