SU Online’s life experience policy allows students to request to receive credit for required courses in which they have extensive experience, skills, or knowledge. This policy covers some courses, especially on skill-based topics. However, not all courses are subject to this policy.

Examples of experiences or training that may serve as the basis to receive credit include:

• Participated a course, workshop, training session, or similar educational experience;
• Relevant professional, organizational, volunteer, or life experience (for example, Toastmasters International certifications).

Requests are to be submitted in writing to the SU registrar, and each request will be reviewed on an individual basis. Requests should include details of previous experience or training (such as course description, institution, dates, number of hours), what you learned, and how it pertains to the course for which you are requesting credit.

Students may be asked to demonstrate their knowledge or skills of a particular subject by writing an essay, making a presentation, or providing a portfolio documenting their extensive experience in the course work. Portfolios may contain certificates, licenses, transcripts, or any materials produced as part of course work or life experience.

Students may also be asked to audit the course for which they are requesting credit. This gives them the opportunity to receive spiritual teachings on the subject that will augment their grasp of the subject matter. They are not required to submit assignments or take exams and will not be graded. Participating in forum discussions is optional.

Written requests must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the registration period for the specific semester. Students will receive a response within two weeks, and will have two weeks to complete any assignments that may be given. The instructor will then have two weeks to review and grade the assignment. This allows time for the student to register to take the course for credit if the life experience request is denied. Registration is not required for courses when the request is granted.

Based on the instructor’s recommendation, the student will receive a letter grade when they have completed the assignment. In cases when no additional assignment is requested, the grade will be a Pass. Students will have the option of taking the course for credit if they choose to improve the life experience grade.

The life experience credit fee of $50/credit for students whose request is approved will be added to their Payments & Invoice, and is to be paid according to the payment timelines for the semester in which they receive the credit.

Students who are asked to audit a course for life experience credit will be manually enrolled in the course, and the discounted audit tuition and tech support fee of $60/credit will be added to their Payment & Invoice. This is to be paid according to the payment timelines for the semester in which they audit the course.