Instructions for Earning Credit Through Prior Learning Essays (ACL 301)
1. Meet with Your Advisor or Success Coach
Discuss with your advisor or success coach which specific course requirements you still need to complete to finish your program.
2. Cross-Reference Course Requirements with Essay Offerings
Compare your remaining course requirements with the ACL 301 portfolio-course alignment chart. Determine if there are any topics that could meet your course requirement needs.
3. Consider Portfolio Topics
If one or more topics would meet your course needs, think about which specific topic(s) align best with your professional and/or personal experiences. You can submit up to two portfolios each time you enroll in ACL 301.
Reminders:
-ACL 301 is a pass/fail course. If you pass, you will earn 2 quarter hours of credit. Passing ACL 301 is required in order to receive additional credit for your essays.
-Most portfolios are worth 5 quarter hours each. In total, you can earn up to 12 quarter hours of credit, though you will only be charged for 2 hours.
-Each portfolio has a required essay component. This essay must be 8 to 10 pages in length, in APA format, and completed within the six-week course period.
-The course requires weekly assignment submissions designed to help students develop their essay as part of their final portfolio.
4. Review the ACL 301 Portfolio Topic Outline:
Once you have a list of essays in mind, review the ACL 301 Portfolio Topic Outline document to familiarize yourself with the content and supportive documents needed for each essay. Note any additional requirements listed in the outline. Credit cannot be awarded for incomplete portfolios or those submitted without the necessary supporting documentation.
5. Confirm Options with Student Finance
Contract NLU's Student Finance office to determine financial aid eligibility and payment plan questions related to taking ACL 301. Reminder that students may use financial aid to cover the cost of this course if they are enrolled as a full-time student at the time of completing the course. Any successful attempts after the first attempt will have to be paid out of pocket.
6. Time to Enroll!
If you feel confident about meeting these expectations, your advisor or coach can enroll you in the next ACL 301 course offering that fits in your schedule!
