Alternate Means of Earning College Credit

Purpose

Keuka College recognizes the value of its students’ prior learning experiences and acknowledges the student’s right to clear and concise information on how prior learning assessment credits and standardized examination credit might help them meet their educational goals. The Alternate Means of Earning College Credit policy defines principles, criteria, and guidelines to assist in validating learning achieved in non-traditional educational environments.

Types of Credit Accepted

• Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Board 

• International Baccalaureate Examinations (IB)
• Credit for Prior Learning (see process below)
• College Level Examinations Program (CLEP) offered by the College Board
• Excelsior College Examinations (ECEs)
• Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
• Joint Services Transcript (JST)

For college-level standardized examinations (e.g: AP, IB and CLEP), credit will be applied once official documentation has been received by the Office of Records and Registration. Minimum scores have been determined for each examination for transfer of credit. Exam scores that do not meet the minimum grade requirement may not be accepted. For more information on the scores that will be accepted as transfer credit, please contact the Office of Records and Registration.

In combination with transfer credits, prior learning assessment credits and standardized examination credit may not exceed 90 credits.

Credit for Prior Learning Policy and Procedures

Keuka College recognizes that college-level learning may occur through unstructured educational opportunities such as professional work, military service, extensive travel, volunteer opportunities, or through independent scholarship, and that college credit may be awarded for that knowledge. To recognize students’ diverse learning experiences, Keuka College accepts Credit for Prior Learning submissions to be evaluated for college credit, including Field Period®.

The following requirements must be considered prior to submitting or approving a Credit for Prior Learning request:

• Keuka College undergraduate students may request Credit for Prior Learning. Graduated students are not eligible to apply for Credit for Prior Learning.
• Professionally accredited programs may not be able to accept Credit for Prior Learning for major requirements or prerequisite courses. Students in professionally accredited programs should speak with the relevant Division Chair about their options.
• Credit for Prior Learning will not be awarded for high-school coursework with the exception of College approved articulation agreements.  
• Students may not apply for course credit for a course they have previously failed, are currently enrolled in, or have already completed.
• The successful candidate will be awarded academic credit. The credit will be considered transfer credit and will not influence the student's GPA.
• Requests for Credit for Prior Learning will not be accepted for graduate-level courses.

The general process for requesting Credit for Prior Learning is as follows: 

Initial Consultation: Students must consult with the Provost’s Office. The Provost’s Office will consult with relevant advisor and Division Chair as necessary. Credit for Prior Learning is a means of earning credit for a given course or for Field Period. Not all courses may be considered for Credit for Prior Learning (see above). The experience must be substantial enough to equate to the credit hours and learning outcomes of the requested course. 

Credit for Prior Learning Request Form and Submission Form: Once given preliminary approval for the Credit for Prior Learning Request Form will be filled out by the student. Each Field Period or course equivalency to be considered for Credit for Prior Learning must be submitted separately. The form includes fields to describe the experience, how the student considers it equates for credit, and the evidence the student plans to submit. The form is reviewed and approved by relevant personnel, and the Associate Provost. Revisions may be requested. Once approved, the form serves as a contract and will be assigned a due date, typically coinciding with the standard academic terms. Failure to submit documentation by the date will void the Credit for Prior Learning request unless an extension has been granted.

Course Challenge Request Form and Submission: Divisions may allow Course Challenges. Not all courses may be challenged, and a student needs to provide a rationale for their challenge request. If the course challenge is approved the division will determine the appropriate means of assessing student mastery of course learning outcomes, such as writing a final paper or taking a final exam with a specified score or grade required to be awarded credit.

Review Process: Completed submission will be reviewed by relevant personnel and the Associate Provost. Approved submissions will be forwarded to the Office of Records and Registration by the Provost’s Office for the credit to be applied to the student’s degree audit. Denied applications may be appealed to the Provost or designee based on violation of process.