Here are the steps for new instructors and schools to build an articulated credit partnership with OTC:

Step 1: Explore –

1. Learn more about articulated credit with OTC to ensure an understanding of program expectations and practices.
2. Review a sample list of articulated course options by the current school partner. Select the course name to see course descriptions.
3. And/or see all course descriptions at the college. Remember, articulated credit courses are primarily introductory-level, technical education courses.
4. Course options depend entirely upon each instructor’s credentials and the alignment of the course(s) offered at the high school with OTC course offerings. 

Step 2: Apply –

1. After reviewing the section above complete the application process next:
   • Cycles:
     • Course approval agreements are active for three years. Instructors must re-apply every three years. Expiration dates are available on the course options by school partner page.
   • Deadlines:
     • Instructors apply before May 1 or November 1 to be eligible to offer OTC-approved courses to students within the same semester. Applications received thereafter are eligible for the following semester.
     • Returning instructors apply within the same semester as the expiration date and before the deadlines posted above.
   • Materials:
     • Applicants must include all relevant documentation for each course at the time of application. 
       • a sample syllabus for each course with (1) competencies or task list, (2) grade rationale/breakdown, and (3) course materials information for each course
       • a resume with the (1) instructor credentials outlined, and (2) any supporting transcripts and/or certifications.
   • Application Process:
     • Only complete applications submitted via the appropriate link(s) will be evaluated. We are no longer accepting other application formats.
     • Applicants must use the correct link to apply for each course, but applicants can apply for more than one course at a time.
       • For example, an applicant interested in Accounting, Business, and Computer Sciences courses applies for both accounting and business courses utilizing the first link below, but then must also submit another application for computer sciences separately.
     • Complete application packets are reviewed by a committee, including a minimum of the respective department chair or their liaison, and the respective academic dean.
       • The outcome of the review process will be provided via DocuSign and/or from the articulatedcredit@otc.edu to the applicant and/or school administration. Approved parties move on to the next step below.
     • Resources to complete the application:
       • • DocuSign Signing Instructors and FAQ
         • Attaching Files in DocuSign
     • Application Links:

• • • • • Accounting, Business & Marketing
          • Note: BUS 115 Personal Finance must include the use of IRS.GOV to complete from 1040 and correct tables to complete tax exercise and mutual funds and diversity reviewed during investment chapters.
        • Agriculture
        • Arts (Electronic Media & Graphic Design)
        • Computer Science (Computer Information Sciences, Cybersecurity, Information Technology Infrastructure)
        • Construction Trades (Construction, Electrical, & Heating, Refrigeration and Air)
        • Culinary & Hospitality
        • Early Childhood Development 
        • Emergency Medical Services
        • Fire Science
        • Health Sciences
        • Machine Technology
        • Manufacturing (Drafting & Design, Industrial Systems, & Manufacturing)
        • Technical Math 
        • Transportation (Auto Collision, Automotive, Diesel)
        • Welding

Step 3: Partner –

1. If approval is obtained by the review committee, the articulated credit office creates and shares an Articulated Credit School Partnership Agreement with the district to obtain principal and/or director signatures from the school site. The agreement includes all approved courses by the committee.
2. Once a signed copy of the agreement is emailed back to the department, the approved courses and their expiration/reapplication date are added to the Course Options by School Partner page.
3. Approved instructors utilize information in the section below for the steps to complete each semester an OTC course is offered. 

Instructors and other school personnel can see the expiration date for the course(s) offered on the Course Options by School Partner page.

Instructors and other school personnel begin the process to renew their existing partnership by starting at Step 2: Apply – within the “How does a school build a new partnership with OTC?” section above.

After a partnership agreement exists (see How to Build a School Partnership section above), the following must be completed for each semester an OTC Articulated Course is offered.

Approved instructors and school sites:

1. ensure the approved OTC course(s) are taught
2. eligible students complete high school portion of the process at their site and/or in their classroom.
   • Each student interested in articulated credit registers online in CATEMA at www.catema.net/ozarks.
     • Accurate SSN, Date of Birth, and non-high school email address must be provided within CATEMA to be eligible to earn credit
   • The high school instructor accepts each student into each class in CATEMA.
   • At the close of each articulated credit course, the instructor selects either “credit recommended” or “not recommended” for each student in each course.
     • Note: Only those with 80% and above as their final grade in the course are marked as “credit recommended” by the instructor.
   • Refer all students who earned 80% or above/”credit recommended” to their next steps, to assist them with understanding expectations and the process to earn college credit.

While in high school, students receive support about the articulated credit program from the participating high school.

However, once students begin transitioning to OTC, students become college students. In college, federal regulations (FERPA) state all educational rights shift solely to the student, no matter the student’s age. Meaning, we cannot disclose student information to educators, even when students are minors.

Therefore, in college, students become entirely responsible for their education and completion of processes, including articulated credit. Students are encouraged to contact OTC directly for assistance. We are happy to help!