Admission Information

Through the admissions process, Notre Dame of Maryland University attempts to determine the intellectual potential and growth of each student. A student’s academic record, high school and/or college curriculum, and standardized test scores are good indicators of these qualities. However, the process also includes a close review of the student’s special interests, talents, letter of recommendation, the admission essay or writing sample, and information from the personal interview. All of this information helps the University assess the unique and essential characteristics defining a successful Notre Dame of Maryland University student.

Women's College or College of Adult Undergraduate Studies

Applying to the Women's College

Transfer/Adult Learners: Applying to the Women's College or the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies

Applying as an International Student

Becoming a Notre Dame Student

Matriculant and Non-Matriculant Status

Full-Time/Part-Time Student Status

Conditional Admission

Readmission

Veteran Student Readmissions Policy

Options for Earning Credit
Transfer Credit
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
International Baccalaureate (IB)
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Portfolio Assessment
Course Challenge Examination
Credit for Military Education
Eligibility Requirements

Women's College or College of Adult Undergraduate Studies?

Although many degrees and Majors are offered through both the Women's College and the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies (CAUS), there are significant differences in their populations and scheduling. To determine whether the Women's College or CAUS is the most appropriate for you, see the college descriptions under Academic Information.

Applying to the Women's College

A strong college preparatory program in high school is the best preparation for success at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Therefore, the Admissions Committee places the greatest emphasis on the type and strength of courses completed and the grades earned. Accepted students usually rank in the top half of their class. Applicants are required to be prospective graduates of a high school accredited by the regional association of the College Board or of an approved home school program. A minimum of 18 academic units distributed as follows is required:

English - 4 units
Foreign Language - 2 units
Mathematics, College Preparatory - 3 units
Science - 3 units
History - 2 units
Electives - 4 units

The Admissions Committee may accept a student who lacks one or more of the stated requirements, but whose high school record and standardized testing show academic ability.

For more specific information regarding admission to the Women's College, go to our page Applying to the Women's College.

Transfer/Adult Learners: Applying to the Women's College or College of Adult Undergraduate Studies

Notre Dame of Maryland University welcomes applications from qualified transfer students and first-time and returning adult learners. Notre Dame of Maryland University will recognize and accept transfer credit and conferred degrees from colleges and universities who are accredited by the following Accrediting Bodies:

Middle States Commission on Higher Education
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Higher Learning Commission
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission

Courses evaluated by NDMU for credit earned from regionally accredited institutions will carry the grade earned at the institution where the courses were taken if the grading system used is comparable to NDMU's grading system. However, credits earned from foreign colleges and universities will carry the grade of "P." Technical and vocational credits are not accepted; credits for varsity sports are not accepted; credits from non-accredited institutions are not accepted; and credits from institutions that only have nationally recognized accreditation (meaning institutions that do not also hold accreditation from one of the six(6) accrediting bodies) are not accepted. The office of Academic Affairs, the University Registrar, and the Vice President for Enrollment Services share responsibility for the admission of transfer students and the acceptance of transfer credit as applicable toward the degree at NDMU.

Adult learners applying as first-time College students should possess a strong college preparatory high school record. This record will be reviewed along with a written essay to assess ability to succeed at NDMU. Adult students entering with no college credits may be required to take a placement exam. An interview with a transfer counselor (Women's College) or an enrollment manager (College of Adult Undergraduate Studies) is highly recommended to assist prospective students through the application/acceptance process. Students holding a GED Certificate also are considered for admission (see minimum test scores in chart below). If applying with a GED, a score of 145 or higher on the GED is needed (Performance Level 2: Pass/High School Equivalency). Older GED scores will be reviewed individually.

Students applying to NDMU as transfer students must submit official transcripts of all college work completed. This academic record, along with a letter of recommendation (where required), resume (where required), and a written essay or writing sample, will be reviewed. (See Application Materials/Deadlines for details on admissions application requirements.)

