Experiential Learning

Experiential learning credit is granted in various disciplines, for prior learning experiences outside the classroom, which are deemed worthy of credit on an “equivalency” basis. That is, the experience for which credit is granted is deemed to be equivalent to a number of hours of credit by the judgment of departmental faculty, based upon documentation by the student in a portfolio. Such credit is not limited to the courses taught at Campbellsville University, nor is credit granted for specific courses in this manner, although credit may be allowed to satisfy prerequisite requirements, or graduation requirements in departmental programs or general education requirements, upon recommendation by departmental faculty. This listing is not intended to be used for granting credit for current experiential learning, which is covered under other course titles, such as internships and practicums.

Upon application in writing by the student for experiential learning credit, the vice president for academic affairs or dean of the college or school in which credit is being requested will appoint a committee of one to three faculty members from the academic disciplines in which credit is to be granted, to review the proposal with the student, and supervise the preparation of the Experiential Learning Portfolio, which will consist of six possible components, as applicable. The six components are:

1. Transcripts of work from accredited colleges, universities, and institutions.
2. Documentation of training from non-accredited sources (Professional and Technical Schools, Seminars, Workshops, etc.) for which documentation is available.
3. Test results, such as CLEP, or other approved tests for granting credit on an equivalency basis.
4. Resumes of Work and Educational Experiences for the student.
5. Autobiography of Experiences supporting credit application.
6. Experience Papers. (See below.)

The faculty committee appointed will usually have a chairperson from the discipline in which most credit is requested, and faculty from other disciplines involved, unless all credit is requested within one discipline. The chair of the committee will usually supervise the preparation of the student’s learning experience portfolio, and draw upon other committee members for approvals and direction in their areas of expertise. A majority of the committee must agree upon a report to the vice president for academic affairs, recommending credit or denial of credit, and recommending allocation of credit (to departments, upper division, inclusion in major or minor, or general education requirements).

Students requesting credit must be enrolled in a degree program at Campbellsville University and may request that the vice president for academic affairs appoint faculty members of their choice from academic disciplines in which credit is requested, subject to approval by the vice president for academic affairs.

EXPERIENCE PAPERS: A series of papers may identify different areas of prior learning experiences for which credit might be allowed, such as specific job assignments, mission experiences, family experiences, travel, or other relevant experiences. These papers explain learning that is a potential area of credit identified in the students resume, biography, or interviews with faculty members. Experiences may be presented in one longer paper, or several shorter papers, at the discretion of the student applicant. Redundancy should be avoided.

Potential areas of credit include, but are not limited to: business, sociology, psychology, the sciences, Christian studies, drama, journalism, and human performance. Limits are placed on such credit by governmental or other certification requirements which do not recognize experiential learning, such as education and accounting.