UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE Experiential Learning Credit …...b. A detailed resume containing work...

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UMO ELC Manual, May 2019 Page 1 UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE Experiential Learning Credit (ELC) The University of Mount Olive recognizes that learning takes place in settings other than the traditional and virtual classroom. Such experiences, when properly documented with actual application in work and other situations, may be evaluated for possible academic credit. Any potential credit for experiential learning will be evaluated by the subject matter department/program chair. Based upon the recommendation of the department/program chair and approval by the academic dean, ELC may be applied to general electives, related studies, general education requirements, or the major provided the student can demonstrate the achievement of stated course student learning outcomes. A student may seek ELC with proper documentation that collegiate-level knowledge, skills, abilities, and learning consistent with the stated course learning outcomes has occurred. A postsecondary course of study might be considered only if it meets academic standards in content and expected learning outcomes commonly expected in a similar course in the University of Mount Olive curriculum. To apply for ELC, the student should follow these procedures: If the student feels qualified to apply for ELC, the student shall contact his/her academic advisor for guidance. The student will carefully read and follow the set criteria for the applicable academic department for which ELC will be sought. The advisor shall review ELC policies with the student and direct the student to the appropriate department/program chair. Students may request a preliminary evaluation of potential ELC during the admission process. The student will then contact the appropriate department/program chair to begin the discussions of potential ELC and the departmental criteria (see below). The chair will serve as the principle evaluator and complete and submit the ELC request to his or her dean for approval. (ELC request form). Any student appeal of the chair’s evaluation that ELC should not be awarded shall be made to the appropriate academic dean within 10 business days. UMO recommends that students complete all ELC applications prior to the end of their first semester with the University. Doing so will allow for more effective advising and scheduling of classes. No ELC may be requested after the first day of classes of the student’s last semester before graduation. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the appropriate dean. A per credit hour charge of $100 will be billed to the student upon approval of the ELC. Credit can only be awarded to students enrolled and degree seeking at UMO.

Transcript of UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE Experiential Learning Credit …...b. A detailed resume containing work...

Page 1: UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE Experiential Learning Credit …...b. A detailed resume containing work experience and supervisors with contact numbers c. Transcripts d. Official department

UMO ELC Manual, May 2019 Page 1

UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE Experiential Learning Credit (ELC)

The University of Mount Olive recognizes that learning takes place in settings other than the traditional and virtual classroom. Such experiences, when properly documented with actual application in work and other situations, may be evaluated for possible academic credit. Any potential credit for experiential learning will be evaluated by the subject matter department/program chair. Based upon the recommendation of the department/program chair and approval by the academic dean, ELC may be applied to general electives, related studies, general education requirements, or the major provided the student can demonstrate the achievement of stated course student learning outcomes. A student may seek ELC with proper documentation that collegiate-level knowledge, skills, abilities, and learning consistent with the stated course learning outcomes has occurred. A postsecondary course of study might be considered only if it meets academic standards in content and expected learning outcomes commonly expected in a similar course in the University of Mount Olive curriculum. To apply for ELC, the student should follow these procedures:

If the student feels qualified to apply for ELC, the student shall contact his/her academic advisor for guidance. The student will carefully read and follow the set criteria for the applicable academic department for which ELC will be sought. The advisor shall review ELC policies with the student and direct the student to the appropriate department/program chair. Students may request a preliminary evaluation of potential ELC during the admission process.

The student will then contact the appropriate department/program chair to begin the discussions of potential ELC and the departmental criteria (see below).

The chair will serve as the principle evaluator and complete and submit the ELC request to his or her dean for approval. (ELC request form). Any student appeal of the chair’s evaluation that ELC should not be awarded shall be made to the appropriate academic dean within 10 business days. UMO recommends that students complete all ELC applications prior to the end of their first semester with the University. Doing so will allow for more effective advising and scheduling of classes. No ELC may be requested after the first day of classes of the student’s last semester before graduation. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the appropriate dean.

A per credit hour charge of $100 will be billed to the student upon approval of the ELC. Credit can only be awarded to students enrolled and degree seeking at UMO.

