Leveraging technology to support and accelerate transfer processes
On Tuesday, March 17, CollegeSource hosted another session of the Let’s Talk Transfer community discussion series, where all transfer professionals (regardless of whether they use CollegeSource products) are invited to share their expertise and ask questions on transfer-related topics. Over 230 staff from institutions of higher education joined the discussion live.
Topic of discussion: Using technology to support transfer
This month’s discussion centered on using technology to support transfer processes. Institutions are increasingly seeking ways to streamline and improve transfer credit evaluation. The need for efficiency arises from several factors, including high volume, reduced staffing, and the overall desire to provide students with timely information about how their courses transfer and apply to degree requirements.
Institutions were eager to share the technologies they use to support their processes, as well as learn from others about the options available in the marketplace today.
A breakout discussing AI technology at the March 17, 2026, session of Let’s Talk Transfer.
Evaluating workforce experience
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL, also known as alternative credit) refers to the recognition and award of credit for college-level knowledge acquired outside of the traditional classroom. This knowledge is gained through workplace and military training, as well as courses offered by alternative learning providers. Learning is demonstrated through the award of certifications, performance on examinations (as with standardized exams), or submission of a portfolio.
Institutions increasingly look for ways to support adult learners as they seek to apply on-the-job learning to their degree paths. Attendees shared resources to more efficiently evaluate work experience, including Slate™, the ACE National Guide, Airtable, Smartsheet, and the Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System (STARS).
Processing student transcripts
The conversation shifted to transcript-reading technologies, which process and output the text within a transcript into a structured format within a degree audit or student information system. These technologies aim to speed up the transfer evaluation process by reducing the need for manual entry and shifting the focus to confirming and adjusting output and style sheets. Time was also spent discussing whether institutions should process unofficial transcripts into their systems of record to remove barriers and help students receive more timely evaluations.
Not all institutions have the budget or system capabilities required to invest in transcript technologies. Attendees also discussed ways to better accommodate manual processing, such as training student employees to enter course data. Multiple attendees noted the valuable, transferable skills students can learn from working in a transfer office.
Breakout rooms
Following the group discussion, attendees headed into smaller breakout rooms hosted by the CollegeSource Client Advisory Board and CollegeSource staff to continue to discuss the following topics:
- Transcript reader technology
- Artificial intelligence
- Course evaluation
Additionally, Sarah stayed in the main room to continue discussing leveraging technology with attendees.
Watch the recording
Register now to access the March 2026 recording, including the transcript, chat log, and breakout session recordings.
Upon accessing the recording, please see the sidebar transcript for the link to view breakout videos.
Join us again in May
The next Let’s Talk Transfer will take place on May 19 and will focus on non-traditional transfer credit evaluation – specifically, standardized exams.
If you previously registered for the series, the Zoom link provided can be used to access this session. If you haven’t yet registered, see the link below. Recordings will be available for those unable to attend.
Help shape the 2026 series
Tim and Sarah are looking to you to help shape the future of the series. We invite you to suggest a topic for discussion or volunteer to be a guest speaker and share your experience.
We look forward to chatting with you soon.
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