1. Who can apply for portfolio assessment?
Only matriculated students enrolled in a UMA degree or certificate program are eligible.
2. For what courses can I receive portfolio assessment credit?
You can apply for portfolio assessment credit for most UMA courses listed in the current course catalog that don't already have a testing option. However, there are some exceptions, such as student teaching for Education students, or the internship (HUS 470) for Mental Health & Human Services students..
You cannot earn portfolio credit for:
Any course you have previously been graded on at a regionally accredited institution.
Experiences or documentation that were used to earn credit in another college course.
3. What kind of experiences will be considered for credit? What kinds will not?
We will consider any post-secondary experiences where you gained significant learning comparable to the learning outcomes of a UMA course. We will not award credit for experiences from an elementary or high school curriculum or extracurricular activities.
4. Is there a maximum number of credits which may be earned through the Portfolio Assessment process?
Yes. The maximum credits you can earn through portfolio assessment are:
Bachelor's degree students: 30 credits
Associate's degree students: 15 credits
Certificate students: You may also be eligible, but you'll need permission from the appropriate College Dean.
5. Will credit earned through the Portfolio Assessment process count toward the UMA residency requirement?
Yes, it does.
6. What is the cost?
There is a $50 per credit hour fee that is due when you submit your portfolio. For example, a 3-credit course would cost $150. This fee is non-refundable, even if you are not awarded credit.
7. Will portfolio assessment credit transfer to other colleges?
Generally, no. Portfolio credits are often not accepted by other institutions, and you'll likely have to submit a new portfolio for evaluation according to that school's policies.
However, credit awarded at one University of Maine System (UMS) institution should transfer to other UMS institutions. They may re-evaluate your portfolio if they can award credit for a course not offered at the original institution.
8. How will my portfolio be evaluated?
First, your application will be reviewed for completeness and compliance. Once it's ready, a UMA faculty member will evaluate your portfolio.
The faculty member will forward their decision to Haley Brown. If credit is awarded, she will obtain the necessary Dean's signature and then post the credit to your MaineStreet account. If your portfolio is rejected, or if improvements are suggested, Haley will send you a copy of the faculty member's evaluation sheet.
9. How do I access the Google Sites portfolio template?
Please contact Haley Brown (hbrown120@maine.edu) to access the template.
10. Are there other ways to earn credit or meet degree requirements outside the Portfolio Assessment process?
Yes, you can! Visit the UMA Credit for Prior Learning website for more information.