Davenport University’s Admissions Department recently held a “Credits, Careers and Connections” open house at the W.A. Lettinga Grand Rapids Campus to help prospective students explore opportunities to advance or pivot their careers through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

Admissions staff were on hand to explain how students can leverage the power of CPL to earn college credit at Davenport for previous work experience, military service, on-the-job training, community participation, transfer credits and more.

Attendees learned about Davenport’s Panther Path Credit Predictor Tool, which takes the guesswork out of determining how many college credits they qualify for, which saves them time and money. They were also able to have a free professional headshot taken and one-on-one resume advising with Davenport’s Career Services.

Matt Devereaux, assistant vice provost at Davenport, said the event was a shining example of the university’s inter-organizational collaboration. “From organizing the event to the event itself, Davenport faculty and staff worked together to provide current and prospective students with an opportunity to learn about CPL, network with faculty and alumni, meet with advisors and get their questions answered in real time.”

Alex Misiak, recruitment program manager at Davenport, and event organizer, said the relaxed open house environment allowed potential students to choose their own adventure and seek out the conversations that would be most meaningful to them, given their current professional and educational situation. “There was a wealth of knowledge in the room, making it a great space for people to connect with faculty and industry experts and to talk to Admissions about taking the next step,” he said.

Misiak said he tells people that if they aren’t sure if they qualify for CPL, to just ask. “Students might not think that their experience can earn them college credit, but they might be surprised. Most people are more skilled than they realize, and we want to make sure students reap the full benefits of their experience. Even if students qualify for only one college credit, it will be worth it.”

To learn how Davenport can support your educational and professional goals through CPL, click here.