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Purpose

The purpose of this procedure is to define the process by which students can earn college credit based on previous relevant professional experience and education, such as military training and education, workplace training, industry certification, professional licensure and related work experience. For experiences to be considered for Credit for Prior Learning, they must demonstrate college-level proficiency for the student’s program of study and align with program objectives and/or course outcomes.

Definitions

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) 

Academic credit awarded for demonstrated competence at the college or university level gained through learning experiences outside college or university credit-bearing courses and assessed by academically sound and rigorous methods and processes.

College-Level Learning

Learning that meets college-level standards and results in credits that can be applied to the requirements of a certificate, diploma or degree.

Prior Learning Assessment 

The process of faculty evaluation of student learning obtained through sources other than college-level coursework.

Procedure

The College will award Credit for Prior Learning consistent with Minnesota State system and institutional policies and procedures through various methods such as national standardized exams, military credit, corporate training and other forms of third-party assessments.

General CPL process steps:

1. Student researches course descriptions and CPL methods to find course(s) that align with their work and training experience(s).
2. Student meets with their academic advisor to confirm the CPL request and that the CPL credits will count toward their degree requirements.
3. Student submits the Student Prior Learning Questionnaire to the CPL coordinator.
4. CPL coordinator works with the program’s dean for pre-approval.
5. Once approved, the academic dean assigns faculty for evaluation.
6. Assigned faculty review documentation and alignment with program/course outcomes to make a credit determination that is submitted to the academic dean.
7. Academic dean checks the faculty recommendation for proper scope, equivalency and consistency. Upon agreement, grade and program alignment is submitted to the academic administrative assistant for processing. 
8.  Registrar’s Office transcribes approved CPL credit(s) on the student‘s record.   
9.  Student is contacted via College email of the outcome of their CPL request and information regarding possible appeals process.

Responsibility

School of Business, Information Technology, and Academic Innovation Dean

Responsible for maintaining a comprehensive list of all CPL requests and approvals/denials.

Credit for Prior Learning Director

Responsible for intake and distribution of all CPL requests to the appropriate school dean and faculty. Responsible for maintaining all forms and processes to ensure effectiveness of the procedure.

Academic Deans

Responsible for supervising and managing the proposals for CPL within their respective school curriculum.

Faculty

Responsible for reviewing all CPL requests thoroughly and objectively in compliance with all College and Minnesota State system policies and procedures, accreditation requirements, and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) guidance on the Standards for Assessing Learning.

Supporting References

Master Agreement between Minnesota State Board of Trustees and Minnesota College Faculty (MSCF).

Associated Policies and Procedures

2024 º£½ÇÉçÇøºÚÁÏ³Ô¹Ï Credit for Prior Learning Policy