Prior Learning Assessment Registration

Step-by-Step Instructions:

The information on this page is intended for those students who only intend to do a single portfolio for a single course. Most students who intend to earn credit through the assessment of their portfolios begin by registering for PLA-100 or PLA-200. Information on those courses can be found at http://www.tesu.edu/degree-completion/pla-100-and-pla-200.

Stop! Do not register for a Single-Course, 12-week Portfolio course until you have reviewed the PLA Self-Assessment Guide.

This information is designed to help you determine, before you register, whether your prior learning is appropriate for this method of earning credit.

1. Select a course.
   Review the course descriptions at the University’s PLA Description Database at www2.tesu.edu/plasearch.php. If the course you are looking for is not in the University’s database, you can find one from another regionally accredited college/university and submit that.
   
   NOTE: If you are an enrolled Thomas Edison State University student, it is recommended that you make sure a particular portfolio course fits your degree requirements by calling the Advisement Expressline toll free at (609) 777-5680. If you are enrolled at another institution, check to make sure the portfolio course fits your degree requirements and that such courses are accepted at your home institution.
    
2. Register for the PLA.
   If you choose to complete a Single-Course, 12-Week Portfolio course, and you have made certain the course fits into your degree requirements, you will need to propose the course by completing the prior learning assessment proposal form. The form is available at www.tesu.edu/current-students/student-forms. You may also submit the PLA Proposal Form electronically by going to https://forms.tesu.edu/plaproposal.php. The PLA specialist will determine whether the PLA you propose can be approved and activated. You will receive notification of the course code via e-mail indicating that you are cleared to register for your PLA. Once your proposed course has been approved, a course section will be created. At that point, you can register as you would for any other Thomas Edison State University course. You will also receive confirmation of your registration from the Office of the Registrar. This communication will contain information about accessing your online PLA via myEdison®.
   
   It is important to start this proposal process at least two weeks prior to the end of the registration period for a given semester, so that a mentor may be identified before the registration period ends. Until we can identify a qualified mentor to work with you, you may not be able to enroll for the Portfolio Course during the semester you desire.
    
3. Contact your mentor during the first week of the semester. The mentor’s contact information is found in myEdison®. Please keep in mind that the portfolio must be completed within the 12-week semester for which you are registered, unless a shorter period is agreed upon between you and the mentor. Only one eight-week extension may be requested, and only if at least a draft of the portfolio has already been completed.