The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, in collaboration with the American Council on Education Learning Evaluations, wrapped up a first-of-its-kind learning experience for South Carolina that focused on awarding credit for prior learning for military experience, bringing together representatives from colleges and universities from across the state at the R2i2 Conference Center in Columbia on Jan. 27.
The event was the culmination of a four-phase training program that included both in-person and online elements, spanning several weeks to provide specialized training as well as many opportunities for questions and discussion. This allowed the training to explore detailed ways to help military-connected students earn maximum academic credit for their military skills and knowledge, using participants' expertise and ACE’s proven frameworks.
“This event is part of our ongoing efforts at the CHE to support South Carolina's service members and veterans,” said CHE President and Executive Director Dr. Jeff Perez during his remarks to participants at the event. “You can help make the case to support credit for prior learning for our military students, and you can assist those offices on campus that can create policies that support our military students as they pursue their higher education and career goals.”
Effective CPL practices a win-win
“Military students represent about 52 percent of all adult learners nationally, making them a vital group within our adult learner population. Research also shows us that credit for prior learning not only helps these students connect their learning to their lives but also increases their loyalty to institutions that recognize their experiences,” said Alfie Mincy, CHE program coordinator for South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program and Veterans Outreach.
She added that the South Carolina Military Credit Mobility Task Force has been engaged across the state for more than a year, working to address how military experience and education are recognized by colleges and universities. She credited the group with notable progress to date, including revised policies, reduced tuition at some institutions, and training to expand acceptance of military credits.
She also said the task force requested additional training and resources, which ultimately led to the partnership with the American Council on Education for this program.
“We hope this training equips you to implement practices and policies that activate, create, and establish military credit for our prior learning that improves military credit mobility at your institutions and across our state,” Mincy said.
Strengthening the statewide CPL foundation
The CPL training program objectives included engagement among institutional stakeholders, developing tailored resources to apply CPL principles for military-connected students, and creating a scalable learning model that can be replicated across institutions.
Participants embarked on a multi-phase learning journey starting in November with virtual orientation and micro-courses, culminating in the interactive in-person workshop. Throughout the training, they gained insights into the ACE Review Process, Military Guide Onboarding, and best practices for maximizing the success of military learners.
The final workshop day, which was originally scheduled for December but rescheduled due to Hurricane Helene, provided a unique opportunity for participants to delve deeper into the application of CPL frameworks. ACE faculty evaluators facilitated discussions, addressed participant-submitted questions, and reinforced key concepts, ensuring attendees were equipped with practical tools and strategies to implement CPL at their institutions.
Four student panelists also shared their experiences with the group, explaining the challenges and processes they encountered while applying their military-earned credits at several institutions in the state.
“The student panel was very impactful. Just hearing how they navigated the process, what they perceived as challenges, and who helped them was very eye-opening to help us go back and examine pathways and policies at our own universities,” said Emily DaBruzzi, director of military and veteran engagement at Clemson University.
In addition to receiving a certificate of training, participants now have access to the ACE Engage platform and resources to continue their professional development in CPL. The program also introduced a badge system to recognize participants' commitment to military learning. By empowering higher education professionals with the tools and knowledge to implement CPL effectively, the training aligns with broader goals of supporting workforce development and economic mobility in the state.
“We look forward to your continued collaboration with the South Carolina Military Credit Mobility Task Force towards a common goal: South Carolina’s service members and veterans receiving the academic credit they are due for their military service and experience,” Perez said.
For more information about the training, visit Learning Opportunity: Activating, Creating, and Establishing College Credit in SC for Prior Military Learning.
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