715-025-0001
Transfer Council Terms

(1) The Transfer Council is established, consisting of 15 voting members appointed by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission, and one non-voting, ex-officio member.

(2) The term of a member of the Council begins on the date established by the Commission at the time of appointment. The Commission shall notify members of the term commencement date.

(3) The term of a member of the Council shall be two years, renewable, except that for the initial slate of appointments made to establish the Council, the appointees to the following positions shall be appointed to an initial three-year term, eligible for renewable two-year terms thereafter:

(a) Public university academic officer – position one

(b) Community college academic officer – position one

(c) Public high school academic officer

(d) Public university faculty – position one

(e) Community college faculty – position one

(f) Public high school accelerated college credit program teacher

(g) Community college transfer specialist

(4) The Commission shall determine which members occupy the positions listed in subsections (a), (b), (d), and (e) of section (3) of this rule, and shall notify such members at the time of appointment.

(5) Names and term information for transfer council members shall be posted on a web site viewable by the public.

Statutory/Other Authority: 2021 Oregon Laws, Chapter 575
Statutes/Other Implemented: 2021 Oregon Laws, Chapter 575
History:
HECC 5-2021, adopt filed 10/12/2021, effective 10/12/2021

715-025-0005
DEFINITIONS

(1) Common Course – A course identified as having similar content and competencies, including any course subject to articulation as an equivalent course, between two or more institutions, or a course proposed by the Transfer Council for which a Common Course Numbering Articulation Policy is intended to be developed.

(2) Common Course Numbering System – The established system described in ORS 350.423 which uses the same course numbers and subject codes to identify equivalent courses at different institutions.

(3) Common Course Numbering Articulation Policy (CCNAP) – A policy document establishing the content of each common course, specifying the course title, subject code, course number with universal common course designator determined by the Transfer Council, course description, course learning outcomes, and any other course aspect deemed necessary by the Transfer Council.

(4) Core Transfer Map (CTM) – A policy document describing a “Foundational Curriculum,” compliant with ORS 350.400(2) and (3), that allows a student an opportunity to transfer full academic credit from a community college to any public university listed in ORS 352.002 and which will be counted toward the student’s degree requirements at any public university.

(5) Major Transfer Map Curriculum Articulation Policy (CAP) - A “Unified Statewide Transfer Agreement,” as such terms used in ORS 350.404, and policy document establishing the content of a Major Transfer Map, serving as the binding document upon institutions and students governing the treatment of students who transfer pursuant to the document.

(6) Institution – A community college or public university listed in ORS 352.002.

(7) Typographical Error - A clerical or formatting mistake in a CAP or CCNAP that does not alter curriculum, articulation, or institutional obligations.

(8) Non-Substantive Modification – A change to a CAP or CCNAP that does not alter curriculum or affect implementation.

(9) Substantive Modification means a change to a Curriculum Articulation Policy (CAP) that alters curriculum.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404, ORS 350.412, ORS 350.423, ORS 350.075 & ORS 352.002
History:
HECC 7-2025, amend filed 12/12/2025, effective 12/12/2025
HECC 3-2024, amend filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0010
SELECTION OF MAJORS FOR MAJOR TRANSFER MAP CURRICULUM ARTICULATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT

(1) Not later than August 31 of each calendar year, the Commission, in consultation with the Transfer Council, shall determine the major courses of study for development as a CAP.

(2) The Commission may designate a greater number of majors for development in each calendar year than is required to be approved and implemented under ORS 350.404(4).

(3) The Commission shall publicly identify the criteria used to make such determinations, which shall include, but need not be limited to, a consideration of:

(a) The major courses of study with the most workforce demand; and

(b) The most common major courses of study among students who transfer from a community college to a public university.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0015
INSTITUTIONAL PARTICIPATION IN MAJOR TRANSFER MAP CURRICULUM ARTICULATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT

(1) Prior to the development of a CAP, the Commission shall, in consultation with institutions, determine which institutions offer programs that may be subject to the requirements of the CAP. The Commission shall provide a list of such institutions to the Transfer Council.

