Academic Procedures Resource Guide Approved 7/19/07
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LIFE EXPERIENCE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (LEAP)
The central principle in the Life Experience Assessment Program is that what a student knows
is more important than how the student acquired the knowledge. In this program, Delgado
Community College (a) gives students the opportunity to report what they know, or can do, in
terms that relate to given college courses and then (b) assesses their knowledge or competence
in those areas. If the student can demonstrate knowledge and skills in certain areas
comparable to what a college-trained student knows in these same areas, equal credit is
awarded.
Specific policies and procedures have been established for the granting of college credit from
non-traditional sources:
LEAP Policies:
1. The general policies concerning credit from non-traditional sources are applicable.
2. LEAP credit is available only if the life experience warrants three (3) or more credit
hours.
3. A non-refundable fee of $20 per credit hour is charged for the evaluation process,
which includes a portfolio and/or documentation and demonstration of competencies.
4. For each applicant a review committee is established to verify that the student can
demonstrate knowledge and skills in the requested area comparable to the knowledge
and skills of a college-trained student in the same area.
5. The LEAP review committee should consist of the Division Dean of the division from
which credit is being requested, at least one faculty member with expertise in the
relevant discipline, the Registrar’s designee, and any other expert or consultant
deemed necessary to ensure fairness and equity to the student.
Avenues from which LEAP credit can be
Acquired
Suggested methods of evaluation
1. Structured course work from:
a. Vocational/technical educational
programs.
b. Nursing and medical programs.
c. Non-accredited professional schools
(art, secretarial, computers, etc.)
d. Military training courses
e. Enrichment seminars, workshops, and
courses
f. Non-credit coursework.
1. A portfolio validating content, contact
hours, completion and/or grades if
applicable.
2.
Work Experience (includes military
experience)
2. Through well documented portfolio and
a demonstration of acquired competencies.
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The portfolio should consist of documentation of the acquisition of those competencies
deemed necessary for specific course content such as:
Awards
Course Content Description and Contact Hours
Drawings, Diagrams, Artwork, etc.
Work Experience Records and Job Description
Graduation Certificates
High School Co-op Work Experience Training Plan
Licensures/certifications
Narrative of Experiences
Letters of Recommendations/Testimony
Transcripts
LEAP Procedures:
STEP 1. A student who seeks LEAP credit should contact his/her Division Academic
Counselor.
STEP 2. The student meets with the Academic Counselor to discuss requirements for
LEAP credit and the student’s experiential background. If the Academic
Counselor confirms the possibility that LEAP credit would be applicable, the
student is instructed to prepare a portfolio and to complete the Application for
LEAP Credit (Form 1435/002) and the appropriate sections of the Portfolio
Worksheet and Assessment Evaluation Form for LEAP (1435/001).
STEP 3. The Division Dean approves the Application for LEAP Credit and instructs
the student to submit the forms and portfolio for review to the Division Dean
of the course.
STEP 4. The Division Dean of the course reviews the forms and portfolio, determines
whether the student should proceed, and contacts the student with instructions.
If the student is to proceed, he/she will be notified of any additional
documentation that should be submitted with the Application for LEAP credit.
STEP 5. The student who wishes to proceed pays a $20 per credit hour fee in the
Bursar’s Office, where the form will be stamped “PAID.”
STEP 6. The paid Application for LEAP credit and the requested documentation are
submitted to the Division Dean of the course, who will schedule a committee
meeting to review the application.
STEP 7. The Division Dean of the course will schedule an appointment for the
applicant to meet with the review committee to discuss his/her
experiential background. If the committee agrees that the student’s
experiences warrant further action,
the objectives and competencies for
appropriate courses are reviewed. For work experience, a demonstration
of acquired competencies will be scheduled.
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STEP 8. An evaluation is completed by the committee, and appropriate credit is
approved on the application form. Should the evaluation indicate that a student
has demonstrated competencies for additional course-referenced credit hours,
upon payment of $20 per credit hour, credit will be awarded for additional
hours. However, if a student pays for nine credit hours and demonstrates
competencies for only six credit hours, a refund will not be granted: payment is
for the evaluation process, not the awarding of credit.
STEP 9. Copies of the evaluation form and completed application with credit approved
are sent to the Registrar’s Office. The portfolio is returned to the student;
however, any other documentation is retained in the student’s academic record.
STEP 10. A grade of “P” will be awarded for LEAP credits.
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Policy Reference:
Original publication in Policy and Procedures Memorandum, DM 1440.2G,
Academic
Procedures Manual
, issued August 15, 1994.
Approved Updates:
Academic Affairs Council 2/15/07
Academic Affairs Council 7/19/07
