By Kari Shafenberg, Registrar and Director of Registration and Records
It seems not that long ago that every campus around the country was actively working to incorporate principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). From task forces to strategic planning committees, DEI was everywhere and part of every decision.
Today, however, there are movements within far too many states to curb DEI efforts, and in some instances, DEI is on the defensive, with offices being shut down and the threat of loss of funds for institutions that continue to center this important work. Legislative threats notwithstanding, the work of DEI matters, and increasing equity is still a central construct for many institutions
around the nation. So how can postsecondary institutions continue to focus on increased access, improved retention, and credential completion for underrepresented students? One such effort is the implementation of credit for prior learning (CPL) policies
on their campuses.
Credit for Prior Learning
CPL is a process through which learners can demonstrate knowledge and skill in a variety of areas, and have that learning evaluated for college credit. On its face, it is similar to transfer credit, and many CPL policies include CLEP exams, DSST exams,
and military transcript evaluations. However, despite the wealth of experience adult learners bring, some institutions still balk at the notion of awarding credit for learning that does not take place in a classroom environment, leading them to
dismiss CPL entirely or to create such complicated policies as to make CPL essentially unreachable for many students.
CPL as a Tool for Equity
Over years of study of the impact of CPL on student success, the results are clear: research confirms that students who receive CPL for their lived and professional experiences are more likely to persist at their institutions, finish their credentials, and save time and money in the process. It also shows that for students of color, adult learners, and students who are low income, the benefits of CPL can be the difference between choosing an institution or not.
Even institutions actively offering CPL for students may not be centering equity into their processes. CPL fees are not eligible for federal financial aid, so institutions with expensive exam or assessment fees may inadvertently exclude their low-income
students. Data also show that students of color, who are most likely to see attainment improvement with CPL application, are the least likely to be aware
of CPL policies on campus and are therefore excluded from a simple, effective, and powerful tool that increases their success.
DEI Under Cover
While more overt DEI efforts are under fire, institutions still have an opportunity to sustain a concentrated effort to identify actionable steps to increase equity from an academic perspective. Efforts to increase student retention and completion
through CPL positively impact all students. Uplifting students should never be a political position, and CPL allows institutions to use proven academic policies and practices to accomplish that. A bonus to institutions working to improve their
equity efforts is that effective outreach and simplified policies have the added effect of increasing student success among their underrepresented student populations.
In the face of politically volatile environments, in the harsh reality of persistent achievement gaps, and in the shadow of existentially damaging student debt, there has never been a better time for higher education institutions to embrace an academically
sound, effective, and meaningful instrument for broadening access to education-employment pathways and economic mobility. As we approach the uncertainties of the coming election, it is impossible to know how DEI initiatives may be impacted, but
it is also impossible to ignore that change is likely coming. As higher education leadership contemplates ways to promote DEI amid increasingly contentious circumstances, there is no reason not to rally forces to make meaningful change where we
can. CPL is a good first step.
If you're interested in joining this important conversation, please visit the AACRAO Exchange Innovative Credentials community,
where you can participate in or initiate conversations, explore resources, and stay ahead of the evolving credential landscape.