Office of Origin: Academic Affairs
Responsibility: Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs
Date Adopted: 03-25-14
Dates Reviewed: 11-08-16
Last Date Board Approved: 03-28-17, 12-06-22

Recognizing that many opportunities exist for learning outside of a classroom, Lake Michigan College (LMC) seeks to provide a variety of evidence-based means by which students may obtain academic credit for experiential learning. 

Recognizing that many opportunities exist for learning outside of a classroom, the College seeks to provide a variety of evidence-based means by which students may obtain academic credit for experiential learning.

The College may provide any of the pathways to granting credit for experiential learning described in the following section. Regardless of the pathway option, credit awards must be based on appropriate documentation and/or demonstration of skills. Faculty recommend credit awards to the appropriate Academic Dean, who must approve all credit for experiential learning requests. Recommendations for academic credit must clearly align with LMC’s curriculum and must be based on what the student has learned, rather than what the student has experienced.

Upon approval by the Academic Dean, credit for experiential learning is transcripted as “CEL” credit and may be used to satisfy LMC graduation
requirements. Students must be informed that CEL credits may not transfer to other institutions, as it is the receiving institution that determines what credit will be accepted upon transfer.

While there is no maximum number of allowable CEL credits, a minimum number of credits must be earned at LMC as follows: 

• For baccalaureate degrees, a minimum of 30 credits must be earned at LMC. 

• For associate’s degrees, a minimum of 20 credits must be earned at LMC. 

• For certificate programs requiring 30 or more credits, a minimum of 15 credits must be earned at LMC. 

Credit for experiential learning is available for certificate programs with fewer than 30 total credits only when students are seeking a higher-level credential within the same program area or discipline. Students should work closely with an advisor to
assure that alternative credit requests do not exceed the above specified credit hour limits. Any exception to these standards must have the written approval of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Credit for Experiential Learning Pathways 

The following options are approved pathways for CEL credit. 

1. Military training evaluation – Current and former military service members may submit a military transcript for evaluation by the Registrar’s Office. Transcript evaluation is based on recommendations by the American Council on Education (ACE). Credit awarded through the evaluation of military transcripts is treated as transfer credit. There is no charge by the College for this evaluation service.
2. Nationally standardized assessments – The College may award credit for certain nationally standardized tests, such as CLEP and AP. A list of acceptable standardized assessments, required scores, and testing fees is available in the Registrar’s Office.
3. Industry-recognized licensing, certification credential or portfolio review – Industry-recognized and/or other credentials are evaluated by a subject matter expert in the discipline for which the credit is being requested with recommendations to the appropriate Academic Dean for credit equivalencies. Interested students should contact Department/Program Chair for a list of common industry-recognized credentials that align with college courses. Fees may apply.
4. LMC Challenge Exams – LMC departments may offer departmental challenge exams for some courses. Interested students should contact the Department/Program Chair. Fees may apply

References: Credit for Experiential Learning Fees