The purpose of this Policy is to establish Justice Institute of British Columbia (“JIBC” or the “Institute”) guidelines regarding the systematic and consistent approach to the assessment and recognition of equivalencies of prior learning experiences for formal academic credit.
JIBC recognizes that knowledge and skills are acquired in a variety of ways outside recognized post-secondary institutions, such as informal and non-credit education, work experiences, professional training, self-study, Indigenous knowledge and ways of being, and other life experiences outside the formal post-secondary education system. Where appropriate, credit may be awarded based on the learner’s skills, knowledge and professional values acquired through life experiences, work and independent study. (For knowledge and skills acquired through recognized Canadian post-secondary institutions, refer to JIBC Policy 3212 Transfer Credit.)
Divisions/programs will determine whether their courses are eligible for PLAR and the method of assessment. Eligibility for PLAR and method of assessment are noted on individual course outlines.
This policy applies to Students admitted into a JIBC credential program (as defined in JIBC Policy 3306 Program Completion & Credentials), and JIBC employees administering admissions and recognition of prior learning.
Grade Point Average (GPA) - The GPA is a number representing the average value of the accumulated final grades earned in courses over time. The GPA is calculated by multiplying the grade points associated with the letter or percentage grade assigned for a course by the number of credits assigned to that course, adding those values for all courses taken, and dividing the result by the total number of courses taken. The GPA can be calculated for all courses taken (i.e. cumulative), for a specified time period (e.g. term or year) or for a specified body of courses (e.g. program, level, or subject). Withdrawals from courses, prior learning assessments, transfer credits, and professional training transfer are not included in the calculations. For repeated courses, only the highest grade achieved is used in the calculations.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) - PLAR is a systematic process that involves the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of learning (i.e. skills, knowledge and attitudes). Assessment is determined by subject matter experts in each program and can consist of one or more of the following methods:
- Challenge Exam: a test developed by the program area, which enables a Student to prove their skill, knowledge and attitude toward the learning outcomes of a particular course.
- Portfolio Assessment: a collection of information that systematically documents and provides evidence of an individual’s learning, experiences and accomplishments in relation to the learning outcomes for a course, program or graduate profile. At the discretion of the program this may include a demonstration of skills or personal interview.
- Professional Training Transfer: training that is part of employment or professional education, provided by a licensed/accredited organization that has been assessed by JIBC as eligible for credit towards a program.
Registrar - The registrar of the Institute.
Student - A person the Registrar recognizes as being enrolled in a course or program of studies at the Institute.
Transcript - The official document provided by JIBC that verifies the Student’s enrolment and achievement at the Institute.
Limitations
A request for PLAR may be denied or delayed under the following situations:
- The course is not eligible for PLAR.
- A qualified faculty assessor is not available to complete a PLAR assessment.
- The Student’s prior experience/learning is not deemed adequate to achieve a reasonable expectation of success in meeting the course(s) learning objectives/outcomes as determined by the program manager.
Grading/Recognition of Credits
Learning assessed through the prior learning assessment process will be assigned a PLA grade in accordance with JIBC’s Policy 3304 Grading.
Subject to provincial government requirements or institutional agreements, JIBC will record credits awarded through prior learning assessment on the transcript.
Credits earned under the PLAR process do not contribute to residency requirements for a credential. See JIBC Policy 3306 Program Completion and Credentials.
Procedures
The procedures for the awarding of PLAR under this Policy are set out in Procedure 3202-001.
Related Policies and Procedures