In 2019, Duklas Cornerstone Consulting Inc. (DCC Inc.) partnered with the British Columbia Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) to explore and enhance the assessment of international academic documents. The project aimed to identify and showcase innovative practices for assessing international transfer credits across Canada, particularly within the BC Transfer System.
DCC Inc. employed a comprehensive research strategy, including a national survey and qualitative interviews, to gather data on current practices and challenges. The study revealed that most institutions rely on detailed, manual reviews of individual credentials, often involving academic transcripts, course information, and translations. Key stakeholders, such as registrarial staff and faculty, play pivotal roles in these assessments.
The final report provided a typology of assessment practices, highlighted effective collaborations and scalable technology solutions, and recommended steps for improving efficiency and quality assurance. These included expanding system-level resources and developing new tools and training for staff involved in document assessment.
The project’s outcomes have positioned BC institutions as leaders in international transfer credit practices, fostering enhanced student mobility and streamlined assessment processes.