Students applying as transfer students with fewer than 30 college credits will be asked to submit a high school transcript (students applying to the Women's College will also be asked to submit SAT/ACT scores). A transfer applicant who holds an Associate Degree, or has more than 30 college credits with a minimum 2.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average, is typically granted admission. Students applying with a GED with a minimum score of 145 on each of the four subtests are also typically granted admission.

The Admissions Committee will evaluate the record of any applicant who presents a 2.0 to 2.49 Cumulative Grade Point Average for all college or high school work. The Committee evaluates a student’s record and all corresponding documents to determine academic potential and success at NDMU. A student with a Cumulative Grade Point Average below 2.0 or GED scores below 145 on any of the four subtests (GED 2014) will not be considered for admission.

As part of the application process, prospective transfer students have the opportunity for review of their courses for transfer equivalency and credit. This unofficial evaluation clarifies the coursework needed to complete degree requirements (an official evaluation is completed by the student's academic advisor upon entrance).

Students applying to the Women's College dual-degree programs in engineering should refer to their respective Program of Study pages for additional admissions criteria. The Programs require students to complete the four-year degree in a three-year intensive Program of Study. Therefore, transfer students may enter these Programs of study up to, but not later than, the first semester of their sophomore year (completion of approximately 30 credits) and should confer with the Coordinator of these Programs of Study at the time of admission. Additional admissions criteria also exist for the Bachelor of Science in Radiological Science Program of Study.

All students seeking formal admission to the School of Education to become certified teachers are also subject to providing additional criteria (e.g., Praxis Exam, letters of reference, application, GPA of 3.2, formal interview/screening of writing and oral communications skills, e-portfolio review).

Transfer students are NOT eligible for participation in the 3+4 BA/Pharm.D. Program. This Program of Study is only open to students entering NDMU as freshmen. Transfer students interested in pursuing Pharmacy can discuss their options with their admissions counselor (e.g. finishing a bachelor degree and then applying to Pharmacy or completing the minimum pre-requisites to allow for admissions directly to the Pharmacy Program of Study).

For more specific information regarding admission as a Transfer or Adult Learner, go to our page Applying to the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies.

Applying as an International Student

The University values the contribution international students make to the NDMU community. International students should make preparations to apply for admission at least four months in advance of application deadlines. Due to the part-time nature of the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies, international students requiring an F-1 visa are not eligible for admission to this program.

International students must meet all requirements for admission to the University. (See Application Materials/Deadlines). In addition, international students must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (minimum score needed for admission is 550 on the written test and 173 on the computerized test or 80 on the IBT) and required financial documents which indicates ability to finance the student’s NDMU education.

An I-20 is issued only after the student has been accepted for admission. Students on an F-1 (student) visa are required, by Department of Homeland Security regulations, to take a minimum of 12 credits (full-time status) each semester. Federal financial aid programs are restricted to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. International students may compete for academic and achievement scholarships awarded on the basis of academic performance and merit (excluding athletic ability/participation). To qualify for academic scholarships, international students must take the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT) or the American College Test (ACT) in addition to the TOEFL (see test information).

A Student Visa (F-1 status) is required of most students who wish to study in the United States. Students should not enter the United States on a Tourist Visa hoping to change their visas to an F-1 while here.

For more specific information regarding admission as an International Student, go to our page for International Students.

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Becoming A Notre Dame Student

Upon acceptance to NDMU, Women's College applicants (full-time students) will receive information on possible scholarships and once the FAFSA is filed (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), all students receive information on their financial aid package which shows need-based financial aid if the student has filed all necessary financial aid documents.

Once a decision has been made to attend NDMU, students in the Women's College will be asked to submit a non-refundable deposit. Students in the Women's College should be advised spaces in the incoming class are not guaranteed until the deposit is received. Enrollment places are reserved chronologically, according to deposit date. The deposit is $300. NDMU abides by the National Candidate’s Reply Date of May 1.

Once admitted to the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies, students will be assigned an academic advisor. Student should meet with their academic advisor (faculty in the department or professional advisor) to discuss their Program of Study and transfer credits (if applicable) as well as register for courses. If students will not begin studies in the semester following admission, they should contact the CAUS Office as to their academic plans and their actual start date.