(2) The Council shall appoint, from such pool of institutions, a subcommittee to facilitate the development of the CAP.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 9-2023, minor correction filed 10/30/2023, effective 10/30/2023
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0020
MAJOR TRANSFER MAP CURRICULUM ARTICULATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND CONTENT

(1) Not later than December 31 of the year the Commission determines a CAP shall be developed for a major course of study, the Transfer Council shall appoint and charge a subcommittee for such purpose.

(2) The Subcommittee appointed by the Council shall develop the CAP, which must:

(a) Identify an approved Core Transfer Map that makes up a portion of CAP coursework requirements.

(b) Enable a student to transfer from a community college to a public university listed in ORS 352.002 without the loss of academic credit or the requirement to retake a course at a public university that the student has successfully completed at a community college, provided that the grade in each course that is transferred meets the degree requirements established by the CAP;

(c) Contain provisions that identify the optimal number of academic credits, including credits in the major course of study, that the student should have when the student transfers from a community college to a public university listed in ORS 352.002 in order for the student to efficiently receive a bachelor’s degree;

(d) Define the classes and completion standards for the optimal number of academic credits identified in subsection (c) of this section that may be taken at a community college;

(e) Except as provided in subsection (f) of this section, ensure that if a student at a community college has completed 90 academic credits of coursework in conformity with the completion standards identified in subsection (d) of this section and transfers to a public university listed in ORS 352.002, the student will:

(A) Receive junior status in the major course of study at the public university; and

(B) Be able to receive a bachelor’s degree in the major course of study by completing the additional academic credits identified in the CAP after transferring, based on the total number of academic credits and standards approved by the accrediting body for the public university;

(f)   For CAPs that in subsection (c) of this section identify an optimal number of academic credits to transfer other than 90, ensure that if a student at a community college has completed the identified number of academic credits of coursework in conformity with the completion standards identified in subsection (d) of this section and transfers to a public university listed in ORS 352.002, the student will:

(A) Receive status at the public university, based on the number of academic credits referenced in the CAP, that is comparable to the status of students with the same number of academic credits in the major course of study who began their post-secondary studies at the public university; and

(B) Be able to receive a bachelor’s degree in the major course of study by completing the additional academic credits identified in the CAP after transferring, based on the total number of academic credits and standards approved by the accrediting body for the public university; and

(g)  Explore alignment, to the greatest extent possible, of lower-division requirements in the major courses of study.

(3) The subcommittee shall, by a vote of the majority of voting members, submit a CAP recommendation to the council. Two or more members of a subcommittee who disagree with recommendations that are submitted to the Council may jointly submit a minority report to the Council that contains alternate recommendations.

(4) At the time the subcommittee submits a CAP recommendation to the Council, it shall submit a statement of justification for any element of the CAP that requires a student to complete a different course or course sequence depending on the potential enrollment or destination institution of the student. The statement shall:

(a) Describe efforts taken by the subcommittee and institutions to establish curriculum alignment to the greatest extent possible, including but not limited to any efforts taken to align learning outcomes, credit loads, lower-division requirements, and prerequisite requirements for upper-division coursework between institutions;

(b) Provide information pertaining to how any differences in courses or course sequences present in the CAP is of benefit to such students; and

(c) Contain any further information the subcommittee determines is informative.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0025
TRANSFER COUNCIL ACTION

(1) The Transfer Council shall vote to recommend to the Commission the adoption or substantive modification of a CAP. A recommendation of the Council consists of the majority of voting members. Two or more members of the Council disagreeing with a recommendation may submit a minority report to the Commission that contains alternate recommendations.

(2) The Transfer Council shall consider any statement of justification received from a subcommittee prior to a vote. The statement of justification shall be submitted to the Commission with the CAP recommendation.

(3) If, as provided in OAR 715-025-0030 or OAR 715-025-0035, the Commission returns a CAP or portion of a CAP to the Council, the Council shall have the amount of time specified by the Commission to, by majority vote of the Council, submit a recommendation to the Commission.

