With more high schools administering college credit courses through local community colleges, the number of students bringing in high numbers of credits is increasing—and worrying professors.

In response, Luther’s Academic Planning Committee is discussing the number and type of credits that first-year students may apply towards graduation. They could adopt a plan similar to what Coe College has created: limiting each student to a maximum of four courses to transfer to Luther.

Much of the concern surrounds the idea that many transferred credits are coming from glorified high school courses.

“The bottom line is some of the credits students are transferring in aren’t college level courses,” Paul Gardner, professor of Political Science, said.

Some students agree.

“The courses I took in high school that transferred to Luther didn’t challenge me as much as they would have here,” Leah Matheson (‘10) said.

An Albert Lea High School graduate, Matheson transferred 21 credits to Luther College, credits that were eligible to go toward her biology, math, and global studies requirements.

It is situations like Matheson’s that worry faculty members.

“Colleges adopt standards for transfer in order to insure the worth and integrity of the degrees that students earn,” Vice President for Academic Affairs William Craft said. “This is a normal sort of review, though, undertaken by every liberal arts college from time to time.”

Courses that are in the foundation of Luther’s academic experience, including Paideia, are still required for graduation.

“Paideia I is a course that Luther is strongly committed to,” Nancy Barry, assistant to the Dean for writing and academic support, said. “A first-year student can come in with a five on an AP English test and some post-secondary credits in English but still be required to take Paideia
for a year.”

While the faculty’s concern is for the integrity of degrees, students are more concerned about whether the privileges obtained by students who transfer in credits are fair. Matheson, who came from a large school district with many college credit courses, speaks out for those who did not transfer in credits.

“I think it is unfair that those who didn’t have the opportunity in high school to take college level courses get penalized in room draw and registration dates,” Matheson said.

Whether or not the fairness issue with room draw and registration is addressed, the APC is in early talks of changing Luther’s policy regarding transferred credits.