During UMAP's exploratory years, much time was spent reviewing exchange models from the U.S. and Europe.
As a result, the principles and mechanisms established for UMAP exchanges are generally in line with U.S. standard
practice. For example, one of the key concerns of students and faculty alike who are considering participation
in study abroad is the matter of credit transfer. To assist in the process of ensuring that there is a shared understanding
between home and host institution regarding the program of study to be undertaken it was determined that transparent
information regarding course offerings and institutional services would be required from participating institutions.
It was also decided that a flexible means of transferring grades and course credits needed to be developed. This
was accomplished when the UCTS (UMAP Credit Transfer Scheme), modeled on the
ECTS (European Credit Transfer Scheme)
was adopted.