FAQs

What is the Plus-1 Credit?
The Experiential Learning Plus-1 Credit is a course credit that provides students an opportunity to engage in service with a local community organization and reflect upon how that service contributes to their development. The Plus-1 Credit is designed to give students a greater sense of community needs while inherently encouraging a greater appreciation of course subject matter.

What courses are best to apply the Plus-1 Credit?
It is up to the student to decide how to apply the Plus-1 Credit; however, students may want to consider applying the credit to a course within their discipline that will expose them to more real world experiences. Students may decide to apply the credit to a general course allowing them to broaden their overall learning experience.

Can you apply the Plus-1 Credit after a course has been completed?
No, you must be enrolled in a course in order to apply for the Plus-1 Credit.

Does the professor need to know that you are earning a Plus-1 Credit?
Yes, the faculty of record must approve the Plus-1 credit application.

Should students identify a community agency before applying for the Plus-1 Credit?
No, however, the OEECE encourages students to understand the learning objectives of the course they are applying the credit to and a general idea of the community needs they wish to address. Once your interest is clarified, the OEECE will refer or match you with community partners based upon mutual interests and/or learning objects.

How can I apply for the Plus-1 Credit?
1. Contact the faculty of record prior to start of the semester and inform him/her of your intent to use the Plus-1 Credit. This can be done via email or in person.
2. Answer all application questions clearly and completely.
3. Consult with OEECE to review the application and identify potential community partners.
4. Present the faculty of record with the OEECE “letter of description” to inform faculty of their role.
5. Submit the completed online application to OEECE for processing and approval by the faculty of record.
6. Once approval is received, register for the Experiential Learning Plus-1 Credit.

Is there a cost involved with the Plus-1 Credit?
No, if you are an undergraduate student taking 12-18 credit hours (full-time).
Yes, if you are an undergraduate student taking less than 12 hours or more than 18 hours.

Is the Plus-1 Credit available at the regional campuses?
Yes, all undergraduate Kent State University students can apply for the Plus-1 Credit with faculty approval.
Students from regional campuses will follow the process outlined above. However, they will register through their campus registrars’ office.

Are students required to create a project or give a presentation?
The finished product maybe be completed through student journal, portfolio, formal writing assignment, assigned readings, a class presentation, or a combination of any of these.

Is there a limit to how many Plus-1 Credits you can apply for in the same semester?
Yes, you can only apply the Plus-1 Credit to one course per semester.

Is there a limit to how many Plus-1 Credits you can earn?
No, a student can enroll in the Plus-1 Credit course over multiple semesters.

What is an example of something that would be acceptable for a Plus-1 Credit?
A student enrolled in a Health Behavior course decides to apply a Plus-1 Credit. One of the learning objectives is for students to gain an understanding of factors influencing negative health behavior. To facilitate this understanding, this student decides to serve with Happy Trails Animal Sanctuary assisting the organization in gaining a better perspective of the relationship between the home environment, animal abuse, and abandonment. This student serves Happy Trails as an intake worker. Then this student assists in compiling and analyzing the final data to create a report that will be used to increase public awareness. At the end of the experience, this student will submit a final reflection paper pertaining to their civic engagement opportunity, enhanced understanding of factors influencing negative health behavior, and their ability to address these issues.

Would this program contribute to the required internship hours many majors require for students to graduate?
No, an internship is an engaged experience in and of itself. The Plus-1 Credit is designed for courses that do not have an experiential component.

Is the Plus-1 Credit available for all students, regardless of class standing?
A student’s class standing has no bearing on enrollment in the Plus-1 Credit. However, students who have concerns regarding their grade point average should seek consultation form an academic advisor, the faculty of record, or the OEECE.