Experiential Learning

Experiential Learning Program
Kami Weis Coordinator
Room 103, Student Services Center
Phone: 715-346-3361
E-mail: kweis@uwsp.edu

The Experiential Learning Program allows you to receive credit for college-level learning obtained outside the traditional academic setting. Credit is not granted simply for experience, but rather for the learning obtained from the experience. The learning is judged to be equivalent to knowledge you would gain through UWSP coursework.

Prior learning may be evaluated by techniques such as an interview, demonstration, portfolio assessment, or other methods where appropriate for specific courses, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations and challenge examinations offered by various departments.

After you have been formally admitted to the university you can request an evaluation of experiential learning for credit. Please follow this procedure:

1. Contact the Experiential Learning Coordinator (ELC) who will help you identify the competencies you have acquired, and decide which credits might be sought by prior learning assessments and/or by more traditional means. Have transcripts that certify formal educational experience sent to the Admissions Office.

2. After you and the ELC have determined which credits are to be sought, you will need to consult with the chair(s) of the involved department(s) concerning the preparation and documentation of the necessary materials relating to your adult learning experiences. You will want to consult with your academic advisor and may consult with the ELC as you develop the materials requested by the involved department(s) concerning the competencies you believe you have already acquired.

3. Following preparation of the portfolio(s), take the materials to the chair(s) of the involved department(s). This begins the evaluation phase of the process. The chair may assign a faculty member and/or a committee to assess your portfolio.

4. After the evaluation is complete, a written recommendation for or against the award of credit, the amount of credit, and the level of credit, will be submitted to the chair of the appropriate department for review. The chair will forward the material and final recommendation to the ELC.

5. The ELC will notify you and the Records Office of the award of credit, which will be entered into your permanent record. A fee of $50 for 12 or fewer credits, or $100 for 13 or more credits will be assessed.

Evaluation of prior learning takes time. Please do not assume that the evaluation can be completed during the semester you apply. It may take several weeks or months.