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UNIVERISTY OF MOUNT OLIVE Tillman School of Business

Purpose: The purpose of this procedure is to outline the process by which: (a) a student may pursue ELC for a course offered by the Tillman School of Business or (b) a student who has formally declared an academic major offered by the Tillman School of Business may pursue ELC for General Electives as partial fulfillment of the requirements of a TSB degree. ELC for a Course offered by TSB A student may earn ELC by either (a) credit by examination or (b) substantiation of the course learning objectives. A student wishing to pursue ELC for a course offered by the Tillman School of Business (TSB) contacts a TSB Division Chair. As part of their ongoing correspondence with the Division Chair, the student communicates – via UMO email – the course for which ELC is sought and whether credit for the course is sought via (a) examination or (b) substantiation of the course learning objectives. * Note: ELC for a course not offered by the Tillman School of Business may be evaluated via the policies and procedures of the school by which the course is offered. Credit by Examination The Division Chair and student arrange a date and time at which the student takes the course-specific exam. The Division Chair (or Designee) evaluates and scores the exam. An exam score of 70% or greater is considered “Passing”, and the student will receive credit for the course. The Division Chair corresponds with the student – via UMO email – the score of the exam and whether ELC will be awarded. As warranted, the Division Chair administratively processes any earned ELCs. Credit by Substantiation of the Course Learning Objectives The Division Chair provides the student with the course learning objectives. For each course learning objective, the student: (a) articulates a one paragraph narrative as to the means by which the student has fulfilled each course learning objective and (b) provides supporting documentation/evidence that substantiates their having achieved the course learning objective. Examples of supporting documentation/evidence include: copies of professional certifications, copies of certificates of completion (e.g., workshops, continuing education, professional development, etc.), a résumé or job description/specifications accompanied by letter from their current or former employer, etc. The student remits the materials to the Division Chair. The Division Chair (or Designee) evaluates the materials and scores the submission on the extent to which the submission meets the course learning objectives (0% to 100%). An evaluation score of 70% or greater is considered “Passing”, and the student will receive credit for the course. The Division Chair corresponds with the student – via UMO email – the evaluation score and whether ELC will be awarded. As warranted, the Division Chair administratively processes any earned ELCs.

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ELC for General Electives A student who has formally declared an academic major offered by the Tillman School of Business may pursue ELC for General Electives as partial fulfillment of the requirements of a TSB degree (this includes courses in any disciple offered by the Tillman School of Business: ACC, BUS, FIN, MKT, MAN, AGB, LDR). A formally declared TSB student wishing to pursue ELC for General Electives contacts a Tillman School of Business Division Chair. As part of their ongoing correspondence with the Division Chair, the student communicates – via UMO email – their desire to receive ELC for a General Elective. The Division Chair provides the student with the program learning outcomes of the program the student has designated as an academic major. For each program learning outcome, the student: (a) articulates a one paragraph narrative as to the means by which the course learning objective has been fulfilled and (b) provides supporting documentation/evidence that substantiates their having achieved the program learning outcomes. Examples of supporting documentation/evidence include: copies of professional certifications, copies of certificates of completion (e.g., workshops, continuing education, professional development, etc.), a résumé or job description/specifications accompanied by letter from their current or former employer, etc. The student remits the materials to the Division Chair. The Division Chair (or Designee) evaluates the materials and scores the submission on the extent to which the submission meets a specific program learning outcome (0% to 100%). For each program learning outcome, an evaluation score of 75% or greater is yields at least three (3) semester hours of credit; an evaluation score of 50% to 74% yields two (2) semester hours of credit; an evaluation score of 25% to 49% yields one (1) semester hour of credit; and an evaluation score of 24% or less yields zero (0) semester hours of academic credit. The Division Chair administratively processes the earned ELC for General Electives.

