Corporate Legal

Policies and Corporate Legal

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:

RRC Polytech Member Responsibilities
Student
  1. Complete and submit relevant RPL Forms, pay any RPL fees, participate in the RPL process, submit required evidence and continue to attend classes until notified of a successful RPL result.
Instructor
  1. Participate in RPL training and professional development to support the development and implementation of quality RPL practices.
  2. Identify opportunities for RPL when creating  course outlines and reporting such opportunities to their program Chair.
  3. Create RPL processes and resources and conduct RPL assessments as identified by their Chair.
  4. Communicate assessment results to their Chair in a timely manner.
Chair
  1. Identify and implement RPL processes in accordance with the associated Procedures.
  2. Assign responsibility for RPL development and assessment to instructors with subject area expertise.
  3. Communicate RPL assessment results to students in a timely manner.
  4. Note courses with RPL processes available on the RRC Polytech website.
  5. Approve credit awards for prior learning assessed against course(s) in a RRC Polytech program.
Associate Dean
  1. Grant course credits for more than 75% of a program in consultation with the Chair and the Manager Academic Quality and RPL.
  2. Ensure Chairs and RRC Polytech programs are knowledgeable of RPL policies and associated procedures.
  3. Review and grant approval for credit from External Courses from Non-Post-Secondary Institutions upon recommendation from the Chair.
RPL Committee
  1. Regularly monitor, review, evaluate and revise the RRC Polytech RPL policy to reflect changing needs and improvements in the assessment process and changes in RRC Polytech’s mission and goals.
  2. Ensure RPL updates, changes and best practices are communicated to programs and departments.
International Credential and Transfer Credit Officer and RPL Advisor
  1. Work with RPL Services and RRC Polytech programs to provide students and prospective students with RPL information and advice.
  2. Guide students through RPL processes and practices.
Educational Developer – RPL
  1. Liaise with RRC Polytech staff to ensure consistent application and implementation of RPL processes across RRC Polytech courses/programs.
  2. Develop and facilitate RPL training and professional development.
  3. Guide the development of RPL resource materials and evaluation tools.
Director of Enrolment Services and Registrar
  1. Implement, coordinate and monitor RRC Polytech’s transfer credit activities and procedures.
  2. Maintain a master list of approved External Courses from Non-Post-Secondary Institutions in RRC Polytech’s Transfer Credit database, which includes approved courses for programs in all Schools, including the School of Continuing Education.
Manager Academic Quality and RPL
  1. Develop and implement RRC Polytech’s RPL Strategic Plan which includes RPL training and professional development.
  2. Coordinate, promote and monitor RPL activities and procedures.
  3. Establish and implement RPL Fee Range Guidelines and recommend RPL fees to the RRC Polytech Fees Committee.
  4. Chair RRC Polytech’s RPL Committee.
  5. Annually compile and report RPL data and statistics.
  6. Develop the Assessment of External Courses from Non-Post-Secondary Institutions Manual (the “Manual”) and its associated procedures.
VP Academic
  1. Approve these procedures under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy.

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of Anishinaabe, Ininiwak, Anishininew, Dakota, and Dené, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

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