TRANSFER CREDIT
See policy B.15 that can be viewed at the Library or online at
www.kwantlen.ca/policies for further details.
A student who has completed courses at another post-secondary institution may request that these credits be transferred to Kwantlen University College.
Where Kwantlen offers an equivalent course to that taken at the sending institution, the student will be granted transfer credit for the Kwantlen course. Where Kwantlen does not offer an equivalent course, the student may be granted unassigned credit at the appropriate year level in the subject area (e.g. 3 credits in Anthropology at the second year level). Minimum grade stipulations may apply to transfer credit, although transfer credit may be granted, a further decision on the applicability of the credits toward program admission or graduation requirements may be required.
An official transcript from each institution at which the courses were taken must accompany a request for Transfer Credit form. Course outlines must be submitted for all courses taken outside of British Columbia or if they are not listed on the B.C. Transfer Guide (
www.bctransferguide.ca/). There is a charge for asseessing courses taken outside of British Columbia. Refer to the General Fee Table for cost. Courses transferred from another post-secondary institution are not included in the calculation of the institutional grade point average. The transfer of credits and the transfer grade point average become part of the student’s permanent record at Kwantlen University College.
The transfer credit articulation process takes approximately 6-8 weeks at Kwantlen University College. It is strongly recommended that students submit their request for transfer credit and all supporting documentation (course outline, official transcripts) at least 8 weeks prior to their registration date so that they can make well informed choices with respect to course selection.
A student who has successfully completed course work at a post-secondary level at another post-secondary institution in a program that is similar, but not necessarily identical, to a program offered at Kwantlen University College, may be granted block transfer rather than course-by-course transfer.
Any student planning to transfer to a university or other postsecondary institution should be aware that transfer credits granted by Kwantlen University College are not binding on another post-secondary institution.
Request for Transfer Credit forms are available from the Enrolment and Registrar Services Office (Office of the Registrar) located on any campus.
LETTER OF PERMISSION
A letter of permission may be requested by Kwantlen University College students who wish to take upper division courses to help satisfy third and fourth year level courses required in their degree program at Kwantlen, or by those students who wish to take a course(s) at other postsecondary institutions but have been unable to find the course transfer equivalency from the BC Transfer Guide
www.bctransferguide.ca.
A Letter of Permission ensures that courses successfully completed at another institution can be transferred to the student’s program at Kwantlen University College.
Before applying for a Letter of Permission, a student must have completed nine semester credit hours of study at Kwantlen University College and have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.00.
Request for a Letter of Permission forms are available from Enrolment and Registrar Services located on any campus.
PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT
METHODS OF PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT See policy B.14 that can be viewed at the Library or online at
www.kwantlen.ca/policies for further details.
Kwantlen University College recognizes that students may attain significant learning at a post-secondary level through work, training, and informal experiences outside the formal post-secondary system or from institutions with whom Kwantlen does not have course transfer and articulation agreements. Through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), Kwantlen will grant credit toward a certificate, diploma, or degree for this learning if it fulfills the requirements of the program to which the student has applied.
Note: Kwantlen accepts PLA credit awarded at other public post-secondary institutions in the same manner as Transfer Credit.
Applications for PLA credit are available from Enrolment and Registrar Services. Before applying for PLA, a student must meet with the PLA Advisor in his or her program area for detailed information regarding level. Although PLA credit may be granted, a further decision on the applicability of the credits toward program admission or graduation requirements may be required.
Any student planning to transfer to a university or other postsecondary institution should be aware that PLA credit granted by Kwantlen University College are not binding on another postsecondary institution.
METHODS OF PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT
The following methods of assessment may be used, independently or in combination, to determine if the PLA applicant has met the required standards:
Challenge Exam:
A test or exam (written or oral) that is designed to validate the knowledge of the candidate as it relates to course requirements. A challenge exam may be the same test or exam given to students who formally attend the course. It is limited to questions that are directly related to the learning objectives/outcomes of the course-not to information that would be available only by regular attendance in the classroom.
Standardized Test:
Similar to a Challenge Exam. However, someone from the department other than the assessor usually develops this test or exam. It is focused around widely recognized standards (as set by a department or professional/sectoral organization) that are equivalent to the course objectives.
Products/Portfolio:
Documents or objects that have been produced by the candidate and demonstrate tangible proof of accomplishment. These may include-but are not limited to-reports, computer printouts, videos, illustrations, prototype models, or an artist’s portfolio. Students may be asked to demonstrate abilities or answer questions about the portfolio by the assessor.
Demonstration:
Simulation or actual presentation of candidate’s abilities, which may be live, recorded, or videotaped. The demonstration may include, but is not limited to such activities as presenting a speech, role-playing a situation, creating a document on computer, giving a musical performance, performing a lab experiment, interviewing a client, operating equipment, or completing a procedure.
Interview:
Oral questioning. The PLA interview is focused around course objectives and may include techniques such as open-ended questions, case studies, and prepared analyses. The interview is used to clarify areas of learning, and may be used in parallel with other methods, as a sole method of assessment, and/ or as a means to ensure authenticity of products.
Worksite Assessment:
Similar to a demonstration. The candidate is observed performing tasks as a part of normal work routine, or as specifically assigned, in the place of work. Assessment is normally done by faculty assigned to a candidate, but may also be made by a work supervisor or field expert. If performed by an external assessor, may be followed up by a self-assessment and/or interview with a faculty assessor.
Self-assessment:
Assessment performed by the candidate, usually with the aid of an established form or questionnaire. Normally requires a parallel assessment by a field expert and/or faculty assessor.
External Evaluation:
Assessment provided by an expert other than Kwantlen faculty. Assessment method may include, but is not limited to performance evaluation, letter of validation, or worksite assessment, and may require follow-up by faculty.
EXEMPTION
In some instances, a student does not have formal course work that is equivalent to courses taught at Kwantlen, but does have a combination of education and experience that would permit her or him to be granted an exemption from an introductory or prerequisite course. A student who is granted an exemption must still complete the required number of courses and credits for a degree, associate degree, diploma, certificate or citation. However, the number of elective courses and credits will be increased. A student who has been granted exemption from a course may not subsequently enrol in that course for credit.
TRANSFER FROM KWANTLEN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
Kwantlen endeavours to provide complete and accurate information to students who plan to transfer to other institutions. Students are, however, responsible for obtaining assurances from the receiving institution that they will meet the specific entrance requirements for the program of studies that they plan to pursue.