General Catalog 2009-2010

Admission/Registration/Enrollment

Credit for Prior Learning (AR 2.2.4)

The Maricopa Community Colleges recognize that learning takes place in a variety of situations and circumstances. Many students have significant, demonstrable learning from experiences outside the traditional academic environment. Therefore, prior learning, not life experience, is the basis for the award of college credit.

Students may be awarded no more than 30 credit hours, unless required by a specific program of study, within the Maricopa Community Colleges using one or more of the following assessment methods recommended by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and the American Council on Education (ACE):

• Articulated Programs
• Credit By Evaluation
• College-Level Equivalency Examinations.

Credit awarded through prior learning will be posted to a student's transcript upon completion of one or more credit hours (other than by prior learning) at the college granting credit. Exceptions may be granted at some MCCCD colleges for specifically approved programs

Credit awarded for prior learning does not count as hours in residence for graduation requirements. Exceptions may be granted at some MCCD colleges for their unique programs of study. No more than 20 semester credit hours may be applied to AGEC. Credit received through Prior Learning Assessment is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges but is not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities. Therefore, students are strongly advised to meet with a program advisor or contact the college or university they plan to attend.

For further information on Prior Learning Assessment, contact the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services.

A. Credit by Evaluation

The Maricopa Community Colleges offer credit by evaluation. The American Council on Education (ACE) evaluates military training and experiences as well as non-collegiate sponsored training programs and recommends credit awards based on this evaluation.

The number of credits listed in the ACE guide are recommendations only. A college is not required to grant a student the number of credits recommended. The credits are included on a student's transcript.

1. Educational Experiences in the Armed Services

The Maricopa Community Colleges may award credit for military experiences based on the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. A student may receive college credit if:

a. training parallels a discipline area offered through the Maricopa Community Colleges, and
b. credit meets a program requirement or is used as elective credit.

Upon request, individuals who have successfully completed Basic Training, four (4) credit hours in Physical Education will be awarded as indicated in the ACE Guide and the Community College of the Air Force Catalog. Official documentation of military training is required.

2. College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT)

ACE evaluates training programs offered by business, industry, and government and publishes its credit recommendations in The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs. If a student has received training which appears in the guide, he or she may receive college credit if:

a. training parallels a discipline area offered through the Maricopa Community Colleges, and
b. credit meets a program requirement or is used as elective credit.

3. Departmental Credit By Evaluation

Students may apply for Departmental Credit By Evaluation in certain courses by obtaining the appropriate form in the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services, and completing applicable paperwork and other requirements of the college, including payment of required fee. See fee schedule for appropriate fee. Fees are not refundable if a student fails to obtain credit.

Students may not request:

a. the evaluation of a course a second time;
b. the evaluation of a course while currently enrolled in the course;
c. to establish credit in a previously completed course; and
d. to establish credit for a lower level of a course in which credit has been received. Exceptions may be granted at some MCCCD colleges for their unique programs of study.

Certain departments have additional requirements which must be met before credit may be granted through departmental credit by evaluation.

When credit is granted as outlined above, a notation of "credit by evaluation," and the number of credits will appear on the student's transcript. These credits are not used in computing the grade point average. Credit by evaluation is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges, but is not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities.

B. College-Level Equivalency Examinations

ACE has published credit recommendations for a number of national standardized examinations such as the ones listed below in the Guide to Educational Credit By Examination.

The Maricopa Community Colleges use these recommendations as guidelines to award credit for equivalent Maricopa Community Colleges coursework as well as elective credit. Scores must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Records from the specific testing company(s) before credit is awarded.

All equivalency is subject to future review and possible catalog change.

1. Advanced Placement Examinations

Students who have taken an advanced placement course of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) in their secondary school and who have taken an Advanced Placement Examination of the CEEB may receive course credit with a score of 3, 4 or 5. Scores must be received directly from CEEB before credit is awarded.

English AP Recommendation:

Exam	Score	Credit Hours/Equivalency
English-Language and Composition	4 or 5	6 credit hrs/ENG 101, ENG 100 AA, AC, AD eligible for Honors ENG 102
English-Literature and Composition	4 or 5	6 credit hrs/ENG 101 ENH 110 eligible for Honors ENG 102

Math AP Recommendation:

Exam	Score	Credit for Course
Math-Calculus AB	3, 4 or 5	MAT 220 or MAT 221
Math-Calculus BC	3	MAT 220 or MAT 221
Math-Calculus BC	4 or 5	MAT 220 or MAT 221, and MAT 230 or MAT 231 upon completion of MAT 241
Computer Science A and AB	4 or 5	CSC 100

 

2. College Level Examination Program

The Maricopa Community Colleges may award credit to individuals who have received a score of 500 or more for the 1986 version of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) General Examinations (610 on the 1978 version) and who meet or exceed the American Council on Education (ACE) recommended scores for awarding credit on the CLEP subject examinations. The ACE credit-granting score recommendation will be 50 (on the 20-80 scale) for all CLEP computer-based exams beginning July 1, 2001.

