Prior Learning Assessment

There are two ways to document prior learning:

1. Equivalency tests such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Students (DANTES) tests; the University of Indianapolis also has a few department-sponsored tests such as Microcomputer Applications (COMP150).
2. A portfolio documenting self-acquired competency. The portfolio process for SAC involves preparing a detailed, comprehensive portfolio documenting your learning from experience. In the portfolio, the learner demonstrates how the prior learning equates to the competencies of a specific course or courses. The portfolio is not something you can prepare overnight. It may take weeks or many hours, but the preparation is done on your own time, your own schedule. Compiling such a portfolio is also a powerful means of self-validation. Adult learners who have prepared and submitted portfolios have commented enthusiastically on how rewarding the process was for them.

Some examples of what you may be eligible to document and receive college credit for:

• Computers experience
• Business/management/sales experience
• Extensive banking, insurance, or similar experience
• Law clerk at a law firm
• Work as a church treasurer
• Interior design courses through a correspondence program
• Non-transferable college credits from a trade school or technical institute (which traditionally would not transfer to a university degree program), or you are an ex-GI (prior military)

Note: There are many more possibilities. Each student's situation will be evaluated independently.

Self-Acquired Competency Portfolio

Any UIndy student who is at least 24 years old may submit a competency portfolio; portfolio submissions are not restricted to accelerated students. Students should complete 12 credit hours of UIndy coursework before submitting a portfolio for evaluation. The portfolio may be started before the completion of 12 hours, but such a portfolio may not be submitted until you have accumulated a minimum of 12 credit hours at the University of Indianapolis.

Students may apply a maximum of 30 credit hours earned through portfolio submission toward a bachelor's degree and a total of 15  hours earned through portfolio toward an associate's degree.

Credit is awarded for the learning that you document from your experience, not for the experience alone.

Students pay half of the prevailing Extended Programs Division tuition rate for requested portfolio credits. Always verify the current rate with the School for Adult Learning office in Esch Hall 103.

Preliminary Steps

If you are interested in doing a portfolio to document learning you have done on a job, in volunteer work, or in other areas, there are a few preliminary steps:

1. Self-Acquired Competency (SAC) Portfolios may not be submitted for any course for which an equivalency test (CLEP or DANTES) exists. For more information visit College Credit by Examination.

2. Look through the University of Indianapolis Academic Catalog; look for courses that cover material you feel you already know. For example, a manager of a unit in a small or large company, could probably document learning for HRM381, Human Resources Management, or COMM200, Business and Professional Communications.

3. Look at your resume and in the side margin write notes about the specific jobs, tasks, and responsibilities you had for specific positions.

4. Please think about planning time. Because of the time required for submission and evaluation, students may not submit a portfolio during their last semester. Repeat: Portfolios may not be submitted during a student's final semester.

What Does a Portfolio Look Like?

The portfolio includes:

• A Table of Contents

• A statement of the courses for which you are documenting learning

• An autobiographical resume

• A transcript of your work at the University of Indianapolis

• A Learning Page: a list of course objectives matched with statements of your self-acquired competencies

• A reflective statement about your learning and how you learn. This should demonstrate that you understand the "why" and the "how" of what you have learned as well as the "what;" the "theory" as well as the "practice."

• Samples of work (for example: computer programs, photographs, brochures, etc.)

• Certificates from relevant training programs

• Letters of support from supervisors

• Publications

• Other forms of documentation

In short, you need to demonstrate that you understand the concepts, theories, principles, and models of a particular subject as well as the practical applications to demonstrate learning from an experience.

Let's say the church treasurer mentioned earlier wants to request credit for ACCT110 (Elementary Accounting I). It's not just enough for the church treasurer to have paid the bills every week for the past eight years (that's experience), but he/she must also demonstrate to the satisfaction of the faculty evaluator that he/she has the knowledge and understanding of established accounting principles and theories (that's learning) that would equate to the course content of ACCT110 as offered at the University of Indianapolis.

Degree Requirements

The last 30 semester hours of work must be courses taken at the University of Indianapolis. While these last 30 hours may include CLEP or DSST testing, we do not recommend that you defer testing until the end of your academic career. There have been cases where a student's graduation has been deferred because he or she did not pass a particular exam taken just before the anticipated graduation date. We recommend that you complete all CLEP and DSST testing before you have earned 92 credit hours (senior status). Students must also earn at least one-third of the hours required in the major at the University of Indianapolis.

The university publishes its degree requirements in the University Catalog.

More Information

For more information on Prior Learning Assessment at the University of Indianapolis, please contact the SAL office in Esch Hall 103.