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UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE The School of Arts & Sciences

Department of Biological and Physical Science

[email protected]

ELC is awarded only in areas within the current curriculum of the University of Mount Olive. These curriculum areas within the Department of Biological and Physical Science are biology, chemistry, physics, and general science. Since the institution must award credit only for documented learning which demonstrates achievement of all outcomes for a specific course in an approved degree program, the advisement guide for specific courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and general science is in the University catalog. Each course description summarizes the course’s content. To receive ELC the student must document in writing that the experience presented for academic credit has led to the achievement of learning outcomes comparable to those in a specific course. The decision whether or not to recommend that a student’s portfolio and life-long learning paper meets the achievement of learning outcomes comparable to those in a specific course is determined by the individual faculty member responsible for teaching that course. The Department Chair will approve or deny ELC based upon the faculty member’s recommendation and upon the Chair’s review as well.

As it has been the policy of the Department of Biological and Physical Science not to accept the transfer of credit from technical courses in community colleges for the general education requirements and major credit requirements, the Department will not accept technical training experience in biology, chemistry, and general science unless the experience has led to the achievement of learning outcomes comparable to those in a specific science course. Employment in a biology or chemistry laboratory or in a manufacturing position that utilizes technical engineering procedures does not usually equate with the achievement of learning outcomes comparable to a specific course. Technicians are usually trained to complete a function. Technicians who have been promoted to management are more likely to possibly have acquired the science and mathematics skills and learning outcomes comparable to specific courses.

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Department of Criminal Justice, Criminology & Sociology [email protected]

Department Policy:

A. The formula for calculating ELC is as follows: 1. 1 credit of ELC for every five years of service in a criminal justice or sociological

field. 2. 1 credit of ELC for every 40 hours of in-service training at a community college

or other academic institution in the field of Criminal Justice or Sociology. a. Documentation must be provided b. The below forms are acceptable

1) College Transcripts 2) Copy of certificates from an accepted academic institution

B. Process to receive consideration for ELC

1. Students must email the Department Chair with the intent to apply for ELC in their first semester.

2. Upon receipt the Department Chair should acknowledge the student and request the student to supply a detailed resume and attach all supportive documentation for the requested hours.

3. Student responsibilities a. Complete a cover letter containing the following:

1) Name and student ID 2) Written in a professional style 3) The amount of hours of ELC requested (Section B) 4) A brief statement of how the amount of hours requested was reached

b. A detailed resume containing work experience and supervisors with contact numbers

c. Transcripts d. Official department training records e. Official Certificates (Copies)

C. Conclusion

1. The department chair retains the right to deny and or accept any request for ELC whole or in part.

2. If ELC is accepted the department chair will forward all necessary paperwork to the division chair, who, if approved will forward to the registrar’s office for placement into the student’s record.

3. The application process rests entirely with the student. The student must initiate the process in accordance with Section A of this policy.

4. No matter the experience or previous in-service education, the amount of ELC will not exceed 30 hours.

5. ELC are generally not used to substitute a course in the program core.

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Department of Education: Early Childhood Education Program [email protected]

Students should contact the appropriate ECE Lead Professor per location given below to initiate an ELC request in ECE. The Lead Professor will work with the Chair of the Department of Education to review and process ELC requests. Mount Olive—Ms. Gail Herring New Bern—Dr. Sandra Plata-Potter [email protected] [email protected] Research Triangle Park—Dr. Carol Willis Washington—Dr. Sandra Plata-Potter [email protected] [email protected] Wilmington—Ms. Gail Herring Jacksonville—Dr. Sandra Plata-Potter [email protected] [email protected] The knowledge gained must be of university quality and must equate to the contents of a similar course included in the current curriculum at the University of Mount Olive. A technical course may be considered only if it meets the academic standards in content and the expected learning outcomes commonly expected in a similar course in the University of Mount Olive curriculum. Any exceptions to the above will be handled on an individual basis and must be approved by the appropriate ECE Lead Professor, the Education Department Chair, the School Dean, and the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

GENERAL PROCEDURES It is the student’s and the ECE Lead Professor’s responsibility to read and follow the ELC procedures outlined below. Documentation of the ELC Process. The ECE Lead Professor will document to a department ELC file the record of all contact from and to the student regarding an ELC request – from petition to conclusion:

• the petition and response to the petition. • all contact regarding the portfolio, if permission to submit a portfolio is granted. • the portfolio conclusion (credit denied or granted).

