EXCEL: Experiential Portfolio Development at UMUC

FAQ’s

Select the link below to read about a specific area or print the entire FAQ list in portable document format [PDF].

Should I Enroll in EXCEL?

Is EXCEL a good choice for me?

EXCEL can help you meet degree requirements more quickly and with less cost than completing classroom courses, but it is not for everyone. Talk with your advisor about how EXCEL can fit into your program. There is also information at here or call Prior Learning at 240-582-2860 or 800-888-UMUC, ext. 2860 to discuss your questions.

Can I graduate with only portfolio credits?

No. You must complete a minimum of 15 graded semester hours to be eligible for graduation. You may earn a maximum of 30 credits through experiential learning, which includes the portfolio, course-challenge exams and Co-operative Education.

How are EXCEL credits used in my degree?

Credits awarded through portfolio can be used anywhere in your degree plan to fulfill major, minor, elective, or general-education requirements. A maximum of 15 credits can be used toward your major; 6 credits may be used toward the general-education requirements. Your academic advisor decides where awarded credits should be placed to best serve your academic goals.

Can I get credit for courses that are not in my degree plan?

Perhaps, but the purpose for taking EXCL 301 is to help you earn you degree by translating what you already know into coursework needed for your degree. One of the first things to do is to become familiar with the Degree Planning WorkSheet for the degree program desired.

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When is the best time to enroll in EXCEL?

You may enroll at any time in your program, although it is usually best to take the EXCL 301 course early in your UMUC career. We strongly suggested that you complete at least 6 credits at UMUC before enrolling in the EXCEL program. This will give you time to meet with your advisor to be sure that EXCEL is right for you.

How do I apply?

Select the link from the Prior Learning home page to access the EXCEL application. Applications must be received no later than two weeks before the beginning of the semester to allow time for processing. Applications are active for up to one year.

What do I need to do to participate?

To participate in EXCEL, you must

• Be a current UMUC student in good academic standing.
• Be pursuing an undergraduate degree – EXCEL is not available at the graduate level.
• Have an official evaluation that is no more than a year old.
• Show evidence of a college-level writing course or a satisfactory score on the UMUC writing placement. (Completion of ENG 101 is strongly suggested.)
• Complete the online orientation.
• Submit an application.

It is also strongly suggested that you satisfactorily complete EDCP 100 and LIBS 150 before enrolling in EXCL 301.

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What is the timeline for participation?

Once you have met all eligibility requirements, you will be contacted and you may register for EXCL 301, a 15-week, 3-credit course that helps you complete the portfolio by the end of the semester. Once the portfolio is accepted by the course instructor, evaluation can take up to four months. When the evaluation is complete, the credit award report is available to the student's advisor, who decides where awarded credit will be placed in your program.

In what formats are classes offered?

EXCL 301 is available online or classroom. Classroom locations are listed in the course schedule for the session.

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Completing the Portfolio

What goes into a portfolio?

A portfolio is a collection of materials that documents (proves) what you have learned, where you learned it, and how that learning equates to college-level learning. In written narratives and with supporting documentation, parallels are made between stated course objectives as shown on course syllabi and your learning through work, volunteerism, and other experiences. The EXCL 301 course guides you through the creation of the portfolio.

Are syllabi available for courses that I may want to target?

Syllabi for many of the most frequently challenged UMUC courses are available online to enrolled students. Those that are not can be requested from the academic department. Many syllabi for courses at other University System of Maryland institutions are also available online.

How can I prepare for the portfolio process?

It is crucial to meet with your advisor and discuss your intention to take EXCL 301. You can also begin to look at the UMUC catalog and catalogs of other University System of Maryland schools to “target” courses you feel may be similar in objectives to the learning you have achieved through your work, volunteer activities and personal experiences. You can also begin to list all of these experiences since high school, and begin to think about who you can approach to provide documentation.

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What does documentation consist of? Can I get a head start on it?

