One Diploma, comprised of Coursework from Eight Colleges
Often, parents are terrified at the idea that if their child leaves college to get help, or take a break, that they will never go back. Realistically, that could happen, but is that a rational fear at the time? Hard no. Hundreds of colleges exist, and hundreds of colleges accept transfer credits. Do not believe me? Check out Transferology. If your kid starts at one school, it does not mean they will not return to that one school to eventually earn their degree. There could be some time spent in between earning college credits elsewhere. In the end, does it matter? Another hard no response. Where you are awarded your degree is just a name of the school who decides to collect and accept all your credits.
It is rare to have someone take every single college credit from one college or university. Often, they are taking classes at a community college at some point, from a previous 4-year university, or just working to get their life experiences count towards credits. Having worked in higher education, I would say that it is normal to take classes across several institutions. Sometimes it may be for financial reasons. Other times it may be because of access during a specific semester, a desired professor, smaller class size with the focus on individualized attention, or studying abroad, among other reasons. For me personally, my Bachelor’s degree was comprised of coursework from three separate schools. I have dated people who have accumulated transcripts from so many institutions, they cannot keep track.
In working with students, the biggest fear can often be if it is looked down upon them for taking classes elsewhere or transferring. To which I validate their fears and normalize the experience that they are currently in the minority for not taking classes at multiple institutions. I also worked, and still work, with a lot of parents who are insistent that their child never take classes at any other school other than the school they were originally accepted. To which I respond to them, “Just why?” Honestly. When someone completes their degree at a school, it is because they met all the degree requirements. Whether those classes were from another school or from their institution is up to their Admissions and Registrars Offices. When your child gets their diploma in the mail there is only one school name listed. For that, there is no reason why it is not okay for your loved one to take classes at another school.
Do you want to ensure those credits will transfer? Absolutely. The last thing you want to do is spend money on college classwork that will not transfer to another school, thus requiring to take the same class again. That is the only arena where I could see a parent being hesitant to allow their loved one to take classes at multiple institutions. Otherwise, let your kid take a break. Let them take a gap year. Let them go to treatment if they need to, and eventually go back to school. Let them take classes over the summer at your local community college. Let them take charge of their education. And let them graduate where they decide they want to graduate. It is their name on the diploma after all.
For questions or comments contact Joanna.
