Overview
Portfolio Assessment is a method of awarding credit for prior learning in which a student uses a written/digital document to demonstrate that knowledge and skills obtained from work and life experiences are equivalent to the learning outcomes taught in a specific, postsecondary class. Students must be able to demonstrate that their competency, obtained through work/life experience, is aligned with the courses they wish to obtain credit. This type of credit is often referred to as portfolio credit because students must develop a portfolio to document their learning. Portfolio development requires strong written communication skills and valid documentation.
Portfolio Eligibility
- Enrolled in a major at VWCC.
- Have not already met the 75% CPL maximum award.
- 5 years of work experience equivalent to the VWCC course being challenged.
- Knowledge from the experience must be college equivalent.
- Experience must be able to be validated.
- Experience must be relevant to a student’s program of study.
Pre-screening Activities
- Check academic advisement report and select which course(s) to challenge.
- Review the course outcomes from the course(s) to be challenged. A student must meet at 70% of the outcomes to meet the portfolio requirement.
- Review transcript to see if CPL credit has been awarded previously and the maximum amount of 75% has not been met.
- Answer the questions below:
- Can I differentiate my learning from my experience?
- Am I able to demonstrate my learning is appropriate in level and content to the course outcomes for the course I am seeking credit?
- Do I understand both practical and theoretical applications of the course(s)?
- Schedule an appointment with the CPL Coordinator to discuss the approval process and complete the CPL Portfolio Application form.
Portfolio Development
Portfolio must clearly demonstrate sufficient relevant experience and evidence of learning; mastered knowledge and skills equivalent to your chosen course and learning outcomes; and this was applied in a real-world setting. The CPL Coordinator will meet with the student throughout the development process to ensure that the needed requirements are being met.
- Digital template will be provided to the student upon approval for portfolio assessment.
- Recommended that a student challenge a minimum of 3 classes.
- Extensive writing is required.
- It is the student’s responsibility to provide validated documentation proving competency.
- Evaluation fee of $125 per portfolio to be assessed.
Portfolio Components
- Cover Letter
- Resume/Chronological Record
- Course Content Summary
- Narrative of Competencies
- Valid Documentation
Portfolio Assessment
Overview
The assessment of a portfolio is completed by a faculty member at VWCC, who is a subject matter expert in the course that you are challenging for credit. The overall decision to award credit is based on:
- The sufficiency of your relevant experience and supporting documentation.
- Your ability to articulate the alignment of the knowledge and skills obtained from your experience with the chosen course outcomes or objectives.
Portfolio credit only applies to your VWCC credential. If you plan to attend a 4-year institution we suggest that you contact their registrar and admissions departments, to obtain information on their policy regarding credit for prior learning. Portfolio credit most likely will not be transferable.
Evaluation Process
- Student pays the evaluation fee of $125 per portfolio.
- Student submits portfolio(s) to the CPL Coordinator for evaluation by email.
- CPL Coordinator assigns an evaluator and provides the portfolio and the grading rubric by email.
- The evaluation process may take up to 2 weeks.
- The evaluator will provide the completed rubric and decision of award to the CPL Coordinator.
- The CPL Coordinator will notify the student and the Registrar of an award.
- The Registrar will add the credit, on the transcript under Other, and with a letter grade of T.
- An appeals process is available for denied awards. The student has up to 2 weeks after notification of the denied award to request an appeal and submit additional documentation for the appeal.
- The CPL Coordinator will present the information to the Appeals Committee, which is made up of the Dean of the associated program, Vice President of Academics and Workforce Solutions and two members of the CPL Committee. The Appeals Committee has 2 weeks to review the documentation and to make a decision. The decision by the Appeals Committee is final.
- Credit for Prior Learning Home
- Prior Learning/Graduation Requirements
- Credit for Certifications, Credentials and Evaluated Programs
- Military Training
- Credit by Exam
- Credit by Evaluated Program (ACE/NCCRS)
- Prior Learning/Work Experience
- Portfolio Credit
- Previous College/Transcript Evaluation
- Reverse Transfer
Contact Us
Cathy Ferguson
Credit for Prior Learning Specialist
540-857-6825
cplinfo@virginiawestern.edu
Records Office
records@virginiawestern.edu
Chapman Hall C107
855-874-6690
Fax: 540-857-6102
Mailing Address:
3094 Colonial Ave. SW
Roanoke, VA 24015
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