Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Purpose
Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA) recognizes that learning occurs outside of the college setting and that the outcome of this learning is sometimes the acquisition of skills and/or knowledge that may be equivalent to learning that occurs at LSUA and other higher education institutions. LSUA may award credit for this learning through its Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Policy
General Policy
PLA credit may be awarded only to students admitted to LSUA and seeking a degree.
PLA credit cannot duplicate credit already awarded to students.
PLA credit can be awarded only for college-level learning that is documented and that falls within the regular curricular offerings of the institution or that can be applied as elective credit.
PLA credit cannot be awarded for a course that has been previously attempted (either as an audit or for credit).
PLA credit cannot count towards enrollment when a student’s financial aid status is being determined.
Once PLA credits have been applied to a transcript, they will not be removed. PLA credits in excess of degree requirements may adversely affect a student’s financial aid eligibility.
PLA credit cannot be counted towards LSUA’s residency requirement. The residency requirement requires that at least 25% of the hours applied to a degree be earned in courses taught by LSUA.
The awarding of PLA credit must be consistent with LSUA’s institutional accrediting agency (SACSCOC) policies and its various program accreditors.
Note
PLA credit for experiential learning (e.g., CLEP, credit exam, portfolio assessment, or other faculty‐determined assessment methods) cannot count for more than 25% of the credits required for a degree. For example, no more than 30 hours of PLA credit for experiential learning (excludes certain credit granted by approved licensures) can be applied to a bachelor’s degree (120 hours).
PLA credits for instructional-based learning (e.g., Advanced Placement, training programs evaluated by ACE or NNCCRS) are not considered experiential learning‐based credits. They can count for more than 25% of the credits required for a degree.
Types of Assessment
A student who has already obtained a fundamental knowledge of a subject offered at the university may be permitted to take a departmental credit examination in that subject, which, if passed with satisfactory grades, will enable the student to receive degree credit. To be awarded credit for successful completion of a credit exam, the student must be admitted to the university and enrolled in courses. Completion of credit examinations with a grade of “C” or higher may result in the awarding of a letter grade or a “P” (pass) grade. A student may take a credit examination in a particular subject only once.
The submission of a portfolio of work in a particular subject offered at the university (e.g., painting, photography, ceramics) provides another way for faculty to assess a student’s mastery of knowledge and skills in that subject and, if appropriate, to approve the awarding of degree credit to the student. If a portfolio is judged by faculty to have demonstrated such mastery, the student is awarded a “P” grade. To be awarded credit based on portfolio evaluation, the student must be admitted to the university and enrolled in courses. A student may submit a portfolio for credit in a particular subject area only once.
LSUA grants college-level credit on the basis of scores earned on certain subject examinations administered by third parties. Such exams include AP, CLEP, ACT, SAT, and COMPASS. To receive degree credit for scores earned, students must be admitted to the university. AP and CLEP credits are awarded with a “P” (pass) grade.
Students who have served on active duty in the United States Military may receive credit on the following basis:
A student who has completed four months of continuous full-time active military duty will be granted one semester hour of Military Service credit for such service on presentation of satisfactory evidence. Two semester hours of credit will be allowed for six months of continuous full-time active military service. For longer periods of military service, credit is granted at the rate of one semester hour per each additional three months of continuous active duty service, not to exceed 12 semester hours.
Degree credit is also granted according to the recommendations of the American Council on Education for satisfactory completion of specific series schools. A copy of the service record (the DD214) must be submitted for evaluation and awarding of credit. Army Veterans should submit an official copy of their Army/American Council of Education Registry Transcript (AARTS) or Joint Service Transcript (JST).
To receive degree credit based on military service, students must be admitted to the university.
Criminal Justice students who have passed a 320 hour (or more) basic training course as prescribed and certified by the Louisiana Council on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) may apply for fifteen semester hours of degree credit in lieu of CJUS 1107 - Introduction to Criminal Justice, CJUS 2131 - Police Process, CJUS 3025 - Ethical Leadership in Criminal Justice, CJUS 4999 - Internship in Criminal Justice, and three hours of Criminal Justice elective credit at the 4000 level. If the training was completed outside of the State of Louisiana, it must transfer to Louisiana in accordance with Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 22, Part III, Chapter 47.
Criminal Justice students who have completed Introduction to Correctional Techniques through the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center may apply for nine semester hours of credit in lieu of CJUS 2216 - Corrections Process, CJUS 3025 - Ethical Leadership in Criminal Justice, and CJUS 4045 - The U.S. Prison System.
To receive degree credit based on military service, students must be admitted to the university.
Degree credit may also be awarded to students upon presentation of credentials earned from business and industry training programs evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). Credits are awarded with a “P” (pass) grade.
To receive degree credit based on such certifications, students must be admitted to the university.
Transferability of PLA Credits
Prior learning assessment credits awarded by LSUA may or may not transfer to other institutions of higher learning. Acceptance of such credits is subject to limitations imposed by the receiving institution based on that institution’s academic policies.
Students should check with the institution to which they wish to transfer regarding the transferability of PLA credits awarded by LSUA.
LSUA requires official copies of scores before it can award PLA credit based on third-party transcripts, test scores, or assessments (e.g., AP, CLEP) even if other institutions attended by the student have awarded credit on this basis.