If credit is granted via portfolio, the ECE Lead Professor is responsible for processing the ELC form with the various college offices and for notifying the student of the number of credits recommended. Step 1: ELC “Petition” Procedure

1. A student may petition for ELC credit in ECE preferably during the student's initial semester in the Early Childhood Education Program, must be currently enrolled and degree-seeking at UMO at the time of the petition, and must have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

2. To petition for ELC in ECE, the student emails to the ECE Lead Professor at the student’s location a statement outlining the basis for an ELC petition – the experience, coursework, and training that may apply as ELC. The student does not request a specific number of credit hours. The number of ELC hours, if granted, is determined by the ECE Lead Professor.

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3. The ECE Lead Professor will review the request and respond in writing to the student within 5 working days unless an email automatic reply indicates that the ECE Lead Professor is on vacation or on extended leave – in which case, response will come within 5 working days of the Lead Professor’s return to the office. If the Lead Professor’s written response to the student is denial of the petition, the ELC process ends.

Step 2: ELC “Portfolio” Procedure

4. If the ECE Lead Professor’s written response to the student indicates that ELC may be formally requested, the student will have 45 days to complete an ELC portfolio and submit it to the Lead Professor.

Permission to submit an ELC portfolio is not a guarantee that credit will be awarded. Portfolio permission is simply the granting of an opportunity for the student to offer documentation/evidence of learning that is equivalent to the learning that results from completion of specific courses in the University of Mount Olive curriculum.

It is the student’s responsibility (1) to provide documentation of job-related training, courses/seminars and other life experiences and (2) to state the learning that has occurred from each so that the portfolio reviewer can determine if the documented and stated learning is college-level and sufficient in content and length to warrant consideration of credit.

5. An ELC portfolio includes these items: (1) a statement of the learning that has occurred

that the student is presenting as equivalent to that of a specific course/s in the UMO curriculum and (2) the documentation/evidence of the sources of the learning – job, certificates, seminars/workshops, etc.

6. It is the student’s responsibility to postal mail (not email) the ELC portfolio to the ECE

Lead Professor and to follow up with the Lead Professor within 5 working days to assure that the portfolio has been received.

7. If the ELC portfolio is received within the 45-day timeline referred to above, the Lead

Professor will, within 10 working days of receiving it, evaluate it, determine if credit can be granted, and email the student of the decision.

8. If credit is granted, the Lead Professor will, within the 10 days referred to in Item 7

above, complete the ELC form (available from the Registrar’s Office) and process the form as thereon directed. Whether or not credit is granted, it is the responsibility of the Lead Professor to file a copy of the ELC portfolio in the office of the Education Department Chair, including also documentation of the ELC process.

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Department of English [email protected]

The following are the guidelines for ELC in the Department of English:

Students should first look at the University Catalog course descriptions to consider in any experiences align with courses we offer.

Credit is not awarded for personal and professional experiences in themselves but for the learning outcomes that accrued from those experiences. These outcomes must be academically measurable and comparable to the learning outcome expected from students taking the equivalent traditional course. This is not a directed study; experience and application must be the essential groundwork for the paper.

Students must first contact the department chair with a proposed topic and a detailed outline of the ELC being sought. Once written permission is granted from the department chair, the chair will then match the request with an instructor in the discipline in which the topic resides.

After this approval, the student must submit a portfolio, which should include: 1) at least two artifacts from your experience (for example: video, journal, photographs, letters of support) that show you actively engaged in that experience, 2) two 5-8 page (double-spaced) critical essays OR two presentations created for this portfolio with the course SLOs in mind, and 3) a 3-5 page (double spaced) reflective writing explaining how the experience met each one of the stated student learning outcomes for that class.

This degree of participation means that a great deal of knowledge, critical thinking, discussion and research has taken place. The demonstration of these components will be the benchmark on which the portfolio is evaluated.

