The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) has joined a national initiative with 11 other higher education systems and institutions to streamline credit transfers and accelerate degree completion for students. As part of the Holistic Credit Mobility (HCM) Acceleration Cohort, NSHE will collaborate with national experts to develop policies that simplify credit transfer and recognize learning from work, military service, and other non-traditional experiences.
Led by Ithaka S+R in collaboration with Complete College America (CCA) and funded by Ascendium Education Group, the project aims to remove barriers preventing students from applying previously earned credits toward degree completion. "The ability to transfer credits efficiently is a game-changer for students navigating today’s complex higher education landscape," said Amy J. Carvalho, Chair of the NSHE Board of Regents. "Through this initiative, NSHE is reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that every student’s hard work counts toward their future success."
Today's students earn credits through various means such as dual enrollment in high school, military training, and industry certifications. However, inconsistent credit transfer policies often result in lost credits when students move between institutions. NSHE's participation in the HCM cohort will support statewide workforce and student success initiatives prioritized by the NSHE Workforce Committee and Strategic Plan. This effort aims to help more students earn degrees on time and enter Nevada’s workforce prepared for in-demand careers. "By participating in this initiative, NSHE is taking a major step toward removing barriers to degree completion," said Chancellor Patricia Charlton.
As part of this 12-month effort, NSHE will focus on developing best practices for aligning credits from various sources, exploring technology solutions to track progress and streamline transfers, refining policies for easier credit transfers, using data analytics to enhance outcomes, and improving prior learning assessment processes.
"Many students face significant challenges when transferring between colleges or seeking credit for past learning experiences," said Natalie Brown, NSHE Assistant Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development and Community Colleges. "By participating in this initiative, NSHE will work to improve the credit transfer process."
NSHE joins a diverse group including Eastern Washington University, EDWorks of Northeast Tennessee, Idaho State Board of Education, Louisiana Board of Regents, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities among others. These institutions will collaborate over the next year with national experts to develop an action plan for improving credit mobility.