Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio
Indiana Wesleyan University provides an option for obtaining credit through experiences where college level learning has taken place, but was gained outside of the traditional college classroom setting. This option is called Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). IWU uses the principles and guidelines put forth by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) who has served as a leader in the development and implementation of assessment for experiential learning since 1974.
Students are required to submit their documentation for PLA consideration through the IWU student portal. This documentation should clearly articulate a student’s academically relevant, non-university learning. Students are responsible to develop their PLA submissions independently and follow the guidelines provided by the Coordinator of Prior Learning Assessment. After all required documentation is received, the information is sent to faculty members whose knowledge and expertise qualify them to evaluate learning gained through experience.
PLA submissions enable IWU to evaluate and assign university credit for the student’s university level learning. No grades are assigned; only credit awarded.
The PLA submission is reviewed only by those who have an official reason for doing so: the PLA staff, faculty evaluators and accrediting association members. Any data received from the PLA process that may be made public will be generalized and will in no way be attributed to an individual unless the student provides a signed authorization. Students should not include any materials in the PLA submission that violate the legal and moral rights to privacy of other individuals.
The Indiana Wesleyan University
Honesty, Cheating, Plagiarism, and Forgery Policy also apply to all Prior Learning Assessment submissions.
Undergraduate students accepted to or enrolled in any of the CAPS associate or baccalaureate degree programs are eligible to complete PLA. Graduate students may apply for PLA credit in approved graduate programs. Credit hours awarded may be counted toward general education, elective or select core requirements as applicable to the undergraduate degree or as specified for approved graduate programs. Baccalaureate students may earn a maximum of 40 hours of credit and associate level students may earn a maximum of 18 hours through PLA. PLA credit may be used at the undergraduate level to accrue the required hours for admission into bachelor level core programs and/or to meet degree requirements while in the core or after completion of the core program.
The student must be in good standing at the university, both financially and academically, when submitting for PLA. Applicants denied entry into a bachelor program or students who are suspended are not eligible for PLA.