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Department of History and Social Studies [email protected]

The Dept. of History & Social Studies issues ELC credit on a case by case basis for those who do meaningful professional or volunteer work at a museum, archives, special historical collection section at a library, historic site, historical publication venue, etc., and, provides a letter of recommendation and explanation of work done from their supervisor on said work.

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Department of Mathematics [email protected]

ELC is awarded only in areas within the current curriculum of the University of Mount Olive. The Department of Mathematics oversees the Math courses for the University. The Department of Mathematics will only recommend ELC for documented learning which demonstrates achievement of all of the Student Learning Outcomes for a specific course. See the UMO Catalog for Math course descriptions. The syllabus for each Math course will list that course’s Student Learning Outcomes, and can be provided upon request. As it has been the policy of the Department of Mathematics not to accept the transfer of credit from technical courses in community colleges for the general education requirements and major credit requirements, the Department will not accept technical training experience in Math unless the experience has led to the achievement of learning outcomes comparable to those in a specific Math course. Employment in a position that utilizes mathematical and technical engineering procedures does not usually equate with the achievement of learning outcomes comparable to a specific course. Technicians are usually trained to complete a function. Technicians who have been promoted to management are more likely to possibly have acquired the science and mathematics skills and learning outcomes comparable to specific courses.

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Department of Music [email protected]

The following are the guidelines for ELC: Credit may be obtained for learning that has been associated with a practical learning

experience. The emphasis is on what has been learned from the experience and not that the student has had an experience.

The requested credit must match course content of a Music course in the University of Mount Olive catalog. Check the catalog before requesting credit.

No credit is considered for research papers. The experience must be post high school and the quality must be collegiate. You must be able to document the experience. The documentation must include certificates,

diplomas, etc. The documentation of what was learned from the experience must be presented in a paper with minimum of ten pages for every hour of credit requested.

The student requesting credit should contact the department chair to discuss the viability of the request prior to beginning any part of the project.

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Department of Psychology [email protected]

The following are the guidelines for ELC: Please look at the University Catalog for course descriptions. Credit is not awarded for personal and professional experiences in themselves but for the

learning outcomes that accrued from those experiences. These outcomes must be academically measurable and comparable to the learning outcomes expected from students taking the equivalent traditional course. This is not a directed study; experience and application must be the essential groundwork for the paper.

The proposed topic and a detailed outline need to be sent to an instructor in the discipline in which the topic resides for written approval before work begins on the paper. This instructor will be your “reader.”

The paper will have a minimum of eight double-spaced, typed pages for each semester hour of credit sought. For example, a paper written for 3sh credit will have a minimum of 24 pages in the body of the text, which does not include appendices or reference pages.

The papers will have a minimum of five professional references for each semester hour of credit sought. For example, a paper written for 3sh credit will have a minimum of 15 separate, professional references that reflect the current state of the research. A professional reference is one authored by an expert in the field, in contrast, for example, to magazine or newspaper articles. If the latter discuss research, you need to go directly to the research and evaluate and discuss it as it was originally presented.

The methodology will be that of the American Psychological Association, current edition. The paper must reflect critical thinking. In a university-level paper, it is not sufficient to

write about one’s experiences or the work of experts in an uncritical fashion. For example, if you write that you’ve suffered depression because your mother was depressed, you need to explain why you think there is a relationship. In other words, why aren’t all your brothers and sisters depressed if your depression was inherited or learned from your mother?

When the first draft is approximately one-quarter completed, a typed copy should be emailed to your reader to ensure that the paper is progressing on the right track. The instructor will evaluate it and make suggestions.

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Department of Recreation & Leisure Studies [email protected]

To qualify for RLS/PED/HLH credit

A student may petition for ELC if they are currently enrolled and degree-seeking at UMO at the time of the petition.

Please look at the University Catalog for course descriptions. A student must demonstrate learning outcomes in at least 70% of the content areas of the

course, either through career and personal life experiences or through professional training and development. Life experiences must have a direct relationship to the academic objectives of the course.

It is highly recommended that students seek ELC early in their academic career to enable an advisor to map out a plan of courses for graduation.