Credit received through CLEP is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges, but is not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities.

Rio Salado College and Paradise Valley Community College are national CLEP test sites. For more information on registering for the CLEP examinations, contact Rio Salado College or Paradise Valley Community College.

English Composition:
Students pursuing credit for ENG 101 must take the English Composition with Essay. The Maricopa Community Colleges do not award credit for ENG 102 through CLEP examination.

Foreign Languages:
Credit earned through CLEP examination for French, German, and Spanish meets the language proficiency requirements of the Maricopa Community Colleges.

For CLEP examinations taken prior to July 1, 2001, the Maricopa Community Colleges will grant credit based on the scaled scores indicated below:

Course	Spanish	French	German	Credit
101	50-54	50-54	39-45	4 (101)
102	55-65	55-61	46-50	8 (101, 102)
201	66-67	62-65	51-59	12 (101, 102, 201)
202	68-80	66-80	60-80	16 (101, 102, 201, 202)

At the discretion of the individual college, an oral exam at the 202 level may be administered.

3. Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support Examination Program

The Maricopa Community Colleges may award credit for the Defense Activity for Non-traditional Education Support (DANTES) Examination Program to individuals who meet or exceed the ACE recommended scores for awarding credit on the DANTES subject examinations. The Maricopa Community Colleges do not award credit for ENG 102 through DANTES examination. Credit received through DANTES is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges, but is not necessarily transferable to other colleges and universities.

The Assessment Center at Rio Salado College is a national test site. For additional information on registering for DANTES examinations, call (480) 517-8560.

4. American College Testing Proficiency Examination Program

The Maricopa Community Colleges may award credit for the American College Testing Proficiency Examination Program (ACT-PEP) based on the scores earned.

5. Departmental Credit By Examination

Students may apply for Departmental Credit By Examination in certain courses by obtaining the appropriate form in the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services, paying the required fee, and completing the examination and other requirements of the college. See fee schedule for appropriate fees. Fees are not refundable if a student fails to obtain credit.

Students may not request:

a. to challenge a course a second time;
b. to challenge a course while currently enrolled in the course;
c. to establish credit in a previously completed course; and
d. to establish credit for a lower level of a course in which credit has been received. Exceptions may be granted at some MCCCD colleges for their unique programs of study.

Certain departments may have additional requirements which must be met before credit may be granted through departmental credit by examination.

Only grades of A, B, C, D, or P earned as a result of this examination will be recorded on the student's transcript. Fees are not refundable after the examination has been administered, regardless of results.

When credit is granted as outlined above, a notation of "credit by examination," a grade and the number of credits will appear on the student's transcript. The grade is used in computing the grade point average.

6. International Baccalaureate Diploma/Certificate

Students who present an International Baccalaureate Diploma/Certificate may qualify for college credit. Maricopa Community Colleges grant credit for college-level courses only. A grade of 5 qualifies a student to receive credit for one introductory course. No credit is awarded for English B (English as a Second Language). Credit is awarded according to the "International Baccalaureate Diploma/Certificate Credit" table.

C. Maricopa Community Colleges Allied Health or Nursing Program Credit for Prior Learning

National/Regional Credential Recognition
Students who have recognized credentials related to health care may request an evaluation for course competency equivalence on a case-by-case basis through the Integrated Competency Assessment Network (ICAN). For more information contact the ICAN office at (480) 731-8924 or by email at ican@domail.maricopa.edu. Website: http://healthcare.maricopa.edu/ican2.html. When national or regional credentials are determined to be equivalent to the competencies demonstrated in corresponding courses, the recognition of external credentials will fulfill graduation credit requirements for the identified courses through Credit by Evaluation.

Credit by Examination and Credit by Skills Demonstration Assessment
Health care students may apply for credit for prior learning in certain courses. Information and forms can be found at http://healthcare.maricopa.edu/ican1.htm. Credit by Examination in the Allied Health or Nursing Program is determined through the use of Allied Health or Nursing Program Competency Assessment Tests (CATs) and/or Skills Demonstration Assessment under the direction of the Allied Health or Nursing Program Integrated Competency Assessment Network (ICAN). Students may apply for Allied Health or Nursing Pathway/Program Advanced Placement in certain courses by obtaining the appropriate form(s) in the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services, paying the required fee(s), and successfully completing the examination and/or skills demonstration and other requirements of the college. See fee schedule for appropriate fee. Fees are not refundable if a student fails to obtain credit.

