Summer Term Transfer Policy

Dear Daily Free Press: While I would like to thank Jason Cammarata for his recent help in publicizing the change in BU’s summer course transfer policy, there were a number of inaccuracies or misconceptions in his article. Specifically – * Use of Route 128 as the defining line between acceptable and unacceptable institutions from which courses might be transferred IS, admittedly, somewhat crude. However, such a distinction was made out of a concern for student convenience and cost. The University did not want to force students living outside of the area during the summer to make long commutes or to incur added room and board costs out of a necessity to remain in the area. Most of the transfer courses have historically come from public institutions (not Harvard or MIT, as Jason suggests) inside the 128 arc. * My unfortunate reference to the role Summer Term plays in the University’s overall revenue budget created the impression, for Jason and others, that this policy was driven entirely by a desire to increase revenue. While we all share a concern for the institution’s financial health, this policy change also has to do with ensuring the integrity of a Boston University degree. * The number of courses taken elsewhere and transferred back to BU has increased by 30% over the past two years. This happens to coincide with our efforts to increase the rigor and reputation of Summer Term by involving more full-time faculty in these offerings. * The courses most frequently taken elsewhere are economics, calculus, statistics, physics, literature and psychology. * While cost may be a factor for some students in choosing to study elsewhere, could it be that the prospect of a less rigorous class, or protection of a GPA are also considerations? Remember, coursework done elsewhere is not computed in the BU grade point average. * Regarding cost, a Boston University summer course is 47% less expensive than the same course taken during the regular academic year (on a pro-rated basis). If students were to boycott BU’s Summer Term, as Jason suggests, the impact could be to lengthen the amount of time that students would need to complete requirements – at full tuition. * It should be noted that Harvard, Boston College, Bowdoin and Middlebury, to name but a few, all have more restrictive summer transfer policies than BU. NYU flatly prohibits ANY transfers.

In closing, I acknowledge that the new policy may provide some modest benefit to the University’s revenues. However, this will be at least partially offset by the additional investment BU is making to broaden the number of summer offerings and to involve more full-time faculty. The real benefit rests in the enhancement of Boston University’s reputation for academic excellence, regardless of academic term. John Ebersole Associate Provost ‘ Dean Extended Education Boston University