Contents
Catalog Links

Academic Catalog

Experiential Learning

The University of Saint Mary offers an Experiential Learning Assessment (ELA) program for learning not covered by the American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines. After completing a one-credit hour course in portfolio preparation, GE 325 Life Experience Seminar, students may petition for evaluation of their learning by assembling a Life Experience Portfolio. The portfolio is evaluated based on the Experiential Learning Portfolio Rubric. The portfolio is assessed on its content, reflection, format, organization, grammar, and demonstration of an integration of experience and learning. It should also demonstrate competence in college level writing. In the GE 325 course, students will become familiar with the criteria and evaluation rubric that is used. If credits are awarded, a fee is charged for each portfolio submitted. Credits awarded will appear on the USM official transcript. Any credits awarded from the ELA will adhere to these guidelines:

  • No more than 18 credit hours will be awarded from the ELA.
  • No more than 9 credit hours awarded by the ELA can be applied to a single specific discipline.
  • If the credit being sought is course specific, it can meet the requirements of the academic major with approval from the appropriate division chair.
  • Credits awarded by the ELA can meet general education or elective credit.

NOTE: The University of Saint Mary does not guarantee the transferability of any credits awarded by the ELA process to another college or university.

Interested students must meet specific qualifications to participate in the Experiential Learning program:

  1. The student must be enrolled in a degree-seeking program at the University of Saint Mary.
  2. The student must have completed at least 12 credit hours of coursework at the University of Saint Mary.
  3. The student must meet with his/her academic division chair to discuss the feasibility of seeking ELA credits and the approval to do so.

After meeting all of the requirements above the student will submit a formal request to enroll into GE 325 Life Experience Seminar. This request will take the form of a letter briefly summarizing the experiences for which the student will seek ELA credits.

If the student is approved for the ELA program, the student will register for GE 325 Life Experience Seminar, and must successfully fulfill all requirements of the course.

If the student intends, and is approved to seek, Experiential Learning credits, the student should understand that learning experiences presented should represent college level learning. Three characteristics for the portfolio are considered important:

  1. That the learning implies a conceptual as well as a practical grasp of the knowledge acquired;
  2. That the learning be applicable outside the specific context in which it was acquired; and
  3. That the learning falls within the domain usually considered degree-level higher education as opposed to secondary education or non-credit alternative experiences.