Evaluating and Awarding Credits for Prior Learning - On Campus Podcast

As enrollment levels for traditional-aged college students decline, credit for prior learning has become a vital topic of conversation within higher education. Awarding credit for previous work or certifications offers a promising strategy to boost enrollment numbers. In this episode, Dr. Sara Cunningham explores how organizations like the American Council on Education (ACE) can collaborate with universities to standardize prior learning.  

Dr. Cunningham is the Executive Director of One Dupont Ventures, leading initiatives to improve learner mobility and success as part of ACE’s Education Futures. She joined ACE’s Learning Evaluations team in 2018 to help develop digital learner records and promote credit for prior learning. She previously served as the Chief Student Success Officer at Unity College in Maine after teaching in their Captive Wildlife Care and Education program.  She received her PhD in Integrative Biology from the University of California, Berkeley, and continues to use her understanding of animal behavior in a surprising number of endeavors. 

 
Additional resources: 

• CITI Program’s "Higher Education Accelerated Credit" Webinar - https://about.citiprogram.org/course/higher-education-accelerated-credit/ 
• Institutional Best Practices Guide by ACE - https://www.acenet.edu/Programs-Services/Pages/Credit-Transcripts/Institutional-CPL-Best-Practices.aspx 

Chapters

• 1:18 Dr. Cunningham’s Career Path
• 2:19 Overview of Prior Learning Credits
• 4:59 History of ACE’s Work
• 6:48 Benefits of Awarding Credits
• 9:21 Challenges for Universities and Students
• 12:05 Assessment of Prior Learning
• 15:06 Best Practices for Administrators
• 16:57 Faculty and Administrator Opinions
• 18:17 Ensuring Academic Integrity
• 20:15 Advocacy and Recognition
• 21:34 Resources for Credit for Prior Learning Programs
• 23:17 Future Trends
• 23:53 Using Data for Better Learner Tools
• 25:19 Proactive Evaluation with Technology