Informal Transfers

Informal Transfer Request for Biology Courses

An informal transfer allows a student to switch into a different section of the same course after the official add/drop period has ended.  Informal transfers should be very rare and based upon verifiable, emergency need, and must occur within the same session.

Important: Informal transfers are not guaranteed and must be approved by both instructors involved. If an instructor declines your request, please be considerate of their decision. It’s important to understand that these requests aren’t handled automatically.

Before moving forward, please note:

• You must be in good standing with your current instructor.
• Both course sections must occur within the same session. You cannot transfer from an 8-week course into a 16-week course or vice versa.
• The Biology Department will not overload any face-to-face lecture or lab sections due to safety guidelines.

How to Request an Informal Transfer

Before contacting instructors, gather this information:

• Your ACCeID (e.g., 0101010)
• The full course name and section number you want to transfer into (e.g., BIOL 2401-001)
• The course synonym for the section you’re requesting (e.g., 55225)
• Name of both instructors (your current instructor and the instructor for the new section)
• Your unofficial transcript (if prerequisites apply)

Instructions:

1. Email both instructors:
   • Your current instructor
   • The instructor for the class you want to transfer into

   Clearly state that you’re requesting an informal transfer and include the full details of the section you’re trying to join (e.g., BIOL 2401-001, Synonym 55225). If prerequisites apply, attach your unofficial transcript.

2. Once both instructors grant permission, forward the approval emails to [email protected].
3. In your email to the Biology Department, clearly include at the top:
   • Your ACCeID
   • The course name and section you want to transfer into (e.g., BIOL 2401-001)
   • The synonym for that section (e.g., 55225)
   • The name of the instructor for that section
4. Do not drop your current class. Continue attending it until you receive official confirmation from the Biology Department that your transfer has been approved.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Changing instructors or instructional methods may result in different textbook requirements or additional costs.
• It can take up to 24 hours to regain Blackboard access after the schedule change is processed.
• You are responsible for catching up on any missed work in the new section.

Helpful Links

• Informal Transfer – Administrative Rule
• ACC Schedule Changes Policy
• ACC Refund Information
• How to Drop a Course
• Registration & Important Dates