Tusculum adult undergraduate students now have access to Prior Learning Assessment, which can help them save time and money while earning their degree.
Prior Learning Assessment documents learning experiences including employment training, military service, and volunteer activities which are gathered into a portfolio and then evaluated for college credit, according to Dr. Jo Lobertini, assistant vice president for academic affairs at Tusculum.
“Adult students at Tusculum or those thinking of attending Tusculum may have skills and knowledge they gained through work, volunteering or service in the military, and by matching it to college credit they can reduce the time it takes to earn a degree and see significant cost savings,” said Dr. Lobertini. “This new course will guarantee better opportunities for Tusculum students, returning and new.”
Tusculum College is part of the coalition of Adult Learning Focused Institutions. As a member of ALFI, Tusculum faculty and staff will have the opportunity to participate in workshops with other successful colleges and universities in an effort to continuously advance programs and services for adult students, evaluate their adult degree programs and share best practices.
“Tusculum College has a long tradition of developing innovative ways to help improve the educational opportunities for our adult students. By being a part of the ALFI coalition, we can continue to have the most cutting-edge and effective programs,” said Dr. Lobertini.
In order to earn credit, Tusculum students develop an online learning portfolio, an effective tool for evaluating college level learning acquired outside of traditional academia. Once the portfolio is completed, faculty with appropriate subject matter expertise evaluate the student’s portfolio to determine a credit award.
Tusculum continues to be a leader in education today. The college was the first east of the Mississippi to adopt a focused calendar and the first institution of higher education in East Tennessee to provide degree programs specifically designed for working adults.
The Graduate and Professional Studies programs are designed to accommodate adult students’ family and career responsibilities. Graduate and Professional Studies classes meet in locations throughout East Tennessee, with locations in Greeneville, Morristown and Knoxville, as well as fully online.
This uniquely focused and practical program has enabled thousands of men and women to obtain the degrees they need to succeed professionally and personally. Tusculum College’s Graduate and Professional Studies offers flexible scheduling, convenient locations, reasonable tuition and quality programs that help students meet their goals.
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