|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PLAR?
What kind of experiential learning does PLAR address?
How does the PLAR process work?
What type of credit can I receive through PLAR?
How much credit can I receive?
What is the difference between transfer credit and PLAR credit?
What is the cost?
How long does PLAR take?
Why should I pursue PLAR?
When should I pursue PLAR?
Can I get additional resources to help me through the PLAR process?
Who can I talk to about the PLAR process?
Who will assess my prior learning?
What departments and programs at UFV participate in PLAR?
How do I know that portfolio development would be a good option for me?
Can I use portfolio PLAR with two or more faculties or courses?
What is PLAR?
Through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) you have the opportunity to receive credit for what you already know and can do. PLAR is a formal process that assesses experiential learning that has been achieved outside of college or university programs. Qualified specialists at UFV assess the skills and knowledge acquired through experiential learning against learning outcomes of UFV courses.
What kind of experiential learning does PLAR address?
- Industry or workplace training
- Independent study or non-credit courses
- Travel and residency or teaching in foreign countries
- Volunteer and community activity
- Military training and service
How does the PLAR process work?
In our PLAR process, you work with an advisor and an assessor to:
- Set expectations about what PLAR can do for you and how your prior learning can be proven
- Identify courses to PLAR
- Receive approval from UFV faculty to pursue PLAR
- Gather evidence on your past experiences and accomplishments
- Prove your learning through a variety of means including practical demonstrations, interviews, portfolio development and formal testing
What type of credit can I receive through PLAR?
Either a grade (when possible) or Credit (CR)/No Credit (NCR) will be recorded on transcripts.
What is the difference between transfer credit and PLAR credit?
Transfer credit is based on successful completion of studies at a post-secondary institution. In order to grant transfer credit, UFV evaluates the academic standards of Canadian or international post secondary institutions and their learning outcomes of courses and programs. Please refer to UFV Admissions and Records for further information. To determine whether a course or program may be transferable to UFV courses and programs please refer to the BC Transfer Guide.
Under PLAR, an individual’s learning is assessed as opposed to an institution’s course or program learning outcomes. If you are able to demonstrate learning from your experiences you can show faculty that you are eligible to pursue PLAR for course credit. Eligibility is not a guarantee of credit.
How much credit can I receive?
You can receive up to 75% of your program through PLAR.
What is the cost?
You will normally pay 75% of the cost of a UFV credit course.
How long does PLAR take?
It depends on your learning and the course you are pursuing for PLAR. The assessment method will determine the length of the process. For example, preparing for a challenge exam will require less time than developing a portfolio.
Why should I pursue PLAR?
- Gain academic credits
- Save time and money
- Identify personal strengths and goals
- Attain occupational licensing or certification
- Identify training gaps
When should I pursue PLAR?
You should plan your PLAR one semester in advance to pursuing it. Beginning the PLAR process in the earlier stages of your credential will help you plan your academic program more effectively.
Who can I talk to about the PLAR process?
To make the PLAR process as smooth as possible, it is important you seek the help of the Educational Advisors in Student Services, or your program advisor. Educational Advisors will help you make choices as you plan your academic program and help you access resources at UFV, including resources for prior learning assessment and recognition.
Lori Wirth, UFV's PLAR Coordinator, is there to help you identify courses you can challenge, help you contact people who can support you in organizing your prior learning and support you through the process of enrolling in a PLAR section. The PLAR Coordinator will work with you to get the academic credit you deserve, help you prepare for entry into the work force or advance in your current position with resources to aid in the development of a portfolio that meets your needs.
Can I get additional resources to help me through the PLAR process?
Students can access PLAR reference material through our resource section, your faculty and the UFV Library.
Who will assesses my prior learning?
The UFV faculty member who has relevant expertise in the area of your prior learning will assess your PLAR.
What departments and programs at UFV participate in PLAR?
Many departments and academic programs across campus have already conducted PLAR assessments. You can contact your program advisor directly or the PLAR Coordinator will contact the department or program on your behalf to inquire about their PLAR possibilities.
Please take time to review the published course outlines for UFV courses in order to see which PLAR options are available within departments/faculties you would like PLAR credit.
How do I know that portfolio development would be a good option for me?
Both returning and first-time mature UFV students bring a variety of prior learning with them into the university. Adult learners tend to misjudge the quality and underestimate the quantity of their prior learning. Therefore, it is reasonable to claim that almost every incoming UFV student can benefit from developing a portfolio.
Can I use portfolio PLAR with two or more faculties or courses?
Portfolio PLAR is designed to allow for multiple faculties and courses to be represented.
|
