Credit for Experiential Learning Policy

Policy on Credit for Experiential Learning

MVCC recognizes that meaningful learning happens outside the classroom. Credit for Experiential Learning (CEL) reflects the College’s commitment to making credit pathways fair, accessible, and consistently applied for all students seeking to earn academic credit for demonstrated college-level learning.

The assessment of Experiential Learning is designed to provide students with an alternative method of obtaining college credit. Knowledge acquired from a combination of work experience, non-credit courses, seminar training and workshops may translate into college credit. If the experience can be documented and prove the learning that resulted was based on the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), then CEL may be awarded.

The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Office supports students in identifying and pursuing all credit for prior learning pathways, including CEL. Students interested in pursuing CEL are encouraged to contact the CPL Office to get started.

I. Credit granted

  1. Any credit awarded for Experiential Learning will be considered the same as transfer credit to MVCC.
  2. Only the course number, title, credit hours and the notation of “Credit for Experiential Learning (CEL)” will be recorded on the transcript.'
  3. A qualified faculty elvaluator will review the student’s portfolio and forward a recommendation to the Dean of the Academic School, who will approve or disapprove the granting of credit.
  4. CEL credit may be applied toward major requirements, general education, and other degree requirements as determined by the student’s academic program.
  5. CEL is awarded only for prior learning demonstrated to be equivalent to the student learning outcomes of courses offered at MVCC.  Eligible transfer courses and any other exclusions are determined at the institutional level and reviewed by appropriate academic School .

II. Eligibility

  1. Credit for Experiential Learning may be awarded to both matriculated and non-matriculated students.
  2. Prior learning is eligible for CEL consideration regardless of when learning took place.

III. Limitations

  1. Credit earned will not count toward current semester course load nor meet MVCC Residency requirements.
  2. Credit will not be approved for any course in which the student has previously earned a passing grade.
  3. A combination of CEL and Transfer credit shall not exceed 75% of required program credits.
  4. Military Service is not eligible for CEL. Veterans seeking credit for courses must present their ACE transcript to the Registrar for evaluation.
  5. CEL may be transferable at the discretion of other institutions and/or accrediting bodies.
  6. CEL policies, eligible courses, exclusions, and academic school-level decisions are subject to annual review through appropriate college governance.

IV. Fees

The fee for CEL is $500/course. This fee may be paid by cash, check, or credit card to the Business Office. The fee may be covered by SUNY Reconnect funding but not by any other form of financial aid the student may receive.

Apply for Credit for Experiential Learning

Appeals

Appeals of CEL credit decisions may be directed to the Executive Dean of Academic Development and Innovation.

Contact: Adam Palmer | apalmer@mvcc.edu

Guidelines for Submission of Portfolio Credit for Experiential Learning

  • The student, in conjunction with the CPL Office, chooses the course or courses for which the student will apply for credit.
  • The student is given the course outline with SLOs and course description.
  • The student develops a portfolio addressing each of the SLO of the course, demonstrating how their experience meets those outcomes and what learning has resulted.
  • The student should include in the portfolio any supporting documents that attest to the learning that took place. These may include but are not limited to: a letter from an employer detailing work performed, certificates of achievement, a portfolio of written or visual work, or other forms of professional recognition.
  • The student submits their final portfolio to a qualified faculty evaluator, who reviews it and forwards a recommendation to the Dean of the Academic School in which the course is housed.

Contact:

Students are encouraged to explore CEL options before registering for a course. The CPL Office guides students through the entire process, from identifying eligible courses to submitting a final portfolio, with their educational goals leading every step of the way. For questions about how CEL credit may affect financial aid or academic standing, students are encouraged to speak with the CPL Office, their Student Support Advisor, or Financial Aid. Students with questions about CEL should contact their Student Support Advisor or reach out to the CPL Office directly.

Jesse Zavaro, Coordinator of Experiential and Justice-Involved Learning

jzavaro@mvcc.edu | 315-792-5337