Douglas Olsen
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) are a relatively new phenomenon in higher education, and their inclusion on student transcripts is still being debated. MOOCs offer accessible and flexible learning opportunities to students worldwide, but how can universities include them on transcripts? This paragraph will explore the potential ways for universities to recognise MOOCs as part of a student's academic record.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Proof of education and academic performance |
| Contents | List of courses taken, grades earned, credits earned, duration of course, local grade, ECTS credits gained, GPA |
| When to Request | One of the last documents to be filled in or requested, after passing exams |
| Who Fills It Out | The student, home university, or host university |
| Submission | Sent directly to the host university by the previous institution |
| Copies | Three hard copies sent to the host university, one or two sent to the student |
| Additional Documents | Degree certificate, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, CV, test scores, passport copy, financial documents, application form |
What You'll Learn
What is a Transcript of Records (ToR) and why is it important?
A Transcript of Records (ToR) is an official document that lists a student's academic achievements. It includes the courses taken, the exams or tests passed, and the credits earned. It also contains detailed information such as course titles, durations, grades obtained, and credit allocations.
The ToR is an essential part of the application process when applying to colleges or universities, especially when transferring between institutions or applying to an international institution. It is also required for studying abroad, transferring credits, or applying for higher studies. The document serves as proof of a student's educational qualifications and academic history, making it a vital tool for academic and professional pursuits.
The ToR is important because it provides a comprehensive summary of a student's academic journey and accomplishments. It is considered the "hallmark of authenticity" when it comes to the background check of any candidate. It enables educators to evaluate the eligibility of applicants and facilitates the transfer of credits between institutions. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in securing scholarships, financial aid, and student visas.
The ToR is usually filled out once a student has passed all the exams included in their learning agreement, and it is typically signed and approved by both the home university and the host institution.
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Official vs. unofficial transcripts
Official transcripts are documents produced by the registrar's office and must be ordered according to the instructions on the Official Transcript page. They are printed on blue tamper-proof security paper or delivered as secure PDFs. Official transcripts are important to third parties as they can be assured of their authenticity and content accuracy. They are issued in portrait format and contain the seal of the university and the signature of the University Registrar. Official transcripts are required for transferring to another institution, professional employment opportunities, and eligibility for financial aid.
Unofficial transcripts, on the other hand, are available to current students via self-service from the Student Information System. They are generated in landscape format and do not bear the official seal, signature, or verification from the institution. They are typically used for informational purposes, such as personal record-keeping or initial evaluations. They cannot be used for financial aid, eligibility, or transferring previous credit.
In the context of MOOCs, official transcripts can be used to provide a comprehensive overview of a student's academic performance, including MOOCs they have completed. This can be especially useful when applying for a new degree program, studying abroad, or transferring credits. Unofficial transcripts, however, may not be accepted by other institutions as proof of completion of MOOCs, as they lack the verification and reliability of official transcripts.
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How to request official transcripts
Requesting official transcripts is usually a straightforward process, although the procedure may vary slightly from school to school. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to request official transcripts:
Step 1: Identify the Registrar's Office
The registrar's office is typically the central place for managing student records, including transcripts. This is usually a good starting point for your transcript request.
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
Before initiating the request, ensure you have the required information ready. This typically includes:
- Your college ID number or social security number
- The dates you attended the institution
- If requesting official transcripts to be sent to another party, have the recipient's address on hand
Step 3: Submit the Request
Most colleges and universities allow you to submit transcript requests through their website. Log in to your student account and follow the instructions provided. If the institution uses a third-party service for transcript delivery, you may be redirected to their website.
Step 4: Provide Recipient Information
Ensure that you provide accurate information for the recipient of the transcripts. This could be yourself or another party, such as a different college or employer.
Step 5: Pay the Required Fee
Official transcripts typically incur a fee, which can usually be paid online. Save the payment verification details in case of any issues.
Additional Considerations:
- Timing: Receiving transcripts can take several weeks, so plan ahead and avoid last-minute requests, especially if you have deadlines to meet.
- Online Access: Some institutions may provide unofficial transcripts for personal use, which you can access and print from their website.
- Third-Party Services: Some schools use third-party services, like Parchment or CertiFile, for transcript delivery. Instructions for using these services are usually available on the registrar's office website.
- In-Person Requests: If your school doesn't offer an online option, you may need to submit a written request or visit the registrar's office in person.
- Past Students: If you are an alumnus or former attendee, you can still request transcripts through the school's online portal or third-party service. Contact the registrar's office if you encounter any issues.
