1. Avoid the Political Undertow with CLEP Policies and Promotion Presented by Cheryl Downey-Eber Manager, Testing Center Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) And Diane Patterson Coordinator of Testing and Assessment Services Three Rivers College

2. Our Experience with College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Cheryl’s Experience Cheryl’s Experience –Since 1990 promote and administer CLEP –1995-1999 aided in the evaluation and posting of credit to transcripts –1999-2000 oversaw the transition from paper-pencil to computer based testing –2003 became Manager of Test Center at Missouri S&T and questioned the score of 57 and no definitive answer –Today planned to have a completely revised CLEP policy to present; however, earlier this month discovered possible undertow that may result in the loss of granting CLEP credit Diane’s Experience Diane’s Experience –When taking on testing role in 2005, did not understand why credit was granted for some exams and not others –Searched for more information from faculty and floated along without much response –Former VP of Learning wanted any other CLEP credit to be brought in as an elective, but became stagnate –Continued to paddle on…

3. Where did we start? Reviewed current CLEP policy Reviewed current CLEP policy –Followed any files that documented credit granting decisions –Spoke with individuals who may have been involved i.e., Faculty, Registrar, Admissions, New Student Programs –Took an active/direct approach toward the departments with specific revised CLEP exams (Math and English) –Cheryl CLEP Open House for the campus CLEP Open House for the campus Sent Test Information Guides Sent Test Information Guides –Diane Sent the Test Information Guides around Sent the Test Information Guides around Approached Assessment Committee Approached Assessment Committee

4. At this point…

5. How we recovered? Chery l –On a committee to review all Credit by Examination programs –Collaborated with Admissions and Registrar’s Office in seeking out other CLEP policies –Registrar’s Office then sent information provided by Cheryl to Department Chairs to review –Information then went to Curriculum Committee –After conference Cheryl will be talking with Department Chairs during their meetings to discuss change in accepted passing score –Has to be approved by Faculty Senate Diane –Talked with Assessment Committee Chairperson and was directed to send information to Division Chairs –Advised of changes and directed them to The College Board’s website –Responses starting coming in

6. Collaboration Cheryl Researched other college/university Credit by Exam policies Researched other college/university Credit by Exam policies Provided snapshot information regarding all CLEP exams with link to The College Board Provided snapshot information regarding all CLEP exams with link to The College Board –Policy has not changed since 1999 – had to communicate ACE recommendations –Show how the tests were peer reviewed Next step is providing student information to Department Chairs Next step is providing student information to Department Chairs –Number of students who have earned CLEP credit –How many credit hours earned by AP/CLEP/IB? –What is their GPA? –Did/do they finish their degree sooner?

7. Missouri S&T’s Analysis Spreadsheet

8. Faculty may reply in one or more of the following ways: Bluster Bluster –Creates a storm –Questions everything from student’s ability to the material covered on the test Buoy Buoy –Floating along with the same old policy –Never any questions Sextant Sextant –Will navigate through the information provided –Will ask questions to clarify

9. Results Missouri S&T added three exams Missouri S&T added three exams –Scores are still set at 57 –With a review of the scaled score and CLEP policies from competing schools (MIT, Colorado School of Mines) CLEP credit may no longer be considered by Faculty Senate Three Rivers College added three exams Three Rivers College added three exams –Scores sail along with ACE recommendations Revising CLEP policies is something that cannot happen in less than year Persistence is the key!

10. CLEP Policies Cheryl – Missouri S&T Cheryl – Missouri S&T Diane – Three Rivers College Diane – Three Rivers College –Maximum of 30 CLEP credit hours accepted –Completed less than 45 cumulative credit hours –Students taking the American Government CLEP test must also take the MO Government one credit hour class for state requirement –Student is responsible for checking with home college about accepting CLEP credits

11. Promoting CLEP How we have promoted How we have promoted –New Student Program resource fairs –Orientation –Student Life Fair –New Student Program’s Flash drive

12. How have you marketed CLEP? Do you have a policy revision story that involved a step we do not have? Do you have a policy revision story that involved a step we do not have? What have been the reactions to CLEP/AP/IB Credit by Exam on your campus? What have been the reactions to CLEP/AP/IB Credit by Exam on your campus?

13. Questions… Thank you!