ERIC ED482187: CAN Guide. Revised. Seventh Edition.

97 Pages·2002·1.4 MB·English

by  ERIC

DOCUMENT RESUME
ED 482 187
JC 030 626
CAN Guide. Revised. Seventh Edition.
TITLE
INSTITUTION
California Articulation Number System Project Office,
Sacramento.
PUB DATE
2002-00-00
NOTE
96p.
PUB TYPE Guides
Non-Classroom (055)
EDRS PRICE
EDRS Price MF01/PC04 Plus Postage.
DESCRIPTORS
Admission Criteria; Articulation (Education); *Community
Colleges; Relocation; School Policy; Transfer Policy;
Transfer Programs; *Transfer Students; Two Year Colleges
IDENTIFIERS
*California Articulation Number System
ABSTRACT
This document is the seventh edition of the California
Articulation Number (CAN) System guide, which was revised in 2002. Some of
CAN's goals are to help community college students transfer smoothly to four
year universities, promote the development of a common method of course
identification within each segment of public postsecondary education, and
help identify courses with comparable content so that certain competencies
can be expected upon completion of such courses. The document gives an
overview of CAN and its goals for the future. The report is divided into the
following chapters:
(1) what is course articulation?;
(2) what is CAN?;
(3)
how to take a CAN course;
(4) how does CAN work?;
(5) steps to participate in
(6) how to prepare and submit a CAN articulation report?; and (7) what
CAN;
is next for CAN. The document contains fourteen appendices which provides
information on approved list of courses in CAN, CAN course prefixes, glossary
of CAN terms, CAN institutional statement of commitment, diverse numbering of
qualified courses identified by CAN, and sample major preparation agreements
between two year and four year institutions and between four year and four
year institutions. Contains numerous tables and diagrams throughout report.
(MZ)
Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made
from the original document.
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Office of Educational Research arld Improvement
1
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION
CENTER (ERIC)
ia This document has been reproduced
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Points of view or opinions stated in this
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This GUIDE is written to explain how the CAN System
works and to provide comprehensive instructions for
the use of, and participation in, the CAN System.
California Articulation Number System
555 University Ave., Suite 210
Sacramento, CA 95825
[phone]
FAX [phone]
Copyright Notice / Disclaimer
CAN Guide
© 2002 California Articulation Number System
"CAN" is the official mark of the California Articulation Number System.
Every reasonable effort is made to keep the information provided here accurate and up-to-date.
Neither the California Articulation Number System nor the institutions of California's post-secondary
system participating in CAN are held liable for errors in or omissions. All final decisions regarding
the transferability of courses should be confirmed with the institutions involved.
Revised 2002, 7th Edition
_ABLE
BEST COPY AVM
CAN Guide
Contents
Seventh Edition
This handbook has been produced for
Introduction
1
you by the CAN System Olfice. CAN is
always seeking ways to make the CAN
What is Course Articulation?
3
system work more smoothly. For more
information, check out our web site at
What is CAN?
4
www.cansystentorci
How to CAN a Course!
5
How does CAN Work?
7
Copyright Notice /
CAN Guide
Steps to participate in CAN!
8
Disclaimer
How to Prepare and Submit a
10
2002 California Articulation Number
CAN Articulation Report?
System.
What's Next?
11
"CAN" is the official mark of the
Appendices
California Articulation Number
System.
14
Appendix A Sample major preparation agreements between
2 yr. and 4 yr. institutions and between 4 yr. and 4 yr. institutions.
Every reasonable effort is made to
keep the information provided here
16
Appendix B
Diverse Numbering of Qualified Courses Identified
accurate and up-to-date. Neither the
by CAN
California Articulation Number System
nor the institutions of California's post-
17
Appencix C CAN Course Prefaes
secondary system participating in
CAN are held liable for errors In or
18
Appendix D Approved List of Courses in CAN (August 2002)
omissions. All final decisions
regarding the transferability of
25
Appendix E
Course Sequence Articulation and Approved List
courses should be confirmed with the
institutions involved.
of Sequences
28
Appendix F CAN Forms
30
Appendix G Recommended Statement for campuscatalogs &
schedule of classes
Electronics versions of this publication
are available at www.cansvstem.orq.
