The proposed bill, HB25-1038, aims to enhance transparency and accessibility for students pursuing postsecondary education in Colorado by establishing a free, publicly accessible online platform. This platform will provide information on the transferability of academic credits, courses, work-related experiences, and prior learning opportunities between the state's public institutions of higher education.
Key Provisions:
Institutional Participation:
By January 1, 2026, each public institution is required to submit:
A comprehensive record of its most recent awards of postsecondary transfer credit for courses identified as having equivalent learning outcomes to those at other institutions.
Descriptions of work-related experiences or prior learning opportunities for which the institution awards postsecondary academic credit.
Platform Content:
The platform will include information on:
Courses in the statewide common course numbering system (guaranteed transfer pathway matrix).
Credits earned through standardized tests such as Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests (DSST).
Private Institutions:
Not-for-profit private institutions may, but are not required to, submit applicable information for inclusion in the platform.
This initiative is designed to assist current and prospective students in understanding how their academic credits and prior learning experiences can transfer between institutions, thereby facilitating smoother transitions and informed decision-making.
Summary
The bill requires the department of higher education (department),
subject to available appropriations, to develop and maintain a free, publicly accessible online platform (platform) to provide current and potential students who are pursuing postsecondary education in Colorado with relevant information about which credits and courses, work-related experiences, and prior learning opportunities are transferable to or between the state's public institutions of higher education (institution).
On or before January 1, 2026, an institution shall submit to the
department for inclusion in the platform:
•
A comprehensive record of the institution's most recent awards of postsecondary transfer credit for all courses that the institution has identified as having learning outcomes equivalent to corresponding offerings at other institutions; and
•
Descriptions of work-related experiences or prior learning opportunities for which the institution awards postsecondary academic credit.
Using the data provided by an institution, the department shall
include in the platform information about the transferability to or between institutions for several sources of postsecondary academic credit. These sources include courses in the statewide common course numbering system, now referred to as the guaranteed transfer pathway matrix, and credits earned through various standardized tests.
A not-for-profit private institution of higher education may, but is
not required to, submit applicable information for inclusion in the platform.