Exclusions: 1.) Any course that was taken and a student received a failing grade. 2.) One semester hour PED activity courses are not considered for ELC, unless earned professional certification or licensure can be documented. For example, for PED 180 Leading Group Fitness, earned certification from Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) or Interactive Fitness Trainers of America (IFTA), among others would suffice. A licensure example, PED 180 Soccer, The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) offers two levels of coaching licenses, either or both would suffice.

Steps to follow when seeking credit E-mail the Department Chair the name and number of the specific course or courses to

request a current course syllabus and the name of the current textbook used in each class. Based on review of the course student learning outcomes and text book table of contents,

decide if your learning experiences are compatible with the topics taught in the course. Provide a separate document/portfolio for each course, which highlights how your

experiences have met each of the student learning outcomes defined on the course syllabus. Please include a current resume and documentation/evidence of the sources of the learning – job training, certificates, seminars/workshops, etc.

The emphasis is on what has been learned from the experience and not that the student has had an experience.

The Department Chair or a designated subject matter expert will review the document/portfolio for credit.

If questions arise or content needs to be explained, the student may need to provide additional documentation or be available for a discussion over the phone or in person.

Once approved the Department Chair will notify the student.

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Department of Religion [email protected]

In order to have a paper approved, the following requirements need to be followed: The learning reflected in the papers must be of university quality and be sufficient in length to warrant consideration for credit. To clarify this concept as much as possible, it is helpful to be mindful of the fact that a student taking the traditional equivalent 3 semester hour course will likely: Attend 40 class lectures, peruse a textbook, study a broad range of topics, write one or more

papers, read outside references, take several exams The sum of participating in all of these opportunities for learning is that a great deal of

knowledge, critical thinking, discussion, and research has taken place. It is the sum of these learning that will be the benchmark on which the paper is evaluated.

This means that the paper must correspond to the content of a current course listed in the University Catalog. For example, a paper dealing with Religion must correspond to the content and scope of learning in the course: New Testament - (REL 112).

Credit is not awarded for personal and professional experiences in themselves but for the learning outcomes that accrued from those experiences. These outcomes must be academically measurable and comparable to the learning outcomes expected from students taking the equivalent traditional course.

Because these papers need to be of university quality and traditional course equivalency, the following requirements need to be met:

a) The proposed topic and a detailed outline need to be sent to an instructor in the discipline in which the topic resides for written approval before work begins on the paper. This instructor will be your “reader.”

b) The paper will have a minimum of eight double-spaced, typed pages for each Semester hour of credit sought. For example, a paper written for 3sh credit will have a minimum of 24 pages in the body of the text, which does not include appendices or reference pages.

c) The papers will have a minimum of five professional references for each semester hour of credit sought. For example, a paper written for 3sh credit will have a minimum of 15 separate, professional references that reflect the current state of the research. A professional reference is one authored by an expert in the field, in contrast, for example, to magazine or newspaper articles. If the latter discuss research, you need to go directly to the research and evaluate and discuss it as it was originally presented.

d) The paper must reflect critical thinking. In a university level paper, it is not sufficient to write about one’s experiences or the work of experts in an uncritical fashion. For example, if you write that you’ve suffered depression because your mother was depressed, you need to explain why you think there is a relationship. In other words, why aren’t all your brothers and sisters depressed if your depression was inherited or learned from your mother?

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e) When the first draft is approximately one-quarter completed, a typed copy should be sent to your reader to ensure that the paper is progressing on the right track. The instructor will evaluate it and make suggestions.

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Department of Visual Arts [email protected]

The following are the guidelines for ELC: Credit may be obtained for learning that has been associated with a practical learning

experience. The emphasis is on what has been learned from the experience and not that the student has had an experience. An example of practical learning experience would be experience working in an art gallery, museum, studio, design firm or an environment that is related to visual art.

The requested credit must match course content of a photography, art, or graphic design course in the University of Mount Olive catalog. Check the catalog before requesting credit.

No credit is considered for research papers. The experience must be post high school and the quality must be collegiate. You must be able to document the experience. The documentation may include certificates,

diplomas, etc. The documentation of what was learned from the experience can be a portfolio item in the form of a PDF accompanied by a written document explaining the experiential learning.

