D. Transcripts accurately reflect student learning and follow commonly accepted practices

Transcripts are the institution's official records of students' academic undertakings and accomplishments. Does the University follow accepted professional practices in producing transcripts? Do the University's transcripts accurately reflect student learning?

The academic transcript of the University of Northern Iowa follows the guidelines for transcript preparation established by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers. The transcript is printed on security paper provided by Scrip Safe Corporation. Multiple layers of security features are embedded within the transcript paper to prevent duplication or tampering.

The academic transcript is an online document. This means that each time a transcript is needed, one is printed from the files within the mainframe computer. The University inaugurated its online transcript record systems in 1983. Since 1995, we have been sending transcripts electronically (to select trading partners) following the national ANSI X-12A EDI SPEEDE (Standardization of Postsecondary Education Electronic Data Exchange) format.

In 1999, we implemented our "transfer bridge" project, which is a first of its kind in the nation. The project allows UNI to receive academic transcripts electronically, move them into the automated transfer course evaluation system, on to our automated degree audit system and finally to posting on the web for students to see how their transfer work will be accepted by UNI. This project was awarded the "Best Practices Award" for 2000 from the Post Secondary Electronic Standards Council.

In addition, for the security of our academic records, we prepare data cartridges of all of our student records and supporting computer programs three times a year. These cartridges are exchanged with our sister universities so that a complete set of UNI academic records is stored at a secure site at either the University of Iowa or Iowa State University. In the event that a major fire or natural disaster destroyed all computer systems on campus, we would have a backup of all student records that would allow for full records availability within one day of the restoration of computing capabilities.

Central to the University's mission to be a premier comprehensive institution is its ability to make continuous improvements in capital, physical and informational resources. The University is proud of its accomplishments in this arena, particularly as it applies to transcript information management. As more complex and integrated systems continue to make possible even greater efficiencies, the University stands firmly committed to more fully integrate modern technology into the everyday lives of UNI students, faculty and staff (see 2001-2006 Strategic Plan, Objective 7.2).

Introduction