31
Appendix H
Glossary of CAN Terms
32
Appendix I CAN Briefs
34
Appendix J Discipline CAN Course Descriptions
California Articulation Number System
555 University Ave., Suite 210
85
Appendix K CAN Institutional Statement of Commitment
Sacramento, California 95825
86
Appendix L CAN Participating campuses
Dr. Jose R. Michel, Director
87
Appendix M Abbreviations for the CSU and UC campuses used by CAN
Ms. M. Patricia Servin, Associate
Director
88
Appendix N
2002-03 CAN Course Catalog
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: infogcansystem.orq
Web: www.cansvstem.orq
111:;1=1
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1
Introduction
disciplines and programs to which those
Every year, more than 50,000 community
courses are transferable.
college students transfer to the California State
University and the University of California.
It is
Promote the development of a common
common for many of the 108 community colleges
D
method of course identification within each
to have students transfer to all of the public four-
segment of public postsecondary education
year universities.
where there is a clear need for such a
A glance at campus catalogs, course
common method.
numbering schemes, academic policies, and the
processes involved in determining course
Help identify courses with comparable
comparability for major preparation or
D
content, so that certain competencies can
comparability of courses in support of another
be expected upon completion of such
major illustrates the potential for confusion and
courses.
misinterpretation for students. There is a need for
a course numbering system to simplify the
CPEC conducted a nationwide study of
articulation process as well as to provide accurate
course numbering systems. Among the
academic preparation information to students.
conclusions in the study completed in December
Students can be the benefit from a
smooth articulation process. Course-to-course
1984 were:
articulation is fundamental to academic planning
D A systematic approach to numbering
and the transfer process. Students must know
baccalaureate-level courses offered by
which courses to complete at their home campus
California's various segments and
in order to meet specific degree requirements at
institutions of higher education would help
to the receiving institution(s) of their choice.
students make choices related to transfer,
Although desirable, not all two-year colleges
plan their lower-division programs, and
articulate a significant part of their curricula with
evaluate alternative transfer opportunities.
all four-year institutions and nor should the thirty-
The present lack of coherence in course
one public four-year institutions expect
numbering, even within segments, results
community colleges to provide thirty-one unique
in transfer students losing time and credit
variations of lower division preparatory courses.
in earning their baccalaureate degree and
This is why a comprehensive, understandable,
may result in students being denied
and credible articulation system adequate to
opportunity to transfer because of confusion
accommodate the number of students and the
about courses to be taken to satisfy
diversity of programs in California is needed...this
transfer requirements.
is the role of the California Articulation Number
(CAN) System.
D A uniform course-numbering system like
Concern over the complexities facing
that in place in Florida is unnecessary in
transfer students and the declining rate of transfer
California, excessively costly and
led to Legislative action in 1983. Senate Bill 851
bureaucratic, and probably unworkable
requested that the California Postsecondary
because of the size and complexity of
Education Commission (CPEC) "...develop a plan
California higher education .
for a course numbering system to be used by
. . .
Furthermore, such a uniform system
public postsecondary education institutions."
appears to make unduly simplistic
Chapter 565 of the Education Code directed that
assumptions about the comparability or
the course numbering system be designed to do
equivalency of courses offered by different
all of the following:
institutions and gives Community College
students and counselors a false sense of
Promote the transfer of community college
D
security about equivalency if they are not
students to four-year postsecondary
fully familiar with the special conditions and
institutions by simplifying the identification
limitations imposed by some institutions on
of transferable courses and the specific
CAN Gu i de
5
2
transfer courses with common numbers.
The bill requires that faculty in each major at
In January 1985 the Commission
the four-year public campuses develop, in
recommended the Legislature and the Governor
conjunction with community college faculty,
fund the implementation of the California
discipline specific articulation agreements for
Articulation Number (CAN) System, which was a
those majors that have lower division
voluntary effort that begun in 1982 by
prerequisites. The bill states that each public
representatives of the three segments of public
postsecondary education segment will be
higher education. The System was designed to
accountable for the development and
simplify the transfer process. By increasing the
implementation of agreements.
articulation of courses and removing the
The foundation of the CAN System is
mysterious aspects of multiple course numbering
discipline-based bilateral articulation agreements.
systems currently used, the System serves as a
Courses in the System are lower division major
vital component of a successful transfer program.
preparation core courses and support courses.
