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Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

• Purpose
• Policy Statement
• Process
• Assessment Procedures
• Grading/Recognition of Credit
• Limitations
• Appeals Procedure

Purpose

Douglas College values student learning and the rich variety of ways and environments in which learning takes place. The College seeks to provide maximum recognition of previous non-traditional learning and to promote the portability of credits earned through the flexible assessment of such learning.

Policy Statement

Douglas College will provide formal recognition of learning gained through prior experiences where such learning is determined to be equivalent to College courses/programs.

Process

Students admitted to Douglas College may request formal recognition for prior learning through one or more of the following processes. The department/program will determine which of these processes is appropriate:

1. Challenge Processes: Written or oral tests as determined appropriate by the Department/Program. Course challenges are developed by the department/program in which credit is sought for courses which the department/program deems suitable for challenge.
2. Portfolio-Assisted Assessment: assessment of a file or folder of information that systematically documents and provides evidence of an individual's learning expereinces and accomplishments in relation to the course objectives/learning outcomes for a course, program or graduate profile.
3. Work-based Assessment: assessment of a student's learning (knowledge, skills, abilities and/or values) in a simulated or real setting. Learning is demonstrated in a naturalistic and comprehensive way, showing learning connections and levels of competence.

Assessment Procedures

The assessment and evaluation of prior learning, and the determination of competency and credit awarded, will be done only by faculty who have the appropriate subject matter expertise. Learning assessed for post-secondary credit should be defined in terms of what was learned rather than the amount of time spent in the learning process, should be current, and should be demonstrated at a level of achievement equivalent to students registered in equivalent Douglas College courses in that program/subject area. The student has the primary responsibility for providing evidence that college-level learning has taken place.

Grading/Recognition of Credits

Learning assessed through the prior learning assessment process will be assigned a grade in accordance with the Douglas College Grading Systems Policy and consistent with the grading practices of the specified course. Subject to provincial government requirements or institutional agreements, Douglas College will make all reasonable effort to transcribe credits awarded through prior learning assessment in the same way in which credits are normally transcribed in the specified course.

Limitations

Prior Learning Assessment credit will be awarded only to those students who have applied for, and been accepted into, Douglas College credit programs. The Credentials policy identifies the maximum number of credits awarded through PLAR that may be used towards a credential.

Appeals Procedure

Students can appeal a Prior Learning Assessment decision under the Student Appeals policy.

This policy was last revised in November, 2001.