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

Current through Register Vol. XXXIX, No. 11, March 18, 2022

2.1. Legislative goals established for West Virginia state colleges and universities provide that higher education in West Virginia should contribute fully to the growth, development, and quality of life of the state and its citizens. This policy details the responsibilities of the state higher education institutions 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)/ West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) 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 colleges and universities have the opportunity to evaluate learning that has taken place outside the higher education academic environment and to award academic credit when appropriate.

2.3. The purpose of this rule is to outline the terms and conditions under which West Virginia public colleges and universities award and/or transfer credits toward a degree or certificate based upon Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and to provide consistent and accessible methods for students to earn these credits.

2.4. It is the intent of the Council/Commission to permit the awarding of 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 Regents Bachelor of Arts degree program maintain specific guidelines and requirements for the use of credit for prior learning. This policy does not replace existing guidelines.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 135-59-2