Kean Prior Learning Assessment Helps Returning Students Earn Their Degrees

Ayisha Mapp of Plainfield, who is both a Kean University employee and student, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a health minor through Kean’s degree completion program. After earning 59 credits at another university and working in county government, she enrolled in Kean’s Global Education and Resource Campus in March to finish her studies.

“I have a certificate as a registered public purchasing specialist, which was what I did before I came to Kean,” Mapp said. “If I could get credit toward my degree, it would be amazing.”

Mapp was among a dozen students who attended a workshop on Thursday, October 3, to write portfolios for prior learning assessment. This process allows students to apply for college credit based on the skills and knowledge they developed in their careers. Students learned to document their work experience, professional certifications and other relevant achievements to potentially gain academic credit.

“Kean University is committed to providing access and equity to students, helping underrepresented groups achieve their college degrees,” said Joseph Youngblood II, Ph.D., senior vice president for transformational learning and external affairs. “This program gives students the chance to earn credits for their prior learning, which helps them complete degrees faster and reduces costs.”

Since March, more than 100 working adults, including many former Kean students and staff members, have enrolled in the program. Kean’s Global Education and Resource Campus is available to returning students over the age of 25. Faculty experts from different academic departments review student portfolios to determine whether prior learning meets the requirements for college credit.

“New Jersey has a statewide initiative, Some College, No Degree, which aims to bridge the gap for the approximately one million state residents with some college experience but no degree,” said John F. O'Callaghan Jr., vice president for transformational learning and chief online officer. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the early success of our Global Education and Resource Campus and are proud of how it helps amplify Kean’s commitment to anchor down into the communities that we serve.”

Fifteen Kean students have earned credits through the prior learning assessment process so far, according to Walter McGee, operations manager in the Office of Transformational Learning and External Affairs. 

“For students, the portfolios fill in the details between bullet points on their resumes, aligning their skills with learning outcomes in our course catalog,” McGee said.

Kean Professor Patricia Morreale, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Computer Science and Technology, has reviewed prior learning assessments. In one case, a student with an extensive IT background submitted a professional resume and, after a thorough review, earned credit for a 3-credit course.

“Students attending college must take meaningful courses, not courses that repeat material they are highly experienced in,” Morreale said. “Through prior assessment, this student was able to focus on new learning rather than retaking content he had already mastered.”

Another participant, Suanne Mercury of Morristown, a mother of two and clerical worker, has 60 community college credits and enrolled at Kean to pursue a degree in human resources management. She hopes to gain credit from her prior learning to graduate by 2026.

“The reason I chose Kean is I wanted to stay in New Jersey, where it’s more affordable,” said Mercury. “With my kids, it gives me the flexibility to work at my own pace.”

To learn more about the program, visit www.Kean.edu/finish.