03/14/2025
By Kerry Patenaude
Overview of the Policy Proposal
Presented to Faculty Senate for Initial Discussion on March 03, 2025:
Proposal to Change Graduate Credit Transfer Policy
Current university policy allows students to transfer up to twelve (12) credits into a master's degree program, however credits presented for a master's degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML) must not have been presented for another, separate master's degree.
This proposal recommends a policy revision which would permit students to count up to nine (9) credits towards two master’s degrees at UML, provided that the following criteria are met:
• Both master's degrees are conferred by UML.
• Both master's programs have a formal concurrent program agreement detailing which credits may be shared.
• Credits cannot be counted to more than two degrees (including those used in a Bachelor-to-Master program)
This proposal is driven by student demand and aligns with practices at peer institutions. By adopting this proposal, UML will allow students to complete two master’s degrees concurrently, providing a more flexible and cost-effective pathway for students to earn two master's degrees while maintaining the academic rigor and the integrity of both degrees.
We anticipate this will increase graduate enrollment and tuition revenue as well as enhance UML’s competitiveness in the higher education landscape.
Invitation for Open Comment
The Faculty Senate voted on March 3, 2025 to move the proposal into the 2-month review cycle for university-level policies. The Senate asked that we wait to announce this Call for Comment until the end of the break. As of this announcement on March 14, we invite the UML community to review the proposal and provide comment at upcoming UPC and GPAC meetings, which are open to the public. You are also welcome to send comments or questions to faculty_senate@uml.edu.
To view the full proposal and supporting documents, and read the comments, please log into Curriculog, our campus curriculum management system. All faculty, administrators and staff can access Curriculog with their email credentials. If you need assistance, email curriculog@uml.edu.
The proposal will be on the following Committee and Senate agendas:
Undergraduate Policy Committee (UPC) Meeting
Date: Monday April 14, 2025
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Location: Alumni Hall 102
Graduate Policy and Affairs Committee (GPAC) Meeting
Date: Wednesday April 23, 2025
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Location: University Crossing 421
Faculty Senate 2025-2026 Meeting #1
Date: Monday May 5, 2025
Time: 3:30-5 p.m.
Location: Moloney Ballroom (UCC-260)
The Faculty Senate is committed to transparent governance and effective communication, and we hope this invitation for comment from the campus community will help us meet those goals. Thank you for your attention to this proposed change to our graduate transfer credit policy.
Kerry Patenaude, Associate Director of Faculty Senate Operations and Curriculum Management
Kevin Petersen, Faculty Senate President
Note; The Faculty Senate has instituted a new process to ensure a thorough, campus-wide review of all University-level policy proposals. The process is as follows: After introduction at Senate, the policy is available for comment by all College Curriculum Committees for one week, followed by one week for comment by college deans. It will appear on the agenda for UPC, then GPAC, and finally, return to Senate for a vote by members. A proposal, an invitation for open comment, and important dates are detailed above.