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Webinar is part of focus highlighting the value of transfer credit for students during National Transfer Student Week

SM������ is holding a free webinar on the practical aspects of earning college credit for prior learning and life and work experiences, titled “Prior Learning Assessment,” on October 20 at 5:00pm PDT. The event is part the University’s outreach during National Transfer Student Week to raise awareness and understanding of the practical ways that transferring credit can save students time and money.

Transferring credit can lower costs and help individuals find the school that best fits their educational needs and career aspirations. Individuals may also be able to gain additional credit from learning obtained through prior experiences.

“Credit for prior learning can provide a new path forward to completing a degree program, saving students money and time,” states Devin Andrews, vice president, admissions and evaluation. “Students who have some college and no degree do not need to start over. They can continue their work toward a degree by transferring credit, as well as having an assessment of learning from work and life experiences for credit. This webinar is intended to help individuals better understand the possibilities of their own experience and how that that learning may translate to college credit.”

Earning college credit for prior learning is an assessment process, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), at SM������ which allows individuals to demonstrate learning gained from work and life experience that may count towards a degree. The assessment includes evaluation of on-the-job training, workplace certifications, military service, and other life experiences.

SM������ provides assessment of prior learning at no cost to students.

The webinar will describe this process in more depth and provide details on:

• An understanding of credit for prior learning, or prior learning assessment (PLA)
• How to apply to have life experience evaluated for possible academic credit toward your degree
• How to potentially save money with PLA
• How to potentially graduate faster with PLA

The discussion will be hosted by Tamiko Spann, MBA, manager, repayment, Christine Christianson, PLA evaluator, and Nathan Cicchillo, MBA, director, Office of Admissions and Evaluation.

In addition to PLA, or credit for prior learning, the SM������ works to make the process of transferring credit straightforward for students. The SM������ supports student transfers in several ways:

• Simplifying the college credit transfer process: knowledgeable staff provide supportive guidance and academic advising, request transcripts from prior institutions on students' behalf, and specially trained transfer evaluators review all prior credit;
• Offering generous credit transfer possibilities: credit transfers can cover up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree;
• Saving students money: on average, SM������ students save $11,000 and shave 1 year off their undergraduate degree with eligible transfer credits and relevant work experience.

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Students and others who want to learn more can explore ways to save through transfer credit and more at the SM������ transfer credits information page.

About SM������

SM������ is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.