Experiential Learning Credit
GUIDELINES AND REFERENCES
Mount Olive College recognizes that learning takes place in settings other than the traditional classroom. Such experiences, when properly documented with actual application in work and other situations, may be evaluated for possible academic credit. Any credit awarded for experiential learning will apply to general electives, related studies, and by exception with the appropriate department chair's written approval may apply to the general education requirements.
In accordance with the Mount Olive College Catalog, "a student seeking ELC must demonstrate with proper documentation that learning has occurred." Credit is awarded for "learning outcomes" , not the experiences.
The knowledge gained must be of collegiate quality and must equate the contents of a similar course included in the current curriculum at Mount Olive College. The quantity and quality of learning the student believes he/she has acquired must be academically measured and compared to the learning outcomes expected from students attending a similar Mount Olive College course. A technical course might be considered only if it meets academic standards in content and expected learning outcomes commonly expected in a similar course in the Mount Olive College curriculum. All ELC awarded must relate to the current Mount Olive College curriculum and to the learning outcomes expected inits courses. Any exceptions to the above will be handled on an individual basis and must be approved by the appropriate department chair and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Follow these guidelines:
- Once a student has fully completed their portfolio, it is the student's responsibility to carefully read and follow the set criteria for each academic department.
- If the student feels qualified to attempt this form of credit it is the student's responsibility to contact the faculty by email and list their experience, coursework and training that apply to the attempted credit.
- The faculty member will review the email and make the decision if the student is a good candidate for ELC. This will be done within 5 working days unless a return message is sent regarding vacation or extended time away from the office.
- All contact/ information will then proceed directly between the faculty member/reader and student. The faculty member will fully document all activity moving toward the granting of the credit. Including the final submission of paper work to the registrar.
- ELC credit, may only be requested during the student's initial semester.
- If the faculty member agrees they are a good candidate and a per credit hour charge of $50 will be billed.
- The student will have 45 days to complete the ELC.
Ellen Jordan, Ph.D.
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mount Olive College
School of Business
Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies
Department of Fine Arts
Department of Language and Literature
Department of Social Sciences
Department of Science and Mathematics
Department of Religion
Department of Criminal Justice
revisited June 2003