The preparation of a Personal Portfolio encourages adult learners to have their previous professional training and life experiences evaluated for possible college credit.Comprised of six sections, the Portfolio requires that you present a record of all your previous college course work, military training, professional training (certificates of completion, verification of contact hours, and demonstration of course content), an autobiography and one or more Life Experience Essays.

Under the supervision of a Portfolio Instructor, the student organizes and presents the necessary documentation of professional training and submits it for validation to the Tusculum College Assessment Center.

Most adult learners enter the Professional Studies curriculum lacking some credits toward graduation. By submitting evidence of Professional Training or Military Training or by preparing college level research essays to document college level learning derived from personal experience, students can earn up to 32 credits towards their degree.

Completing a portfolio allows you to capture college credit for significant and verifiable adult learning experiences without the need to take additional courses.

A Portfolio class, which meets three times and which is non-credit bearing, is offered multiple times each year in Knoxville, Morristown and Greeneville. The class is required for students who are preparing portfolios.

You must sign up for these classes by calling either:
                             Joan Carter in Greeneville (1-888-488-7285 ext 5607)
                             Angela Hale in Knoxville (1-865-693-1177).

A portfolio instructor will be assigned to you and will help guide you through the documentation requirements, and the preparation of the required essays. If you have questions about whether or not you have the necessary credentials to turn adult learning into college credit, look up the Prior Learning Guide or Portfolio Guide. If you still have questions sign up for a Portfolio series and have your instructor answer your specific questions.