EIU Department of Human Services

Department of Human Services

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to earn course credit for college-level learning acquired through professional experience. Students submit a portfolio documenting their relevant experience, which is evaluated to determine whether it meets the content and rigor for the corresponding course. 

ELIGIBILITY:

CPL is available to students pursuing one of the following majors or minors:

• Human Services (major and minor)
• Human Services: Early Childhood Program Administration (major)
• Aging Studies (major and minor)
• Aging Studies: Long Term Care Administration (major)
• Financial Literacy (minor)
• Early Childhood Program Administration (minor)

SUBMISSION PROCESS:

1. Consultation. Before beginning the CPL process, students must meet with their academic advisor or Graduate Coordinator to determine whether CPL is appropriate for their situation and to review the steps for creating and submitting an application/portfolio.

· Academic Advisor: Ms. Alisa Gray

· Graduate Coordinator: Dr. Kathleen O'Rourke

2. Complete Application/Create Portfolio. The submitted materials must address the primary content of the relevant course syllabus and demonstrate that the student has met the course's learning objectives. Acceptable evidence may include professional development coursework, experiential learning documentation, writing samples, and certifications or licenses.

3. Reference Letter. Each portfolio must be accompanied by a letter from the employer(s) to whom the CPL experience applies. Note: A letter is not needed if the student is submitting a license or certification. The letter must:

· Be submitted on official company letterhead

· Include the student's job title

· State dates of employment, employment status (part-time or full-time), and average hours worked per week

· Describe the student's roles and responsibilities

· Include the supervisor's signature and contact information

4. Evaluation. Submission of a portfolio does not guarantee that credit will be awarded. Credit is awarded on an all-or-nothing basis; partial credit is not granted. Approved portfolios receive a grade of Credit; portfolios that do not meet requirements receive a grade of No Credit. CPL is not available for internship courses (e.g., PUBH 4275).

5. Committee Review. The application will be reviewed by the Department Chair and appropriate faculty members.

6. Fees. Students are responsible for all CPL-related fees regardless of the evaluation outcome. These fees are not eligible for waivers or financial aid.

· Portfolio Evaluation Fee: $100

· Course Credit Fee: $300 (per 3-credit hour course)

7. Credit Limits. Students may earn a maximum of nine (9) credit hours through CPL. All CPL credit is recorded as residential credit.

8. Transcripts. A grade of credit or no credit will appear on the official transcript.

SUBMITTING FOR HSL 4275 INTERNSHIP CREDIT:

1. 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. 
2. A reference letter must be accompanied from your current or previous employer from which the CPL is to be applied. The letter must:

   · Be submitted on official company letterhead

   · Include the student's job title

   · State dates of employment, employment status (part-time or full-time), and average hours worked per week

   · Describe the student's roles and responsibilities

   · Include the supervisor's signature and contact information

Contact Information:

Ms. Alisa Gray, Undergraduate Academic Advisor, aagray@eiu.edu 

Dr. Kathleen O'Rourke, Graduate Coordinator, kaorourke@eiu.edu 

Dr. Dianne Timm, Department Chair, dtimm@eiu.edu

Dr. Jill Rennels-Hutti, CHHS Associate Dean, jrrennelshutti@eiu.edu  

CPL Approval Process

Credit for Prior Learning Application