University Administrative University Administrative ProcessesProcesses

The lesser known delays affecting The lesser known delays affecting PLAR portfolio submissionsPLAR portfolio submissions

Margot G. Young

Communications Coordinator, Gateways Project

PLAR portfolio development is time PLAR portfolio development is time consuming when you take into consuming when you take into account:account:

• Developmental issues – Eg. collection of evidence, support documentation

and material development

• Personal issues – Eg. family, work, or other commitments

A lesser known barrier is the A lesser known barrier is the submission and assessment of submission and assessment of administrative documentation administrative documentation

• General Application submission• Original Transcript submission• Transcript Assessment

Can Administrative Barriers be Can Administrative Barriers be avoided?avoided?

• Administrative barriers are unavoidable

• Frequency of administrative barriers is controllable– Provide required documentation in a timely

manner

Unavoidable Administrative Unavoidable Administrative BarriersBarriers

Administrative Benchmarks• Transcript assessments will begin once all

paperwork and fees have been received from the student

• The Office of the Registrar normally takes 6 – 8 weeks to complete the transcript assessment– Assessment timelines may vary depending on the

volume of applications on file– Assessments are completed on a first ready, first

served basis

What can I do as a student?What can I do as a student?

• Take a Proactive Approach– Submit the General Application and required

application fee quickly• Ensure correct form is filled out and fees provided• Submit application online (preferred)

– If application is submitted by mail, track package

– Submit official transcripts early• Order before or the same day as submitting the

General Application– Transcripts may take up to 3 weeks to send from

previous institutions

• Submit OFFICIAL Transcripts– Have ALL previous post-secondary transcripts sent

• Send directly to the Office of the Registrar to ensure official status

– Ensure all information is accurate• Notify Office of the Registrar of any previous names on

transcripts• Clarify with sending institution that your diploma and/or

certificate is listed as complete

– Leave transcripts sealed• If you want to see your marks, order a separate copy for

yourself

Proactive Approach - continuedProactive Approach - continued

Why is the Administrative Why is the Administrative paperwork so important?paperwork so important?

• Before students are allowed to apply for a PLAR portfolio assessment they are– required to be admitted to Athabasca University – required to have their transcript assessment

completed

• Portfolios must provide evidence of approved admission and transfer credit– PLAR award sought by student is based on the

transcript award received– PLAR criteria responded to in the portfolio is

determined by the transcript award received

How do I benefit from a proactive How do I benefit from a proactive approach?approach?

• By ensuring all documentation is submitted timely and completely students notice– Reduced time waiting to begin transcript assessment– Reduced time in transcript assessment “queue”– Reduced time waiting for transcript assessment

results• Reduced time producing PLAR portfolio based on anticipated

transcript assessment results • Increased time producing PLAR portfolio based on real

transcript assessment results