(4) The Transfer Council shall consider and vote on whether to approve or deny a non-substantive modification to a CAP. Should the council fail to approve a non-substantive modification, the modification may be brought to a vote again at the same or a later Council meeting, unless the Council subsequently votes to classify the modification as substantive, at which point the Council shall follow the process established in OAR 715-025-0055.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 7-2025, amend filed 12/12/2025, effective 12/12/2025
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0030
DECLARATION OF LACK OF TIMELY PROGRESS

(1) The Commission may declare lack of timely progress is being achieved if the Council fails to make a recommendation to the Commission within one year from the date the subcommittee is charged by the Council with the development or modification of the CAP, or should have been charged by the Council pursuant to OAR 715-025-0020, whichever is earlier. The Commission may additionally declare a lack of timely progress if the Council fails to take final action on a non-substantive modification or make a recommendation to the Commission on a substantive modification within one year from the date such modification was referred to the Council for review pursuant to OAR 715-025-055.

(2) Upon such a declaration, the Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee, is charged with studying the matter to formulate a draft CAP for the Council. In addition to the work produced by the Transfer Council, the Executive Director, or designee, shall request information and input from chief academic officers from institutions with programs potentially subject to the CAP.

(3)  The Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee, shall provide a recommendation to the Council not sooner than 90 days from the date the Commission makes such a declaration.

(4) The Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee may hire consultants and may consult institutions to assist the Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee, in developing the final draft of the CAP for the Transfer Council.

(5) Upon completion of the final draft of the CAP, the Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee, will return the CAP to the Council for the Council to provide its recommendation to the Commission, as provided in OAR 715-025-0025. The Council must provide its recommendation to the Commission within 90 days following the return of the CAP to the council, or such other time as the Commission may determine in the declaration of lack of timely progress.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 7-2025, amend filed 12/12/2025, effective 12/12/2025
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0035
COMMISSION CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF MAJOR TRANSFER MAP CURRICULUM ARTICULATION POLICIES

(1) The Commission shall consider the adoption or modification of a CAP based on the work and recommendations of the Transfer Council.

(2) The Commission may return a CAP recommendation to the Council for further consideration, and if so, shall establish a date by which the council must provide an alternative recommendation to the Commission.

(3) Should the Council fail to make a recommendation to the Commission, or fail to provide an alternative recommendation after the cap is returned as provided in OAR 715-025-0035 (2), the Commission may declare a lack of timely progress as provided in OAR 715-025-0030(1).

(4) After following the process in OAR 715-025-0030, if the Council fails to provide its final recommendation as provided by OAR 715-025-0030(5), the Commission may approve a CAP without a formal recommendation from the Council.

(5) The Commission shall notify participating institutions in writing to provosts or chief academic officers within 60 days of approval of a CAP, and shall specify the academic year no later than which the CAP must first be available for students.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0040
EFFECT OF MAJOR TRANSFER MAP CURRICULUM ARTICULATION POLICY ADOPTION ON INSTITUTIONS

(1) All institutions offering a program leading to a two-year certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree, excluding an applied baccalaureate degree, that is the subject of a CAP shall be bound by the terms of the CAP, except as provided in OAR 715-025-0060.

(2) Community colleges shall, not later than the start of the third academic year following notification by the Commission, grant students who are enrolled in the program subject to the notification the credential or designation specified in the Curriculum Articulation Policy, provided such student has completed the requirements of the CAP.

(3) Any institution that enrolls a student with the specified CAP credential or designation must afford the student the privileges of CAPs as specified in ORS 350.404 and the CAP, and shall not require a student to retake a course covered by the credential or designation earned.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0045
PROGRAM TERMINATION

An institution may terminate a program subject to a CAP. It shall notify the Council at the time the termination decision is made, and shall ensure students enrolled in the affected program pursuant to the CAP at the time of termination are provided a completion pathway that satisfies the conditions of the CAP.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0050
ANNUAL REVIEW OF ADOPTED MAJOR TRANSFER MAP CURRICULUM ARTICULATION POLICIES

The Transfer Council shall annually review adopted CAPs for the purpose of ongoing alignment between institutions.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0055
MODIFICATION OF MAJOR TRANSFER MAP CURRICULUM ARTICULATION POLICY

(1) An institution considering any change to a course or curriculum, including the creation of a new academic program, that impacts or may be impacted by an adopted CAP, shall notify the Transfer Council and Commission of the proposed course or curriculum change prior to the implementation of such change.

