Credit may be granted for learning
gained from life experiences outside the formal settings listed
above. Whether at work, in the military, or in the community, adults
have often learned a great deal outside the traditional classroom.
Such learning is evaluated by reviewing a portfolio prepared by
the student. A course, Experiential Learning Seminar, is regularly
offered to guide students in the preparation of their portfolios.
There is a fee for credits awarded through this process.
Experience alone, however powerful
or valuable, is not sufficient for the award of credit. The student
must demonstrate a college-level, conceptual understanding of that
experience. Students have written portfolios and received credit
in diverse areas such as foreign language, culture and art, literature,
theories of management, and knowledge of jazz music.
The award of credit depends on
several factors: a formal review, valid documentation of the experience,
and an understanding of the academic
theory from that experience. It
is possible to earn up to 45 credits although most awards of credit
are for a total of 20 or fewer credits. Typically, students must
enroll in the Experiential Learning Seminar no later than the fifth
quarter.
There are other guidelines which must be considered
in determining whether Experiential Learning is the right option
for a student. Our Experiential Learning Advisor will guide you in
this process.
Cooperative education credits
are considered experiential credits and will be so evaluated.
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
are not accepted as transfer credits because they may be awarded
based solely on attendance rather than on the basis of knowledge
gained. The learning from such experiences may, however, be included
as part of a portfolio for prior experiential learning.
In addition to prior experiential
learning, credits can be transferred from another
university or college or examinations
and other sources. Under certain circumstances, we also allow non-degree
students to participate in our courses.
