Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition – Policy ED(24) 2-0

Please see www.cariboo.bc.ca/policy/index.html for the latest policy and regulations.

Policy

1. The University College of the Cariboo (UCC) recognizes that adult learners acquire knowledge and skills through life and work experience. Through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), UCC will assess this knowledge and skills and grant credit/recognition for the learning that has taken place.
2. PLAR is the assessment by some valid and reliable means, of what has been learned through formal and non-formal education, training or experience that is worthy of credit in a course or program offered by UCC. PLAR is used to evaluate knowledge, skills and competencies which may have been acquired through, but not limited to, work experience, independent reading, hobbies, volunteer work, non-formal learning, travel and artistic pursuits.

   The assessment and evaluation of prior learning and the determination of competency and credit awarded, will be done by instructional or faculty staff who have the appropriate subject matter expertise but other staff in an institution may have a supporting role in the process.

   The work required for PLAR includes, but is not limited to: classroom-based and individual advising; classroom-based and individual assessment, training and upgrading; development of assessment tools; and, training in the use of flexible assessment.

3. UCC accepts credit earned through PLAR (as transfer credit) from all British Columbia post-secondary institutions that have formally adopted the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) Prior Learning Assessment Standards and Guidelines. Such transfer credit is applied in the context of UCC course and program requirements.

Regulations

1. UCC offers candidates several methods of documenting and demonstrating that they have achieved an appropriate level of prior learning. No single Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) method is best for all situations. With the help of a PLA Facilitator, methods should be selected to suit the unique needs of the particular situation.

   UCC will award credit or equivalent recognition only for prior learning which is appropriately documented or demonstrated and which is at an appropriate level. PLAR is a process which challenges learners to claim and articulate their knowledge, skills, abilities, and values based on documentation that describes learning or provides evidence of learning.

1. PLAR Facilitator

   The PLAR Facilitator acts as the contact person at UCC for PLAR inquiries, offers orientation seminars, portfolio preparation courses and other PLAR related courses, and acts as liaison between the Assessor(s) and the learner.

2. PLAR Assessor

   Prior learning will be assessed by qualified specialists, approved by the relevant department/program, who have expertise in the area to be assessed. Assessors will be responsible for ensuring that the documentation provided by the learner supports the claim for credit/recognition. If the Assessor believes that the knowledge the learner has demonstrated is sufficient and appropriate, credit/ recognition will be granted.

3. Documentation and Demonstration of Achievement
   1. All PLAR requires evidence. The learner has the primary responsibility for preparing the evidence that learning has taken place and that it contributes to an appropriate balance of theory and practical application. Tangible proof of competence can be provided through documentation of accomplishments or demonstration of skill and knowledge. Depending on the subject area, certain types of documentation or demonstration are more useful than others.
   2. Examinations

      The purpose of exams is to measure knowledge of the content of, or the achievement of, the learning outcomes that are equivalent to those of a specific course.

      1. Challenge exams are created for students who have not attended the course but who wish to demonstrate that they have achieved the course outcomes. Challenge exams are designed by a course instructor.
      2. Standardized exams are prepared by national organizations, are applicable to a large population, and measure a specific level of achievement in a specific subject.
   3. Equivalencies

      Course equivalencies are awarded to learners who have completed and been evaluated in programs, professional licenses, or professional certificates outside of the college or university system. These non-formal programs and credentials are evaluated by UCC and credit may be granted if the program or credential meets the assessment criteria.

   4. Portfolios

      Portfolios summarize the learning gained from non-formal learning experiences. It is a collection of information that demonstrates the depth and breadth of what the learner knows and/or can do. A portfolio can be used as a "stand alone" or in combination with other methods of assessment. It provides evidence of learning. A portfolio is generally compiled and organized in a binder for assessment.