(2) All proposed modifications to an adopted CAP, except those necessary solely to correct typographical errors, shall be referred to the Transfer Council for review.

(3) Upon referral of the proposed modification to an adopted CAP, the Transfer Council shall classify the proposed modification as either a Non-Substantive Modification or a Substantive Modification, as those terms are defined in OAR 715-025-0005.

(a) If the Transfer Council determines the proposed modification is a Non-Substantive Modification, the Transfer Council may approve the modification. Non-Substantive Modifications approved by the Transfer Council do not require further Commission action.

(b) If the Transfer Council cannot determine whether the proposed modification is a Substantive Modification or if the Transfer Council determines the proposed modification is a Substantive Modification, the Transfer Council shall appoint a subject-area subcommittee to review the proposed modification and make a recommendation to the Transfer Council.

(4) If the Transfer Council adopts a recommendation for a Substantive Modification, the Transfer Council shall forward the recommendation to the Commission for consideration under OAR 715-025-0035.

(5) If the change proposed as provided in section (1) of this rule is the creation of a new program, the Commission shall determine whether the program is subject to the requirements of an existing CAP.

(6) Any modifications to a CAP shall be made in accordance to the processes and requirements established in OAR 715-025-0020(2) to (4) and OAR 715-025-0030(2) and (3).

(7) An institution shall not implement any modification to a course or curriculum that would have the effect of causing the institution to be out of compliance with obligations under a CAP unless a modification is approved through the process established in this rule, or the institution receives an exemption as provided in OAR 715-025-0060.

(8) Proposed modifications to correct typographical errors shall be determined by the Commission.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 7-2025, amend filed 12/12/2025, effective 12/12/2025
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0060
EXEMPTION FROM PARTICIPATION IN A CAP

(1) An institution may submit a request that a program offered by the institution be exempt from CAP requirements, if the institution offers a program similar in title, but where the areas of foci in upper division coursework diverge significantly from other public institutions such that the program is reasonably considered distinct from the other CAP programs.

(2) An institution requesting an exemption must submit an exemption request to the Transfer Council, at any time following the determination made by the Commission as provided in OAR 715-025-0015, with a statement of reasons the program is distinct and should not be included in the CAP.

(3) The Council shall consider the exemption request and other relevant information in determining the exemption request, but may only grant an exemption on the basis of finding that an institution offers a program similar in title, but where the areas of foci in upper division coursework diverge significantly from other public institutions such that the program is reasonably considered distinct from the other CAP programs.

(4) Within 90 days, the Council shall vote to either grant or deny the exemption.

(5) If an exemption is granted prior to the adoption of the CAP by the Commission, the requesting institution shall not be represented on the subcommittee established by the Council as provided in OAR 715-025-0020.

(6) If an exemption is granted after the adoption of the CAP by the Commission, the institution shall ensure students enrolled in the affected program pursuant to the MTM CAP at the time of the exemption is granted are provided a completion pathway that satisfies the conditions of the MTM CAP

(7) Unless an exemption is granted as provided in this rule, the institution shall be bound by the terms of the CAP.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 6-2023, adopt filed 08/11/2023, effective 08/11/2023

715-025-0065
SELECTION OF COMMON COURSES FOR DEVELOPMENT

(1) Not later than August of each calendar year the Transfer Council, in consultation with the Commission, shall approve a plan for the development and ongoing alignment of Common Course Numbering Articulation Policies (CCNAP). In approving the plan, the Council shall consider currently existing common courses as well as opportunities to develop courses where the existence of a common course would benefit students. The plan approved by the Transfer Council shall specify the development of no fewer than 10 CCNAPs, or the number specified by the Commission pursuant to OAR 715-025-0090(2), in the calendar year specified in the plan. The Council may amend the plan after approval as deemed necessary by the Council to facilitate the development of the greatest number of CCNAPs possible.

