Marc Booker, Ph.D., joined the podcast to discuss transfer admissions in higher education

University of Phoenix is pleased to share that Vice Provost of Strategy, Marc Booker, Ph.D., was a featured guest of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) podcast, Transfer Tea. The podcast, dedicated to exploring and improving student transfer, is sponsored by AACRAO and hosted by Assistant Director for Transfer Recruitment at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi.

“I appreciate AACRAO for keeping the focus on this important topic, and University of Phoenix for giving me the opportunity to share insights around why transfer students are a critical focus area for higher education,” states Booker. “Transfer credit, and the acceptance of that credit, is really an equity issue because not all students have the same opportunities. We need to explore ways we can recognize learning from all learners, whether that’s transfer credit or credit for prior learning, to break cycles and better support student mobility and degree completion.”

The episode focused on transfer admissions and articulation as a critical part of the transfer students’ academic journey. Dr. Booker explored the ways in which equitable transfer policies can help institutions become more transfer friendly, and how those policies can positively impact a student’s experience. In addition, Booker shared knowledge gained through more than twenty years of experience as a transfer advocate and examined some of the ongoing trends in transfer admissions.

AACRAO is a non-profit, voluntary, professional association of over 11,000 higher education professionals representing about 2,600 institutions in over 40 countries. Its commitment to the professional development of its members includes best practice guidance on admissions strategies to meet institutional diversity objectives, delivery of academic programs in innovative ways to meet the needs of a changing student body, and exemplary approaches to student retention and completion.

Booker also recently served as a speaker on credit for prior learning at the AACRAO 2023 Technology & Transfer Virtual Summit, a three-day event focused on the technology of transfer and meaningful data exchange, and the ways in which institutions can remove transfer barriers and speed processes that support student decision-making.

As one of the driving forces behind transfer policy as well as skills-aligned learning and badging initiatives at University of Phoenix, Booker brought a wealth of experience to the podcast.

University of Phoenix offers generous credit transfer possibilities: credit transfers can cover up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree. On average, University of Phoenix students save $11,000 and eliminate one year off their undergraduate degree with eligible transfer credits and relevant work experience. Master's degree students can save up to nine credits and $6,800 off their degree.

While the transition between institutions can be complex, the University of Phoenix works to make the process of transferring credit straightforward for students:

• Simplifying the college credit transfer process: knowledgeable staff provide supportive guidance and academic advising, request transcripts from prior institutions on students' behalf, and specially trained transfer evaluators review all prior credit;
• Earning life and work experience credits: earning college credit for prior learning is an assessment process, offered at no cost, that allows individuals to demonstrate learning gained from work and life experience that may count towards a degree. The assessment includes evaluation of on-the-job training, workplace certifications, military service, and other life experiences

Additionally, University of Phoenix offers the opportunity to apply for a Transfer Student Scholarship of up to $3,000, for new students with at least 13-60 combined transfer credits from accredited institution(s) pursuing their bachelor's degree at University of Phoenix. Applicants must be continuously enrolled and maintain a 3.0 GPA (Grade Point Average).

The University of Phoenix Savings Explorer® tool helps individuals understand opportunities to save time and money, providing information of how transfer credit, work and life experience, and other savings opportunities can help students when beginning their program of study at the University.

The University of Phoenix has long used the innovative approach to flexible, adaptable online learning to support an equitable environment. The skills-mapped approach to curriculum supports equitable access to progress; when learners obtain skills in weeks, they gain more immediate value from their education and do not have to wait years for a degree before making career decisions that can be built on skills they are already acquiring.

As Vice Provost for Strategy at the University of Phoenix, Booker oversees critical path academic initiatives to improve the student experience such as learning platform implementations, curricular enhancements, and developing empathetic solutions to drive improved student outcomes through data. Booker also serves as dean of the Pacific Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (PACRAO) Leadership Development Institute and was President of PACRAO in 2016. In 2020, Booker received a Hall of Fame recognition from Blackboard for his contributions in providing thought leadership and innovation in education.

Booker has been an employee of the University of Phoenix since 2001.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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