OCUTG : About the Transfer Guide

Glossary

This glossary of common terms related to postsecondary credit transfer and collaborative programs has been through several revisions based on extensive consultation with university and college registrars, other stakeholders, and a comparison with the terminology used in other Canadian post-secondary jurisdictions.

Please make your comments on the definitions included in this Glossary or send a note with your feedback to:

cuccDirector@ocutg.on.ca

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
	Accelerated Program See "Accelerated Program" in "Collaborative Program" Section. Academic Year The academic year is normally 12 months running from September 1 of one year through August 31 of the following year. Admission Preference Admission preference may be granted by some institutions for graduates of another program, particularly when two or more institutions have negotiated an articulation agreement or collaborative program that recognizes learning already achieved in the other program. Advanced Standing Advanced standing refers to academic credit awarded to a learner upon admission to a program of study which enables direct entry to a second or higher academic achievement level of the program. In some institutions, advanced standing may refer to credit granted for one or more courses. Degree Program An undergraduate degree (baccalaureate) offered by colleges or universities normally requiring four years (8 semesters) of full-time study. Degree programs include a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical learning and emphasize the practical applications of knowledge and skill. They normally include a work term in the field of study. Articulation Agreement An official agreement between two or more institutions - at least one from each sector - that authorizes studies undertaken in specific programs at one institution to be credited toward, enable direct entry into, or provide advanced standing in, specific programs at another institution. Examples: a direct entry degree-completion program in which learners proceed from a two-year diploma program with a specified GPA to the third year of a degree program in a related field based on a specific set of conditions which must be met; a credit transfer agreement whereby graduates of a two year diploma program will be granted 5 credits toward a bachelor of arts degree at partnering universities. Audit Audit refers to enrollment status in a course, for example, for a learner who attends the classes/lectures but does not write the examinations or do the assignments normally required by the courses; therefore, no formal evaluations are performed and, hence, no grade or credit is assigned.
	Bilateral Agreement A formal articulation or credit transfer agreement between one receiving institution and one sending institution. Block Transfer The granting of a block of credits by the receiving institution for a cluster of requisite courses, or a certificate or diploma completed at specified performance levels at another institution. Usually, a block transfer agreement is negotiated between institutions such that a learner will receive substantial credit toward the university degree program upon completion of a two- or three-year college diploma.
	Calendar The book of rules, regulations, policies, programs and courses for a specific institution, usually published annually for the academic year. Certificate A certificate is a credential awarded upon successful completion of an approved program of study that is normally less then four semesters in duration. In community colleges, a certificate is usually awarded for successful completion of a program of one academic year or less. In universities or colleges, a certificate may also be awarded for completion of a non-credit program of study or an advanced training program in professional development. Challenge Test A challenge test or exam is a method of assessment of prior learning used by college programs or by universities to evaluate and provide evidence of a learner's achievement of the learning outcomes attached to a course or program. Collaborative Program/Agreement A collaborative program is a generic term used to describe academic or vocational programs which have been developed cooperatively by university and college partners to facilitate learners' efficient progression towards one or two credentials for which the learning has been achieved in both a college and a university. Collaborative programs ensure that learning that has already been achieved will be recognized by the receiving institution according to the terms outlined in the articulation agreement. There are several models for collaborative programs which are described below. Collaborative programs culminating in two credentials: Consecutive Programs [Please note: In the interest of improving the clarity of Ontario's transfer terminology, "Consecutive" agreements are being phased out of the lexicon of OCUTG transfer agreements in the spring of 2004.] Consecutive programs provide a university-to-college pathway. They are offered by a college to university graduates who are transferring to a designated college program that is related to the degree program. These programs are collaborative in the sense that the partnering institutions have negotiated a block transfer of credit, and they often give admission preference to graduates of the relevant degree program. Consecutive programs are usually oriented toward a specific career area with one program providing the theoretical and academic foundation and context, the other program emphasizing applied principles and practice. Concurrent Programs Concurrent programs are related programs offered by partnering institutions in both sectors, one leading to a diploma, the other to a degree, which allow for learners to pursue both credentials simultaneously. These programs are collaborative in the sense that partnering institutions have to work out administrative and governance functions such as timetable and funding and ensure that the curriculum for both programs addresses the academic requirements related to both credentials. Example: a program which links the university program in General Science leading to a B.Sc. degree and the college program in Medical Laboratory Technology leading to a diploma to allow learners to complete both credentials in four years instead of five or six. Degree-Completion Program A college(s) and at least one university negotiate an articulation agreement whereby graduates of a diploma program receive specified transfer credit for a completed diploma program toward a degree and then complete a specified number of additional credits at the university in order to qualify for the baccalaureate degree. The completion of the diploma at specified colleges according to explicit conditions (such as a B-average) allows for seamless progression to the degree-completion program offered by the university which determines how many more credits and which courses a learner will have to complete in order to qualify for the degree. Example: a degree-completion