Gwynedd Mercy University 2025-2026 University Catalog 35
Request for Transcripts
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, prohibits the release of educational records by institutions without the specific written consent of the student. Students, alumni, or former students may request copies of their transcripts through the National Student Clearinghouse. There is no charge for copies sent between offices at Gwynedd Mercy University. Transcript requests are processed in the order received and require 2 to 3 days for processing. Specific deadlines should be mentioned when requesting the transcript. Students can visit the Registrar’ s web page at www. GMercyU. edu for instructions on receiving a transcript.
Credit by Evaluation
In order to recognize knowledge and experience attained through non-formal and non-traditional approaches to learning, the University utilizes several evaluation methods. Qualified students, with approval, may take examinations for academic credit as applicable to a given program of study. Students must arrange for non-traditional testing by obtaining an approval form signed by the Dean of the College for their major as well as from the Dean of the College for the course. Demonstrated evidence of“ out-of-school” knowledge or experience is considered in the approval decision. Students must complete testing at least one full semester prior to graduation. Unless authorized, thirty( 30) Gwynedd Mercy University credits must be earned before credits are posted. Open electives cannot be fulfilled through testing modes. Students may not earn credit for any course which they have audited or for which they have received a grade. Credit by Evaluation cannot be used to replace a previously completed course. A student who fails a challenge must enroll for the regular course in order to complete graduation requirements. Posting charges are listed in the catalog under Expenses. If the applicant is successful, the appropriate Dean will notify the Provost / Vice President for Academic Affairs, who will arrange for proper credit to be entered on the student’ s transcript.
CLEP: The College Level Examination Program, offered through the College Board, provides a standardized testing program for a variety of courses. Prior to taking a CLEP exam, the approval form must be secured. CLEP credit is not applied to open electives. Appropriate passing scores are determined by Gwynedd Mercy University. After review of the score, appropriate signatures secured through the Dean and the Vice President for Academic Affairs, and payment through Student Billing, the credit is posted on the permanent record. Payment and posting must be one semester prior to graduation.
Challenge Examination: Departmental challenge examinations may be given in the event that an approved examination is not available. The examination may include written, oral, laboratory tests or a combination of these; it will be significantly comprehensive to establish that the student possesses essentially the equivalent knowledge and skills as that of a student who successfully completed the course. After approval to take the challenge is granted, completing the exam successfully and payment is made, the credit is posted on the transcript. Payment and posting must be one semester prior to graduation.
Prior Learning Assessment: This is a formal process and procedure for the granting of credit for life experience. Students may apply for prior learning credits at any time prior to their last semester before graduation; however, students must have earned at least 30 credits at Gwynedd Mercy University before credits will be applied to the transcript. No credit for life experience can be applied to courses