W. Va. Code R. § 135-59-2 - Purpose of Prior Learning Credit

2.1. This procedural rule details the responsibilities of the state community and technical colleges regarding the awarding of college credit for prior college-level learning gained outside the higher education academic environment.

2.2. The West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education (Council) recognizes that some students, particularly adults and non-traditional students, may have acquired prior college-level learning through the development of skills or knowledge that closely parallel those outcomes taught in college-level courses. It is important that the State's community and technical colleges evaluate learning that has taken place outside the higher education academic environment and award academic credit when appropriate.

2.3. The purpose of this rule is to set out the terms and conditions under which West Virginia public community and technical colleges award and/or transfer credits toward a degree or certificate based upon CPL and to provide consistent and accessible methods for students to earn these credits.

2.4. It is the intent of the Council to permit community and technical colleges to award undergraduate academic credit for prior learning through a variety of assessment methodologies that will ensure the academic credibility of such credit. Under these guidelines, in accordance with institutional policies and procedures, each institution shall award academic credit for prior learning that is equivalent to coursework which satisfies the requirements for the degree program in which the student is enrolled.

2.5. The Board of Governors Associate of Applied Science degree program and the Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Nontraditional Degree (STAND) program authorized by W. Va. Code § 18B-3D-7 maintain specific guidelines and requirements for the use of credit for prior learning. This rule does not replace those existing guidelines.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 135-59-2