(1) This Procedure is effective from 1 March 2022. (2) This Procedure governs credit that can be granted on the basis of recognition of prior learning (RPL) towards a University course. (3) This Procedure applies to the University’s undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. It does not apply to higher degrees by research. (4) This Procedure is pursuant to the Recognition of Prior Learning policy. (5) Students may apply to the University RPL Office for credit for concurrent formal learning through a joint or combined course, formal or informal and non-formal learning. (6) The University RPL Office is located within the Division of Student Administration who administer credit on the basis of RPL and maintain RPL records. The University RPL Office works closely with staff in Deakin International and the faculties. (7) Applications for credit on the basis of RPL are made as part of the admission process or, where a student has already enrolled in a unit, within the first two weeks of the start of the unit. An extension may be granted by the University RPL Office in exceptional circumstances. (8) Applications for credit on the basis of RPL must be in writing using an approved form accompanied by current and verifiable evidence of equivalent learning which relates to the learning outcomes of the course component/s for which credit on the basis of RPL is sought. The onus is on the student applying for credit on the basis of RPL to present adequate evidence to support their application. Requirements regarding such evidence are clearly communicated to students. (9) Evidence of learning must demonstrate achievement against the learning outcomes of the component/s of the course for which credit on the basis of RPL is sought and may include: (10) The University RPL Office will maintain current and accurate records of all credit on the basis of RPL decisions in the University RPL database. This will include the reasons for individual decisions and credit arrangements with other institutions. (11) Over time, the University will use decisions recorded in the RPL database to develop precedents for future decisions in consultation with relevant faculties. The University RPL Office will review precedents annually and revise them as appropriate in consultation with relevant faculties, based on evidence of student success in each course cohort. (12) Where a precedent exists, trained University RPL Office staff will make a decision in relation to a credit on the basis of RPL application in accordance with that precedent within two working days of the student’s application. (13) Where a precedent does not exist or the application is for concurrent formal learning, the University RPL Office will provide a recommendation to the relevant faculty office for review on academic grounds. Academic confirmation or re-assessment will be returned to the University RPL Office within three working days. (14) Faculties will manage recommendations from the University RPL Office (refer to clause 13) as follows: (15) Where the Faculty does not respond within the deadline, the decision recommended by the RPL Office will be applied. (16) Where a decision of the Faculty does not appear to meet the requirements set out in clause 17, the RPL Office may refer the application to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic or nominee. (17) Decisions regarding credit on the basis of RPL will: (18) Faculties will ensure that information regarding credit on the basis of RPL as a result of professional accreditation requirements are clearly communicated to current and prospective students via public web pages or the RPL database. (19) Where credit on the basis of RPL is granted for overseas qualifications, these must be benchmarked against a comparable Australian qualification at the relevant level, with reference to information and guidelines provided by the Australian Government’s Department of Education, or the National Academic Recognition Information Centre’s database. (20) The RPL Office will notify current and prospective domestic students of the outcome of their credit on the basis of RPL application. Prospective international students will be notified by Deakin International. Notification will be in writing, (including reasons for giving or not giving credit) and will be given as soon as possible and no later than two working days after the decision is made. (21) If a student believes that the assessment of their credit on the basis of RPL application has not been consistent with this Procedure, they may lodge a request with the RPL Office for a review of the assessment within five working days of notification of the outcome of their application. The review will be conducted within three working days by: (22) A Faculty, with the approval of the relevant Faculty Board, may make arrangements with other institutions to establish standard credit arrangements for courses offered by that Faculty. These arrangements are recorded in the RPL database. (23) Faculties will ensure that institutional credit arrangements are current and will review and update them as part of the major course review process. (24) The University, on the advice of the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global Engagement may enter into articulation pathway agreements with other institutions. These may guarantee the entry of students into a Deakin course upon completion of a partner institution's course. (25) Articulation pathway agreements must be documented as agreements in a form approved by Office of General Counsel and include a requirement that each party notify the other of changes to courses or units that would affect agreed credit on the basis of RPL arrangements. (26) Faculty Executive Deans will coordinate articulation pathways in accordance with the terms of the agreements and manage cohorts of students who enter Deakin through these pathways. (27) Faculties will notify the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global Engagement, Deakin International or partner institutions of any changes to courses or units that will affect agreed credit on the basis of RPL arrangements. (28) The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global Engagement will report annually to the Academic Board on University articulation agreements in accordance with the requirements of the Academic Partnerships procedure. (29) For the purpose of this Procedure:Recognition of Prior Learning procedure
Section 1 - Preamble
Section 2 - Purpose
Section 3 - Scope
Section 4 - Policy
Section 5 - Procedure
Applications for credit on the basis of recognition of prior learning
RPL database and precedents
Credit on the basis of RPL decisions
Notification to students
Review of decisions
Faculty arrangements with other institutions
University articulation pathways with other institutions
Section 6 - Definitions
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