Union County Review

Ayisha Mapp, an employee and student at Kean University, is working towards a bachelor's degree in liberal arts with a health minor through the university's degree completion program. After earning 59 credits from another institution and gaining experience in county government, she joined Kean’s Global Education and Resource Campus in March to complete her studies.

“I have a certificate as a registered public purchasing specialist, which was what I did before I came to Kean,” Mapp explained. “If I could get credit toward my degree, it would be amazing.”

Mapp participated in a workshop on October 3 with other students to develop portfolios for prior learning assessment. This initiative allows students to seek college credit for skills and knowledge acquired during their careers by documenting work experience, professional certifications, and other relevant achievements.

“Kean University is committed to providing access and equity to students, helping underrepresented groups achieve their college degrees,” stated Joseph Youngblood II, Ph.D., senior vice president for transformational learning and external affairs. “This program gives students the chance to earn credits for their prior learning, which helps them complete degrees faster and reduces costs.”

Since March, over 100 working adults have enrolled in the program at Kean’s Global Education and Resource Campus, which caters to returning students over the age of 25. Faculty experts assess student portfolios to determine if prior learning qualifies for college credit.

“New Jersey has a statewide initiative, Some College, No Degree, which aims to bridge the gap for the approximately one million state residents with some college experience but no degree,” noted John F. O'Callaghan Jr., vice president for transformational learning and chief online officer. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the early success of our Global Education and Resource Campus and are proud of how it helps amplify Kean’s commitment to anchor down into the communities that we serve.”

Walter McGee from the Office of Transformational Learning reported that fifteen students have earned credits through this process so far.

“For students, the portfolios fill in the details between bullet points on their resumes, aligning their skills with learning outcomes in our course catalog,” McGee added.

Professor Patricia Morreale from Kean's Department of Computer Science reviewed assessments where experienced individuals received course credits after evaluations.

“Students attending college must take meaningful courses, not courses that repeat material they are highly experienced in,” Morreale said. “Through prior assessment, this student was able to focus on new learning rather than retaking content he had already mastered.”

Suanne Mercury from Morristown also joined Kean aiming for a human resources management degree while balancing family responsibilities. She hopes her previous experiences will contribute towards her graduation by 2026.

“The reason I chose Kean is I wanted to stay in New Jersey where it’s more affordable,” Mercury mentioned. “With my kids, it gives me the flexibility to work at my own pace.”

For more information about this program visit www.Kean.edu/finish.