University Administrative Processes The lesser known delays affecting PLAR portfolio submissions Margot G. Young Communications Coordinator, Gateways Project

PLAR portfolio development is time consuming when you take into account: Developmental issues –Eg. collection of evidence, support documentation and material development Personal issues –Eg. family, work, or other commitments

A lesser known barrier is the submission and assessment of administrative documentation General Application submission Original Transcript submission Transcript Assessment

Can Administrative Barriers be avoided? Administrative barriers are unavoidable Frequency of administrative barriers is controllable –Provide required documentation in a timely manner

Unavoidable Administrative Barriers Administrative Benchmarks Transcript assessments will begin once all paperwork and fees have been received from the student The Office of the Registrar normally takes 6 – 8 weeks to complete the transcript assessment –Assessment timelines may vary depending on the volume of applications on file –Assessments are completed on a first ready, first served basis

What can I do as a student? Take a Proactive Approach –Submit the General Application and required application fee quickly Ensure correct form is filled out and fees provided Submit application online (preferred) –If application is submitted by mail, track package –Submit official transcripts early Order before or the same day as submitting the General Application –Transcripts may take up to 3 weeks to send from previous institutions

Submit OFFICIAL Transcripts –Have ALL previous post-secondary transcripts sent Send directly to the Office of the Registrar to ensure official status –Ensure all information is accurate Notify Office of the Registrar of any previous names on transcripts Clarify with sending institution that your diploma and/or certificate is listed as complete –Leave transcripts sealed If you want to see your marks, order a separate copy for yourself Proactive Approach - continued

Why is the Administrative paperwork so important? Before students are allowed to apply for a PLAR portfolio assessment they are –required to be admitted to Athabasca University –required to have their transcript assessment completed Portfolios must provide evidence of approved admission and transfer credit –PLAR award sought by student is based on the transcript award received –PLAR criteria responded to in the portfolio is determined by the transcript award received

How do I benefit from a proactive approach? By ensuring all documentation is submitted timely and completely students notice –Reduced time waiting to begin transcript assessment –Reduced time in transcript assessment “queue” –Reduced time waiting for transcript assessment results Reduced time producing PLAR portfolio based on anticipated transcript assessment results Increased time producing PLAR portfolio based on real transcript assessment results