Students may not request:
a. to challenge a course a second time;
b. to challenge a course while currently enrolled in the course;
c. to establish credit in a previously completed course; or
d. to establish credit for a lower level of a course in which credit has been received.

Certain health care pathways/programs have additional requirements which must be met before credit may be granted through HCIES credit by examination and credit by skills demonstration assessment.

Grades of A, B, C, D or P, earned as a result of examination or skills assessment will be recorded on the student's transcript. Fees are not refundable after the examination/skills demonstration has been administered, regardless of results. A grade of P/Z is not used in computing the grade point average.

When credit is granted as outlined above, a notation of "CREDIT BY EXAMINATION," "CREDIT BY EVALUATION," or "CREDIT BY SKILLS DEMONSTRATION" and the number of credits will appear on the student's transcript. If a grade is assigned, it will be used used in computing the grade point average.

D. Transfer Credit

Students who have had official transcripts sent directly to the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services may be granted credit for college-level course(s) if:

• The coursework was completed at a regionally accredited institution. Regionally accredited institutions of higher education are those that are fully accredited by new england association of schools and colleges, middle states association of colleges and schools, north central association of colleges and schools, northwest association of schools and colleges, southern association of colleges and schools, and/or the western association of schools and colleges. Courses from institutions that have earned candidate status from a regional accrediting association will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
• The student earned a grade of C (2.0 on a 4.0 scale) or higher. On an exception basis, P-grades may be allowed in the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) for credit transferred if documentation collected by the community college indicates that the p-grade issued was the only option for the student and the p-grade is a c or better. The p-grade exception does not apply to credits awarded by AGEC granting/receiving institutions.

A course that meets general education requirements at any Arizona public community college district or university will be accepted in transfer to meet comparable general education requirements at any of the Maricopa Community Colleges provided the course was completed with a grade of C or better.

Acceptance of courses that fulfill requirements other than general education is determined by individual maricopa community colleges. Credits accepted in transfer do not necessarily apply to all certificates or degree programs.

Credits from foreign institutions will be reviewed for acceptance. It is the student's responsibility to have all such transcripts translated into English and evaluated by an International Student Evaluation Service before submitting them to the college.

Maricopa has established articulation agreements with baccalaureate degree institutions to help facilitate transfer of credit. To access a list of participating institutions, visit: http://www.maricopa.edu/academic/ccta/artic/partner_list.php

E. Servicemen's Opportunity College

The Maricopa Community Colleges recognize the unique educational problems confronting many active duty military personnel in attaining their educational goals. The colleges have, therefore, established themselves as Servicemen's Opportunity Colleges. This means that the colleges recognize the peculiar needs of military personnel in that they provide courses on the various military bases located in Maricopa County and provide opportunities to complete courses through non-traditional means when education is interrupted by military obligations. Maricopa Community Colleges maintain liberal entrance requirements, offer maximum credit for educational experiences obtained in the Military Services, and follow residency statutes applicable to the special needs of servicemen. Maricopa Community Colleges follow the recommendations established by the American Council on Education. If, for any reason, Maricopa Community Colleges' status as a Servicemen's Opportunity College District is discontinued, it will nonetheless maintain its commitment to students previously enrolled. In addition, the option to enter into a "contract for a degree" allows the community college, as the college of record, to grant a degree upon completion of twelve (12) credit hours at the college and the satisfaction of graduation requirements.

F. Transfer Articulation Guidelines (Appendix S-2)

Articulation Agreements
The Maricopa Community Colleges are dedicated to creating transfer partnerships with four-year colleges and universities. These partnerships are formalized through district-wide articulation agreements. These articulation agreements are designed to help students make a smooth transition when transferring from one of the Maricopa Community Colleges to a four-year institution. To access a list of institutions of higher education with which Maricopa has established an articulation agreement, visit: http://www.maricopa.edu/academic/ccta/artic/partner_list.php

Transfer Articulation from Arizona Public Community College Districts and Universities into the Maricopa Community Colleges
Maricopa is a participant in the Arizona Statewide Transfer System. The aztransfer.com website is the official source of information for the statewide articulation agreements between the Arizona public community colleges and universities (Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and University of Arizona).

Transfer Articulation with the Maricopa Skill Center and the Southwest Skill Center
The Maricopa Community Colleges have agreements with the Maricopa Skill Center and the Southwest Skill Center in limited areas of study. Students who have participated in these agreements may be granted credit for prior learning. No fees will be assessed for credits awarded for prior learning. Articulated course/program credit is transferable within the Maricopa Community Colleges, but may not necessarily be transferable to other colleges or universities. Students should contact the Admissions and Records Office/Office of Student Enrollment Services for transfer credit policies and an academic advisor for a program of study.

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