CLEVELAND — The University of Akron has introduced an initiative aimed at allowing adult students to earn a college degree quicker and more affordably.
UA's credit for prior learning initiative will award university credit for past learning or work experiences like educational achievements, professional certifications or military involvement. The credit is meant to "eliminate taking classes containing concepts and topics they've already consistently and intensely experienced for years in the workplace," the university said in a media release.
“By valuing the learning experiences of individuals, students can come back and finish off a degree, or shorten their time to graduation, or use available credits to expand their horizons," said Dr. Gwyneth Price, UA's senior vice provost for academic and faculty affairs. "UA’s credit for prior learning initiative can open a variety of doors that can lead to bright futures."
The university said adult learners who qualify for the credit for prior learning initiative include students who have strong work experience, have served or are currently serve in the U.S. military, received formal training or professional certifications, left college before graduating to work or want to finish a degree that they started.
US will have a concierge team of faculty and staff to help students document their prior experiences and attain their academic credit.
UA said the initiative aims to "streamline the path to degree completion and provide a convenient and cost-effective option for individuals seeking to further their education or start it."
“The University of Akron’s increased focus on rewarding individuals for what they already know academically or professionally is another example of the University living into its mission, serving the region and finding new ways to make higher education more affordable and more accessible for all students,” Price said.
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