Notre Dame of Maryland University endeavors to enroll students who show academic promise and support our mission. Successful students will achieve academic growth while contributing to our inclusive and compassionate community through active participation. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission if:

a student's academic performance diminishes in high school or the college from which they are transferring; or
a student engages in social behavior in or out of school that the University deems inappropriate or counter to our stated mission or values.

All new students are required to participate in an orientation program prior to the start of classes. This Program enables students to meet one another; meet their academic advisor; learn about academic policies, support services and degree programs; complete all practical matters pertaining to the start of classes; and learn about all aspects of life at NDMU. Information on the Orientation Programs is sent to students during the admissions process.

Matriculant and Non-Matriculant Status

A matriculant is a student who is officially admitted to the University as a candidate for a degree or academic credential in a particular Program of Study. Formal admission to the University is required to become a matriculant. Full-time students in the Women's College must maintain continuous study in order to retain their matriculant status, unless they obtain an official Leave of Absence. Part-time students in the Women's College or the College of Adult Undergraduate Studies (CAUS) must complete a minimum of one course each academic year to maintain their matriculant status. (See Academic Regulations for policies on Leave of Absence or Withdrawal.)

Non-matriculants are students who have not been formally admitted as degree candidates but who are registered for courses either full-time or part-time, for academic credit or audit. Adult students in the Women's College and students in CAUS may enter Notre Dame as non-matriculants. The same tuition and fees apply to non-matriculants as to matriculants. Non-matriculants are not eligible for financial aid and must apply for admission to the University upon completion of no more than 18 credits.

The Catalog in effect at the time the student is formally admitted (matriculated) to NDMU contains the Academic Policies and Program of Study requirements under which the student will graduate.

Full-time/Part-time Student Status

Women's College students enrolled in 12 or more credits are considered full-time and must pay full-time tuition and fees. Women's College students enrolled in 11 credits or fewer are considered part-time and will pay the part-time, per credit fees as listed under Tuition and Fees. Students in the Women's College may attend either on a full-time or part-time basis.

The College of Adult Undergraduate Studies is designed as a part-time program and is not normally designed to accommodate a full-time credit load. Students enrolled in 11 credits or fewer are considered part-time and will pay the part-time, per-credit fee as listed under Tuition and Fees. Under unusual circumstances, CAUS students may carry a load of more than 11 credits.

Conditional Admission

Applicants whose files lack official transcripts or official international course evaluations may be considered for conditional admission to Notre Dame of Maryland University by submitting unofficial documents at the time of application.

Students who have their final coursework in progress to complete a required degree for admission may also apply to be conditionally admitted. These students would need to submit unofficial or official transcripts showing final coursework in progress at the time of application. Prior to beginning their first term they would have to show final official transcripts with a degree conferral date or a letter from the registrar of their previous institution. This letter must include the students full name, course of study, final cumulative gpa, and degree conferral date.

All conditionally admitted students will also be required to maintain satisfactory academic progress requirements (https://ndm.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/how-keep-it/policies/satisfactory-academic-progress) during their first term, and submit any outstanding official documents prior to the end of their first term. Until all required official documents have been received, an administrative hold will be placed on the students account. This hold will block future registration beyond their first term.

Readmission

Notre Dame of Maryland University does not automatically readmit a student who has Withdrawn or has not taken at least one course within an academic year. The student must file an Application for Readmission along with the application fee. The student must submit an official transcript reflecting work taken at other institutions of higher education since leaving NDMU, as well as Catalog information on those courses.

All scholarships, awards, and Notre Dame grant funding originally offered to student seeking readmission are no longer valid. The Catalog in effect at the time the student is readmitted contains the policies and requirements under which the student will graduate.

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Veteran Student Readmissions Policy

Notre Dame of Maryland University complies with requirements for readmission of veterans as defined in the “Higher Education Opportunity Act.”

In part, the Act states that:

“A person who is a member of, applies to be a member of, performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform, service in the uniformed services shall not be denied readmission to an institution of higher education on the basis of that membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation.”

