Prior Learning for Credit Process
The student requests credit for prior learning:
- Under advisement the student can request Prior Learning for Credit (PLC). Test Out may also be an option for the student if the program allows. Either option can only apply if the student has not registered for the course being requested. All MnSCU and SCC policies and procedures apply. The students will provide an updated resume and all transcripts. Other materials that support PLC may also be provided.
- The instructor/advisor must approve of his/her request and support it with a written academic plan.
The plan should detail:
- Courses already completed at SCC
- Courses transferred into the program from other colleges
- Courses yet to be completed to earn the award
- Courses earned through test out
- Course(s) that will apply to PLC
- Current college catalog requirements apply
- Prior learning experiences must meet at least 75% of the total competencies of the course(s) being requested.
- The student must meet all academic award requirements.
- The instructor/advisor will review the course(s) syllabi and identify the outcomes or competencies that the student will be required to meet. Complete form number one "Prior Learning for Credit". An additional form must be filled out for each course being requested.
- The instructor/advisor will review the request for PLC and the academic plan with the Academic Dean for approval
- Upon approval the instructor/advisor will meet with the student to discuss the plan, timeline and assessment interview. The time frame for completing PLC should not exceed one academic year or two consecutive semesters. Completing PLC during the summer will be optional upon approval of the content expert or evaluator.
- The student will complete the tasks detailed and agreed upon in the plan.
- When the student has the plan completed he/she should contact the instructor /advisor or content expert to schedule the assessment interview. The assessment interview must be completed by a faculty member who is the content expert.
- Prior to the assessment interview, the student will complete all necessary paperwork and pay all required fees in the SCC bookstore. PLC fees will be charged at $25.00 ($50.00 lab) per credit for evaluations of each course requested.
- The content expert or evaluator will evaluate the competencies in the assessment interview. The content expert will use a rubric to evaluate the competencies for PLC. Page number two "Evaluator Assessment Form" of PLC will be completed for each course(s) being requested. The student must be competent in at least 75% of the total competencies requested for PLC.
- Upon completion of the assessment interview the evaluator will complete page number three "Prior Learning for Credit". An additional form will be required for each course(s) being requested through PLC... 75% of the course competencies must be successfully achieved for a passing grade to be assigned.
- The evaluator will return these forms to Student Affairs where a copy will be made for the instructor/advisor and the student. The originals will be filed in the student's permanent records.
- Student Affairs will document, on the student transcript, the credits awarded and the assigned grade of Pass for each course(s) or a grade of Fail for courses not completed successfully.
- The evaluator will be paid for his or her time and effort (similar to that of the test out process).
- If the student does not successfully meet the expectations of the academic plan for PLC the instructor /advisor and the evaluator will meet with the student to review the assessment interview results and other options for the student.
REVISED: May, 2009