Higher Education Transfer of Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy (Ver. 1.03)

Transcription

1 Higher Education Transfer of Credit and Recognition of Prior (Ver. 1.03) Policy Number 2012/00859 Trim No: 2014/ Responsible Authority General Manager, Organisational Services 1. POLICY STATEMENT 1.1 Purpose/Intent: This policy aims to ensure the granting of advanced standing towards the completion of Polytechnic West higher education qualifications is applied equitably and consistently to all domestic and international students. 1.2 Policy Objectives: The objective of this policy is to ensure the transfer of credit for enrolment with advanced standing is fair, equitable, transparent and academically sound. Through this policy Polytechnic West seeks to ensure: 1.3 Scope: Student s formal and informal learning is recognised for advanced standing towards a qualification; The processes used are academically sound, transparent and documented; Credit transfer and the provision of advanced standing is equitable and consistently applied; and, The quality, integrity and reputation of Polytechnic West qualifications are maintained. This policy applies to all higher education courses at Polytechnic West. 2. POLICY PRINCIPLES 2.1 Compliance with AQF rules In accordance to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Qualifications Pathways Policy published in the Australian Qualifications Framework July 2011, the limitations on the granting of advanced standing are: The minimum qualification eligible for credit transfer for an Associate Degree is a completed VET or Higher Education Diploma. The maximum advanced standing allowed based on transfer of credit or RPL into an Associate Degree is 50% or one year of full-time study. Incomplete qualifications may be eligible for advanced standing and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Limits to credit exemptions into a PWA Associate Degree may be adjusted only where due consideration for the AQF is given, and where a comprehensive mapping exercise has been undertaken and approved by the Academic Board. CRICOS Provider Code 00020G Higher Education Provider PRV12167 Page 1 of 8 Review Due Date: 15/09/2016

2 2.2 Establishing Credit Recognition Advanced Standing through the Transfer of Credit or RPL will only be granted where there is: detailed curriculum mapping to support the final decision; and, sufficient evidence demonstrating comparability and equivalency of learning outcomes, volume of learning, program of study (including content) and, learning and assessment approaches, as specified in the AQF Qualifications Pathways Policy (Australian Qualifications Framework July 2011). Curriculum mapping will be carried out by the relevant Discipline Leader/Course Coordinator/Head of Programs who will determine specified credit to be granted in accordance with established guidelines and procedures. The Higher Education Manager Program Development will administer this process. The proposed credit granted will then be submitted to the Higher Education Board of Studies and Academic Board for endorsement. Once curriculum mapping has been carried out for a qualification this shall be documented on a Standard Exemption List by the Higher Education Manager Program Development and used to ensure consistency of decision making for all future applications based on that qualification. Where the application for credit recognition contains qualifications or non-formal education or experience not included on the Standard Exemption List, these will be referred to the relevant Discipline Leader/Course Coordinator/Head of Program to be assessed and administered by the Higher Education Manager Program Development to ensure it is completed in a timely manner. Advanced Standing should not be granted for prior study where the prior study occurred more than 7 years previously. A shorter timeframe than 7 years may be applied where there have been recent or significant changes in the relevant field of study since the prior study occurred. 2.3 Potential Conflicts of Interest Polytechnic West recognises that there is a potential for conflict of interest where staff may have responsibilities for assessing advanced standing where clients are: Polytechnic West staff; Family members or close personal associates; and, Business associates of PWA e.g. staff involved in Training Partnerships. Where a potential conflict of interest exists, advanced standing should be validated by another assessor and approved by the Portfolio Manager. Where the risk of conflict of interest is identified as high, advanced standing must be validated through the Director of Higher Education and Teaching and Learning and approved by the Portfolio Manager. 2.4 Student Information and Advice Information and advice on Advanced Standing and credit recognition will be provided to students when they apply for admission into a higher education course; however applications will only be assessed and processed once the student s enrolment contract is completed. Overseas qualifications will need to be verified and assessed through AEI- NOOSR. For onshore international students, an approved advanced standing may affect the course duration, and thus their Student Visa. International students should be advised of this implication prior to them submitting their Application for Higher Education Advanced Standing Form. CRICOS Provider Code 00020G Higher Education Provider PRV12167 Page 2 of 8 Review Due Date: 15/09/2016

