Evaluating a Course for Equivalency in Transfer Evaluation System (TES)

This article is intended for department chairs or faculty who are evaluating a transfer course for an equivalency. It includes the steps needed to evaluate the course in the Transfer Evaluation System (TES).

Overview

This article provides department chairs or faculty who are evaluating a transfer course for an equivalency with step by step instructions on evaluating the course in the Transfer Evaluation System (TES). 

Typically, all reviews for an equivalency are routed through the department chair.  

Step 1. Getting Started 

• When a course is assigned to you, you’ll receive an email with course details and a link to TES. 
• You can click that link or go directly to https://tes.collegesource.com. 

Step 2. Logging In 

• Log in using your MSU email address and the password you set when you created your account. 
• TES uses multi-factor authentication. 
• If you haven’t logged in within 90 days, you’ll need to enter a code sent to your MSU email. 

Step 3. Finding Your Assigned Courses 

• Once logged in, hover over the “Track” menu at the top. 
• Click on “My Evaluations.” 
• Courses will be grouped by institution. Click the arrow next to the school name to see your assigned evaluations. 

Step 4. Reviewing a Course 

• On the left side, you'll see the course info from the sending institution. 
• On the right side, you'll find notes and support documents (like a syllabus or course outline). 
• Click the PDF icon to open the support file (it may open in a new tab or download). 
• Use MinnState policies when deciding if the course is equivalent. 

Step 5. Adding an Equivalent Course 

If no proposed equivalent is listed: 

• From the “Select an Action” drop down, choose “Add/Edit Course.” 
• On the left, you’ll see the transfer course details. 
• On the right, select the correct department from the catalog drop down. 
• Click the blue plus (+) next to the matching course. 
• Double-check the details and click “Done.” 

Step 6. Approving or Denying 

• On the next screen, use the “Select an Action” drop down: 
• Choose “Approve” to accept the match. 
• Choose “Deny” if the course isn’t equivalent. You must write a reason and assign it to Lindsay Smith. 
• Use this guide for equivalency: MinnState Course Equivalency Policy 

Equivalency Standard: 

• A course must be at least 75% similar in content. 
• Courses in a sequence may need higher comparability. 
• Credit hours must match or be within 1 credit. 
• Courses must be evaluated based on content, not accreditation, grading methods, textbook used, or assignments. 

Step 7. Need More Info? 

• If the syllabus or course outline is missing learning outcomes, you can request more information. 
• This keeps the evaluation open until you get the needed documents. 

• Acceptance and Evaluation of Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy and Procedure
• Submitting a Course for Review in Transfer Evaluation System (TES)

Contact Registration and Academic Records