°µÍø51

°µÍø51 values student learning and the rich variety of ways and environments in which learning takes place. The College seeks to provide recognition of previous traditional and nontraditional learning. When such learning is not recognized by formal transfer credit agreements, it may be recognized through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

Transfer credit

Students who completed university and college level course work at a prior public secondary institution may be eligible to transfer their credits to °µÍø51.  To learn more, visit Transfer your credits.

Prior Learning and Recognition (PLAR)

°µÍø51 offers students who are enrolled in a program of study the opportunity for the assessment of learning that has been acquired through prior formal and informal learning experiences. When learning is assessed as equivalent to the outcomes defined for a course, program or graduate profile, then formal credit is awarded. Individual departments or programs are responsible for determining courses are PLAR eligible and this is noted in the individual Course Curriculum Guideline in the course catalog.

°µÍø51 offers three types of PLAR Assessment:

Challenge examination

Written, oral and/or practical tests as determined appropriate by a department/program. Challenge exams are developed by the department/program in which credit is sought for courses which the department/program deems suitable for challenge. Individual course objectives/learning outcomes are assessed.

Workplace-based assessment

Assessment of a student’s prior learning (knowledge, skills, abilities and/or values) as demonstrated in a simulated or real setting. Learning is demonstrated in a comprehensive way, showing knowledge, understanding and levels of competence in relation to the course objectives/learning outcomes.

Portfolio assisted assessment

Assessment of documentation that systematically provides evidence of an individual’s learning experiences and accomplishments in relation to course objectives/learning outcomes. This documentation may include a selfreflection. An interview may also be required as a component of this assessment.

Additional information

Please review the Prior Learning Recognition and Assessment Policy and note the following:

• PLAR is only available to students admitted to a °µÍø51 program
• Departments and/or programs are responsible for identifying appropriate processes for the assessment of prior learning.
• Students are not eligible to apply for PLAR credit for courses in which they are currently registered. 
• Not all courses are PLAR eligible (check the individual course guideline in the course catalog to see if eligible)
• PLAR opportunities are subject to the availability of a qualified faculty assessor

Contact information

Students interested in PLAR should contact the Program Chair/Coordinator to see if PLAR opportunities are available for the course they want to earn credit.