Awarding Academic Credit for Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction (A-52)
Original Implementation: October 26, 1999
Last Revision: April 21, 2009
Role and Scope
The purpose of this policy is to provide an approved procedure for students wishing to be awarded credit for extrainstitutional learning experiences in the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) degree. This policy provides a rationale for the credit awarded and definitions of the significant elements of the process, establishes guidelines for developing the life-experience portfolio, and provides a means for monitoring the policy.
Review
It is the responsibility of the dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts to review and implement this policy.
Rationale
Awarding degree credit for noncollegiate sponsored instruction is based on the higher education practice of granting academic credit for educational attainment comparable to the college level. The granting of credit is carried out in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, credit by examination, Advanced Placement (AP) credit, College Level Examination Program (CLEP) credit, portfolio review, and SFASU departmental examination. The credit awarded must be appropriate to an individual’s BAAS degree program.
Authority and Oversight
The authority granted to SFASU by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) (July 16, 1974) to offer the BAAS degree contains the following feature:
"Semester hour credit for experience and/or exhibited competency is permissible in both Academic Foundations (up to 12 hours) and Academic Specialization (up to 24 hours). An expanded innovative program of advising and counseling will be necessary to administer the program."
The College of Liberal and Applied Arts shall maintain oversight of the BAAS degree and administer the life-experience credit program. The dean of the college shall develop procedures to implement all aspects of the BAAS degree.
Definitions
B.A.A.S. Degree - The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree is designed to offer students with occupational-technical training and work experience the opportunity to obtain a baccalaureate degree with credit given for life experiences. The degree is designed to provide both academic and professional depth to individuals who possess recognized competency in occupational or technical fields.
Extrainstitutional Learning - Documented learning experience that accrues to the student outside the sponsorship of an accredited institution of higher education.
Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction - A form of extrainstitutional learning sponsored by non-accredited associations, business, industry, or military units to develop knowledge, skills, and values.
Occupational Portfolio - A compilation of pertinent documents and third party verification that develops a history and basis for the levels of competency submitted for evaluation. Documentation shall verify that skill levels and occupational competencies are equivalent to college work.
Work/Life Experience - A form of noncollegiate sponsored learning that develops knowledge, skills, and values as a result of experiences documented through the occupational portfolio.
Procedure for Credit Awards
The evaluation of noncollegiate credit is dependent upon an examination process. The measure of equivalency is determined by three factors:
- The Curriculum of the Learning Experience
The work/life experience meets the standard of currency and relevance of contemporary institutions of higher education. - The Qualifications of the Work/Life Evaluator
Supervision must be provided by an individual or individuals whose credentials have been reviewed and accepted by authorized peers, an appropriate sponsoring professional organization or corporation, or an institution of higher education. - Evaluation of Student Achievement
The validation process must use a means of evaluating the learning process that is appropriate to the subject matter and the manner of transmission.
All applications for credit through noncollegiate sponsored learning experiences must be submitted by students to their adviser at the time a degree plan is submitted to the dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, or a designee, for approval. The request for credit must be submitted as an occupational portfolio accompanied by all pertinent documentation. The dean of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts, or a designee, shall review all credit recommendations and make a final determination as to the amount of credit to be awarded. Credit awarded shall be submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Credit is awarded for noncollegiate sponsored instruction only to the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences Degree.
Appeals
Appeals of credit awards shall be in writing to the College Council of the College of Liberal and Applied Arts for resolution. The council may either affirm the decision of the dean or make its own credit recommendation to the dean.
Cross Reference: SFA General Bulletin/Advanced Placement & Credit by Examination
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Dean of Liberal and Applied Arts
Forms: AAS-Ex