Policy for Challenging Courses
Capilano University's Academic Policies and Procedures provide for five methods for challenging courses: Exemption, Substitution, Transfer Credit, Prior Learning Assessment and Course Challenge. All five challenge procedures are briefly described below, but may not all be available for courses in specific program areas.
In the case of the Department of Legal Studies and the Paralegal Program, only the latter three apply: Transfer Credit, Prior Learning Assessment and Course Challenge.
Please contact the Department for further details or with any questions.
Note
Credit granted based on Exemption, Substitution, Transfer Credit, PLA, or Course Challenge is only relevant for Capilano University. Other institutions to which you may transfer will re-evaluate your credits at the time of application to that institution.
Exemption
An exemption indicates a student is not required to complete a particular course(s) in a program because of successful completion of a combination of post-secondary courses which, overall, constitute equal content. Exemption standing does not reduce the total number of credits required to complete a credential. Approved exemption is not noted on the student's Official Transcript of Academic Record.
Currently, the Department of Legal Studies does not accept exemption credit for its courses.
Substitution
A substitution indicates a Capilano course used in lieu of another Capilano course to complete a program's requirements. Credit must be equal. Approved Substitution is not noted on the student's Official Transcript of Academic Record.
Please note that LGAS, IPS and LAW courses that are equivalent will only be counted once. For example, if you have taken IPS 252 and then later take LAW 200 they will only count as one 3-credit course.
Currently, the Department of Legal Studies does not accept substitution credit for its courses. Exceptions may apply in particular cases, however. For more details, please contact the Department.
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit is credit given for work successfully completed at another institution. The transfer credits reduce the total number of credits required to complete a certificate, diploma, associate degree or degree. Approved transfer credit is noted on the student's Official Transcript of Academic Record. While grades are noted on the student record system, they are not included in the calculation of the GPA, nor are they printed on an official Capilano University transcript.
The Department of Legal Studies accepts transfer credits for courses completed at other institutions that are substantially equivalent to courses in our program. Substantial equivalency will be assessed considering the following:
- instructor qualifications
- course content based on:
- instructional time (using onsite, online and other delivery platforms)
- topics covered
- materials used
- assessment method
- grading profiles
- other relevant factors
All requests for transfer credit must be submitted to the Registrar's Office on the Transfer Credit Request form. A decision will be made with the recommendation of the Department Chair or designate. The credit or action will be noted and approved by the Registrar's Office. Students will be notified in writing of the final decision.
Transfer credit procedures
Request for Transfer Credit form
Prior Learning Assessment
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a process whereby students may receive university credits for learning acquired in formal and in informal situations. This process is of immense benefit to mature students who have work and life experiences that equate to courses offered at the University. For example, if you have on-the-job work experience in computers you may be able to receive credits offered in one or more office or business administration courses. You will need to prove that you have acquired the knowledge, skills and values required in the formal courses for which you are requesting credit. This is done by providing evidence of what you have learned. This might include any one or combination of the following: a work site visit, documentation, interview and oral presentation, portfolio. For more information about whether the PLA option is available in the program for which you are applying, please contact the program coordinator. The regular tuition fee for the course will be required for Prior Learning Assessment. Prior Learning Assessment granted will be recorded on the permanent student record.
The Department of Legal Studies offers the possibility of PLA credit for courses in the Paralegal Program.
As a general rule, the following will be required as evidence of prior learning:
- for procedural courses, five years relevant work experience in a legal setting supported by a portfolio, two challenge assignments, and employer letter(s);
- for skills courses, five years relevant work experience in a legal setting supported by a portfolio, two challenge assignments, and employer letter(s); and
- for substantive courses, five years relevant work experience in a legal setting supported by a portfolio, a challenge research assignment, and employer letter(s).
Specific circumstances will be evaluated, however, and other methods of assessment may be required.
Students will be provided with a course outline for the challenged course, and a Faculty Assessor will provide advice about the preparation of PLA materials and the development of adequate evidence of learning.
Note: Unfortunately, prior learning assessments will not be available in advance of the new degree commencing September 2010. Our assessment committee will begin evaluations in the fall of 2010.
Course Challenge
Admitted students may request a course challenge whereby an examination for achievement may be awarded for a very specific and limited selection of courses at the institution. Certain courses may not be challenged. Students interested in this procedure should contact their instructor. The regular tuition fee must be paid for a challenged course. A course challenged successfully will be recorded on the permanent student record.