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Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Policy

POLICY: Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR)

APPROVED BY EXECUTIVE:   February 20, 2024

SUPERSEDES POLICY:      August 29, 2017

PURPOSE
Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) offers learners the opportunity to earn credit for college courses based on formal demonstration of prior learning usually acquired through study, work, and other life experiences that is not recognized through formal credit transfer processes. This policy establishes a guideline to award credit through recognition of prior work and life experience.

SCOPE
This policy applies to candidates requesting course credit through recognition of prior work and life experience. Prior learning can be acquired through study, work, and other life experiences that are not recognized through Sault College’s Credit Transfer Policy and Process.

A prior learning and assessment and recognition (PLAR) candidate has a secondary school diploma or equivalent or meets mature student status. The candidate may or may not be registered in a fulltime Sault College program.

This policy applies to courses in Sault College postsecondary programs.

DEFINITIONS
Prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) A process that uses a variety of tools to help learners reflect on, identify, articulate, and demonstrate past learning. Prior learning can be acquired through study, work, and other life experiences that are not recognized through formal transfer of credit mechanisms.

Challenge process A method of assessment, other than portfolio assessment, developed and evaluated by subject-expert faculty to measure an individual’s learning achievement against course learning outcomes. The process measures demonstrated learning through a variety of written and non-written evaluation methods for the purpose of awarding credit without requiring enrolment in a course.

Portfolio assessment A method of assessment that involves the evaluation of an organized collection of materials developed by a learner that records learning achievements and relates them to personal, educational, or occupational goals, in this case, achievement of stated learning outcomes of college courses or programs.

POLICY STATEMENTS
 

  1. Information about PLAR opportunities, process, and financial significance is to be well communicated to current and future PLAR candidates.
     
  2. Whenever possible, maximum recognition of prior learning is given at Sault College. At their discretion, Academic Departments may designate a course as not eligible for PLAR.
     
  3. Credit for courses obtained through PLAR may replace up to 50% of the course credits required for a degree program and 75% required for any diploma or certificate program. Program specific policies will apply.
  4. Students who wish to challenge the Student Selected General Education requirement may challenge one of the five general education themes as outlined in the Minister’s Binding Policy Directive - Framework for Programs of Instruction.
     
  5. PLAR results will be transcribed using the same grading scheme and pass point as the course. Grades received through PLAR are included in student grade point average (GPA) and on the student transcript.
     

Assessment of the following will be applied to transcript as credit earned (“CR”) and will not have a grade attached: a. General Education theme b. Block credit transfer c. Degree breadth electives.
 

  1. An Indigenous person’s lived experience and cultural context are deemed prior learning where Indigenous knowledge and cultural teachings are key components of a course.
     
  2. Prior learning may be assessed through a variety of assessment methods, categorized into either a portfolio review or a challenge process. The assessment method and its components will be determined by the academic department and will align with the learning outcomes of the course being challenged.
     
  3. Candidates have the right to decline a grade obtained through the PLAR process. Declined grades and PLAR attempts assessed as a Fail will not appear on the student’s transcript.
     
  4. A student may re-attempt a course via PLAR assessment after one academic year has lapsed after receiving a failing grade for their PLAR assessment, or declining the grade earned on the PLAR assessment, or having received a failing grade in that course, subject to Dean’s discretion and approval. In the case of a repeated PLAR attempt, the student will be expected to demonstrate new learning acquired since the unsuccessful attempt.
     
  5. Candidates may appeal the grade received through the PLAR assessment method in accordance with the Grade Appeal Policy.


TIMELINE

Registered Sault College Students in classroom-, lab- and independent study-based courses

In classroom-, lab-, and independent study-based courses, the PLAR assessment process must be completed before the last date to withdraw without academic penalty (Week 10). Thus:
 

  1. the challenge assessment (either challenge process or portfolio) is completed by the candidate before the end of the sixth week of the course being challenged.
  2. The assessor will evaluate a portfolio or challenge exam within two (2) weeks of submission.
  3. The student will accept or decline the grade earned through the PLAR assessment before the last date to withdraw without academic penalty per the Key Dates Calendar.
     

Registered Sault College Students in work placement courses

  1. Candidates applying for portfolio assessment in a work integrated learning course (e.g., practicum, field placement, co-op) will submit their completed portfolio to the PLAR Assessor prior to the end of the sixth week of the term prior to the term in which the work placement begins. Program specific restrictions may apply.
     
  2. The assessor will evaluate a portfolio within two (2) weeks of submission.
     
  3. the student will accept or decline the grade earned through the PLAR assessment prior to the end of Week 10 of the term prior to the term in which the work placement begins
     

Non-registered Sault College Students

Non-registered Sault College students will contact the Pathways Coordinator for information about PLAR opportunities. The timelines outlined above for registered students do not apply.

FEES

  1. As per the Student Fee Administration Policy, a registered student will be eligible for a refund if their course load decreases from full-time to part-time following a successful PLAR assessment.
     
  2. Fees attached to the PLAR process are non-refundable.
     

DOCUMENTS
MCU PLAR Resource Guide
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Procedure
PLAR Application Form
Key Dates Calendar
Academic Withdrawal Policy Program Progression and Graduation Requirements Policy
Student Code of Conduct and Appeals Guidelines
Grade Change/Credit Notification Form
Credit Transfer Polic