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Nontraditional Learning Policy

Policy #: 
ACD 101.027
Executive Owner: 
Provost
Scope: 

This policy applies to all AdventHealth University (AHU) students.

Purpose: 

The purpose of this policy is to outline the appropriate steps for accepting Academic Credit for Nontraditional Learning Experiences.  AHU recognizes learning acquired from experiences outside a formal classroom setting and therefore will offer students the opportunity to earn academic credit through Nontraditional Learning via any of the following pathways.

  1. Credit by Examination
  2. CLEP- College-Level Examination Program
  3. AP or IB- Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate
  4. Credit by Degree or Certificate
  5. Credit by Validation
  6. Credit for Prior Learning Experience/Assessment Portfolio
Policy: 

This policy is designed to provide guidance and definition on nontraditional learning experience in how to determine the steps in evaluating those experiences.

  1. The appropriate faculty will assess the coursework and make a credit/no credit determination.  Transfer credit will be awarded based on the nature, level, content and comparability of the courses to university offerings.
  2. The decision to award credit for Nontraditional Learning is determined by policy (1-4) or by each academic department (5-6).
  3. If a student submits appropriate documentation (i.e. scores), AHU will grant credit and post to AHU course equivalencies to a student’s transcript for the AHU course(s) that most closely match the content.
  4. The transcript will reflect the course(s) with grades of “CR”. The course will not generate quality points or affect the grade point average but will only apply to degree requirements. 
  5. Equivalent courses earned by Nontraditional Learning Experiences generally will fulfill the same requirements that the AHU course fulfils.
  6. Credit earned through one learning type may not be duplicated by another examination or course.
  7. Students may not receive academic credit from the same source more than one time by any of the Nontraditional Learning Experience types.  To do so would be considered double dipping.
  8. Credit by Nontraditional Learning Experiences will not count toward residency or financial aid hours.
Definition(s): 
  1. Credit by Examination - Educational experience may be evaluated by institutional examination at the discretion of the University in the associated are of study. 
  2. CLEP- College-Level Examination Program- Cover material taught in introductory level courses at many colleges and universities.
  3. AP or IB - Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate - Students may receive university credit for courses completed in high school.
  4. Credit by Degree or Certificate - College credits may be awarded to eligible students toward a degree program based on industry certification or licensure in many areas.
  5. Credit by Validation – Credit for prior coursework in a particular field when student validates knowledge and ability by successful completion of more advanced course work.
  6. Credit for Prior Learning Experience/Assessment Portfolio- Credit for prior learning or work experience that directly corresponds to academic coursework offered at AHU.
  7. CR – Courses that you receive credit with no quality points and not included in the GPA.
Related Document(s): 
Nontraditional Learning Standard Operating Procedure

Committees

CommitteeDate VotedMinutes Code
Academic PoliciesWednesday, July 12, 202323:34
President's Council
Approved by: 
Effective Date: 
Wednesday, July 12, 2023