Admissions/Registration/Fees

C.3.8 Prior Learning Assessment

Approved/revised: November 28, 2000

  POLICY

NVIT’s policy is consistent with the Provincially formulated guidelines. To earn credit through PLA toward a course or program offered by a post-secondary institution, the learner must demonstrate, by some valid means, that the learning is equivalent to that which normally would be acquired through conventional study at the post-secondary level.

Context:

    i) PLA will occur within the broader context of education, career, or life planning.

    ii) NVIT will provide adequate support services for those learners accessing PLA.

    iii) PLA courses and assessment services will be offered only in the language of instruction of the Institute. (English, except for assessments involving competency in an aboriginal language.)

    iv) The ongoing development and monitoring of PLA services will involve external representatives from groups such as business, industry, licensing and accrediting bodies, and professional associations. (as appropriate)

    v) PLA policies and practices will be regularly monitored, reviewed, evaluated and revised as needed.

  PROCEDURE

Programs and departments who choose to participate in Prior Learning Assessment are governed by the following procedures and guidelines:

    i) Discipline or program faculty are responsible for identifying courses and program components which can be obtained through the PLA process.

    ii) Credit granted through PLA is resident credit since NVIT faculty have evaluated the learning based on our education standards.

    iii) Credits received through the recognition of prior learning will be so identified on the student’s transcripts.

    iv) When credit is granted based on the assessment of prior learning a grade will normally be assigned. The faculty member conducting the assessment will utilize the regular standard for assigning grades in the course or program.

    v) Assessment fees charged to students will be based on the services performed not the number of credits awarded.

    vi) Learners who wish to appeal an assessment decision shall have access to the regular appeal process of the institution.