Nancy Tarkmeel
Assistant Dean/CLL Coordinator

Credit for Lifelong Learning (CLL) is a unique program offered by Eastern for over 30 years. CLL enables adults to earn credit for the college-level learning gained through work, volunteer and other experiences. Eastern has offered this program to eligible adults since 1973 because we recognize that significant learning occurs outside of the " traditional" college classroom. CLL is one of several nontraditional programs at Eastern through which adults can earn college credit toward their degrees.

I'm interested.  Am I eligible?

You are eligible if you ...

• are officially matriculated; that is, you have submitted an Eastern Application and have been notified by the Office of Admissions of your acceptance in a degree program. 
• are 25 years of age or older.
• have a minimum of five years' successful work experience in subject areas taught by Eastern.
• have work experience that includes paid employment and/or other non-paid learning experiences such as volunteer activities and non-credit training.

You must be able to:

• Describe your experience.
• Identify the college-level knowledge, skills and understanding.
• Provide documentation to support your learning.

Please note:

• Your work/life experience must be related or equivalent to subjects taught at Eastern.
• Credits are not awarded for what you have done, but rather for what you have learned.

I think I qualify...What is my next step?

1. Schedule an assessment interview with the Program Coordinator at the School of Continuing Education. Call: (860) 465-5125.
2. Your work/life experience and college record will be reviewed to determine if you qualify and whether your potential credit could be utilized within your degree program at Eastern.
3. Once the Program Coordinator has identified you as an appropriate applicant, you will then be scheduled for a required, noncredit portfolio preparation workshop.

Tell me more about the workshop!

The typical workshop consists of four evening sessions held during the January Intersession and Summer Session. They are followed by ongoing opportunities for individual consultation with the workshop instructor or Program Coordinator, a final follow-up meeting before the interview, and informal small group meetings as needed.

The workshop helps you create your own professional e-Portfolio that specifically details your college level learning.  The basic components of the e-Portfolio are:

• Resume
• Introduction
• Subject areas in which credit is being requested and Presentation of Learning you have acquired.
• Documentation Materials

Please note: Registration for this workshop is by invitation only. You will not see it listed in any of the School of Continuing Education brochures. A separate announcement/registration form will be mailed to you upon approval of the Program Coordinator.

What happens after I complete the e-Portfolio?

You will then be scheduled for an interview with the Credit for Lifelong Learning Evaluation Committee. The Committee determines the number and type of credits to be awarded.

In some instances, if specific courses credit is being sought, it may be necessary to refer learning e-portfolios directly to individual academic departments for additional review and evaluation.  Interviews are conducted throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Finally, you are officially notified by mail of the Committee's decision, and the awarded credits are added to your University transcript.

A maximum of 60 nontraditional credits can be applied toward a bachelor degree at Eastern ( a maximum of 30 credits toward an associate's degree.  Nontraditional credits include those earned through Credit for Lifelong Learning, through nationally recognized testing programs (such as CLEP and DSST) and for military training.  You are less likely to receive credit in those subject areas in which you have already completed considerable coursework.  Thus, students are encouraged to meet with the Program Coordinator early in their academic careers.

What should I know about the program?

Credits earned though this program are considered transfer credits and cannot be used to meet Eastern’s residency requirements. No grades are assigned to any credits awarded. You will still need to complete a minimum of 30 credits of coursework at Eastern for the bachelor degree (15 credits for the associate degree).

You have up to one year from the time you complete the portfolio workshop to submit your portfolio for Committee review.

Credits earned through this program are usually applied toward degree elective credits. Eastern’s flexible Bachelor of General Studies degree (BGS) is ideal for using credits earned through this program.  Credits may apply toward the general education requirements, major/concentration and minor with special approval.

Current Program Fees

For questions, email Nancy Tarkmeel