Learning in Public (LIP) is the process through which credit for prior learning and learning that occurs outside of the classroom may be credited. In order to receive credit for prior learning and or learning outside of the classroom, students must submit a LIP portfolio. The portfolio serves as a request for credit by demonstrating specific learning outcomes for prior learning and lived experience. Students must assemble annotated collections of evidence documenting their learning in a specific area and demonstrate their learning through careful reflection and storytelling. Portfolios are reviewed and evaluated by Faculty Assessors. Credit may be awarded for demonstrated learning, not for the amount of time a person has engaged in an activity or experience.
LIP Portfolios are developed, submitted, and assessed in Digication, an ePortfolio platform.
Learning Outcome Templates are available in Digication and in print format.
LIP Portfolios are submitted one-per learning outcome/degree requirement.
Up to 9 credits maximum can be earned per portfolio.
Credit can only be awarded at the 300 level.
LIP Portfolios should be submitted based on what credit you need and what experiences you have had.
Review your degree audit and academic plan with your lab faculty for guidance.
This document resource provides key tips for success in developing your LIP Portfolio. It includes a recommended step-by-step process for inventorying your experiences, taking stock of learning, identifying evidence, and connecting to the learning outcome.
This 2-minute audio resource from Justin Garcia, CU Instructional Faculty and Faculty Assessor for LIP Portfolio, explains a few things to keep in mind while you build your portfolio.
This Youtube playlist resource by Office of Learning in Public staff provides how-to resources for navigating the LIP Portfolio Digication Course, and shows how to start and submit a portfolio.
This Step-by-Step Infographic resource shows a step-by-step process for developing your LIP Portfolio, from considering your experiences to understanding the credit-level rubric and reviewing your work!
An overview of some of the major updates to the LIP Portfolio process and policies for Fall 2026.
Enrolled in courses the semester in which they are submitting a LIP
Passing grades in all required courses in the previous semester (grade of C or better)
No Incompletes on their record
Passed Learning from Experience with a grade of C or higher
Has not met or exceeded the limit of 4 LIP Portfolios submitted per semester
LIP credit can be earned for any General Education Requirement
LIP credit can be earned for no more than one Major Requirement (Leadership, Change, or Organizational Studies)
LIP credit cannot be applied to the following core course requirements:
OLC215, Introduction to Organizational Leadership & Change
OLC220, Learning from Experience
AAH330, Writing for Change
OLC235, Reframing Failure
SBS308, Research Justice
OLC400, Capstone
World & Workplace Lab courses
Students may earn up to 40 academic credits through the LIP Sprints or LIP Portfolios.
LIP Portfolio credits are earned at the 300 level. Students may submit for one degree requirement (learning outcome) per portfolio with a maximum limit of 9 credits earned per portfolio.