STUDENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRIOR LEARNING CREDITS
The following checklist is designed to assist you in completing the application to demonstrate
that the prior learning you accomplished is equivalent to college level learning for credits.
Complete the application for Prior Learning
Review the current Aquinas College Academic Catalog and determine what course most
closely aligns with your previous learning. Please keep in mind that the prior learning
must represent college-level achievement and competency of learning outcomes that
are equitable to those assessed with a conventional college-level course
Obtain a current copy of the syllabus for the course from the Department Chair or
Provost’s Office
Review the student learning outcomes/objectives and create a plan on how you will
demonstrate learning in these areas
Schedule an appointment with the Department Chair to determine what evidence may
be necessary to include in a portfolio (aside from those required)
Create a portfolio
Schedule an appointment to present your portfolio to the Department Chair and a
faculty/staff designee of the Chair’s choosing. Please be prepared to answer questions
regarding the information presented.
The Department Chair and designee will notify the student within 2 weeks of the
portfolio presentation whether the application for Prior Learning was approved or
denied and the reasons for that decision.
The student has 30 days from that decision to write an appeal to the Dean of the
Department or Provost, as appropriate.
REQUIRED ITEMS FOR PORTFOLIO:
1. Resume
2. Official transcript
3. Course syllabus
4. Learning narrative
5. Each Student Learning Objective (SLO) should be addressed via a written summary and
any necessary documentation/evidence
6. A written plan of action if there has been an objective that has not been addressed
7. Two references
EXAMPLES OF DOCUMENTATION OF LEARNING EXPERIENCE:
1. Letters
2. Awards and honors
3. Performance appraisals
4. Book reviews
5. Samples of work (proposals, artwork, powerpoint, videos, business plans, presentations,
publications)
6. Certifications
7. Workshops/conferences attended (dates attended, location, name of event, sponsoring
organization)
8. Research
9. Job descriptions
10. Photos
11. Lab notebooks and qualifications
12. Standard operating procedures (either followed or created) for lab processes
REASONS THAT A PRIOR LEARNING APPLICATION MAY BE DENIED:
1. Narrative and/or summaries are poorly written or lack detail
2. Documentation is not adequate
3. Knowledge is not clearly related to student learning objectives
4. Not all student learning outcomes have been addressed
If there are any general questions regarding the process, please feel free to contact the
Registrar and Advising Center at (616) 632-2871 or registrar@aquinas.edu.
PRIOR LEARNING APPLICATION
Continuing Education students have the opportunity to demonstrate competency and prior
college-level learning for credits. The American Council for Education defines prior learning as
academic credit granted for demonstrated college level equivalencies gained through learning
experiences outside of the college classroom. These credits may be used to: waive course
prerequisites; meet general education requirements; meet major/minor requirements; meet
elective credit requirements or general credits towards those needed for graduation. These
credits may not be used to meet residency requirements for a major, minor, or a degree. The
maximum prior learning credits allowed per student is 12 semester hours.
___________________________________ ____________________________________
NAME STUDENT ID#
___________________________________ ____________________________________
ADDRESS CITY/STATE/ZIP
___________________________________ ____________________________________
PHONE AQUINAS EMAIL
____________________________________ ____________________________________
COURSE NUMBER COURSE TITLE
**A $50.00 processing fee will be assessed, whether the application is approved or denied. If
approval for credit is awarded, an additional charge of $100.00 per credit hour will be due prior
to the credits being added to your transcript.
____________________________________ _____________________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE DATE
______________________________________________________________________________
FOR CHAIRPERSON/DEAN ONLY
Prior Learning credit is APPROVED/DENIED (circle one) for the following reason(s):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Credit Hours Received: __________. If credit awarded a “CR” grade will appear on the
transcript. This grade is not computed into the GPA.
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Department Chair/Dean Registrar
______________________________________________________________________________
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
$50.00 PROCESSING FEE PAID/INITIALS/DATE CREDIT HOUR FEE PAID/INITIALS/DATE