IN GENERAL — Any student whose absence from an institution of higher education is necessitated by reason of service in the uniformed services shall be entitled to readmission to the institution of higher education if:

A) the student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) gives advance written or verbal notice of such service to the appropriate official (registrar or VA coordinator) at the institution of higher education;
B) the cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from that institution of higher education by reason of service in the uniformed services does not exceed five years; and
C) “except as otherwise provided” in the Act, “the student submits a notification of intent to re-enroll in the institution of higher education. This intent to enroll should be sent directly to the VA Coordinator (registrar’s office).”
Any student providing the requisite documentation of eligibility and readmitted to Notre Dame under the terms of the statute will return with the same academic status as when last in attendance."

Service members separating from the military under certain conditions are not eligible for readmission under the terms of the Higher Education Opportunity Act. Those individuals may seek return to the University under the academic policies applicable to all students.

Veterans wishing to be readmitted should complete readmission (available through the Admissions Office), submit official transcripts from any educational institution at which courses were taken since last enrolled at NDMU, and contact the Veteran’s Coordinator in the Registrar’s Office by submitting an intent to enroll form.

Options For Earning Credit

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit is granted for satisfactory completion (“C” grade or higher) of courses taken at an accredited two- or four-year college or university, including dual enrollment courses taken while still in high school. The course credit is applied to NDMU's degree requirements in accordance with Notre Dame Transfer Policy, established/articulation agreements, and course-by-course evaluation, as appropriate.

Students transferring to NDMU should familiarize themselves with the transfer policy or consult their admissions counselor if there are any questions during the admissions process. Evaluation of transfer credit is available prior to applying to the University.

Courses taken from companies or agencies other than an accredited college or university are assessed using the American Council of Education Credit Recommendation Service. Final approval on all transfer courses and credit is determined by the University Registrar.

NDMU participates in the Maryland statewide Reverse Transfer Program. This Program allows students entering NDMU as transfer students without completion of the Associate (A.A. or A.S.) to "transfer back" credits completed at NDMU to secure the initial Associate's degree. Transfer student files will be reviewed upon acceptance to NDMU and invitations are sent to students who might be eligible for this Program. Transfer students can also "opt in" to this program by completing the form located on the Notre Dame website (ndm.edu) or through their admissions counselor during the application process.

Official Transcripts from all institutions of higher education must be received by NDMU no later than mid-semester of the student's initial term of enrollment.

University Credit for Prior Learning Policy

In recognition that college-level learning can happen many places outside of the classroom, Notre Dame of Maryland University has established a credit for prior learning (CPL) policy. Notre Dame of Maryland University supports and adheres to the standards for assessing learning established by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and the Middles States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). This credit for prior learning policy will provide a course for course equivalency or course-match model which will allow students to demonstrate college-level learning that they have obtained through work experiences, professional development, civic activities, travel, military service, or other means. Courses would be limited to those courses currently in the Notre Dame of Maryland University catalog.

Credit for Prior Learning may be awarded through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), course challenge or proficiency examinations, Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, American Council on Education (ACE) credit recommendations, DSST (DANTES) and other military equivalencies (AARTS, SMART, or CGI), International Baccalaureate (IB) credit, and completion of a portfolio that would be critically assessed by faculty within that department to determine whether the threshold for mastery of the course was demonstrated. Credit for prior learning supports the assessment of academic certificates, diplomas and certification through transcript evaluation or the portfolio method. Credit earned through the Prior Learning Assessment Program can be applied toward general education, degree program, or elective requirements.

Policy

NDMU awards academic credit to students who demonstrate that they have met the learning objectives and outcomes specified in a course syllabus. It is incumbent upon the student to demonstrate the prior learning is equivalent to the conventional learning through a course and that the student can demonstrate equivalent and satisfactory achievement of the learning objectives of the course.

Authority

In addition to the standards promoted by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) and the Middles States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), the State of Maryland through the Maryland Higher Education Commission has enacted statutes, regulations, and guidelines related to CPL. See §15-113 of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, COMAR 13B.02.02.16, and VFEA Guidelines.