(2) The Transfer Council shall publicly identify the criteria used to make determinations of the common courses included in the CCNAP development plan. The criteria used by the Council shall include the consideration of the most common courses among students who transfer from a community college to a public university. The Council may annually alter such criteria.

(3) Should the Transfer Council not approve a plan that includes the development of at least 10 common courses, or the number specified by the Commission pursuant to OAR 715-025-0090(2), the Commission may specify additional common courses to be included in the Transfer Council’s plan. Such courses shall be deemed to be included in the Transfer Council’s plan upon approval by the Commission.

(4) Pursuant to OAR 715-025-0085(7), the Transfer Council shall include in its plan any common courses specified by the Commission.

(5) The Transfer Council may recommend to the Commission that the Commission reduce the number of CCNAPs the Transfer Council is required to specify for development in a given calendar year.

(6) The Transfer Council may recommend to the Commission that the Commission eliminate the requirement that the Transfer Council develop new CCNAPs on a finding that the common course numbering system has been substantially established and further development of new CCNAPs is unlikely to produce statewide benefit to students.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.423
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
History:
HECC 3-2024, adopt filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024

715-025-0070
INSTITUTIONAL PARTICIPATION IN COMMON COURSE NUMBERING ARTICULATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT

(1) Once the Transfer Council has approved a Common Course Numbering Articulation Policy (CCNAP) development plan, the Commission shall notify institutions in writing. Notification to institutions shall occur no later than August 31st of each year following any amendments to the plan.

(2) Following the notification to institutions, the Transfer Council shall appoint a faculty subcommittee or subcommittees to facilitate the development and alignment of a common course or courses, from the pool of institutions which offer the common course or courses or have an interest in establishing such common course or courses, subject to the development of the CCNAP.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.423
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
History:
HECC 3-2024, adopt filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024

715-025-0075
COMMON COURSE NUMBERING ARTICULATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND CONTENT

(1) A Common Course Numbering Articulation Policy (CCNAP) shall be developed for each common course prior to approval by the Transfer Council.

(2) A CCNAP shall specify a uniform number of credits awarded for the common course covered by the policy. If a subcommittee of the Transfer Council determines that the number of credits specified in a CCNAP is not the lowest number of credits currently offered any similar course currently offered on which the CCNAP is based, the subcommittee shall provide justification to the Transfer Council, at the time the subcommittee submits a CCNAP recommendation to the Council, the need for additional credit above the lowest number currently offered.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.423
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429, ORS 350.404 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 3-2024, adopt filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024

715-025-0080
TRANSFER COUNCIL ACTION ON COMMON COURSE NUMBERING ARTICULATION POLICIES

(1) The Transfer Council shall approve a sufficient number of Common Course Numbering Articulation Policies (CCNAP) in each calendar year as necessary to make sufficient progress toward the establishment of a common course numbering system. A majority vote of voting members of the Transfer Council is required for approval. The Commission shall notify institutions of the approval of a CCNAP.

(2) Prior to the approval of a CCNAP, the Transfer Council shall consider any justification statements provided by a subcommittee pursuant to OAR 715-025-0075(2).

(3) On or before December 31 of each year, should the Transfer Council not approve one or more CCNAPs listed in the annual plan adopted by the Transfer Council, the Transfer Council shall send the Commission a written notice of CCNAPs not approved and provide the Commission with the reasons the Council was not able to approve such CCNAPs, and information related to if and how the Transfer Council can approve such CCNAPs.

(4) If, after the inclusion of a course in a CCNAP development plan, the Transfer Council determines that a CCNAP should not be developed for a common course, the Transfer Council shall recommend to the Commission that such course be excluded from the common course numbering system and provide justification of such recommendation to the Commission.

