I-730 Credit for Prior Learning

The College recognizes that students may acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need for success in several ways other than participation in technical college educational programming. This recognition is furthered by providing opportunities for Students to obtain credit toward completing their technical college programming based on this prior learning. A Student must earn a minimum of 25% of the credit hours required for a degree, diploma, or certificate through courses taken at the College.

The College recognizes six (6) goals that form the basis for its comprehensive policy on the awarding of credit for prior learning:

• Support life-long learning.

• Facilitate transfer of credits from other institutions of higher education, high school (articulated/transcripted) credit, the military, and business and industry training.

• Support the evaluation of previous work and life experience, including the use of work histories, portfolios, and/or proficiency testing.

• Communicate to current and prospective Students, employers, parents, Employees, and policymakers about the conditions upon which Students may receive technical college credit for prior learning experiences.

• Ensure consistency with state policy for providing credit for prior learning while balancing district concerns with institutional autonomy.

• Facilitate fair and equal treatment of Students and employers with respect to the evaluation of prior learning experiences.

All aspects of granting credit for prior learning will follow the guidelines and procedures prescribed by the Wisconsin Technical College System Educational Services Manual and the Higher Learning Commission.