The School Dean of the program where the course being petitioned for credit for prior learning resides, in collaboration with the Department Chair and Registrar, makes the final determination whether credit for prior learning will be awarded. Department chairs are considered the subject matter experts in the discipline in which the course is being petitioned for CPL. The School Dean, or designee, will consult with Department Chair, faculty colleagues, the student’s advisor, as necessary, in order to conduct the review of the request.

Categories of Prior Learning:

I. Credit by Examination
a. Advanced Placement (AP) Exams
b. International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams/Diploma
c. College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Examinations
d. Dantes Subject Standardized Test (DSST)
e. American Council on Education (ACE) Credit Recommendations
f. Other nationally accepted assessment method/examination
II. Credit by Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
a. Portfolio Assessment
b.Course Challenge Examination
III. Credit for Military Education
a. ACE Military Guide

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

Incoming first-year students who have taken AP examinations administered by the College Board and have achieved satisfactory scores are considered for advanced placement. College credit may be granted for scores of three (3) or higher.

The full list of approved AP examinations and their course equivalencies are available in the University Catalog and on the University’s website. Other AP examinations may be determined for credit in accordance with this policy by the University Registrar.

For more information on AP Exams, visit the College Board website. Scores should be sent to NDMU (Institution Code: 5114).

Subjects	Credits Granted	Course Equivalent	Fulfills General Education Requirement In:
Art: History of	6	ART-120 and ART-121	Fine Arts
Art: Studio	3	ART-120	Fine Arts
Biology	4	BIO-110	Natural Science
Chemistry	4	CHM-110	Natural Science
English: Language and Composition	3	ENG-101 Proficiency Composition	English
English: Literature and Composition	3	Elective	N/A
French: Language	3	Major Requirement	Foreign Language
French: Literature	3	Major Requirement	Literature
German: Language	3	Major Requirement	Foreign Language
German: Literature	3	Major Requirement	Literature
History: European	3	Major Requirement	History
History: United States	3	Major Requirement	History
Latin: Vergil	3	Major Requirement	Literature
Latin: Literature	3	Major Requirement	Literature
Mathematics: Calculus AB	4	MAT-211	Mathematics
Mathematics: Calculus BC	8	MAT-211 and MAT-212	Mathematics
Mathematics: Statistics	3	MAT-215	Mathematics
Music: Music Theory	3	MUS-148	Fine Arts
Physics B	4	PHY-101	Natural Science
Political Science: American Government	3	Elective	Social Science
Psychology	4	PSY-101	Social Science
Spanish: Language	3	Major Requirement	Foreign Language
Spanish: Literature	3	Major Requirement	Literature

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally recognized program of study taken as a part of the high school curriculum in which secondary students complete standardized and comprehensive examinations. Students may present an official IB Diploma or individual certificates recognizing specific higher-level test scores for consideration.

NDMU recognizes the IB Diploma and grants 30 credits and sophomore standing to any student completing the diploma with a score of 30 or better. Some of these units may be applied toward NDMU’s General Education requirements; each student’s IB units will be individually evaluated for General Education applicability.

Higher level examinations for which a student received a grade of 5 or higher will be reviewed and credits granted accordingly. NDMU does not grant credit for Standard Level IB Examinations.

The full list of approved IB examinations and their course equivalencies are available from the University Registrar.

For more information on IB, visit the IB website at https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows students to earn qualifying scores on nationally-recognized subject examinations. Students may earn credit for certain CLEP tests provided they meet the minimum score required by NDMU.

The full list of approved CLEP examination and their course equivalencies are available from the University Registrar.

For more information on CLEP or to locate a CLEP Test Center, visit the College Board website. Scores should be sent to NDMU (Institution Code: 5114).

Portfolio Assessment

To be awarded for prior learning credit via Portfolio Assessment, a student must be able to demonstrate that they have met the learning objectives required in a university academic course. This is done by creating a portfolio.

