by Contributor | February 9, 2023 6:00 am
Albany, NY – State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. today announced a significant expansion of SUNY’s policy on Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) that awards academic credit for learning that takes place outside of the traditional classroom, including on-the-job training, military experience, apprenticeships, industry certifications, and more.
Earning college credits for demonstrated knowledge and skills can be a powerful incentive for adult learners to continue their education and reduce the amount of time necessary to complete a degree or credential. The SUNY Board of Trustees today approved the updated PLA policy, which will boost SUNY’s capacity for faculty to evaluate and award credits and emphasizes the importance that SUNY places on strong implementation to support students across the state.
“We know many New Yorkers have amassed knowledge and skills throughout their lives outside the classroom setting that can, and should, be applied to a degree,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “With this updated policy, we are committed to expanding SUNY’s recognition of this important reality and helping more students earn degrees and advance in the workforce. SUNY campuses will be better prepared to assess each student’s unique experience, and help put them on a path toward completing the academic credentials they need to succeed.”
Examples of current prior learning pathways that will be expanded and can be replicated as a result of the new policy include:
SUNY Board Trustee Stanley S. Litow said, “A college degree is essential to career success. Lifetime earnings of someone with a college degree is over a million dollars more than those entering the workforce without one. Data is clear, a SUNY degree not only improves a student’s chance for success, but contributes to economic success for us all. Today’s common sense policy change opens up the opportunity to receive credit for life experiences enroute to a degree. It saves students money, increases academic success, and both college completion and college enrollment. It respects and recognizes real world knowledge gained in the school of life.”
Assemblymember Patricia Fahy, Chair, Committee on Higher Education said, “Expanding SUNY’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) will enable more students to have skills and knowledge acquired outside the classroom to count towards their degrees. Students’ pathways towards achieving their dream of earning a degree can look different, and today’s decision underscores why flexibility is key to helping more students complete their postsecondary education. Not only will this step save students time and money, it will help advance their careers and ensure they’re ready to join the workforce post-graduation.”
State Senator Joe Griffo, Ranking Member, Committee on Higher Educationsaid, “I am pleased that SUNY will be expanding its policy on Prior Learning Assessment and awarding academic credit for skills that have been acquired outside of a traditional classroom setting. This expansion will help many New Yorkers continue their education, earn a degree or credential or advance in their careers while also opening doors for new and additional opportunities.”
Assemblymember Robert Smullen said, “It should never be viewed as too late for an adult to pursue higher education. We, as legislators, should encourage adults to chase the goal of earning a degree because so many careers in our country require advanced learning. As a veteran and now a member of the Assembly, I understand how difficult it is to completely change career paths. Thank you to SUNY for expanding this program that will break down barriers and allow individuals to receive their degree, even if it is not in the traditional classroom setting.”
According to the National Student Clearinghouse, as of the 2020/2021 academic year, 39 million adult learners—two million in New York alone—had some college but had not a completed degree or certificate.
Adult learners can save on average 9 to 14 months toward earning a degree when awarded credit for prior learning, according to a 2020 report by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning and the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education. Those students also have the potential to save between $1,500 and $10,000 through the process.
Individuals with military experience or learners who have taken published career exams or have years of experience are encouraged to ask campuses about their process to evaluate credit for prior learning. To learn more about how to apply to SUNY campuses, visit https://www.suny.edu/attend/apply-to-suny/[1].
About The State University of New York
The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY’s 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the state’s only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.3 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2022, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu[2].
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