1. Finish Line Program & Experiential Learning Credit (ELC)
Tracy Robinson
Center for Innovative Teaching & Learning
Meet Me at the Finish Line:
Helping Adult Students and Comebackers Graduate with
Credit for Prior Learning
Ashley Coffer and
Tracy Robinson

2. A degree completion program, launched in the fall 2013 semester, that re-recruits stop outs who were close to finishing their first bachelor’s degree
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3. Objectives of the session
to explain how the program started
to share results experienced to date
to realize how Credit for Prior Learning opportunities can reduce cost and time to degree for all student populations
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4. Who we are of Memphis Public institution 21,500 students SACSCOC
250 areas of study
Photo Credit: UM Photographer, New Student Convocation 2016

5. Our students 30% are adult students 30% part time 30% living on campus
30% are working
35% taking online classes
80% receive financial aid
Photo Credit: UM Photographer, August 2016 Commencement

6. Something happens …
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7. Timeline #nacada17 2011 Back on Track 2013 Exp Counts Oct 2013
Finish Line
August 2014
39 grads
August 2015
123 grads
August 2016
258 grads
August 2017
390 grads
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8. Finish Line Program Criteria
Senior standing (90 + credit hours)
One semester stop-out period
Overall grade point average of 2.0
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9. Rationale It is the RIGHT thing to do!
It just is.
Boosts public perception of institution
Increases retention and graduation rates
Adds % premium to funding formula for each adult and/or Pell recipient 1
80%
1.8 1
100% 2
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10. Results: 390 graduates Funding formula equivalent: 750 Average Age 36
GPA 2.6
Only 11 Hours needed!!
Cost of $1,800
300 students in progress
60 students graduating by December
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11. 48% 68% 71% First Generation Students Underrepresented Minorities
Low income Students
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12. Institutional Data Mining
Outreach
Institutional Data Mining
Referral Sources
Website Inquiries
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14. Scholarship/ Hold Release
Solutions Approach
Barriers
Solutions
Filing for Graduation
Prior Learning
Scholarship/ Hold Release
Fresh Start
Internal Policy/ Practice
Inflexible requirements
Financing/ Balances
Academic Standing
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15. Scholarship Opportunity Completion Concierges
Messaging:
Accessible, Affordable, Accelerated
Prior Learning
Change Elements
Scholarship Opportunity
Completion Concierges
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16. Course Completion Strategies
SUBSTITUTIONS
GRADE CHANGES
Thorough review of transcript and catalog requirements
Revise or complete missing coursework
TUITION COURSES
LOW COST OPTIONS
Schedule alternate times/sessions and delivery modes
Explore all forms of Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
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18. CPL: Credit by Exam Standardized Exams Institutional Exams CLEP DSST
In policy only
Underutilized
Unstandardized
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19. Meet Andy Took CLEP exam for American Government Savings of $1,100
Immediate Gratification
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20. CPL: Portfolio
Opportunity for students to develop a portfolio of their learning experiences
Students complete 7 module, online portfolio development course
Faculty member evaluates portfolio for academic credit
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21. Meet Michael Completed Portfolio Development course
Awarded 18 hours of credit
Savings of $5,850 and 3 semesters
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22. CPL: Pre-Assessed Experiences
The Saylor Academy
Diverse offerings
Faculty reviewed
Open enrollment
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24. CPL: Allies Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL)
American Council on Education (ACE)
National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS)
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25. Getting started Reality check Get the right message Start small
Tell the stories
Gain support
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26. Gaining support FINISH LINE #nacada17 College Business & Finance
Institution
Development
Scholarships
President
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27. National Clearinghouse
Cautions
Speed bumps
Overwhelming
National Clearinghouse
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28. “The Finish Line program has been a true blessing
“The Finish Line program has been a true blessing. I have landed a job at a prestigious brokerage firm, which has allowed me to provide for my family. ”
- Kendra
“I start graduate school next month. None of this would have ever been possible without Finish Line.”  - Mary
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to finally finish my degree requirements and earn my diploma after 34 years. This is very important to me in so many ways.”
- Steve
“In the face of all the reasons adults want to give up, I was able to see it to the end because of the compassion and consideration of your program.” - Karin

29. Please remember your session evaluations.
Questions?
ASHLEY COFFER TRACY ROBINSON
Please remember your session evaluations.
Session C237
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