(5) Following the declaration of lack of timely progress in accordance with OAR 715-025-0085, the Transfer Council shall, no later than 90 days after the receipt of a CCNAP from the Commission, or no later than the date specified by the Commission, approve the CCNAP, either as provided by the Commission or amended by the Transfer Council. Should the Council not approve such CCNAP by the relevant deadline, the CCNAP provided by the Commission to the Transfer Council shall be deemed approved, and the Commission shall notify institutions of its approval.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.423
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
History:
HECC 3-2024, adopt filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024

715-025-0085
DECLARATION OF LACK OF TIMELY PROGRESS FOR COMMON COURSE NUMBERING ARTICULATION POLICY DEVELOPMENT

(1) If the Transfer Council has not approved one or more Common Course Numbering Articulation Policies (CCNAP) listed in the annual plan adopted by the Transfer Council in the preceding calendar year, the Commission may declare lack of timely progress. The Commission shall consider any written notice provided by the Transfer Council.

(2) The Commission shall not declare a lack of timely progress if the Commission finds that the Transfer Council has approved a sufficient number of CCNAPs as necessary to make sufficient progress toward the establishment of a common course numbering system.

(3) Upon such a declaration, the Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee, is charged with studying the matter to formulate draft CCNAPs for the Transfer Council. In addition to the work produced by the Transfer Council, the Executive Director, or designee, shall request information and input from chief academic officers at post-secondary public institutions.

(4) The Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee, shall provide a recommendation to the Transfer Council not sooner than 90 days from the date the Commission makes such a declaration.

(5) The Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee may hire consultants and may consult institutions to assist the Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee, in developing the final draft of the CCNAP for the Transfer Council.

(6) Upon completion of the final draft of the CCNAP, the Executive Director, or the Executive Director’s designee, will return the CCNAP to the Transfer Council for consideration and approval. The Transfer Council must approve the CCNAP, in the manner specified in OAR 715-025-0080(5) within 90 days of receipt from the Commission, or such other time as the Commission may determine in the declaration of lack of timely progress.

(7) Notwithstanding sections (1) through (6) of this rule, the Commission may, for any CCNAP not approved by the Transfer Council as listed in its annual plan, require the Transfer Council to include the development of such CCNAP in the CCNAP development plan for the calendar year following the year the common course was first included in the plan.

(8) Notwithstanding section (2) of this rule, the Commission may declare a lack of timely progress for any CCNAP not approved by the Transfer Council following its inclusion in two consecutive CCNAP development plans.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.423
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
History:
HECC 3-2024, adopt filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024

715-025-0090
POSSIBLE COMMISSION ACTION ON COMMON COURSE NUMBERING ARTICULATION POLICIES

The Commission may take the following actions related to the development and approval of Common Course Numbering Articulation Policies (CCNAP):

(1) In accordance with OAR 715-025-0065(3), include additional courses in the Transfer Council’s annual CCNAP development plan.

(2) Upon the receipt of a recommendation from the Transfer Council pursuant to OAR  715-025-0065(5), reduce, on an ongoing basis, the number of CCNAPs the Transfer Council is required to specify for development in a given calendar year or, pursuant to OAR 715-025-065(6), on basis and justification from the Council that the common course numbering system has been substantially established and further development of new CCNAPs is unlikely to produce statewide benefit to students, eliminate the requirement that the Council develop new CCNAPs.

(3) Upon receipt of a recommendation from the Transfer Council pursuant to OAR 715-025-0080(4), vote to exclude a common course from the requirement that a CCNAP be developed. The Commission may, upon further consideration, vote to reestablish the requirement for such common course.

(4) Pursuant to OAR 715-025-0085(7), require the Transfer Council to include a CCNAP in a CCNAP development plan.

(5) Pursuant to OAR 715-025-0085, declare a lack of timely progress.

