Non-Credit to Credit Policy (Prior Learning Assessment / Credit for Prior Learning) for Graduate Programs – Procedures

Responsibilities

Graduate programs establish in writing policies and procedures for awarding credit for prior learning, including who has the authority to approve such credit.
Applicants/students initiate review of non-credit experiences prior to the first day of the related course(s).
Programs follow established written policies to make a determination related to each request.
When faculty have determined a student is eligible for academic credit for prior learning experience the information will be communicated to the Office of Registration and Records (R&R).

Procedure (Operational Steps)

Each graduate program within a college or division shall establish in writing the policy and procedures used within the specific program or determining whether academic credit shall be awarded as well as establishing who within the program has the authority to approve the awarding of credit.
Applicants/students can initiate a review of previously completed non-credit experiences for which they wish to earn credit at the beginning of the application process or during academic advising process as they matriculate through the program, by filling out a form with consolation with Registration and Records (Appendix A example). For credit to be considered, the student must request the review before the first day of the related course(s).
Programs can either grant an applicant/student credit for 1) specific existing courses within the program curriculum when the PLA meets course specific student learning outcomes or 2) “general” elective credits when the PLA meets a combination of program-level student learning outcomes. The level of credit awarded should be commensurate with standards established within higher education expectations and the overall number of credits awarded may not exceed the established maximum percentage allowable.
Colleges/Division designate faculty who review requests for credit for prior learning.
When faculty have determined a student is eligible for academic credit for prior learning experience the information will be communicated to the Office of Registration and Records (R&R).

Outputs

Designated program faculty communicate decisions directly to both applicant/student and registration and records.

Compliance & Quality Control

Each graduate program within a college or division shall establish in writing the policy and procedures used within the specific program or determining whether academic credit shall be awarded as well as establishing who within the program has the authority to approve the awarding of credit.
Records of PLA offerings, their credit conversions, and any associated grades will be stored at the Registration and Records Office.

References & Resources

Final proposal presented to Faculty Senate in August 2022: FINAL PROPOSAL_Grad Non Credit to Credit Policy (1).pdf