VALOR Act
Valor Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy
Mount Wachusett Community College demonstrates its commitment to veterans seeking to pursue postsecondary through its policies, practices and services. Consistent with the Massachusetts Valor Act signed into law on May 31, 2012, the College has established the following policies to support veteran students in their educational and professional endeavors:
- MWCC will award academic credit for matriculated students’ for prior learning based on students’ previous military occupation, military training, coursework and experiences as these credits apply to their declared program of study.
- MWCC will determine the award of academic credit during the admissions process through a preliminary review and a final conclusive and comprehensive credit evaluation upon the submission of official transcripts, official standardized test score reports and other relevant documentation prior to a student’s enrollment. The required procedures for determining awarding credit for military occupation, experience, training and coursework shall be clearly described and published to provide transparency to prospective students.
Procedures
Prospective and current students who would like to receive college credit for prior military training, experience, occupations, or coursework should submit their official transcripts and supporting documentation to the Registrar’s Office before the start of classes. Air Force Veterans should go to the Air University Registrar.
Air Force veterans should request their official transcript through the Air University Registrar. Students from other military branches should request their transcript through the Joint Services Transcript (JST) website.
Once official documentation is received, the College will use the following methodologies to assess, evaluate and award academic credit for prior military-related experiences:
- ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services
- CLEP Examinations
- DANTES Subject Standardized Tests
- Credit for prior learning evaluation as described in the MWCC Prior Learning Policy
Credits awarded by the College for prior learning based on military experiences will be recorded on the native MWCC academic transcript and applied towards degree or certificate requirements consistent with all other MWCC academic policies. Credits transferred as part of the MassTransfer block will be honored consistent with the terms of this agreement.
When certifying a transferring or graduating student for purposes of MassTransfer, these credits shall be included in this review and submitted to the receiving institution for their use in facilitating the transfer process.
We’re Here To Help
Our Veteran Services team is here to support you from your first question through graduation. Whether you need help using your education benefits, planning your classes, or understanding how your military training may count for college credit, we’re here to guide you.
The Director of Veteran Services is your main point of contact and can help you get started with the credit evaluation process. Once the College receives your official military transcripts and supporting documents, the Registrar’s Office will review them to determine whether you are eligible to receive academic credit.
If you have questions or are ready to get started, contact Veteran Services. We’re here to help you make the most of your military experience as you work toward your education goals.
Adopted: February 20, 2018
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