W. Va. Code R. § 135-59-5 - Institutional Policies Regarding Awarding Credit for Prior Learning

5.1. State community and technical colleges shall develop institutional policies for evaluating prior learning and for awarding credit consistent with this rule.

5.1.1. Each institution shall develop appropriate policies and procedures for awarding credit for a student's prior college-level learning in accordance with this rule, accrediting bodies' guidelines for prior learning assessment, and principles of good educational practice.

5.1.2. Institutional policy shall apply to all academic programs.

5.2. Institutions shall identify the forms of CPL credits that the institution will award, the processes for acquiring such credit, and make that information publicly available to students, faculty, and other stakeholders.

5.3. Institutions may award academic credit for prior learning that is equivalent to coursework which meets the requirements for the degree program in which the student is enrolled.

5.4. Credit for prior learning may apply toward majors, minors, general education requirements, and electives that count toward the student's chosen degree or certificate. Credit for Prior Learning may also satisfy prerequisite requirements. College credit awarded through CPL shall not be treated differently in its application and use than its course equivalencies or appropriate block credit.

5.5. Colleges shall award credit for prior learning only to students who are admitted to the institution.

5.6. Credit awarded through CPL shall not count toward institutional residency requirements.

5.7. The institution's faculty with appropriate professional credentials shall evaluate a student's portfolio and course-specific examinations to determine whether it meets the standards to award academic credit. The faculty member shall make a recommendation for credit to the appropriate academic officer at the institution in accordance with the institution's CPL guidelines.

5.8. Institutions must accept CPL credit up to 30 credits for associate degrees and up to nine credits for certificate programs.

5.8.1. Institutions may set a higher limit not to exceed 45 credits for associate degrees or 15 credits for certificate programs.

5.8.2. If a program accrediting body has a specific maximum for CPL credit, then the institution shall honor that maximum for that particular program.

5.9. Credit awarded through Credit for Prior Learning shall be clearly identified as such on a student's official transcript according to institutional CPL guidelines. The institution shall not use such credit to determine a student's grade point average or in the calculation of graduation honors. The institution shall record the credit as "Credit" only.

5.10. Students shall submit requests for awards of academic credit for prior learning in accordance with the guidelines established by the institution. Institutions shall establish a written record of their decisions and the basis for the decisions to accept or deny Credit for Prior Learning (whether it is portfolio evaluation or other type of assessment) for academic credit. Institutional policies shall ensure the transparency of the award or denial of CPL credit. Additionally, institutions shall develop and communicate to students a process for appealing CPL decisions.

5.11. The community and technical colleges may charge fees for assessment of Credit for Prior Learning requests, which fees may vary based upon the type of assessment performed. The institutions shall clearly publish and make available to students CPL credit and transcription fees.

5.12. Institutions shall regularly review their CPL policies to ensure that they are consistent with accreditation CPL guidelines and State, regional, and national practices.

Notes

W. Va. Code R. § 135-59-5