3 It is essential that any International student enrolled into higher education programs at PWA, and applying for Advanced Standing is directed to the International Centre to ensure they are advised of the implications for their student visas. Credit transfer granted for PWA higher education courses may impact on the credit recognition provided under articulation arrangements made between PWA and its university partners, which is subjected to change according to the terms indicated on the articulation agreements. Students should be informed of such implications during their application and in the letter informing students on the outcomes of their applications. Eligibility for credit recognition does not guarantee an applicant a place in a course. Regardless of the nature or amount of credit recognition granted, any specific requirements of a course must be fulfilled, including any conditions associated with professional recognition of the award. If a student transfers from one course to another, the credit approved in the original course will not be automatically transferred. Credit recognition will not normally be granted for units or qualifications completed more than seven years prior to application unless there is evidence of continued relevance of these units/qualifications for the award towards which credit is sought. 2.5 Applications Applications for Advanced Standing must be made on the approved form and include all necessary documentation including: certified copies of qualifications and/or academic transcripts for the initial formal studies; and, evidence portfolios for students seeking RPL. Onshore international students must report to the PWA International Centre of any granted Advanced Standing to ensure they are not in breach of their student visa conditions. All documentation should be received prior to Census date in order for students to be eligible for a refund of course fees, if applicable. Provided applications are received and processed prior to Census Date, no fee shall be charged for assessing applications. Late applications will incur an administrative fee. In addition to this, applications lodged after the Polytechnic West Census Date will result in students not being eligible for a refund of fees for the enrolled units from which they have been exempted. To ensure completion of assessment of Advanced Standing students should submit their applications no later than TWO weeks after the commencement of the first Semester in the enrolled course. Applications for Advanced Standing received after week two will not be considered for the current enrolment period. This will enable applications to be assessed and reported by Census date. Applications for Advanced Standing will not be accepted after the first semester of the enrolled course. Successful domestic students will be eligible for a refund of fees in line with Higher Education Admission and Enrolment Management Policy. Onshore international students must be referred to the International Centre at PWA as ETI will credit funds towards the following semester s tuition fees. 2.6 RPL Assessment and Approval All applications should be assessed in a timely manner. Staff conducting the assessment must have a detailed knowledge of the unit/s for which the applicant is seeking credit, and expertise in, or access, to advice regarding assessment methods for RPL CRICOS Provider Code 00020G Higher Education Provider PRV12167 Page 3 of 8 Review Due Date: 15/09/2016

4 2.7 Notification of Outcome Students should be notified of the outcome of their application for Advanced Standing in writing via , and a copy of the letter must be kept in the student s TRIM file. As the Higher Education Student Support Services office has all the Advanced Standing documents, it should be trimmed and placed on the student s file by this office. International students who are successful in gaining Advanced Standing must report to the PWA International Centre to ensure ETI is informed and the student s course duration is amended accordingly. 2.8 Appeals A student who believes that the application has not been fairly or fully reviewed can make an appeal within 10 working days from the receipt of notification of the outcome of the application. All appeals and grievances will be handled in accordance to the Higher Education Student Grievance Policy. 3. GUIDELINES 3.1 Processing Transfer of Credit To determine a student s eligibility for Transfer of Credit, the Higher Education unit will: View certified copies of qualifications and/or academic transcripts for the initial formal studies; Consult the Standard Exemptions List to determine the specified credit to be granted; and/or, Compare the qualification studied using the OQU service (e.g. via AQF or NOOSR or based on prior assessments and course information) with the course for which the student is seeking entry or the provision of credit and determine the specified credit to be provided. Where the qualification for which the applicant is seeking credit recognition is not on the Standard Exemption List, the documentation along with the unit outlines for the course shall be provided to the relevant Course Coordinator/Head of Programs to undertake Curriculum Mapping. International students must report their intention to apply for Advanced Standing to the PWA International Centre to ensure all information is conveyed to the student. 3.2 Assessing applications for RPL To determine an applicant s credit for prior learning the Higher Education unit will refer the application to suitably qualified staff who will: Compare and assess the informal learning the applicant has achieved against the learning outcomes of the unit/s for which they are seeking the provision of credit. Determine appropriate evidence to support the claim of prior learning. Contact the PWA International Centre if the application is from an international student. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide appropriate evidence to support the claim of prior learning. All documentation must be presented in English or translated into English and stamped as a certified copy. Where appropriate an applicant may be asked to complete an assessment to determine the level of prior learning. This could be a written or practical assessment, including the requirement to sit an examination. The Discipline Leader/Course Coordinator/Head of Programs will determine if an assessment will be offered. CRICOS Provider Code 00020G Higher Education Provider PRV12167 Page 4 of 8 Review Due Date: 15/09/2016