The California Articulation Number System
Inter-segmental faculty committees have created
was initiated on July 1, 1985. The three public
succinct course descriptions in 35 disciplines
segments of higher educationthe California
currently in CAN. This activity has promoted
Community Colleges, the California State
communication and the spirit of cooperation. The
University, and the University of Californiawere
descriptions are reviewed by faculty on four-year
partners in this endeavor until November 1990,
campuses on two and four year cycles to insure
when the University of California withdrew. Since
currency and appropriateness of courses for
that time, the California Community Colleges and
major preparation.
the California State University have jointly
Quality control and the integrity of the CAN
collaborated on CAN. Representatives from the
System are maintained by an annual review of the
public segmental offices, the statewide academic
courses that have been identified, articulated, and
senates and articulation officers from the
qualified to meet the criteria. This review is
Community Colleges, the California State
facilitated on each campus by an articulation
University and the independent colleges and
officer who works with the faculty.
universities serve on the CAN Board of Directors.
The CAN System, based on course-to-course
Senate Bill 121 provides for the
articulation, simplifies the identification of
implementation of transfer recommendations
transferable lower division major preparation
made by the Joint Committee for Review of the
It can be used with a high degree of
courses.
Master Plan in 1987. This legislation enacted in
confidence by students, faculty, and staff. The
October 1991, requires that the three public
System is an established and reliable mechanism
segments have "as a fundamental policy the
for providing vital information to students for a
maintenance of a healthy and expanded student
successful transfer programthe intent of Senate
transfer system."
Bill 121.
CAN Guide
3
Articulation?
What is Course
Course articulation, for the purposes of the
Officer?
California Articulation Number System, is defined
as the written agreement developed between two
The Articulation Officer serves as the liaison
institutions to accept and use a specific course
that has been completed on a sending campus to
>
between the home campus and other
meet a specific course requirement on a receiving
institutions;
campus. Faculty in each discipline review
courses to determine comparable content and
>
between the home campus and segmental
approve all agreements. The agreements
offices;
authorize the acceptance of one course "in lieu
of' another for transferring students. Articulated
>
between academic departments on the
courses are not to be construed as "equivalent,"
home campus;
but rather as comparable courses, i.e., the
content is such that similar outcomes are
>
between academic affairs and
assured and advancement to the next level of
administrative/student services.
instruction is appropriate.
Course articulation paves the way for smooth
The Articulation Officer
transition and progression through the educational
system in California
the transfer of students
serves as a consultant, moderator, adviser,
>
from one campus to another.
It provides a link
and communicator of articulation
between faculties, campuses, and segments.
information;
Articulation promotes "unity" in the educational
system and contributes substantially to the
>
initiates faculty approved articulation
additional three goals stated in the renewed
and maintains official
agreements
Master Plan, July 1987: "Equity, quality, and
campus records;
efficiency." The implementation of a course
articulation mechanism as a part of the transfer
develops and implements an effective
>
function should be an institutional priority in
system for communicating this vital
support of the total transfer function. SB 121
information to students and faculty;
requires this as fundamental policy.
>
works closely with faculty and academic
Who is
for
Responsible this
Vital
units, is knowledgeable about home
Process?
campus programs as well as those of other
institutions, communicates the changes
Course articulation is a faculty responsibility. and concerns of other campuses, and
participates in, or is apprised of, actions by
Faculty involvement and cooperation are
the General Education Committee, the
essential and fundamental to the articulation
process. They develop curriculum, establish Curriculum Committee, the Academic
requirements, and maintain classroom standards Policy Committee, and the Catalog
that assure the appropriate outcomes. They
Committee;
make the articulation decisions.
While the faculty makes the articulation >
is a well informed resource person for the
decisions, the articulation process is directed and
campus's academic, administrative, and
student services areas;
facilitated by an "Articulation Officer."
>
promotes participation in cooperative
intersegmental programs.
What are the functions of an Articulation
CAN Gu i de
7
4
What is
CAN?
degree of quality which has been achieved since
The California Articulation Number (CAN)
the beginning of CAN, articulation must be
System is a cross-reference course identification
system for many lower-division, transferable major maintained in a current state.
The criteria for courses to qualify to use a
preparation courses commonly taught on college
CAN prefix is the same for both two- and four-year
campuses. CAN is based on course articulation -
campuses. The increased bilateral agreements
- courses considered to be comparable, but not
necessarily identical, and acceptable "in lieu of'
between four-year campuses serve to reinforce
the cooperation that is essential to planning
each other. CAN is simple, functional, and
proper preparation and thus achieving successful
flexible, yet is structured to provide accuracy and
consistency. CAN allows each campus to retain
transfer.
its own course number, prefix, and title. When a
CAN began with 107 semester courses and
course has met the criteria and is qualified to use 124 quarter courses; it currently has 207
semester courses, 52 quarter courses, 36
a CAN, it is printed as an addendum to the
sequence designations, and 36 academic
campus's course number and prefix in catalogs
disciplines. Courses identified for the Number
and other publications.
