In Manitoba, PLAR is being successfully applied to benefit individuals and change how organizations serve a variety of learners. This section features stories of individuals who have benefited from PLAR and overviews of how organizations are applying PLAR.

Tom        Susan         Tyler         Erin         John         Nasir        Eric

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Brandon University          Urban Circle         University of Winnipeg

University of Winnipeg

With more than 30% of its student body comprised of adult learners age 24 and older, the University of Winnipeg (UW) recognizes Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) as a key strategy in becoming even more focused on the adult learner.

UW is unique among Canadian universities in its approach to offering PLAR. PLAR is not limited to specific programs - students can access PLAR for any one of the 400+ courses from any discipline in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

As well, the PLAR process for students are worked through on an individual basis, facilitated by central office within Student Services. The PLAR Coordinator/Adult Learner Advisor provides an integrated, "one-stop-shop" for adult learners to help them determine the most expeditious, cost-effective and appropriate path to achieving their educational goals. She advocates on behalf of the adult learner to the various Faculty of Arts & Science departments and eases the challenge of maneuvering through the hurdles of university.

PLAR is initiated by individual students at any point of attaining their degree. Departments demonstrating the most demand are: Developmental Studies, Mathematics/Statistics, Business Computing, Education, Conflict Resolution Studies, Sociology, Chemistry, Psychology, Philosophy, Biology, Physics, Academic Writing, Physical Activity and Sports Studies, Theatre, Politics, and Administrative Studies. Fully implemented in 1999, the UW accommodated 33 requests in an 18-month period with a 91% success rate. Students are able to request PLAR in the Faculty of Theology and the Masters Program in Public Administration as well.

An individual's prior learning, under the UW PLAR umbrella, is assessed and recognized for admission purposes for non-traditional students, for transfer credit eligibility for non-traditional post-secondary education, as well as for university credit.

PLAR is creating a wave throughout the university community. Through workshops, presentations, information sessions and individual and group meetings, the faculty and staff are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of validating and recognizing a student's learning from outside the institution.