There are many kinds of documentation, most of which fall into two categories: direct and indirect. Direct documentation includes materials like computer programs you have written, art you have created, and other things you have done . Indirect documentation includes letters from supervisors detailing your learning, newspaper articles about your accomplishments, and other ways that others can explain the learning you have acquired. It can also include lists of books you read to become competent in an area, attendance certificates at training events, and other items that support your claims for credit.

This sounds like a lot of work! How can I get help?

The EXCL 301 course guides you through the process of learning about and creating an experiential portfolio. The faculty members teaching the course are experienced and have helped hundreds of students like you complete the process. In addition, online courses have dedicated student assistants – who have been through the portfolio process – to help you every step of the way.

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The EXCL 301 Course

When is the best time to enroll in the course?

The class is offered every semester in both classroom and online formats. The best time to enroll depends on you; since EXCL 301 is an intensive course, we recommend that you take no more than one other class at the same time as you complete EXCL 301.

What skills do I need to be successful?

To complete EXCL 301 within one semester, good time management and organizational skills will be valuable. In addition, as this is a writing-intensive course, college writing skills are required.

Can I take EXCL 301 more than once?

Unless you withdraw or do not pass, you may take EXCL 301 only once.

Is EXCL 301 graded?

If you complete EXCL 301 and submit a portfolio, you receive an S (Satisfactory) grade, which does not affect your GPA. Credit awarded through portfolio evaluation also receives an S grade.

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Eligibility and Application

What are the eligibility requirements ?

To participate in EXCEL, you must:

• Be currently enrolled at UMUC and in good academic standing.
• Be pursuing an undergraduate degree – EXCEL is not available at the graduate level.
• Have an official evaluation that is no more than a year old.
• Show evidence of a college-level writing course or satisfactory score on the UMUC writing placement. (Completion of ENG 101 is strongly suggested.)

It is also strongly suggested that you satisfactorily complete EDCP 100 and LIBS 150 before enrolling in EXCL 301.

What if I apply now and can't register for the class?

Your application will remain active for one year. Contact the Prior Learning office to be sure you have been cleared to register. We suggest that you review the orientation when you are ready to register to be aware of any changes that may affect you. Check the date on your official evaluation to be certain it is not more than one year old.

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Credit Awards

Can I use only portfolio credits to graduate?

No. A minimum of 15 semester hours in graded classes must be completed to graduate. Portfolio credits do not receive a grade, and you must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to graduate.

How much credit can I earn?

Credit awards depend on many things, including how well you document your learning, how well your learning fits into your degree plan, and what you have already received credit for through transfer. It is possible to earn up to 30 credits through experiential learning (15 for the second bachelor's degree), which includes American Council on Education (ACE), military and other sources. Review the UMUC transfer credit policies for more information.

How much credit am I guaranteed to earn?

If you pass the course and complete a portfolio that is accepted by your instructor, you will earn 3 credits for the course. There is no guarantee that you will receive credit from evaluation of your portfolio. However, the historical credit award averages between 15 and 18 credits.

How is my portfolio evaluated for credit?

Trained faculty advisors – experts in the academic area – review portfolios. Evaluation is a complex process that takes into account not only how well you describe what you have learned, but also how well your documentation supports it.

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Can portfolio credits be used toward fulfilling state certification requirements for teaching or other careers?

Policies are determined by the agency issuing the certification. Check with your academic advisor before applying to EXCEL to be sure.

What if I took a portfolio course at another school?

Transfer policies can effect how much credit can be earned through EXCEL. Check with your advisor before enrolling.

What if I don't agree with my credit award?

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Fees

* All fees are subject to change.

Can I use financial aid to pay for EXCEL?

Federal financial aid, Golden ID, and employee tuition remission can be used only for tuition in EXCL 301. All other fees, including enrollment (application) and evaluation fees, are not covered by these programs. If your employer provides tuition assistance, be sure to verify whether fees will be included.

Find out more about financial aid options.

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