Overview
This "transfer-friendly" course outline form has been designed for use in the provincial articulation process. In the BC Transfer System, when transfer credit is requested, it is necessary to attach a course outline that provides sufficient information, at the right level of detail and preferably in a consistent format, in order to facilitate the assessment of equivalency. When used properly, this template provides the assurance that all such information is present, and its use should promote efficient articulation.
A Note on Course Variation
A course outline sent for articulation is considered an "instance" or "model" of a particular course, encompassing the important elements needed for assessment of equivalency. It does not imply that this course will be taught in exactly this manner in all instances. Course variation, within the boundaries of the calendar description, is a natural outgrowth of professional instruction, and a healthy and desirable aspect of post-secondary education.
Supplementary Course Outline Components and Resources
The main course outline form does not contain elements appropriate to an individual instructor's syllabus, normally given to students for a specific section of a course -- such as office hours, dates, and similar details. However, institutions or individual instructors who would like to tailor this outline for their own in-class usage are referred to the Transfer-Friendly Course Outline Form, where an appendix (Supplementary Course Outline Components and Resources) provides additional elements. These can be cut and pasted and added to the main form to create a customized document.
Accessing Instructions and Help Information
Both resources have a set of explanatory comments and guidelines designed to be of help to instructors. These comments are included with most fields and are found by selecting the field and clicking on the F1 key. They are also available as an attachment that can be printed and referred to while completing the form.
Using the Form as a Checklist
This template has been developed for voluntary use by B.C. post-secondary institutions by a team of faculty and administrators experienced in articulation and transfer, under the aegis of the B.C. Council on Admissions and Transfer. While this is a recommended resource, it is recognised that institutions may prefer to use their own course outlines forms while using this one as a checklist to ensure all identified "transfer-friendly" elements are included.
Project Steering Committee
Marnie McFarlane, Publications/Articulation Coordinator, Kwantlen Polytechnic University;
Margery Fee, Associate Dean of Arts, University of British Columbia;
Pamela Lim, Assoc Director - Undergraduate Program, Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia;
Bruce Kadonoff, Mathematics Department Head, Coquitlam College;
Jean Ballard, Social Cultural & Media Studies Department Head, University of the Fraser Valley;
Robert D. Cameron, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies & Computing, Simon Fraser University;
Jonathan Rouse, Chair, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Management Department, Capilano University;
Graham Rodwell, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Douglas College
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Terry Hood of North Shore Project Leadership for his direction, time and effort in making this project possible. Thanks to Kwantlen Polytechnic University, The Justice Institute, College of the Rockies, BCIT, Capilano University and the University of the Fraser Valley for the use of excerpts from previously prepared course outline guidelines and template materials. Thanks also to the BC Commerce Articulation Committee for recommendations, and to all those individuals, groups and institutions who provided feedback and helpful suggestions on the drafts.
