PLA Policies and Procedures

It is recommended that students enrolled in Thomas Edison State University check with the Office of Academic Advising to be certain that all selected PLA course descriptions are applicable to their degree program before registering for a PLA. Students enrolled in other institutions should make sure that credits earned through PLA will apply toward their degree programs before registering for PLA at Thomas Edison State University. Course descriptions from colleges other than Thomas Edison State University may not be used as a basis for PLA if Thomas Edison State University has an equivalent course in its PLA Course Description Database.
Because the portfolio narrative requires substantial writing, it is strongly advised that students attempt PLA only after they have fulfilled the requirements for English Composition I and II with a grade of C or better.
The topics of human knowledge are virtually limitless. It is important for students to remember, however, that the University can only assess knowledge based on courses taught at institutionally accredited colleges, approved under the TESU Transfer Credit Policies and Guidelines, and in subject areas for which mentors can be located. Every effort is made to find mentors in the student’s area of expertise, but occasionally, no such mentor can be located, so PLA may not be pursued.
The University reserves the right to refuse to grant credit for any PLA portfolio that does not meet the standards set by the University. Students should work closely with their mentor to ensure the best possible chance of earning credit through the PLA process.
The University cannot award duplicate credit for both a PLA and a course that cover essentially the same content. PLA students need to work closely with their academic advisors early in the process to avoid duplication of content when selecting their course descriptions. It is not unusual for courses with different titles to cover the same content.
Physical education courses, field experience, student teaching, cooperative study, Practicum courses, English Composition I and II, internships, seminars, “Selected Topics” courses, current independent study, stand-alone lab courses, or other courses whose subject matter may be inconsistent with demonstrating prior learning through a narrative- centered e-portfolio process are not eligible for PLA.
A mentor may determine that a student has adequately demonstrated competency of a course in fewer than 12 weeks but the assessment may not be completed in less than 30 days from the start of the PLA. Even when a PLA is completed early, the grade will not be issued until the end of the semester except for compelling reasons such as a graduation audit or to meet requirements for retaining employment.