Department of Human Services
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Credit fo Prior Learning (CPL) provides our Âé¶¹´«Ã½ an opportunity to gain course credit by utilizing their professional experience and acquired knowledge. Through the submission of a portfolio, Âé¶¹´«Ã½' applicable experiences are reviewed to determine if the content and rigor of coursework has been met.
CPL GUIDELINES:
- Student must be pursuing a major or minor in Human Services, Aging Studies, Aging Studies Long Term Care Administration, Early Childhood Program Administration, or Financial Literacy.
- Student must have worked in a Human Services related field full-time for no less than 4 years. This can be at a single facility or a combination of different facilities.
- Prior to beginning the CPL process, student must consult with their academic advisor, or graduate coordinator for graduate Âé¶¹´«Ã½, or Department Chair to determine if CPL is appropriate and, if so, the steps to create/submit a portfolio. Portfolios should reflect the primary content of the CPL course syllabus and demonstrate achievement in meeting the course learning objectives. Portfolio could include evidence such as: professional development courses, experiential learning, writing samples, certification and/or licensure, etc.
- A reference letter must be accompanied from your current or previous employer from which the CPL is to be applied.
- Guidelines for reference letter:
- must be on company letterhead
- job title
- dates of employment; state whether it was part-time or full-time status and how many working hours per week
- roles and responsibilities
- supervisor signature and contact information
- Submission of a portfolio does not guarantee credit will be awarded for a course. Partial credit for submitted portfolios will not be awarded. Students will earn either the grade of Credit or No Credit for all approved CPL portfolio submissions.
- Regardless of the portfolio evaluation outcome, Âé¶¹´«Ã½ will be responsible for all fees associated with the CPL portfolio submission and review process. (waivers or financial aid cannot be applied to any CPL fees.)
These fees include:
Portfolio Evaluation fee: $100
Course Credit fee: $300
- A maximum of nine (9) credit hours may be awarded through CPL. All credits earned through CPL are considered residential credits.
Contact Information:
Alisa Gray, Undergraduate Academic Advisor, aagray@eiu.edu
Dr. Kathleen O'Rourke, Graduate Coordinator, kaorourke@eiu.edu
Dr. Jill Bowers, Department Chair, jbowers2@eiu.edu
CPL Approval Process
Credit for Prior Learning Application