A student seeking credit for prior learning experiences must prepare a portfolio to be evaluated by members of the faculty through the department(s) appropriate for the credit being requested.

   Any student interested in prior learning assessment should discuss the possibility with the Vice President for Academic Affairs. This preliminary discussion helps determine whether the student’s experience warrants a formal assessment by the faculty. If the preliminary contact is encouraging, the student must submit a petition to prepare the portfolio to the Vice President for Academic Affairs.  An assessment fee of $50 per course credit sought will be payable upon submission of the petition.   In compiling the portfolio, the student must identify the learning, express it in terms of college level curriculum or competences, relate it to his/her educational and career objectives and compile the evidence to demonstrate the competence. Ideally, completing this process allows a student to avoid the duplication of learning, to build on the learning previously acquired, and shorten the time it takes to earn a degree. Guidelines for portfolio preparation may be obtained from the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

   A prior-learning evaluation may result in awarding of “no credit.” A clear explanation is provided in such cases where credit is denied. If credit is awarded for prior learning, the Registrar will record the credit and notify the student.  Credit earned through an assessment cannot be duplicated through any other method of earning credit.  Prior learning credit is not transferable. A maximum of 12 credit hours may be earned through the Credit for Prior Learning Experiences process.