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EXCEL: Experiential Portfolio Development at UMUC—Overview

Why EXCEL?

To serve the needs of adult learners, UMUC developed EXCEL to help them translate their college-level learning into college credit through the development of a portfolio document.

The EXCL 301 Course

At the heart of EXCEL is the portfolio development course, EXCL 301 Learning Analysis and Planning. During the course, students are guided through exercises toward the preparation of a written portfolio that describes and documents their college-level learning.

At the end of the semester, the portfolio is evaluated by faculty experts. These faculty members make credit recommendations based on the learning narratives and supporting documentation. Credit is granted for verifiable college-level learning from one's experiences but not for the experiences themselves.