(6) Upon approval of a CCNAP by the Transfer Council, the Commission shall notify institutions in writing of the approval and specify the catalog year the common course for which a CCNAP has been approved must be available for student enrollment.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.423
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
History:
HECC 3-2024, adopt filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024

715-025-0100
EFFECT OF COMMON COURSE NUMBERING ARTICULATION POLICY ADOPTION ON INSTITUTIONS

(1) All institutions shall participate in the common course numbering system.

(2) Institutions offering a course for which a Common Course Numbering Articulation Policies (CCNAP) has been approved shall, in the catalog year specified by the Commission, offer students such course in accordance with the associated CCNAP.

(3) Any institution that enrolls a student who has completed a CCNAP course shall not require a student to retake a course except as provided in section (4) of this rule.

(4) Any institution that enforces a grade requirement for a CCNAP course as a minimum for the awarding of credit,  as an admission requirement for a specific program, or as a minimum grade required for all major courses, shall have a uniform requirement without regard to the institution of origin Such institution may require a student who has completed such course but has received a grade below the institution’s requirement to retake such course.

(5) An institution must treat each a CCNAP course as if it were taken at that institution with respect to:

(a) Satisfying general education requirements for graduation; and

(b) Satisfying any requirements for a major in a baccalaureate or associate degree program

(6) An institution may not require a student to take a corequisite course designed to provide additional student contact hours as a condition of enrollment in any CCNAP course unless such course is designed to provide additional academic support for students the institution determines require such support, and the CCNAP course for which the corequisite is required is an introductory math or writing course.

(7) An institution may not offer a course similar in course description and course learning outcomes, but that is not subject to a CCNAP, unless the institution follows the provisions of OAR 715-025-0115, or unless the Council determines upon approval of such CCNAP that the offering of such course is necessary to facilitate a transition to a new group courses subject to CCNAPs that are designed to be taken sequentially.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.423
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
History:
HECC 1-2026, minor correction filed 01/26/2026, effective 01/26/2026
HECC 3-2024, adopt filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024

715-025-0105
COMMON COURSE NUMBERING ARTICULATION POLICY COURSE TERMINATION

(1) An institution may terminate a course subject to a Common Course Numbering Articulation Policy (CCNAP). It shall notify the Transfer Council at the time the termination decision is made.

(2) An institution that terminates a course subject to a CCNAP shall, for no fewer than seven academic years following the year of termination, provide all rights and guarantees of such CCNAP to any student enrolled at an institution at the time of course termination.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.423
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
History:
HECC 3-2024, adopt filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024

715-025-0110
REVIEW OF ADOPTED COMMON COURSE NUMBERING ARTICULATION POLICIES

(1) The Transfer Council shall ensure the ongoing alignment of courses subject to Common Course Numbering Articulation Policies (CCNAP) between institutions.

(2) Any CCNAP approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Commission prior to the initial adoption of OAR 715-025-0065 to OAR 715-025-0115 shall remain in effect as though adopted by the Transfer Council pursuant to OAR 715-025-0080, until such CCNAP is reviewed by the Transfer Council. Upon review, the Transfer Council shall ensure such CCNAP is compliant with the provisions of OAR 715-025-0065 to OAR 715-025-0115. Should the Council determine that the CCNAP is not compliant, the Council shall include the development of a compliant CCNAP in the Councils next CCNAP development plan.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.423
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
History:
HECC 3-2024, adopt filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024

715-025-0115
OFFERING OF NEW OR MODIFICATION OF EXISTING COURSES BY INSTITUTIONS

(1) An institution shall notify the Transfer Council when it is seeking:

(a) to offer a course that is similar in course description and course learning outcomes to a course for which there is an adopted Common Course Numbering Articulation Policy (CCNAP) or CCNAP under consideration by the Transfer Council, but that is not subject to a CCNAP; or

(b) to modify a course that would have the effect of causing the institution to be out of compliance with obligations under a CCNAP.

(2) The Transfer Council shall, within one year, determine:

(a) Whether the institution may offer such course as proposed;

(b) Whether the institution may not offer such course unless it adheres to the terms of an adopted CCNAP or a CCNAP under consideration; or

(c) Whether an existing CCNAP shall be modified to account for such course.