A prior learning portfolio is a collection of materials compiled to demonstrate previous college-level learning relevant to your academic degree plan. A portfolio consists of multiple required components. Each component plays a role in demonstrating mastery of course objectives. The components that make up a portfolio include:

The Educational Goal Statement – This gives a student the opportunity to examine their personal motivation in the context of learning and application of knowledge. This document provides prior learning evaluators with insight and helps provide appropriate feedback to facilitate life-long learning.
The Autobiography – The autobiography focuses on the student’s professional and personal learning endeavors since high school. In writing the autobiography, the student will analyze their past experiences in terms of critical incidents that led to learning. This part of the portfolio helps evaluators understand when, how, and why the learning has occurred.
The Resume – A resume allows the student to highlight more detail about your responsibilities and accomplishments that supported learning. The resume provides the evaluator with a timeline and demonstrates the progression of learning.
The Narrative – This component is unique for every portfolio because the focus is on the learning objectives for a specific course. The student must address each course objective found on the course syllabus, and demonstrate that they have mastered the objectives to the same extent as students who have completed the course. The narrative may be lengthy depending on the course.
Documentation – The student will need to supply documentation to support the narrative. Documentation is as individual as the learner. It may include items such as sample work products, training certificates, workplace evaluations, letters of recommendation, and/or photographs.

A separate portfolio must be submitted for each course where a student seeks to petition for credit. Faculty determine whether a student’s prior learning demonstrated the equivalency of the course based on meeting 75% of learning outcomes. Some components of a student’s original portfolio may be used in multiple submissions. Students are encouraged to work on one portfolio at a time, as this allows you to use feedback from the initial portfolio to inform the development of additional portfolios.

The university awards credit for college-level learning that be assessed and documented. Credit is awarded for learning, not experience. Evidences critical for a successful portfolio. A students prior learning must be:

Related to their current educational goals and objectives.
College-level and relevant to a specific course for which the university grants academic credit.
Transferable to situations other than that in which it was gained.
Accompanied by the application of appropriate theories.
Include evidence to support having achieved course learning objectives, samples include:
- Certifications/training certificates
- Professional evaluations
- Awards/commendations.

Course Challenge Examination

Through a Course Challenge Examination, a student may earn credit by passing the equivalent of a cumulative end of term examination or paper. The purpose of a challenge exam is to determine students’ competency in a specific course. Developed by departmental faculty, credit may be earned for any course for which NDMU can prepare and administer a suitable examination or assessment. Examinations vary depending on the type of course challenged and some courses are excluded.

Credit for Military Education

In alignment with the Veteran’s Full Employment Act of 2013 (§15-113 of the Education Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland), students who have served or are currently serving in the United States military may receive college credit for basic training, military occupational specialties, and other military course work. Official documentation must be submitted to the University Registrar. Work will be evaluated per the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services by the American Council on Education (ACE).

For more information, please visit the ACE Military Guide website at http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx

Eligibility Requirements

Student must be admitted to an approved NDMU program.
Students must have earned a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 for courses taken to date and are not on academic probation.
Student may not be enrolled in the course for which they plan to apply for CPL.
Students may not apply for CPL for courses in which the student is currently enrolled, has previously taken (earned a grade, failed, or withdrawn), or has transferred from another institution.
Student must verify with their advisor that the course(s) for which CPL credit is being requested apply to the requirements outlined in their academic plan.
Student must verify with their advisor that courses for which CPL credit is being requested are in alignment with NDMU’s residence requirements.
Student has had fewer than 30 credits awarded for prior learning.
Students pursing a Portfolio Evaluation will have completed their 1st term, ENGL101 or an equivalent course, and have attended a PLA workshop prior to applying.
Students pursing a Course Challenge are limited to two challenge examination attempts per course.
Courses/Requirements that may not be awarded CPL:

Capstone/Outcome Courses
Senior Seminars
Internships, Clinicals, Practicums, or Fieldwork Placements
Study Abroad Courses or Experiences
Senior or Masters Theses
Doctoral Dissertations

Procedures:

General

The School Dean, or designee, in collaboration with the Department Chair and Registrar, will determine standardized course equivalencies for recognized Credit by Examination and Credit for Military Education methods. Admission Counselors, Academic Advisors, and Registrar staff will be trained in order to inform each admitted student on the availability of CPL opportunities specific to their individual circumstances.

