When Jeremiah Freshly, a 24-year-old individual, applied to the University of Akron to pursue a business degree, he encountered an unusual request from the institution. The university asked him to provide a detailed account of his duties, skills, and certifications acquired during his four-year tenure in the Air Force and his one-year involvement in railroad operations. Freshly recalled their instruction to be as precise as possible in his response.
After a thorough evaluation of his prior experiences, a team at the university granted him nearly half of the credits required for his degree. Freshly expressed his surprise and enthusiasm, noting how his technical knowledge and practical skills, such as delivering speeches and briefings, were recognized and applied towards his academic progress.
Transitioning from a four-year degree to a two-year program was a significant milestone for Freshly. He embraced the opportunity to expedite his education, acknowledging the benefits it would bring upon completion. This initiative by the University of Akron, known as “credit for prior learning,” aims to acknowledge and reward students with relevant life experiences in their chosen fields by offering them course credits based on their demonstrated mastery of subject matter.
The university’s commitment to inclusivity and support for adult learners was highlighted by Heather Howley, the Director of Regional Campuses, who emphasized that students of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed and valued within the academic community.
Gwyneth Price, the senior vice provost for academic and faculty affairs, explained the meticulous process through which faculty members assess and determine the amount of credit a student can receive for their prior learning experiences. This personalized approach ensures that students who demonstrate proficiency in specific subjects can advance efficiently towards their degree goals.
While this practice of awarding credits for prior learning is not unique to the University of Akron, the institution’s comprehensive review process sets it apart. Price underscored the faculty’s adaptability and understanding of the diverse student population, emphasizing the positive response and engagement from educators.
The initiative not only benefits individual students like Freshly but also resonates with businesses seeking to upskill their workforce. By recognizing and leveraging employees’ existing certifications and experiences, companies can support their staff in pursuing higher education or professional development opportunities.
The strategic shift towards accommodating a broader demographic of students reflects the university’s commitment to its mission and vision of serving the community. Price emphasized the importance of adapting to evolving demographics and removing barriers to education to foster greater accessibility and participation.
Despite the potential loss of revenue from shortened academic programs, Price affirmed that the long-term impact of empowering students through credit recognition outweighs the financial considerations. By eliminating obstacles and facilitating educational pathways, the university aims to engage and empower individuals who may have otherwise been deterred from pursuing higher education.
For Freshly, the prospect of expediting his degree and reducing both cost barriers and time constraints is a significant relief. As a newcomer to Akron with aspirations of starting his own business in logistics or becoming an operations manager, he views his educational journey as a transformative opportunity to set an example for his young son and pave the way for future generations.
As Freshly prepares to embark on his academic pursuits in May, supported by the university’s credit recognition initiative, he remains dedicated to continuous learning and personal growth. His story exemplifies the transformative power of education and the value of recognizing and honoring individuals’ diverse life experiences within the academic realm.
For inquiries related to education and academic initiatives, please contact Jennifer Pignolet at jpignolet@thebeaconjournal.com, at 330-996-3216, or via Twitter @JenPignolet.