How do I get started? To begin the process of experiential learning, you should first review the Experiential Learning website to learn as much as possible about the different experiential options and which might apply to you. Then, follow directions for the options you wish to use. Prior to using any option, you should complete an Intake Form and submit it to Experiential Learning.
Do I get credit for life and work experience? Indirectly, yes. Academic credit results from knowledge demonstrated at the college level, and your knowledge may be a result of your work and life experiences. This knowledge should fit the equivalent of a college course taught at Old Dominion University and meet the requirements of your degree program.
Must I be an Old Dominion University student to participate in experiential learning? Yes, you must be a degree seeking student at Old Dominion University.
How much credit am I allowed to earn experientially? You can earn a maximum of 60 experiential credits as an undergraduate and 6 as a graduate student. You will still be expected to meet residency requirements as listed in the Old Dominion catalog.
Will I get the academic credit I have requested? Although there is no guarantee that you will receive credit , the Experiential Learning staff, your advisor and your faculty assessor work with you to ensure that you have a strong possibility of earning academic credit.
Can I transfer experiential credit from another institution? This depends on the experiential option. Although departmental exam credit would not be honored, portfolio and training credit may be considered on a case-by-case basis. This might involve a meeting with a faculty assessor, or a request to see original documents.
Will other colleges accept experiential learning credit? Although an increasing number of private colleges and public universities are accepting experiential learning credit, not all do. If you are planning to attend another college or university, check with their admissions office for transfer policies. The Office of the University Registrar and the Office of Experiential Learning at Old Dominion University can provide an explanation of your credit to the particular college.
Does the experiential credit I earn count towards required general education courses? Yes. When you earn credit experientially, it is applied to your academic record in the same way as is classroom credit.
How long does it take? It depends on which experiential option/s you plan to use. For a departmental exam, allow the amount of time you need for study and preparation, using the guidelines provided on the Experiential Learning web site. The evaluation of the examination takes up to three weeks. For a training evaluation, you will need to prepare a packet with your resume, proof of completion, and training documentation. The training evaluation takes 4-6 weeks. For the development of the portfolio, students usually take about a semester. The number of courses attempted through the portfolio determines the amount of time. The evaluation of the portfolio takes 3 weeks.
What does Experiential Learning cost? Cost varies, based on the option you choose. For a complete listing of student costs, please see the Student Fee Structure.
If I'm not granted academic credit, do I still have to pay the fees? Yes. The cost to you is based, in part, on work involved for the faculty assessor. Regardless of outcome and/or credit granted, a faculty assessor must still provide and grade a departmental exam, assess a portfolio or evaluate training.
Does experiential credit affect my financial aid award? Part-time or full-time status is determined by the number of semester hours in which you are enrolled. Since you do not enroll for an experiential learning option, do not count courses you are attempting through experiential learning toward part-time or full-time status. Grants and loans for education-related expenses can be applied to Experiential Learning fees. For specific information regarding financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 757-683-3683.
If my employing organization provides tuition assistance, will it also reimburse assessment fees for experiential learning? Many employers, if already providing tuition assistance, will also reimburse assessment fees. The Experiential Learning office, at your request, can provide a letter of explanation to your employer.
How will I know if I've earned credit? You will receive a letter from Experiential Learning staff, indicating whether or not you've earned credit. Typically, credit should appear on your transcript within 3-5 days.
If I am granted credit, what will appear on my transcript? The title of the course, the course number and the number of credit hours are documented on your transcript. You receive an XP for "experiential pass".
Is credit for experiential learning different from academic credit for which I earn a grade? No. Experiential credit is regarded the same as graded credit, and counts towards the total credit hours required for graduation. If you plan to transfer to another institution, however, your experiential credit may not be honored. Experiential Learning staff can provide an explanation to another institution, if you request it.
