• The general philosophy of above-named discipline regarding Assessment of Prior Experiential Learning essays may be summarized as follows:
A. Lab-based courses (e.g., PSY 343 Learning, PSY 342 Neuroscience, PSY 460 Experimental) are generally not granted credit via Portfolio essay. Practicum (PSY 409) credits are also ineligible.
B. Full course credit is not granted unless students can demonstrate contact with the full range of original source readings and full spectrum of topics covered by the on-campus course. Partial course credit may be granted for essays demonstrating significant but incomplete coverage of materials.
• Describe the nature of any dialogue expected between faculty in above-name discipline and students preparing portfolio essays in the discipline.
No dialogue is required, but prior contact with faculty member is suggested for information relevant to documentation, credit requests, and bibliography.
• Describe the nature of any specific requirements the above-name discipline will have regarding contents of the portfolio materials i.e., documentation, essay, bibliography were applicable, etc.
Documentation must clarify the total number of hours spent in college-level experience. Essay must demonstrate college-level writing, free of excessive grammatical or structural errors. Bibliography must include adequate spectrum of original sources from the professional literature relevant to the course request. It should be clear from the essay that the writer has consulted these sources, and is aware of major issues or controversies in the relevant area. "Popular press" articles or web sites carry very little authority in the essay.
• Describe issues regarding the general turnaround time for review of portfolio materials in the above-named discipline.
Depending on the point in the academic calendar when the essay is received, turnaround time requires a minimum of 2 weeks. Materials received near the end of an academic quarter may require significantly longer turnaround times.
• Provide any additional information that will help portfolio students in developing materials for faculty review in the above-named discipline.
Contact with relevant faculty prior to writing essay is encouraged.
Charles A. Lyons, Ph. D. , April 2007
Faculty Submitting Information