Prior Learning

The School of Human Services offers a process to validate college-level knowledge acquired through experiential learning. The Schools Prior Learning Committee oversees the process and monitors policies and procedures that are consistent with principles of good practice established by the Council on the Assessment of Experiential Learning (CAEL). The knowledge presented in the portfolio should have a theoretical as well as a practical application and be relevant outside of the context in which it was acquired. Credit is awarded for college-level knowledge/learning gained from experience and not for the experience itself. A Portfolio Handbook for students provides information about specific policies and procedures.

The following pages contain information about these topics:

• Portfolio Preparation and Assessment
• Portfolio Fees and Refunds
• Statute of Limitations
• Evaluation of Professional Trainings, Licenses and Certificates
• Professional Trainings Fee
• State Regulations Regarding Prior Learning Credits

The portfolio course (HUSB 307, Human Services and Portfolio Development) teaches a process that identifies each students college-level learning and utilizes methodologies that enhance the students ability to think conceptually and analytically. Students identify, categorize and organize their knowledge and present this knowledge through a course equivalent process. Once the knowledge has been identified, students must decide if and how this knowledge relates to learning that is typically credited at the college level. The Human Services and Portfolio Development course provides a framework to assist students in reflecting upon and articulating their college-level experiential learning. These policies and procedures are based upon guidelines articulated by CAEL.

The preparation of a portfolio requires a substantial commitment of time and effort. The portfolio is both a process and a product. The awareness of individual achievement and the potential of receiving college credit for college-level learning provides the student with savings of both time and money and allows students the opportunity to present diverse college-level learning in a coherent document. The successful completion of two college writing courses is a prerequisite for enrollment in the portfolio class.

The portfolio must be submitted within one year after completing the portfolio class and at least six months prior to graduation to allow for timely review and possible revision. Students cannot register for Senior Seminar until the portfolio is submitted.

Each portfolio includes the following:

1. Table of Contents.
2. Resume.
3. Personal Statement/Autobiography of Critical Incidents.
4. Claims for Credit(s): Articulation of knowledge equivalent to a specific college-level course.
5. Review of professional trainings, licenses and certifications.
6. Verification and/or documentation of the above claim(s) for credits.
7. Other supportive materials as appropriate to each individualized and unique portfolio.

Completed portfolios are assessed by at least two faculty or faculty-level professionals. Partial credit is not awarded for the claims presented in the portfolio. If the knowledge presented is not adequate to receive full credit for the course claimed, students are given additional academic support and the opportunity to revise and resubmit their work.

Upon registration for the Human Services and Portfolio Development course, students are charged a $250 Portfolio Assessment fee. The portfolio fee is charged for the costs associated with portfolio materials and assessment. If a student does not request credits through the portfolio process, this fee can be refunded. The request for a portfolio fee refund must be made in writing to the prior learning coordinator by the end of the term in which the Human Services and Portfolio Development course is taken. The refund will be credited to the students account.

If the portfolio is not submitted within one year of taking the portfolio class (HUSB 307), the student must re-take the class at his/her expense.

Additional credit may be awarded through the evaluation of professional trainings, licenses and certificates. This assessment is usually done within the context of the portfolio class. However, in some instances, a written portfolio will not be submitted and a student may request that only trainings, licenses and certificates be evaluated for credit. It is required that students will be accepted and enrolled in the School of Human Services for this review to occur. A supplemental handbook explains this process and the associated fee.

Students requesting only a review of professional trainings, licenses and certificates will be assessed a $100 nonrefundable fee. This fee will be charged to the students account at the time of review.

A minimum of 48 credits of the 120 credits required for graduation must be earned in residency. A maximum of 72 credits can be awarded through transfer and experiential learning credits. However, state licensure requirements determine the actual number of credits that may be awarded through the prior learning process. Specific state regulations are listed below:

CaliforniaA student may only earn 30 credits for prior learning. No more than 15 credits can be lower division and no more than 15 can be upper division courses.

FloridaNo more than 30 degree credits may be awarded for experiential learning.

New HampshireNo more than 50 percent of the credits required for the degree may be awarded for prior experiential learning.

Prior learning credits from other colleges are reviewed by the prior learning coordinator for applicability to the SHS prior learning process.

Current page: Policies and Procedures  > Prior Learning