This is the introduction and summary of a series of six papers discussing major issues about student assessment for the University of Wisconsin Extended Degree Program, a program designed to give academic credit for college level learning derived from experiences outside the scope of formal classes. A distinction is made between prior learning,…

Evaluation of prior learning for the External Degree Program at Florida International University is described. Efforts in the following areas are presented: (1) implementation and evaluation of the competency-based assessment tool, (2) integration of the assessment process with other processes of the External Degree Program and the entire…

The handbook provides practical guidelines for approaching and carrying out an individual program at the University Without Walls (UWW). Section one gives an overview of UWW, with key affiliations, concepts, and materials, and a look at student participation. Section two contains information on implementing a program: program advisors, faculty…

A report is presented of a meeting sponsored by the University Advisory Council of the American Council of Life Insurance on company-college links. A brief outline is presented of each of five innovative programs developed and implemented by business groups and colleges. As background to the projects, attention is also directed to some of the main…

This bulletin focuses on liberal education for adults and includes an article on the topic and descriptions of seven institutional approaches. In "Creating Successful Liberal Education Programs for Adults," Carol Stoel points out that many adults are seeking a greater understanding of themselves and their world through liberal education…

Nontraditional methods of qualifying for a college degree are described in this student guide to off-campus study and examination. The three external degree institutions in the United States that offer these programs are discussed. They include: Regents External Degree Program of the University of the State of New York; Thomas A. Edison College of…

Problems and barriers that women often face when re-entering the higher educational system are identified, and ways in which institutions can be more responsive to re-entry students are suggested. A wide range of possible actions is included so that institutions can pursue those most appropriate to their individual circumstances. Definitions are…

Four experiential learning programs that are in the early stages of development are described. The report from the Consortium of the California State University and Colleges details the efforts of a traditional, decentralized system to introduce flexibility into the use of examinations for crediting prior learning. A description of a large,…