System are lower division major preparation
Traditionally, course articulation that had
courses, or support courses for other
been developed prior to CAN was between two-
departmental majors. Qualified courses may also
year and four-year campuses. Although fewer
be used to meet other campus requirements such
students transfer between four-year campuses,
the construction of a network of articulation
as general education/breadth.
agreements between four-year schools
Course descriptions have been developed by
contributes significantly to intersegmental and intersegmental faculty committees in thirty-five of
the thirty-six disciplines. The descriptions are the
intrasegmental communication and better student
guidelines for faculty to determine if a comparable
In order to obtain a reasonable
preparation.
course is offered on their campus in order to
degree of consistency and comparability in lower
identify it for the CAN System; and then to
division course preparation, a concerted effort was
articulate it with other campuses that also offer a
necessary to increase both quantity and quality of
comparable course. Please see Appendix I.
course articulation between the four-year
campuses as well as between the two-year and
four-year campuses. To preserve the high
CAN Guide
8
5
How to CAN a Course?
public and private colleges and universities
California offering associate degrees,
Accredited
in
baccalaureate.-level transfer courses, or baccalaureate degrees are encouraged to qualify courses to use
California Articulation Numbers and participate in CAN.
The California Articulation Number System is articulation agreements that are based on written, faculty-
approved articulation of courses between campuses. To qualify a course to use a California Articulation
Number, the following criteria must be met for each course:
NEGOTIATE WRITTEN, FACULTY-APPROVED ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS FOR EACH
COURSE WITH 4 CALIFORNIA PUBLIC FOUR-YEAR INSTITUTIONS.
Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a possible set of articulation agreements for a campus to qualify a course. The
symbol <-> indicates bilateral, verified articulation.
FIGURE 1. General Chemistry for Science Majors - 2 yr. campus
CHEM 2
at
CHEM 1
Solano qualifies to
Solano College
CAN CHEM 2
use
CHEM
CHEM 1A
CHEM 037 CHEM 200
UCB
SDSU
CSUC
115A
- 4 yr. campus
2. Introduction to
Macroeconomics
FIGURE
ECON
at
202
ECON 202
CSUSB
qualifies to
CSUSB
CAN ECON 2
use
ECON 1A
ECON 2
ECON 202
EC 202
UCR
CSUB
CPP
CSUS
CAN Guide
9
6
FIGURE 3. Articulation Network Supporting the California Articulation Number System
Z
IN
Z1
SDSU
Cerritos
I
CPSLO
CSULA UCR UCB
CSUB CSUC
CSUS
UCSC
FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY!
The example in Figure 3 illustrates the
commitment and articulation network for
accept and use, just as its own course is used,
participating campuses to accept and use a
the qualified courses at Cerritos, SDSU, and
California Articulation Number for a given course.
CSUSB. CSUSB agrees to accept CSUN,
>
Bilateral course articulation exists between
Cerritos, and SDSU courses and use them as its
Cerritos and each of 4 public four-year
own qualified course is used. Likewise, SDSU
universities; therefore, Cerritos qualifies to
agrees to accept Cerritos, CSUN and CSUSB
use a California Articulation Number for the
qualified courses and use them as its own course
course.
is used.
The other campuses (unshaded boxes) in
>
Bilateral course articulation exists between
Figure 3 have not yet qualified to use a California
CSUN and'each of 4 public four-year
Articulation Number in this example.
universities; therefore, CSUN qualifies to
use a California Articulation Number.
>
Bilateral course articulation exists between
Independent California colleges and
SDSU and each of 4 public four-year universities are encouraged to fully participate in
the Number system. However, if independent
universities; therefore, SDSU qualifies to
institutions are unable to articulate with 4-year
use a California Articulation Number.
public institutions in California, they may identify
> themselves as an "accepting only" institution.
Course articulation exists between CSUSB
This indicates their policy is to accept CAN
and each of 4 public four-year universities;
courses comparable to their courses. This will
therefore CSUSB qualified to use a
benefit both the "accepting only" schools and
California Articulation Number for the
prospective transfer students. It is important to
course.
note that a course transferred from a participating
Cerritos, as a participating campus, agrees to
school would be evaluated according to the
policies of the receiving campus. A non-
accept and use, just as its own course is used,
participating campus is not committed or
the qualified courses at CSUN, SDSU, and
CSUSB. CSUN, as a participating campus,
obligated to use the course as their own
comparable course is used.
agrees to
CAN Guide
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