The Prior Learning Assessment Expansion Initiative of the University of Wisconsin System: A System Approach to Delivering a Culture in Which PLA Can Thrive

Authors

  • Diane Treis Rusk University of Wisconsin System Administration
  • Lauren Smith University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

Abstract

Many institutions of higher education (IHEs) and university systems are exploring the recognition and award of credit for prior learning as a strategy to recruit, retain, and graduate a greater number of nontraditional-aged students.  Such efforts have focused on establishing shared policies and practices, transferability of credit awarded for prior learning, and faculty engagement – at the state, system, or institution level.   A common challenge across efforts may be how to impact local institutional change through a state system initiative.  This review will discuss three elements of learning acquired in the first years of the UW System PLA Expansion Initiative: building systemwide capacity to achieve local outcomes; establishing shared principles and climate in which a culture of PLA can thrive; and establishing metrics for tracking program success.

Author Biographies

  • Diane Treis Rusk, University of Wisconsin System Administration
    Diane Treis Rusk is the Director of Undergraduate Education for the University of Wisconsin System Administration.  She serves as the Director and Principle Investigator for the UW System Prior Learning Expansion Grant Initiative.
  • Lauren Smith, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
    Lauren Smith is the Interim Director for Adult Learning and Chair/Associate Professor in the Department of Women's Studies.  She serves as the UW System Lead Faculty Consultant to the UW System Prior Learning Expansion Initiative.
Photo of Diane Treis Rusk (left) and Lauren Smith (right)

Downloads

Published

2014-07-22

Issue

No. 4 (2014): PLA and Workplace Learning

Section

Practice Today

License

Authors retain copyright of their work, and readers are free to print, share and distribute materials from PLA Inside-Out as long as they respect the rights of the author.  Materials included in PLA Inside-Out cannot be published without an author’s permission.

How to Cite

The Prior Learning Assessment Expansion Initiative of the University of Wisconsin System: A System Approach to Delivering a Culture in Which PLA Can Thrive. (2014). PLA Inside Out: An International Journal on Theory, Research and Practice in Prior Learning Assessment, 4(4). https://plaio.org/index.php/home/article/view/67