Students will be informed of the process through a variety of mediums (including admissions, orientation, website, etc.) and solicited to submit any Credit by Examination or Credit for Military Education information for formal evaluation by the Registrar’s Office. Informal equivalency information may also be communicated by Admissions Counselors and Academic Advisors. Policy and procedure information will be easily accessible on the University’s website and in the University Catalog.

Procedures for Credit by Prior Learning Assessment:

Student must identify one or more courses that relates to their previous experience and knowledge and fits into their degree program.
Student must attend a pre-application PLA workshop and apply to the Registrar’s Office to initiate the PLA process.
The Registrar will determine if the student meets the eligibility requirements to petition for PLA.
If approved, the Registrar’s Office will notify the student and the relevant School Dean or designee.
The School Dean or designee will:
1. Determine what method(s) of assessment are available for the requested course(s);
2. Determine, in consultation with the student and Department Chair, the appropriate method of assessment, CPL method expectations, and timeframe; and
3. If applicable, assign a subject matter expert faculty member to administer the PLA assessment.
4. The School Dean or designee will inform the Registrar of the agreed upon assessment method, and the Registrar will assess the applicable non-refundable CPL fee.
5. Upon confirmation of the payment of the applicable CPL fee, the designated faculty may proceed with the PLA, and if applicable, provide the student with the course syllabus.
6. Upon completion of grading, assigned faculty will complete the Portfolio Evaluation form for each course where credit was requested signifying approval or denial with sufficient explanation. The assigned faculty member will forward the completed evaluation to the School Dean, and the Registrar for fee assessment, posting and communication to the student.

Timeline for Credit by Prior Learning Assessment:

Step	Task	Time Frame
1	Student submits the application for eligibility for a course to be considered for PLA.	Reviewed by the Registrar in 2 weeks
2	If eligibility is confirmed, the student will submit their application for PLA to the relevant School Dean or designee.	Reviewed by the School Dean in 3 weeks
3a	If a challenge exam is being administered, the student will be provided with a copy of the course syllabus and challenge exam.	The student has 60 days to take the exam from the date she or he receives the course syllabus
3b	If a portfolio is being developed, the student will be provided with a copy of the course syllabus.	There is no strict time limit on portfolio development but generally should be completed within the semester, and no longer than 12 months.
4	Non-refundable fee is assessed	Upon delivery of syllabus
5	Assigned faculty member grades the exam/portfolio or if the exam is being taken through an external entity, the scores must be sent directly from the entity to the Registrar’s office.	Within 30 days of completing the examination/portfolio
6	Student will be sent the results of the review	Within 2 weeks of the grade being determined
7	If CPL is awarded, the student will be assessed a Credit Recording Fee	Before the end of the applicable semester
8	If CPL is awarded and the student has paid the Credit Recording Fee, the grade and credits will be posted to the student’s official transcript	By the time that grades are posted for that semester

Additional Information/Limitations:

Being granted approval to petition for CPL does not guarantee that credit will be awarded.
Whether a request for CPL is approved or denied, CPA fees are non-refundable. CPL fees are listed in the tuition and fees schedule and are reviewed annually.
CPL Credit Recording Fees do not apply to AP or IB examinations.
The process for determining whether a CPL may be awarded may take up to one semester.
Portfolios become the property of NDMU upon submission.
If credit is awarded, the PLA receives a grade of “P”; the PLA does not receive a letter grade nor will it affect GPA. If credit is denied, there is no effect on a student’s transcript or GPA. PLA submissions are limited to two attempts with faculty permission, and there is no appeal process for a PLA denied credit.
The student is responsible for arranging any approved external exams (such as CLEP, DSST, National Exams, etc.), for paying all associated fees, and is responsible for arranging for official submission of exam scores from the agency to the NDMU Registrar’s Office.
There will be a maximum of thirty credit hours for Credit for Prior Learning courses that can be earned for a baccalaureate degree and a maximum of six hours for a graduate degree. This includes credit earned through portfolio assessment, CLEP, DSST, AP, IB, proficiency through ACE for corporate training, or challenge exams.