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LEARN Commission

The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and Sova are collaborating on the Learning Evaluation and Recognition for the Next Generation (LEARN) Commission, a new national effort to recognize undergraduate learning and improve credit evaluation policies and practices.

Composed of practitioner leaders, accreditors, and research experts from across the country, the LEARN Commission will recommend national guidelines to practitioners for recognizing undergraduate learning in all its forms and applying learning to credentials, with the intent of advancing learning mobility

To compete in a global economy, an increasing share of Americans are completing learning beyond a high school curriculum, moving effectively between high school, the workforce, college, and other training providers to access rigorous and relevant learning. However, as learners move across learning providers, recognition of their learning does not always move with them. For example, analysis by the U.S. Government Accountability Office estimates that learners lose 43% of their credits when they transfer across postsecondary institutions. 

The LEARN Commission will evaluate policies and practices for transferring and applying credit between accredited institutions, as well as policies and processes for recognizing credit earned from high school dual enrollment and learning obtained in the workplace and military. In these areas, the Commission will also assess the potential of new technologies to streamline credit evaluation processes, while eliminating human error and bias.

The work of the LEARN Commission is part of the Beyond Transfer initiative and is made possible with the generous support of the Ascendium Education Group. 

LEARN Commission Membership

  • Dr. Marjorie Dorimé-Williams, Sr. Research Associate, Postsecondary Policy, MDRC
  • Dr. Beth Doyle, Senior Vice President, Initiatives & Solutions, Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) 
  • Dr. Malou C. Harrison, Provost and designee of President Madeline Pumariega, Miami Dade College
  • Ms. Emily Kittrell, Assistant Director, National Institute for the Study of Transfer Students (NISTS)
  • Dr. Samuel Lee, Chief Ambassador of the California MAP Initiative and Interim Vice President, Norco College
  • Dr. Alexandra W. Logue, Professor Emerita, Center for Advanced Study of Education at CUNY Graduate Center
  • Dr. Alexei Matveev, Director of Training and Research, Southern Association of Colleges & Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Ms. Cassandra Moore, Director of Enrollment Development & Admissions, Anne Arundel Community College
  • Ms. Sarah C. Muller, Assistant Registrar - Transfer Credit Center, Ohio State University
  • Dr. Hironao Okahana, AVP for Research, American Council on Education (ACE)
  • Dr. Heather F. Perfetti, President, Middle States Commission on Higher Education 
  • Ms. Julia Pomerenk, Registrar and Associate Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management, University of Oregon
  • Dr. Carolyn Sherlet Gentle-Genitty, Dean of Founder's College, Butler University
  • Ms. Jamienne Studley, President, WASC Senior College and University Commission
  • Dr. Janie Valdés, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management & Services - FIU Connect4Success, Florida International University
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Learning Mobility In The News

AACRAO Releases

  • New AACRAO Report Examines States with Existing Transcript-Hold Regulations

    10/22/2024

    AACRAO and Ithaka S+R have released "Balancing Access and Accountability: Insights from States with Existing Transcript-Hold Regulations Part 2," highlighting the effects of state-level transcript-hold regulations on higher education. Key findings include that 97% of institutions altered their practices following state regulations, with over half eliminating transcript holds for unpaid balances. The report notes that while changes affected a small portion of learners, 90% of institutions felt prepared to comply with new federal regulations. It emphasizes the need for proactive strategies to prevent unpaid balances and offers recommendations for institutions to adapt effectively to regulatory changes. For more details, the full report can be accessed online.

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  • AACRAO Facilitates the Southeastern Regional Talent Ecosystem Pilot, Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

    09/03/2024

    Innovative new resource hub aims to support the adoption and implementation of Learning and Employment Records (LERs) in postsecondary education.

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  • LER Accelerator and Learn & Work Ecosystem Library Announce Partnership to Develop Comprehensive LER Resource Collection

    08/14/2024

    Innovative new resource hub aims to support the adoption and implementation of Learning and Employment Records (LERs) in postsecondary education.

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  • New AACRAO Report Examines Impact of Federal Transcript-Hold Regulations on Higher Education

    06/26/2024

    The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) has published a new report, "Balancing Access and Accountability: Assessing the Implications of the New Federal Transcript-Hold Regulation for Higher Education - Part 1." Authored by Dr. Wendy Kilgore of AACRAO and Dr. James Dean Ward of Ithaka S+R, the report examines the effects of federal regulations limiting transcript holds for unpaid balances. Data from a survey of 326 institutions reveals that while 77% do not plan to use partial-transcript holds, many are eliminating holds and changing policies in response to the new regulations. The report highlights the need for ongoing research and collaboration to understand and adapt to these changes, promoting learner success and institutional stability. The full report is available on the AACRAO website.

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  • Launch of the Learning Evaluation and Recognition for the Next Generation (LEARN) Commission

    06/24/2024

    AACRAO and Sova announce the launch of the Learning Evaluation and Recognition for the Next Generation (LEARN) Commission, a new national effort to recognize undergraduate learning and improve credit evaluation policies and practices. The LEARN Commission will evaluate policies and practices for transferring and applying credit between accredited institutions, as well as policies and processes for recognizing credit earned from high school dual enrollment and learning obtained in the workplace and military.

    Full story

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