Calvin students who participate in a study-abroad semester take two types of classes: classes taught by Calvin professors (STXX) and classes taught at a host university or institution (direct-enroll). Direct-enroll credits are transfer credits that Calvin students earn from other institutions. Calvin students can earn Calvin core, major, minor, cognate, and elective credit from both Calvin-taught and direct-enroll classes.
In order to ensure that these credits transfer properly, any student who will be taking direct-enroll classes must fill out the course selection form below and submit it to the registrar.
Why is "STXX 390- Direct-Enroll" showing up on my enrolled courses/academic progress?
Once you are registered in direct-enroll classes during your semester abroad, you will see STXX 390 on your Academic Progress page. This is used as a placeholder to make sure all your credit hours are accounted for and you maintain your status as a full-time student.
Once your direct-enroll transcript arrives, the STXX 390 course credit hours will be changed to zero and the number of Calvin-equivalent credit hours will be listed. Your grades for these classes are treated like regular transfer credits: the Calvin-equivalent letter grade will be generally recorded on your transcript, but will not be factored into your GPA.
Requesting course approval
Note: If you are only going abroad for interim, or if all your semester abroad classes will be taught by a Calvin professor, then you do not need to submit this form.
Print out and complete the course selection form. Make sure it has been signed by your advisor.
If you are requesting credit for core classes:
See the list below of pre-approved core equivalencies. If your class is already on that list, then credit for those core classes will be automatically applied.
If your class is not on that list, then attach a course description to your form. The registrar will evaluate the request and determine whether credit can be applied.
If you are requesting credit for program (major/minor/cognates) classes, seek approval from your major/minor program advisor. Submit their signed approval along with your course approval form.
Bring all of your materials to the Assistant Registrar, Rachel Cush (rvc2@calvin.edu), in the Center for Student Success.
Due to the nature of enrollment in some off-campus programs, you may not be able to select courses prior to your arrival. If this is the case, you may request an urgent evaluation by e-mail once you arrive.
Download and fill out the electronic transfer credit pre-approval form.
If you are requesting credit for core classes, follow the instructions above.
If you are requesting credit for program (major/minor/cognates) classes, email your advisor and get their permission in email form. CC or forward the form and approval email to the Assistant Registrar, Rachel Cush (rvc2@calvin.edu).
Below are core equivalencies that have been pre-approved for students in the past. This list is not comprehensive and is continually growing each semester.
*Religion Credit: One religion core must be taken at Calvin. For more information, contact the Assistant Registrar.