The student requesting credit should contact the department chair to discuss the viability of the request prior to beginning any part of the project.

Initial contact for Visual Arts - [email protected]

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Division of Nursing [email protected]

It is the student’s and the ELC reviewer’s responsibility to read and follow the ELC procedures outlined below. Documentation of the ELC Process. The Department Chair or the ELC reviewer designated will document to a department/program ELC file the record of all contact from and to the student regarding an ELC request – from petition to conclusion:

the petition and response to the petition. all contact regarding the portfolio, if permission to submit a portfolio is granted. the portfolio conclusion (credit denied or granted).

If credit is granted via portfolio, the reviewer is responsible for processing the ELC form with the various University offices, and for notifying the student of the number of credits recommended. Step 1: ELC “Petition” Procedure

1. A student who wishes to petition for ELC credit in nursing must be currently enrolled and degree-seeking at UMO at the time of the petition, and must have a minimum 2.0 GPA.

2. To petition for ELC in nursing, the student emails the Department Chair with a statement

outlining the basis for an ELC petition – the experience, coursework, and training that may apply as ELC. The student does not request a specific number of credit hours. The number of ELC hours, if granted, is determined by the Department Chair per the ELC nursing rubric.

The Department Chair or designee will review the request and respond in writing to the student within 5 working days unless an email automatic reply indicates that the Department Chair or designee is on vacation or on extended leave – in which case, response will come within 5 working days of the Department Chair’s or designee’s return to the office. If the ELC reviewer’s written response to the student is denial of the petition, the ELC process ends. Step 2: ELC “Portfolio” Procedure

3. If the Department Chair’s or designee’s written response to the student indicates that ELC may be formally requested, the student will have 45 days to complete an ELC portfolio and submit it to the Department Chair or designee.

Permission to submit an ELC portfolio is not a guarantee that credit will be awarded. Portfolio permission is simply the granting of an opportunity for the student to offer documentation/evidence of learning that is equivalent to the learning that results from completion of specific courses in the University of Mount Olive curriculum.

It is the student’s responsibility (1) to provide documentation of job-related training, courses/seminars and other life experiences and (2) to state the learning that has occurred

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from each so that the Department Chair or designee can determine if the documented and stated learning is college-level and sufficient in content and length to warrant consideration of credit.

4. An ELC portfolio includes these items: (1) a statement of the learning that has occurred

that the student is presenting in a manner that is equivalent to that of a course/s in the UMO curriculum catalog, and (2) the documentation/evidence of the sources of the learning – job, certificates, seminars/workshops, etc.

5. It is the student’s responsibility to submit the ELC portfolio to the Department Chair or

designee and to follow up within 5 working days to assure that the portfolio has been received.

6. If the ELC portfolio is received within the 45-day timeline referred to above, the

Department Chair or designee will, within 10 working days of receiving it, evaluate it, determine if credit can be granted, and email the student of the decision.

7. If credit is granted, the Department Chair or designee will complete the ELC form

(available from the Registrar’s Office) and process the form as thereon directed. Whether or not credit is granted, it is the responsibility of the Department Chair or designee to file a copy of the ELC portfolio in the office of the Department Chair, including also documentation of the ELC process.

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University of Mount Olive The School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences

Agriculture Division

[email protected]

