Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): Evaluation and awarding of college credit for verifiable learning outside the traditional classroom.
Credit for Life Portfolio: A structured submission documenting prior learning experiences, artifacts, and competencies aligned to KSU courses.
Adult Learner: A student typically 25 years or older, financially independent, and often balancing work, family, and educational commitments.
Non-Traditional Student: A student over age 24 or one whose educational pathway includes part-time enrollment, employment, family responsibilities, or other life circumstances.
CLE 299: A one-semester, pass/fail, independent study course in which students develop their Credit for Life portfolio.
Portfolio: A collection of evidence (certifications, military records, evaluations, publications, etc.) demonstrating prior learning and its equivalence to academic coursework.
Students submit a Credit for Life application to the Center for Adult Learning by August 1 (Fall) or January 1 (Spring).
Eligible students enroll in CLE 299: Portfolio Development.
The portfolio must include:
Title Page and Table of Contents
Personal Data and Educational Background
Statement of Academic, Professional, and Personal Goals
Reflective Narrative connecting experiences to KSU learning outcomes
Competency Area Requests tied to KSU course equivalencies
Documentation and Supporting Evidence
Three Letters of Recommendation
Appendices (if applicable)
Faculty reviewers assess portfolios using a standardized rubric.
The CLE 299 instructor assigns a Pass/Fail grade.
Approved credit is submitted to the Registrar for official posting.
Students denied credit may appeal within 30 days by providing additional documentation or clarification.
Appeals are reviewed by a secondary evaluator or academic dean.
Decisions are final.