A14 – Recognition of Prior Learning Procedures

1.0 Purpose

1.1

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) procedures outline the implementation of consistent transparent practices and processes for the assessment of prior learning at RRC Polytech.

1.2

To ensure fairness and reliability, RPL processes at RRC Polytech will follow the nine guiding principles for Quality RPL Practice in Canada as set forth by the Canadian Association for Prior Learning Assessment (CAPLA) and other quality practices.

2.0 Definitions

2.1

“Chair” refers to the Chair (or their designate) of a RRC Polytech program.

2.2

“Dean” refers to the Dean (or their designate) of a RRC Polytech school. The Dean may designate the Associate Dean to carry out the responsibilities identified in these Procedures.

2.3

“Equivalent”, means equal course learning outcomes or positions that include all critical or essential components.

2.4

“Formal learning” is learning usually organized by professional educators and leads to a qualification or academic credential. It traditionally takes place in educational institutions such as colleges, polytechnics and universities. Recognition of formal learning typically leads to a transfer of credit.

2.5

“Informal learning” is learning that takes place through work and life experiences. Learning activities are not structured or officially evaluated.

2.6

“Non-formal learning” is learning usually offered by a sector, professional group or a company to deal with specific training needs. Formal assessment may or may not be included.

2.7

“Recognized Post-secondary Institution” refers to a post-secondary institution that is authorized, registered and/or licensed by a government ministry/department responsible for education and/or quality-assurance/accrediting agencies in the jurisdiction in which the institution is located.

2.8

“Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)” refers to a set of processes that allow individuals to document, be assessed and gain recognition for their prior learning. The focus is on the learning rather than where or how the learning occurred. Knowledge, skills and abilities gained from life experiences may include Formal learning, Informal learning, or Non-formal learning.

3.0 Assessment of Formal Learning Procedures

3.1

Assessment of Formal learning includes internal transfer credit(s) for course(s) completed at RRC Polytech and/or external transfer credit(s) for course(s) earned at another post-secondary institution or training organization and applied towards a student’s program of study. Students initiate the transfer credit request by completing the applicable form.

3.2

Application(s) for internal and/or external transfer credit(s) should be submitted before or soon after a student enrols in a course. Transfer credit applications are processed for first course attempts. If a student has previously been registered in the same course, transfer credit is not available.

3.3

Transfer credit application(s) must be received by the Registrar’s Office before the mid-point of the course and prior to the applicable voluntary withdrawal (VW) date.

3.4

Internal and external transfer credit(s) may be given for a course(s) completed within five years prior to admission into the applicable program or within a timeframe prescribed by another applicable RRC Polytech policy.

3.5

Currency requirements for course transfer credit(s) may be extended beyond five years if evidence of continued application or practice and/or relevant learning through the completion of education leading to a degree and/or continued competence of this learning in the workplace or industry is demonstrated.

3.6

Internal Transfer Credit:

1. A course(s) which has been delivered through RRC Polytech will be considered for transfer credit(s) in all RRC Polytech programs providing it is identical or equivalent to a specific course. The letter grade will be used in the calculation of a student’s grade point average.
2. A course(s) which has been delivered through RRC Polytech will be considered for transfer credit(s) if it has been assessed as acceptable but not equivalent to a specific course. This course will receive a designation of “CR” and will not be included in the calculation of a student’s grade point average. An acceptable course(s) may have variance in the number of credit hours, learning outcomes or grade schemes.
3. The grade for the course being transferred must meet or exceed the grade required for the course in the RRC Polytech program for which it is being used.
4. RRC Polytech course credit(s) that are transferred internally will be included in the grade point average in the term in which they were earned.

3.7

External Transfer Credit:

1. External course credit(s) gained at another post-secondary institution, or training organization, may be transferred and used to complete requirements of a relevant RRC Polytech program.
2. A course(s) submitted for external transfer credit(s) from another post-secondary institution will be examined by the appropriate Chair, who will determine if credit will be awarded. The minimum grade requirement for an external course(s) to be considered for transfer credit(s) is a “C”. This may be higher depending on grade progression requirements of the applicable program.
3. A course(s) submitted for external transfer credit(s) from a training organization will be examined by the appropriate Chair, who will determine if credit(s) will be awarded.
4. External transfer credit(s) which are granted will appear in a separate section of the transcript as a designation of “CR” and will not impact a student’s grade point calculation.

