Information technology has transformed many aspects of higher education in recent years--and it's particularly impacting the management and transmission of student transcripts. Are you ready?
A case study
The benefits of shifting to eTranscripts are potentially significant. Take the case of Caitlin Ditto, who ended up on the wait list of Vanderbilt University because her guidance counselor failed to fax her transcript in time. “If it was something I had more control of, it wouldn’t have happened,” said Ditto, now a rising junior at Northwestern University. It is precisely this control that the adoption of eTranscripts will provide.
High schools began using them in the 1990s and schools in about 20 states have been operating under initiatives that require eTranscipts to be sent electronically since 2007. However, the push for a broad based adoption of eTranscripts is accelerating. Aside from the obvious benefits of convenience, control, and speed of delivery, developments at the state level, such as the creation of advanced data systems and policies to “right-size” student course levels in college, are also driving the move towards eTranscripts.
As a result, demand for eTranscripts is growing significantly. Unfortunately, the absence of standard guidelines and inadequate financial support are hampering a smooth transition to an eTranscript world in some states. The widespread adoption of etranscripts by secondary schools also presents challenges to colleges and universities that must receive, process, and manage eTranspcripts. It is no longer "if" you do eTranscripts, but rather “when” and “how.” How do you start? What are the issues? What does it cost? What is the cost of not adopting an eTranscript practice?
Get answers
These questions will be addressed at an AACRAO webinar on “How to Do eTranscripts in Your Sleep.” The LIVE free webinar will take place Wednesday, Feburary 26th, 2014, from 2:00 - 3:00 PM ET. Come and learn the nuts and bolts of what your institution needs to plan and deploy an electronic transcripts solution. Corey Wahl will share his broad experiences and challenges from the University of Colorado, Colorado School of Mines' implementation of SIS changes, incorporating full automation including archived document imaging systems. This system will allow students to track the transmission of their transcipts and forward letters of recommendation in a more seamless manner.
To learn more and register for the live, free webinar, register here.