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Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Introduction to PLAR: Watch the video here!


Top Ten Reasons for Doing PLAR

  1. Validate your past experiential learning in a meaningful way.
  2. Develop/practice organizational skills.
  3. Develop/practice the ability to meaningfully reflect on past learning.
  4. Improve your writing skills.
  5. Receive detailed feedback on your learning.
  6. Learn to think critically about your own learning.
  7. Achieve as many as 30 credits (the equivalent of 10 courses) at one sweep.
  8. Compile a comprehensive document that reflects your past accomplishments.
  9. Save a LOT of money!
  10. Grow your sense of self-esteem and professional competence through the PLAR process.

Student & Academic Services - Last Updated April 29, 2013

News and Events

CLA invited to present on PLAR to a Danish study tour

April 24, 2013

The Centre for Learning Accreditation (CLA) at Athabasca University was honored to be invited to present on PLAR to a Danish study tour on April 11 in Winnipeg.

AU PLAR invited to (BC)PLAN 2013 Summit

March 28, 2013

Dr. Dianne Conrad, CLA Director, represented AU at a recent gathering in Vancouver, jointly hosted by Dr. Christine Wihak (Thompson Rivers University) and Ms. Wendy Watson, President of the (BC)Plan board.

Prepare for February 15, 2013

November 1, 2012

February 15th is once again the deadline for this year's applications for both the PLAR bursaries and the PLAR scholarship.

e-Portfolio Platform Upgraded

July 3, 2012

The Mahara software that CLA uses as its e-Portfolio platform has recently been upgraded...

Against all odds...PLAR learner studies from refugee camp

June 27, 2012

PLAR mentor, Fran, is celebrated in a recent Open Magazine article detailing the struggles and successes of Abraham Nhial Wei, an AU student who lives and works in South Sudan.

New Program-Based Virtual Portfolio now available!

June 25, 2012

An example of what a completed program-based portfolio looks like.

Congratulations to 2012 PLAR Scholarship Recipient!

June 11, 2012

CLA is delighted to announce that Kathryn Sturtevant from Bridgetown, Nova Scotia was awarded the PLAR scholarship award for 2012.

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