Current curricula within the Agriculture Division that is offered at the University of Mount Olive and for which ELC credit may be awarded are: Agriculture Education, Agricultural Production Systems, Plant Science, Animal Science, Agribusiness, Environmental and Natural Resources, Outreach and Extension Education. The University of Mount Olive recognizes that learning takes place in settings other than the traditional classroom. Such experiences, when properly documented with actual application in work, industry credentials and other situations, may be evaluated for possible academic credit. All ELC awarded must relate to the current University of Mount Olive curriculum and to the learning outcomes expected in its courses. The quantity and quality of learning the student believes he/she has acquired must be academically measurable and comparable to the learning outcomes expected from students completing a similar University of Mount Olive course. Credit is awarded for “learning outcomes,” not the experiences. These learning outcomes may be met if students have attained certain industry standard certifications; or have served a one year term as an officer at the state and/or national level with FFA, 4-H or a similar agricultural youth development organization; or have received national recognition for Proficiency or other Leadership and/or Career Development Awards related to agriculture. Documentation is required for ELC Credit to be applied. A technical course will be considered if it meets the academic standards in content and the expected learning outcomes commonly expected in a similar course in the University of Mount Olive curriculum. Exceptions to the above will be handled on an individual basis and must be approved by the appropriate Lead Professor, Department Chair, the Dean of SABS and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. STATE AND NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL LEADERSHIP SERVICE AND AWARDS: It is recognized that students that demonstrate exemplarily participation in agricultural youth organizations often times have completed the course requirement time and learning outcomes of different classes held within the Agriculture Division. The following scenarios are acceptable for experiential learning credit (ELC) within the Agriculture Division and may be applied to Core and Major course(s) as deemed appropriate by the lead professor, chair and dean.

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Students That Successfully Complete A Term In Office As A State Officer In The FFA, 4-H, Youth Grange Are Eligible For Three Hours Of ELC.

Students That Successfully Complete A Term In Office As A National Officer In The FFA, 4-H, Youth Grange Are Eligible For Six Hours Of ELC.

Students That Finish As A National Finalist For An FFA Proficiency Award Are Eligible For Three Hours Of ELC Per Award.

Students That Finish As A National Finalist For An FFA Star Award Are Eligible For

Three Hours Of ELC.

Students That Finish With A Gold Medal In The FFA National Agriscience Fair Are Eligible For Three Hours Of ELC Per Award.

Students That Finish With A Gold Medal In A FFA National Career Development

Event Or As A Member Of A Team That Placed Gold Are Eligible For Three Hours Of ELC Per Award.

Students That Finish With A Gold Medal In A FFA National Leadership

Development Event Or As A Member Of A Team That Placed Gold Are Eligible For Three Hours Of ELC Per Award.

Any students who are eligible for these awards will meet with the lead subject matter professor(s) and division chair to determine the best class or classes to substitute for accepted ELC. The student will then submit an application to the division chair with proper documentation showing successful completion of leadership duties at the state or national level or achievements within national competitions. This will be forwarded to the dean for final approval. WORK HISTORY:

One Hour Of ELC Credit Will Be Awarded For Each 2 Years Worked In The Agricultural Industry That Can Be Used For General Elective Credit. The Candidate Would Need To Create A Portfolio Detailing Their Prior Work History.

INDUSTRY STANDARD CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR ELC: Industry certifications or licensure examinations that are approved to satisfy the requirements for various technical, educational and competency skills or abilities within the agricultural industry will be considered to satisfy requirements for selected core and major courses as listed below:

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Students Recognized As Certified Crop Advisors (Having Passed The International And North Carolina Certified Crop Advisor Exam And Meeting Experience Requirements) May Receive Up To 15 Hours Of ELC Credit For Courses As Listed Below:

AGE 211 Crop Science 4sh AGE 215 Field Experiences 3sh AGE 360 Soil Science 4sh AGE 421 Integrated Pest Management 4sh

Students Recognized As Certified Plant Professionals (Having Passed The

NCNLA Certified Plant Professional Exam Or Comparable State Exam) May Receive 4 Hours Of ELC Credit For AGE 321 Plant Management, Identification, And Utilization.

Students Licensed As Commercial Pesticide Applicators (Having Passed the NCDA&CS Pesticide Exam or Comparable State Exam) And Having Two Years Commercial Applicator or Dealer Experience May Receive 3 Hours of ELC Credit for AGE 215 Field Experiences.

NOTE: A Case-By-Case Review Of All ELC Credit Requests Conducted By Appropriate Agricultural Faculty/Administration Will Be Conducted And Documentation Reviewed. Hours Are Awarded On A Case-By-Case Basis. After Review Of Documentation ELC Credit May Be Awarded For The Designated Areas Of Consideration: National Officer Positions And Awards: Time Worked And Responsibilities; Certifications Earned.