Saint Xavier University will accept credit for prior learning through the evaluation and review of a portfolio. The portfolio is an organized collection of essays, employment history (resume), professional training and other pertinent documentation indicating learning through work and life experiences. Students must thoroughly demonstrate how knowledge and skills gained through life experience is equivalent to college-level learning. Students are billed a $300 evaluation and processing fee. Students are charged $150 for additional reviews. For more information, contact Eileen Luce, director of Transfer Student Services Center, at luce@sxu.edu or email the Transfer Student Services Center at transfercenter@sxu.edu.
Prior Learning Through Portfolio Assessment Must Be:
- Applicable to contexts other than the one in which it was earned (Example: Participation in a workshop about human resource policies about a specific organization may not qualify unless the learning focused on broad concepts that can be applied across various types of organizations);
- Publicly identifiable;
- Independent from credits previously transcripted from other institutions;
- College level. The learning should be uniquely distinguished from learning everyone gains through common life experiences and should relate to the course and subject matter for which the student is earning credit;
- Current and relevant;
- Linked to established learning outcomes or other criteria consistent with standards for a given course;
- Able to demonstrate that the competence has a subject area with theoretical and practical elements that can be identified and verified;
- Pre-approved by the academic department for which the student is seeking credit.
Other ways that students may be able to earn credit for prior learning is through ACE credit (the American Council on Education) and CLEP credit (College-Level Examination Program).
American Council on Education (ACE) Credit
Saint Xavier University is a member of the American Council on Education (ACE). This membership allows adult students the opportunity to obtain academic credit from military and workplace training programs from organizations such as business and industry, labor unions, professional and voluntary associations, technical and business schools, professional training suppliers and government agencies. These training organizations must be recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE) in order for the student to obtain credit. These credits do not apply toward the residency or entrance requirements, and they do not apply toward a student's GPA. ACE transcripts are posted without charge. For more information, call the Transfer Student Services Center at 773-298-3510.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit
Students may earn up to 27 college credits for designated courses through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). The University requires a minimum score of 50 on each exam. You may not receive credit for a CLEP exam if you are currently enrolled in that course or have earned credit for the equivalent course. You may not use CLEP to replace a failing grade or to repeat a class you dropped and received a W in. For information as to which course requirements can be satisfied through testing and for an examination schedule, students may check with the Office of Records and Registration or visit College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).
Illinois Seal of Biliteracy
Saint Xavier University accepts the Illinois Seal of Biliteracy and as equivalent to two (2) years or (12 semester hours) of introductory college-level foreign language coursework (101-104) taken during high school. The high school transcript must indicate the student will be receiving or has received the State Seal of Biliteracy. Students enrolled at Saint Xavier University must request course credit for their seal through the Office of Records and Registration within three (3) academic years after graduating from high school as noted in the State of Illinois House Bill 4330.