“Several factors which contribute to greater adult student persistence can be linked to the portfolio process: confidence, connection with classmates, and a connection to Simpson College”

–Andrea Biklen, ’93, Campus Director and Academic Advisor, West Des Moines

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It’s possible for adult students to earn up to 32 credits from non-traditional experiences such as armed services training, vocational-technical training, professional training (through organizations such as LOMA, CPCU, ABA, etc.), CLEP tests and a life experience portfolio.

A Life Experience Portfolio may be submitted for credit consideration by adults who are at least 25 years of age. For purposes of graduation, all credits from this process must be applied for within the first 64 credits. Candidates for the CPA may use credits from the LEP to help meet the 150-hour requirement, even if they have more than 64 credits.

 

The life experience program provides a way for students to translate their experiences to college credit through completion of a life experience portfolio. Credits awarded are not a value judgment of the student’s experience. These credits reflect an evaluation of the similarity of those learning experiences to learning that typically occurs through study in a liberal arts college. The Life Experience Portfolio Workshop will help adult students understand the steps to portfolio development. Additional information regarding this option is available at any Evening, Weekend & Graduate Programs office.