Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, Transfer Credit/Advanced Standing, Articulation Agreements and Exemption

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Subject: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, Transfer Credit/Advanced Standing, Articulation Agreements and ExemptionNumber: AOP 221
Issued by: Vice-President AcademicDate Issued: April 2009
Supersedes: N/APage: 1 of 5
Related Documents and LinksRevision Date: August 2020
1. Introduction and Purpose

Loyalist is committed to acknowledging prior learning which has occurred either inside or outside of the formal classroom environment as valid learning. This policy addresses how students may receive credit for this learning. 

2. Application

This policy applies to all prospective students. 

3. Definitions
  • Advanced Standing: Granted to students who receive enough transfer credits for admission directly into an upper semester (second semester or higher) of a program.
  • Exemption (EX): Assigned in recognition of academic credit deemed by the College to be sufficiently similar to program curriculum to warrant an exemption. Exemptions may also be available in certain courses through a standard, established in-class assignment.
  • Prior Learning: Learning gained outside a traditional classroom, through workplace training, military service, volunteering, outside study and/or similar forms of learning.
  • Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR): A process that involves the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of prior learning.
  • Residency Requirements: Provides students with the amount of study they must complete in order to be awarded the credential in which they are enrolled.
  • Transfer Credit (TC): Awarded in recognition of credits earned at an external institution. Students must make application to the Pathways Coordinator for the transfer credit(s).
4. Policy Statement 

The following sets out the parameters for recognizing students’ experiences and course credit obtained elsewhere, which will support their learning journey at the Loyalist College.  Please see AOP 221 Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition, Transfer Credit/Advanced Standing, Articulation Agreements and Exemption Procedure for more information. 

  • 4.1 Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition 
    • Loyalist College recognizes that in many instances the learning outcomes defined for an individual course can be achieved through a number of alternative means, including relevant work/life experiences, and provides the opportunity for these to be recognized at Loyalist through PLAR. 
    • A student may apply for prior learning credits at Loyalist where mastery of the learning outcomes of a course can be clearly demonstrated through the following types of assessments: 
      • Skills Demonstration (OSCE);  
      • Challenge Exam – Written;  
      • Challenge Exam – Oral; or  
      • Portfolio. 
    • A PLAR candidate does not need to be enrolled in a program to initiate the process however, enrolment would be required for the results of the challenge to be recorded on a transcript.  
    • The School Dean or designate will make the final decision on the material provided and specific program requirements. The assessment will result in a mark that will be entered on the student’s transcript. PLAR does not recognize work completed as part of a program of study and is therefore not a mechanism to upgrade marks previously received.  A student has the right to appeal the decision, as set out in AOP 231 Academic Appeals Process policy. 
    • Prior learning credit will only be awarded in a degree program for degree-level learning. No more than 50 per cent of a degree-level program may be awarded credit through PLAR. 
  • 4.2 Transfer Credits 
    • The School Dean or designate will make the final decision based on the material provided and specific program requirements. Students may not receive transfer credit for more than 75% of program requirements. A student has the right to appeal the decision, as set out in AOP 231 Academic Appeals Process policy. 
    • Transfer student applicants will be required to present a minimum grade point average for their program.  Please refer to Appendix A Transfer Credit Admission Requirements for more information. 
    • Courses approved for transfer credit are listed on the academic transcript but are not computed in the program weighted average. A transfer credit will not be granted if the initial credit was obtained more than seven years prior to the request.  
    • A transfer credit will be entered on the student’s transcript for each course cited in the articulation agreement.  
  • 4.3 Articulation Agreements 
    • Articulation Agreements are specific transfer arrangements between two (2) (bilateral) or more (multilateral) post-secondary institutions, often in a particular area of study.  Loyalist College will work with the student and the partnering institutions to recognize credits earned at Loyalist towards a credential program in the partner institution, or vice versa. 
  • 4.4 Exemptions 
    • Students must apply for an exemption(s) within the first 10 school days of the start of the academic semester. 
    • The student bears full responsibility for acquiring and supplying all supporting documents (official transcripts, course descriptions, etc.) as required for the purposes of evaluating a request for exemption. Courses approved for exemption are not computed in the semester weighted average.  
    • An exemption will not be granted if the initial credit was obtained more than seven years prior to the request.  
    • The School Dean or designate will make the final decision based on the material provided and specific program requirements. Students may not exempt more than 75% of program requirements. 
    • The opportunity to PLAR or obtain transfer credits may vary between programs because of accreditation requirements, please check with your program manuals and coordinator to ensure you know your eligibility.  
  • 4.5 Residency Requirements 
    • For a Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) certificate, diploma, advanced-diploma, or graduate certificate offered by Loyalist College, a minimum of 25% of the program credits or courses (whichever is greater) must be earned at Loyalist College.   
    • For degree programs, no more than 50% of the total number of credits in the four-year program may be met through prior learning assessment. Degree students may be awarded transfer credits which may amount to more than 50% advanced standing.