(3) An institution shall notify the Transfer Council when it is seeking to offer a course for which it intends to adhere to the terms of an adopted CCNAP and provide any documentation required by the Council. Upon notification and the receipt of required documentation, the Council shall include the institution in such CCNAP.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.423
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395 & ORS 350.429
History:
HECC 3-2024, adopt filed 10/11/2024, effective 10/11/2024

715-025-0200
TRANSFER SUCCESS MEASURES; INSTITUTIONAL REPORTING

(1) Each community college and public university listed in ORS 352.002 shall submit an annual report to the Higher Education Coordinating Commission that shall allow the Commission to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of statewide transfer tools, including:

(a) Common Course Numbering (CCN);

(b) Core Transfer Maps (CTMs); and

(c) Major Transfer Maps (MTMs).

(2) For each required measure, institutions must provide data disaggregated by at least the following:

(a) Whether students completed CCN, CTM, or MTM pathways; and

(b) Individual student characteristics specified by the Commission.

(3) Reports shall include the following measures:

(a) Graduation Rate. Percentage of transfer students completing a bachelor’s degree, compared to first-time freshmen.

(b) Credits at Graduation. Number of earned credits at bachelor’s degree completion, for transfer students and first-time freshmen, disaggregated by major and other characteristics.

(c) Transfer Rate. The percentage of students who are new to a community college in fall term, who complete at least 18 collegiate credits within their first two years, for whom a plurality of credits are in lower-division collegiate coursework, and who subsequently transfer to an Oregon public university within four years of initial enrollment.

(d) Utilization Rate of Transfer Tools, including:

(A) The percentage of students earning an associate’s degree or transcript notation with the guarantees of an MTM, among all associate degree earners;

(B) The percentage of students who transfer with a CTM, among all students who transfer with 30–89 credits; including students with an MTM; and

(C) The percentage of students, as defined in subsection (c) of this rule, who complete at least one CCN course.

(e) Federal Loan Participation. Percentage of current undergraduates with federal loans.

(f) Average Debt of Bachelor’s Graduates. Average dollar amount of debt among students completing a bachelor’s degree.

(4) Each institution shall also provide information regarding the adoption and implementation of legislatively mandated transfer policies, including MTMs, CTMs, and CCN, including:

(a) Catalog listings, including confirmation that approved CCN courses are published in the institution’s annual catalog and schedule beginning with the catalog year following Transfer Council or Commission approval of the course;

(b) Confirmation that approved MTM programs are implemented with the rights and guarantees provided for in ORS 350.400 and OAR 715-025-0040.

(c) whether the institution scheduled or offered courses that are subject to an approved CCNAP but not listed with the required CCN designation in the catalog, and if so, whether such courses were offered solely as part of an approved teach-out plan; and

(d) Course removals, including whether a course similar in course description and course learning outcomes but that is not subject to a CCNAP remain listed or offered, and, if so, whether such offerings are limited to an approved teach-out plan as specified in 715-025-0100.

(5) Each institution shall also provide information regarding:

(a) Institutional support and resources for transfer, including faculty and staff training and advising tools; and

(b) Challenges and barriers to implementation of transfer policies.

(6) The Commission shall have final authority to resolve disputes regarding the interpretation or application of definitions in this rule.

(7) Institutions shall submit annual reports in the form specified by the Commission.

(8) The Commission may require institutions to report additional information related to transfer effectiveness, implementation, and student success as determined by the Commission.

(9) The Commission may make publicly assessable, in a manner compliant with relevant student data privacy laws, any elements of institutional reporting.

(10) Institutions shall submit their first reports under these rules to the Commission by September 1, 2026.

(11) The Commission shall compile and publish the first statewide transfer report based on these measures by December 15, 2026.

Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.423 & ORS 350.429
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 350.395, ORS 350.429 & ORS 350.412
History:
HECC 9-2025, adopt filed 12/12/2025, effective 12/12/2025