The Assessment of Prior Learning Program at Humboldt State University, California, is described. The program enables students to gain at least token recognition, through elective units, for prior learning by taking a course and writing a portfolio that is assessed by faculty and awarded up to 10 additional units. The program began by offering lower-division credit under a Behavioral and Social Sciences course number, and is now offering upper-division credit in all academic areas. Through the Division of Interdisciplinary Studies, it is suggested that the entry of older students into the regular college population has resulted in more flexibility in the traditional curriculum. The faculty, by working with students who are in their same generation or older, have become more aware of the kinds of expectations they have of college students. One issue is whether people learn better by moving from the particular and applied to general principles, or vice versa. Courses are usually taught beginning with the general and then examining applications; however, adults who have considerable nonacademic experience are likely to learn in the other direction, using applied knowledge as the basis for theoretical understanding in academic courses. The average age of students in the program has been 42 years, and 90 percent have been women. Most people who enroll complete the course, but only about one-third complete the portfolio for the additional units. The greatest faculty concern has been to maintain a level of quality at least as high as in regular courses and to create credibility for the program with other faculty. A bibliography is appended. (SW)