The awarding of credit for non-collegiate learning experiences via a portfolio is restricted to verifiable learning. Lone Star College System will award credit only for what a person can demonstrate as a result of experiences. For example, an individual may have six years of experience working as a secretary or administrative assistant. The college district will not award credit simply on the basis of the six years of experience.
The individual will be asked to document and/or demonstrate what has been learned about office administration, word processing, etc., as a result of the six years of experience. The learning experience for credit will be assessed based upon what the individual can demonstrate and not by how many years in the workforce the individual has worked. Learning experience must be documented to demonstrate achievement of the learning outcomes for the course credit being requested. A resume and a reflection piece that describes student learning may also be required. As part of the portfolio process, students may be asked to demonstrate specific skills and/or be interviewed to assess knowledge of the area. Credit is generally awarded only for introductory level courses.
Additional Procedures for Applying for Portfolio Credit
1. Students may review the Lone Star College System catalog for credit course offerings that correspond to the knowledge and skills that he or she possesses and for which credit is desired. If the course is not listed on the website, the student must talk with the faculty member, department chair, or dean to determine if portfolio credit is available for the courses identified.
2. The student should apply for portfolio credit for courses in the degree or certificate in which the student is enrolled.
3. The student reviews the learning outcomes for the desired courses. These outcomes are identified by the curriculum teams for each program/discipline area and are available on the Lone Star College System course listings website at http://research.lonestar.edu/cat/catsrch.asp.
4. Once the student is satisfied that he or she can demonstrate proficiency for the learning outcomes for the course, the student develops a portfolio documenting achievement of the learning outcomes for the course and includes other documents and evidence as specified by the faculty member or department chair.
PLA by Portfolio credit is available for the following courses in the Management program:
Please contact your Management faculty or professor about gaining credit for any of these courses.
Agreement Effective Date: June 2003