5 4. RELATED DOCUMENTS 4.1 Governing Documents: Australian Qualifications Framework TEQSA threshold standards and related directly to: PRS: Section 6 Responsibilities to Students PCAS: Section 3 Admission criteria are appropriate QS: Section 3 Articulation, recognition of prior learning and credit arrangements meet the appropriate criteria Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 The National Code of Practice Related Policies: Academic Pathways Policy Higher Education Admission, Enrolment and Fee Management Policy International Credit Transfer Policy Higher Education Student Feedback and Grievance Policy Education and Training International Refund Policy 4.3 Related Procedures and Forms: Higher Education Standard Exemption List Higher Education Advanced Standing Overview Flowchart Associate Degree of Aviation (Aeronautics) Associate Degree of Aviation (Operations Management) Associate Degree of Business Associate Degree of Fashion Business Associate Degree of Hospitality Management Associate Degree of Network Development Associate Degree of Software Development (Mobile Applications) Higher Education Advanced Standing Application for Recognition of Prior Learning CRICOS Provider Code 00020G Higher Education Provider PRV12167 Page 5 of 8 Review Due Date: 15/09/2016

6 4.4 Supporting/Related Documents: Australian Qualifications Framework Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board (2002) National Principles and Operational Guidelines for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Australian Qualifications Framework Advisory Board (2002). Guidelines on Cross-Sectoral Qualification Linkages. Department of Training and Workforce Development current Vocational Education and Training Fees and Charges Policy for publicly funded Registered Training Organisations 5. ACCOUNTABILITIES Monitoring and Evaluation: Director of Higher Education and Teaching and Learning Higher Education Manager Program Development Director of International Business and Services Higher Education Quality and Standards Committee Academic Board 6. DEFINITIONS (For a full list of definitions please see the QMS Glossary List of Definitions and Acronyms on QMS) Accredited Course A course formally recognised by TEQSA. AEI-NOOSR Australian Education International National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition - provides official information and advice on the comparability of overseas qualifications with Australian qualifications, using the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as the benchmark. Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) The policy framework that defines all qualifications recognised nationally in post-compulsory education and training in Australia. The AQF comprises titles and guidelines that define each qualification, as well as the principles and protocols covering cross-sectoral qualifications and statements of attainment Census date The final date for withdrawal from a unit without incurring a financial liability for that unit. This is usually at the beginning of the 5 th week of the semester Course An award course is a structured combination of approved units which when completed qualifies the student for an award. Curriculum Mapping Learning outcomes of unit/module/subject/competency are compared and evaluated with the learning outcomes of the PWA unit for which advanced standing is being sought. The record of this is termed Curriculum Mapping Education and Training International (ETI) The Registered Training Organisation responsible for all onshore international students CRICOS Provider Code 00020G Higher Education Provider PRV12167 Page 6 of 8 Review Due Date: 15/09/2016

7 ETI Students are those students enrolled in VET courses of study who are either: 1. From overseas, living and studying in Western Australia on a student visa and enrolled in a CRICOS coded VET course of study or 2. Residing/living in Australia but NOT living in WA (usually studying online or through correspondence). Formal learning Learning that has occurred in courses recognised as part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) or overseas courses recognised by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) or in other formal courses of study recognised by Polytechnic West as leading to a qualification, the standing of which can be assessed by Polytechnic West. Informal learning Learning that has occurred in courses not recognised as part of the AQF nor overseas courses recognised by NOOSR nor in other formal courses of study recognised by Polytechnic West as leading to a qualification, the standing of which can be assessed by Polytechnic West, and/or learning that has occurred outside courses of study e.g. work experience, life experience. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) The recognition of skills and knowledge an individual has achieved outside the formal education and training system (through informal learning) to claim credit towards a Polytechnic West course. Credit recognition based on RPL is determined by assessing the extent to which the prior learning is equivalent to the required learning outcomes in a Polytechnic West unit/s. Note: The key distinguishing characteristics between Transfer of Credit and RPL is that In the case of Transfer of Credit, it is the outcomes of the course or subject previously studied by the student that is assessed; and, In the case of RPL, it is the skills and knowledge of the student that are assessed. Unit A unit is a discrete entity of study within a subject area that is a component of a course. 7. POLICY APPROVAL Approved and Endorsed: Bill Swetman Acting Managing Director Date: 15 September 2014 CRICOS Provider Code 00020G Higher Education Provider PRV12167 Page 7 of 8 Review Due Date: 15/09/2016

8 DOCUMENT HISTORY AND VERSION CONTROL Version Date Approved Approved by Brief Description June 2012 Academic Board Academic Regulatory Framework July 2012 Quality Assurance Minor Amendment February 2013 Quality Assurance Minor Amendment September 2014 Managing Director Minor Amendments CRICOS Provider Code 00020G Higher Education Provider PRV12167 Page 8 of 8 Review Due Date: 15/09/2016