Markers for Navigating the New Waters of Post-Secondary Education

Abstract

Alberta’s post-secondary system is constantly changing, and students have more choice than ever before in choosing a post-secondary program. They also have increasing options for where their studies and previous experience can take them! This presentation will focus on the resources that the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT), provide for students, employees and employers to help students build on knowledge through diverse learning pathways. Included in the presentation will be examples of career progression opportunities of the variety of different routes students may take to complete their post-secondary studies, and different credentials they may receive. Geoff Peruniak of Athabasca University will go into more depth on alternative methods of assessing the skills of students and employees using Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition practices. Athabasca University is a leading post secondary institution in using PLAR, Geoff will help us understand the steps which students and the institution much go through in receiving and assessing PLAR credits. He will provide tips to would-be applicants for the challenges involved.