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Tips for transferring credits
Transferring credits from MOOCs can be a great way to save time and money on your degree. Here are some tips to help you maximise your MOOC credits:
- Enrol in a degree program: In some cases, only enrolled students who have gone through an application process and are paying tuition fees to the university will be eligible for credit. For example, TU Delft's Virtual Exchange Program allows enrolled students to take MOOCs from other universities for academic credit.
- Contact your academic institution: Get in touch with the administrative staff at your university to find out if any programs allow enrolled students to earn credit through MOOCs. They will be able to provide you with a list of approved courses and requirements.
- Look for MOOC-based degrees: Some universities offer degrees that can be completed mostly or entirely through MOOCs. For example, Georgia Tech's Online Master's in Computer Science or the iMBA from the University of Illinois. These programs often have a traditional admissions process and additional fees, so be sure to do your research.
- Convert your MOOC learning into credit: Some programs allow learners to convert their MOOC learning into credit, provided they enrol in certain programs at partner universities. Examples include The ASU & edX Global Freshman Academy and edX MicroMasters. These programs usually require an application process and tuition fees.
- Take a MOOC and pass an exam: You can take a MOOC on your own and then visit an AP, CLEP, or DSST test centre to pass an exam on the topic and earn the credit. Over 3,000 educational institutions grant credit for passing CLEP and DSST exams.
- Consider online platforms: Online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn offer a range of MOOCs that can be taken for credit. For example, American Public University accepts some MOOCs from Coursera and Udacity as part of their online degrees.
- Check the requirements: Before enrolling in any MOOC or degree program, be sure to carefully review the requirements and eligibility criteria. Some programs may have specific prerequisites or require additional coursework to be completed through the university.
- Understand the costs: While MOOCs can be accessed for free, earning academic credit usually comes with additional costs. Be sure to factor in application fees, tuition fees, and the cost of any required exams or verified certificates.
Remember to keep track of your MOOC completion certificates and transcripts, as you may need to submit these when transferring credits to your degree program.
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Transcript formats and requirements
Academic transcripts are an essential part of a student's application to universities and colleges. They are a student's permanent record and detail their academic history, including grades, courses completed, and whether they graduated. Transcripts are often required when transferring credits between universities or applying for a new degree program, especially when studying abroad.
There are two types of transcripts: official and unofficial. Official transcripts are what accredited institutions require for admission. They carry an official college seal and the registrar's signature, and are sent directly to the institution or employer to prevent forgery. Unofficial transcripts, on the other hand, are available to students through their college website or registrar and can be useful when determining if they meet prerequisites or need to share their GPA during the application process.
Official transcripts can usually be ordered online, by mail, or in person, and require a small fee. The process can take several weeks, so it is important to plan ahead. Students must also ensure they are in good financial and academic standing with their previous institution, as any holds on their account may delay the release of their transcript.
When requesting official transcripts, students should order them from every college they have attended. Even old or poor grades can be worth more than expected, and the receiving institution will determine which credits will transfer and which will not.
The content and format of transcripts can vary, but they generally include:
- A list of all classes taken, including those that were enrolled in but not completed
- Scores received for all classes, usually with a number and letter grade
- A list of dates attended and majors/minors
- Grade point average (GPA)
- Student information such as full name, date of birth, and student ID number
- Other institutions attended and any transfer credits received
- Official documentation such as a seal, signature, or other indicators that the transcript came from the registrar's office
Transcripts may also include additional information such as a history of academic probation, honor code violations, or awards received.
For international students, transcripts may need to be translated into English by a certified translator and both the original and translated versions submitted.
In addition to transcripts, students may also need to submit supporting documents such as degree certificates, letters of recommendation, statements of purpose, CVs, test scores (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS), passport copies, financial documents, and application forms.
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Frequently asked questions
A student transcript is an official document that provides a detailed record of a student's academic history, including courses taken, grades received, attendance dates, and overall grade point average. It may also include additional information such as academic awards, probation, or honour code violations.
Official transcripts bear the college seal and the registrar's signature and are sent directly to the receiving institution. In contrast, unofficial transcripts are available to students online and lack official signatures or seals. They are useful for personal reference but are not accepted for admission to other colleges.
Transcripts can be requested from the office of admissions or the registrar's office of the student's college or university. Most institutions allow students to order transcripts online, by mail, or in person. A small fee may be required, and proof of identification is often necessary.
Transcripts provide proof of past academic work and achievements, which is essential when transferring credits between institutions. They allow the receiving institution to evaluate the student's prior academic performance and determine which credits will transfer.
To include Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) on your transcript, you should first check with the specific requirements of your college or university. Some institutions may allow you to list MOOCs as transfer credits, especially if they are relevant to your degree programme. You may need to provide official certificates or other proof of completion for the MOOCs to be included.
