College students want to learn and earn a degree, so they can get a job, a promotion or a pay raise. Davenport University has been committed to giving students credit for prior learning for years and is now increasing its toolbox to help them get credit for what they already know and for what they’ve already done to make those goals easier and more affordable to reach.
The university, with its main campus in Grand Rapids, announced a credit predictor tool called PantherPath. The Davenport mascot is a Panther, and the tool helps predict what university credits the students may receive for their experiences. That experience may come from classes taken, employment or military service. Using the PantherPath takes three minutes to answer eight questions to receive an estimate of the time and money students may save on credits awarded for prior learning.
Vice Provost for Academics Wayne D. Sneath, Ph.D., said the PantherPath Credit Predictor Tool is the first step for prospective and current students to take to see how many credits Davenport may award them for prior work and learning.
“We respect what students have learned outside the classroom,” said Sneath. “We value college-level learning, and we have a streamlined process to assess it. At Davenport, we honor what students have learned through their experiences.”
Sneath said Davenport has a long history of taking the time to assess prior learning and giving students credit through the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program at Davenport. CPL has helped countless students get appropriate credit for what they already know. Going through the prior learning assessment (PLA) saves time and money on the way to a degree.
Nikki Ames is working toward a bachelor’s degree in applied science and hopes to graduate from Davenport in 2026. She has spent nearly 20 years working for a health care system in Michigan. She said she highly recommends students use the tool and consider the PLA process.
“I have completed a total of eight prior learning assessments (PLAs), which has saved me approximately one year of classes and thousands of dollars,” said Ames. “The process for each PLA was unique, but it was explained very well. I was also provided the opportunity to ask questions directly to the course professor, and these questions were always responded to promptly. The PLA process is great for students with school, career or real-life experience.”
Ames’ positive experience is echoed by Ryan Hazelden, who graduated from Davenport with a bachelor’s of business administration in December 2023. He is from Ontario, Canada and joined the Canadian Armed Forces. While he received extensive work experience in the military, he needed a bachelor’s degree to become an officer.
“I found Davenport University’s online BBA program through an articulation partnership with Georgian College, where I had received an advanced diploma in electrical engineering technology,” said Hazelden. “Initially, I viewed PLAs as mere checkboxes, but I realized they were much more than that. Each assessment challenged me to apply my professional experiences in new ways. From personal career reflections, to creating complex marketing strategies and logistics presentations, these assignments validated my prior learning and expanded my skills through new research and the use of new tools.”
Hazelden has been accepted into two master’s programs, and he credits his faculty mentors and the PLA program with a much-appreciated boost.
“Overall, the affordability and flexibility of PLA assignments and credits allowed me to effectively balance academic pursuits with a busy career and young family,” Hazelden said. “They also saved me time and money, allowing me to get a master’s program quicker.”
Assistant Vice Provost for Assessment Matt Devereaux works with many students who have gained meaningful work experience on their way to earning their degree. He said it is rewarding to assist them in getting the college credit they deserve for proving what they already know.
“I’m happy to help students complete a PLA at any point in their academic journey,” Devereaux said. “But it’s particularly rewarding to watch those who are doing a PLA for the final course of their degree program. The look of accomplishment and pride on their faces, when they realize they passed their PLA and will receive the final credits for their degree, is the absolute best part of this job.”
Learn more here: Davenport University’s College Credit for Prior Learning.
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