4.5 Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

Memorial University of Newfoundland recognizes that learning may occur outside a formal institutional setting through professional or personal experience or through participation in unaccredited learning. Students of Memorial University of Newfoundland may be eligible for the award of credit for informal or non-formal learning in specific circumstances. Where PLAR is offered, it is available only to those students who have applied for admission or who are currently registered at the University. PLAR at Memorial University of Newfoundland is subject to the following regulations and procedures:

  • The recognition of informal learning, assessed on the basis of recognized professional achievement, may exist in the form of program admission, advanced placement, or academic credit in selected programs. Students are advised to consult the regulations governing programs of interest in the appropriate section of the University Calendar for further information.

  • The recognition of learning that has not been recognized through the award of credit, for the purposes of determining pre-requisite waiver eligibility, may be approved by academic units on the basis of interviews or a review of unofficial documents. Students are advised to contact the academic unit offering the course(s) involved for further advice.

  • Assessment of learning in the form of written or practical challenge examinations may be offered at the discretion of academic units. Recognition of learning assessed through challenge examinations is subject to the regulations outlined below.

  • PLAR may be used to receive credit for Work Terms or Internships at the discretion of the individual faculty or school.

4.5.1 Challenge for Credit

Where challenge for credit is offered, it is available under the following conditions:

  1. Applications to challenge for credit are available online at www.mun.ca/regoff/forms.php or in-person at the Office of the Registrar. Completed applications must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar and must receive approval from the head of the academic unit offering the course(s). The academic unit may require documentary material from the student and/or an interview before making its decision whether or not to accept the challenge. The academic unit involved will be responsible for deciding the scheduling and appropriate method of evaluation, which may consist of a variety of possible modes of evaluation including written, practical and oral.

  2. A student who has applied for transfer credit evaluation may not apply to challenge for credit until the transfer credit evaluation has been completed.

  3. Memorial University of Newfoundland will consider for credit courses that have been granted credit through a challenge for credit process by another recognized university or college. Award of credit will be subject to University Regulations and evaluation and recommendation by the appropriate academic unit(s).

  4. For the purpose of satisfying the regulations governing residence requirements for a first degree and residence requirements for a second degree under General Academic Regulations (Undergraduate), a successful challenge for credit shall be considered the equivalent of a transfer credit and shall be recorded on the transcript as a pass (PAS). Challenge grades are not included in averages. For further information refer to Residence Requirements for a First Degree and Residence Requirements for a Second Degree.

  5. The appropriate fee must be paid at the time of application. For further information refer to the Financial and Administrative Services website at www.mun.ca/finance/fees/. If the application is accepted for consideration, the fee is not refundable nor is the student permitted to withdraw the challenge.

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