4.0 Assessment of Informal and Non-formal Learning Procedures

4.1

Relevant Informal learning and Non-formal learning may be assessed against course(s) in a RRC Polytech program and applied towards a student’s program of study. Students initiate the request by completing the applicable RPL Application form.

4.2

Evidence of Informal learning and Non-formal learning will be assessed for currency, relevancy and applicability to the course(s) in the student’s specific program of study at RRC Polytech.

4.3

Applications for assessment(s) of Informal learning and Non-formal learning are processed for first course attempts. If a student has previously been registered in the same course, an assessment of Informal learning and Non-formal learning is generally not available.

4.4

Students who have been unsuccessful in a course or in an RPL assessment will require sufficient evidence of new learning and the approval from the appropriate Chair to proceed with any additional RPL assessment(s).

4.5

Application for assessment of Informal learning and Non-formal learning must be received by the Registrar’s Office before the mid-point of the course and prior to the voluntary withdraw (VW) date for the course.

4.6

RRC Polytech will record successful assessment of Informal learning and Non-formal learning in the same way grades for courses are normally transcribed. Grades will be recorded where assessment rubrics are used. Where this is not appropriate, the designation “CR” (Credit) will be used.

4.7

The grade for assessment of Informal learning or Non-formal learning must meet or exceed the grade required for the course in the RRC Polytech program for which it is being used.

4.8

RRC Polytech will record unsuccessful assessment of Informal learning or Non-formal learning as “NC” (No Credit) in the applicable student information system.

4.9

Assessment results from Informal learning and Non-formal learning are communicated to the student by the appropriate Chair.

4.10

Assessment results from Informal learning and Non-formal learning are included in the term in which they were earned, and where a grade has been awarded, the grade will be included in a student’s grade point average.

5.0 Assessment of External Courses from Non Post-Secondary Institutions Procedures

5.1

RRC Polytech will follow procedures outlined in the Assessment of External Courses from Non Post-Secondary Institutions Manual (the “Manual”) to assess external courses from business, industry and other Non post-secondary institutions. The Academic Quality & RPL Manager is responsible for updating the Manual as needed.

5.2

The organization which provided the Non post-secondary Institution course(s) must meet specific RRC Polytech requirements to be eligible for the assessment process. All procedures and requirements are outlined in the Manual.

5.3

The organization which provided the course(s) will be required to provide specific documentation for the course(s) to be reviewed so that an assessment can be conducted.

5.4

The awarding of credit(s) will be based on equivalent RRC Polytech course learning outcomes, elements of performance, content, materials and evaluation methods.

5.5

The assessment of an organization’s course(s) will be conducted by a subject matter expert appointed by the appropriate Chair. The results will be one of the following:

1. the organization’s course(s) is recognized for credit by RRC Polytech as equivalent to a particular RRC Polytech course(s); or
2. the organization’s course(s) is not recognized for credit by RRC Polytech.

5.6

Approved courses will be included in RRC Polytech’s Transfer Credit database.

5.7

Credit(s) for approved organization course(s) will be recorded as a “CR” (credit) in the student information system.

5.8

If either RRC Polytech and/or the organization who provided the course makes substantial changes to the designated courses(s), another assessment will be required.

5.9

All organizations with approved courses will be required to apply to RRC Polytech every three years for renewal.

5.10

Organizations with approved courses must obtain RRC Polytech’s written consent and approval to include the use of RRC Polytech’s name, logo, or other reference in any materials or activities used for commercial or promotional purposes.

Appendix A: Roles and Responsibilities

The procedures are implemented by RRC Polytech members who hold unique roles and responsibilities under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy. RRC Polytech members have specific responsibilities for RPL Procedures as identified: