Credit for Prior Learning Policy

Policy Statement

SUNY Oneonta recognizes that learning occurs within and outside formal educational settings and that some students have acquired skills and knowledge in other contexts that may be equivalent to university-level learning and credit. SUNY Oneonta also recognizes a student’s right to clear and concise information concerning how Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) might help support their progress toward degree completion. As such, it is the University’s policy that a student’s learning achievements are eligible for evaluation as university credit. Any awarded CPL is considered transfer credit.

Rationale

The Credit for Prior Learning Policy establishes a university-wide framework for awarding credit for university-level learning acquired through:

1. university- and college-based continuing education programs;
2. professional and military training;
3. work and life experiences; and
4. other non-collegiate sponsored instruction.

This policy will engage SUNY Oneonta faculty in the clarification of credit equivalencies as they relate to the student’s selected program of study. Students will have access to an appeals process that will provide opportunities for further review of CPL determinations and help ensure transparency and equity for students.

Applicability of the Policy

CPL will be awarded only to matriculated students or to individuals who have been accepted to matriculate. This policy outlines the university’s approach to CPL and defines the terms under which CPL may be awarded. It also describes the related responsibilities of students, faculty, and staff.

Policy Elaboration

Students may receive the maximum credit for prior learning as established in the university catalog based on their matriculation term and level of study (i.e., undergraduate or graduate). Students not satisfied with credit award determinations for prior learning may appeal to the Student Progress Committee (undergraduate) or the Graduate Academic Standards Committee (graduate).

Through this policy, the University accepts the following educational and evaluative principles:

1. Recognizing all learning as valuable supports diverse pathways to degree attainment.
2. The criteria for evaluation of such learning should take into consideration the educational goals which are identified by the student, as well as university requirements.
3. Evaluation of prior learning should provide substantive information about the knowledge and competencies possessed by the individual.

To this end, the University’s minimum CPL standards shall be based on the criteria:

1. The prior learning shall be assessed in accordance with national standards and best practices for awarding university-level credit.
2. Prior learning shall be assessed and awarded in various ways, including through transfer credit from accredited institutions, standardized tests, challenge exams, the recommendations of nationally recognized noncollegiate credit evaluators, or portfolio review.
3. While faculty significantly influence transfer credit evaluations, faculty approval of individual CPL requests is not required for cases that meet established criteria and guidelines approved by shared governance (as per SUNY implementation guidance).
4. The evaluation of student learning for the award of academic credit must be conducted by faculty or, at the behest of faculty, conducted by an external subject matter expert or established third-party validation and ultimately approved by Oneonta faculty.
5. While faculty significantly influence transfer credit evaluations, faculty approval of individual CPL requests is not required for cases that meet established criteria and guidelines approved by shared governance (as per SUNY implementation guidance).
6. The credits earned through accepted methods of assessing prior learning shall be treated equally in their application towards degrees and use in course equivalencies as that of credit-bearing college courses.
7. The CPL granted shall be accepted as transfer credit, as either general elective credit or a course equivalent.
8. The knowledge and skills being assessed must fulfill degree requirements. If the assessment does not apply to unfulfilled general education, major requirements or electives, the university does not have to accept the credits toward the degree.

Additional stipulations govern the awarding of CPL:

1. While general elective credit may be given, in the interest of accurate recognition of learning, every effort should be made to give credit for specific courses or disciplines in the university’s offerings. General elective credit should be given only when no other option is available.
2. Credits for demonstrated knowledge earned through any prior learning method do not fulfill the university’s residency requirements.
3. Credit for prior learning must apply towards degree requirements.
4. SUNY Oneonta will only award specific course credit for prior learning in disciplines in which the university has faculty expertise. General elective credit may be given for prior learning achieved in fields outside the institution’s collective expertise.
5. Grades of CR (credit) shall be utilized to designate credit awarded for prior learning. Conventional letter grades shall not be used.
6. All awarded credit for prior learning shall be appropriately identified by source and method on the transcript by University-wide codes established by the University Registrar.

Definitions

Prior Learning: learning acquired in non-academic contexts, for example through work experience, military training, and volunteer service.

Procedures

SUNY Oneonta will award credit for prior learning by reviewing and validating the learning on an individual basis using recognized or approved tools and methods. Whenever possible, credit for prior learning should be calibrated to industry and professional credentials (e.g., licenses, certificates, apprenticeships), verified through non-collegiate evaluators such as the American Council on Education (ACE) or through performance on standardizes exams such as Advanced Placement (AP) exams and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).

CPL will also be assessed through a portfolio review process. Students who seek an assessment of prior learning should be referred to the Transfer Credit Coordinator in Admissions who will make the appropriate referrals to the academic schools and departments, ensure the request for prior learning assessment is submitted to the university’s admissions platform (currently One Step/Slate), and otherwise manage the process to ensure full student support.

The applicant will be expected to present a portfolio that typically includes a detailed written statement explaining the learning experience and timeline of the prior learning, a description of the knowledge, skills and/or competencies achieved that align with course learning outcomes at the institution, and a request for a specific number of credits. In some cases, the applicant may also be asked to participate in an oral interview. Credits may be granted only if: 

1. The evaluator determines that the learning has been of college level. 
2. It is an area usually covered by college courses. 
3. It relates appropriately to the projected degree program of the applicant. 

Key to this form of assessing CPL is the role of the faculty:

1. Knowledge and experiences eligible for credit as courses or electives by internal portfolio assessment are determined by the department that offers courses in the respective content area.
2. All portfolio assessments will be completed by discipline-appropriate faculty trained in assessing portfolios for credit. Departments offering prior learning assessment by portfolio will establish rubrics to guide faculty assessment and scoring.

Fees shall be consistently applied throughout the university and will cover transcription as well as administration.

Application and CPL evaluation fee: $150

Contacts

Questions related to the daily operational interpretation of this policy should be directed to:

Office of Admissions and Recruitment
Coordinator of Transfer Articulations and Credit
(607) 436-2524
admissions@oneonta.edu

Office of the Provost
(607) 436-2517
provost@oneonta.edu

Related Documents / Policies

Effective Dates

• Approved by the Provost – November 2024
• Next Renewal – November 2026