      1. Portfolio Assisted Assessment

         Portfolio assisted assessment combines the portfolio with other examples of achievement. For example, with products, performance simulations, interviews, oral exams, and skills demonstrations:

         1. Products may include a selection of fine art, computer software, poems, books, stories;
         2. Performances may include dance, music and theatre and may be live or video taped;
         3. Simulations such as role play; useful when it is either too expensive or impractical to bring in actual products or to arrange a live performance;
         4. Interviews and oral exams provide a more personalized assessment; often used to clarify areas of learning;
         5. Skills demonstrations assess hands on learning such as competence in operating special equipment or conducting lab experiments.

            With a portfolio, learners are able to demonstrate how acquired competencies match what would have been learned from completing a formal course.

      2. Typical Elements of a UCC Portfolio
         1. cover page: name, address, phone number, title of course equivalency requested and table of contents;
         2. chronological record: details of significant activities including work experience, volunteer experience, and non-formal learning;
         3. statement of educational and career goals (approximately 500 words);
         4. description of competencies, knowledge and skills;
         5. materials, such as: job descriptions, performance appraisals, transcripts, samples of work, testimonials, certificates of attendance, previous credentials, awards and any other materials that document evidence of knowledge of the assessed subject area.
         6. narrative: to convey to the assessor that the learner has acquired the knowledge applicable to the course description under assessment.
4. Eligibility
   1. A learner requesting PLAR must normally be admitted to UCC before the PLAR process will be commenced.
   2. PLAR can be used to accumulate credit in programs or to satisfy admission requirements to certain programs upon approval by the appropriate department chair.
5. Conditions
   1. Credits granted for prior learning towards a specific program at UCC can be transferred to other programs at UCC where specific transfer credit exists.
   2. Credits granted for prior learning at UCC may not always be transferable to other institutions. It is the responsibility of the learner to determine transferability.
   3. A maximum of twenty-five (25%) of the credits required in a program will be awarded for prior learning.
   4. Not all courses are eligible for PLAR; eligibility will be determined by the appropriate department.
   5. PLAR may normally only be requested once per course.
   6. A successful PLAR will apply only to the designated course and will not constitute a successful PLAR of any prerequisites to that course.
   7. PLAR will not normally be granted for a course previously transcripted without the special permission of the department and without reasonable evidence of the acquisition of new knowledge.
   8. Transcripts reflect the course being granted credit with a grade of PLA, which will count as credits attempted and taken, but not for GPA calculations.
   9. If a Request for PLAR is unsuccessful, there will be no listing on the transcript.
   10. Learners who receive an unfavourable decision from the Assessor will have access to UCC's appeal process.
   11. Students are advised to consult with the Financial Aid office regarding any impacts enrollment in PLAR courses may have on eligibility for student aid.
6. Fees

   The cost of PLAR for credit courses will be equal to the course fee as defined by the tuition fee schedule. The cost for cost-recovery courses will be determined by the number of credits requested. All fees are non-refundable.

7. Application Process

   The applicant may meet with the PLAR Facilitator at the beginning of this process and at any time throughout.

   Phase 1:

   Applicant reviews UCC PLAR information, obtains UCC Calendar and course descriptions.

   Phase 2:

   Applicant obtains appropriate course outline(s) from divisional secretary, matches designated course outcomes with own learning, arranges pre-assessment interview with department chair or program coordinator to discuss intentions, and meets with designated faculty assessor/course instructor to discuss specific assessment procedures and timelines.

   Phase 3:

   Applicant completes Request for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition form (available from Registrar's office), pays fee, and engages in assessor procedure as determined by faculty assessor; for example:

   1. writes challenge exam as set by faculty assessor/course instructor; or
   2. submits portfolio, prepared according to UCC guidelines, to faculty assessor/course instructor; or
   3. participates in oral exam; or
   4. other.

      Phase 4:

      Applicant receives notification of the outcome from faculty assessor/course instructor.

      Phase 5:

      Assessor forwards outcome to Registrar's Office.