海角社区

Department of Human Services

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Credit fo Prior Learning (CPL) provides our students an opportunity to gain course credit by utilizing their professional experience and acquired knowledge. Through the submission of a portfolio, students' applicable experiences are reviewed to determine if the content and rigor of coursework has been met.

CPL GUIDELINES:

1. Student must be pursuing a major or minor in Human Services, Aging Studies, Aging Studies Long Term Care Administration, Early Childhood Program Administration, or Financial Literacy.
2. Student must have worked in a Human Services related field full-time for no less than 4 years. This can be at a single facility or a combination of different facilities. 
3. Prior to beginning the CPL process, student must consult with their academic advisor, or graduate coordinator for graduate students, or Department Chair to determine if CPL is appropriate and, if so, the steps to create/submit a portfolio. Portfolios should reflect the primary content of the CPL course syllabus and demonstrate achievement in meeting the course learning objectives. Portfolio could include evidence such as: professional development courses, experiential learning, writing samples, certification and/or licensure, etc.
4. A reference letter must be accompanied from your current or previous employer from which the CPL is to be applied.
   • Guidelines for reference letter:
     • must be on company letterhead
     • job title
     • dates of employment; state whether it was part-time or full-time status and how many working hours per week
     • roles and responsibilities
     • supervisor signature and contact information
5. Submission of a portfolio does not guarantee credit will be awarded for a course. Partial credit for submitted portfolios will not be awarded. Students will earn either the grade of Credit or No Credit for all approved CPL portfolio submissions.
6. Regardless of the portfolio evaluation outcome, students will be responsible for all fees associated with the CPL portfolio submission and review process. (waivers or financial aid cannot be applied to any CPL fees.)
        These fees include:
        Portfolio Evaluation fee:  $100
        Course Credit fee:  $300
7. A maximum of nine (9) credit hours may be awarded through CPL. All credits earned through CPL are considered residential credits.

Contact Information:

Alisa Gray, Undergraduate Academic Advisor, aagray@eiu.edu 

Dr. Kathleen O'Rourke, Graduate Coordinator, kaorourke@eiu.edu 

Dr. Jill Bowers, Department Chair, jbowers2@eiu.edu  

CPL Approval Process

Credit for Prior Learning Application