Assessment of Prior Learning

The Assessment of Prior Learning (APL) process at Goddard allows adult undergraduate students to receive advancement at Goddard for intentional college-equivalent learning gained in non-college settings prior to their enrollment at Goddard, and after completion of high school.  The process begins after enrollment and in consultation with the student’s advisor, program director and the APL Coordinator. As this is a time-consuming and challenging process, students are strongly encouraged to begin the APL process no earlier than their second semester in their program. 

 

Students may be awarded up to 45 APL credits through the Assessment of Prior Learning process.

 

For Assessment of Prior Learning questions, contact aplinfo@goddard.edu.

 

Required Meetings and Workshops

All students interested in pursuing APL credit must:

• Read the APL handbook.
• Complete the Pre-Residency Preparation Form.
  
• Discuss the possibility of APL credit with their advisor.
• Attend the APL information session at their residency.
• Meet individually with the APL coordinator before attending the APL Petition Workshop.

All students who are undertaking the APL Process must:

• Attend the APL Petition Workshop at their residency.
• Complete the APL Petition Group Study as part of the semester study plan.

 

Phase 1: The APL Petition

The APL petition is the student’s proposal for the APL credit they wish to receive. The petition organizes the student’s prior learning into units, describes the learning goals of each unit, how those goals were achieved, how this learning will be documented for the APL portfolio, and how much credit will be received for it. A residency workshop followed by a six-week group study with the APL Coordinator guides students through the petition process. Successful participation in the group study is part of the student's 15 credit semester and is incorporated into the student’s semester study plan.

 

Phase 2: The APL Portfolio

Students complete the APL Portfolio in addition to their semester coursework. Once the APL petition has been accepted, the student produces a portfolio of materials documenting the learning experiences. A well-prepared petition describes the contents of the portfolio in detail, so students will already have their portfolio planned. A committee of Goddard faculty members reviews the APL portfolios and determines how much APL credit to award.

 

Fees for Assessment of Prior Learning Participation

Contact the Student Accounts Office for current fees.