program for graduates of three-year college Business Administration-Accounting diploma programs which allows them to take a specified number of additional courses at a university, usually the equivalent of two or three full-time academic terms, to qualify for a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. Accelerated Program An accelerated program is offered by colleges and is sometimes referred to as an intensive program which fast-tracks university or college graduates with a degree or diploma in a related field so that they may complete the learning requirements of a college diploma program more efficiently and in ways which recognize relevant learning already achieved. Usually these programs are of one year's duration and they culminate in a regular college diploma. Example: an accelerated one-year early childhood education diploma program open to university graduates with a degree in a related field, e.g. psychology, sociology, nursing, education, which allows them to complete an ECE diploma in one year instead of two. Collaborative programs culminating in one credential: Joint/Integrated Program A joint/integrated program is one that integrates two or more distinct, approved "free-standing" programs in two or more institutions into one program for enrollment, curricula, examination, and administrative purposes and reports the eligible enrollment on the basis of the institution-of-registration. The program is planned, maintained and delivered by one or more institutions from each sector throughout the duration of the program and culminates in one credential, normally a degree. Some adjustment may be made to the curriculum of each free-standing program in order to avoid repetition and recognize learning already achieved. Joint/integrated programs may offer courses at two or more institutions during one term or they may offer courses at one institution during one term, then at the institution in the other sector in a subsequent term. Example: a collaborative program in applied communications leading to a bachelor's degree in which learners take courses offered by both the university and the college in order to complete degree requirements; the planning, maintenance and administration of the program are undertaken jointly by a team of college and university faculty and administrators. Compressed Program A compressed program is a regular college program which is offered within a more intensive format and shorter timeframe than the traditional two or three-year program, usually by foregoing the normal vacation semester(s) or by increasing the curriculum hours per week. The usual college admission requirements and the same program standards (learning outcomes) apply to the compressed program as to the regular diploma program. Compulsory Credit/Course A credit earned for the successful completion of a required course that is part of the compulsory core of study needed to complete the requirements for the program's credential. Concurrent Programs See Concurrent Programs in the "Collaborative Programs" section. Consectuive Programs See Consecutive Programs in the "Collaborative Programs" section. Continuing Education In a generic sense, continuing education refers to formal learning within an institution that may be pursued on a part-time basis and/or for a short, or an extended, period of time. In an institutional context, continuing education sometimes refers to a division within an institution which administers the formal part-time programs and courses offered for credit or general interest. Cooperative Program A formal work/study arrangement in which a learner pursues credit courses and gains applied work experience. Usually, the cooperative program arranges alternate semesters of formal study with periods of paid work related to the field of study in the public or private sector. Corequisite A corequisite course or unit of study is linked to another course or cluster of courses in a program and must be pursued within the same timeframe because of the interdependence of the learning outcomes attached to each course or unit of study. Course A single unit of study, usually attached to a credential, and identified by a course number/code, a title and a description. A course may or may not be linked to a specific number of instructional hours and credits. Universities often refer to half courses or full courses, a designation that may or may not mean that a half course normally lasts for one term and a full course lasts for two terms. Most college courses are one term in length. A course module is a term that is commonly used to represent a portion of a full or a half course. Credential The document acknowledging completion of a program of course of study. Common credentials in Ontario's postsecondary system include certificates, diplomas, degree programs, university degrees and graduate degrees. Credit A unit of value assigned to a course for the purpose of counting it towards a credential. A full program of study is usually comprised of a defined number of accumulated credits. Credits may refer, (a) to a defined number of credit hours of instruction, (e.g. one credit equals one hour of instruction or one contact hour); (b) to the value of credits assigned to a course/unit of study within a program, (e.g. a core course of one term may be assigned three credits); or, (c) to the number of credits assigned to the program learning outcomes that learners must achieve in order to be eligible for a credential. Credit values and requirements vary widely among institutions. Credit Transfer Acceptance or recognition of credits by a receiving institution for one or several courses or for a whole program taken at another institution that is either within or external to the sector. See also "Advanced Standing". Curriculum A curriculum is an explanation of the plan identified by an institution to facilitate, assess and evaluate learning achieved related to a required number of courses or set of learning outcomes. Curriculum may be explained in many different ways and may include a description of content, learning activities, teaching and learning methods, assessment methods, and evaluation instruments and methods.
	Degree A credential awarded by a university in recognition of a learner's completion of a prescribed program of study according to a specified standard of performance. A degree designates the broad discipline area in which the academic requirements have been achieved, such as arts, science, health, technology, applied arts or sciences, or business fields of study, and the level of the degree such as undergraduate (Bachelor) and graduate (Master or Doctor). Ontario universities award undergraduate degrees that are general,i.e. completed after three years of full-time study, or equivalent, for part-time students; honours, i.e. completed after four years of full-time study or equivalent part-time study, at a specified level of attainment; four-year specialist degree; and, professional degrees in disciplines such as nursing, engineering, social work, and many others. See also "Applied Degree". Degree-Completion Program See "Degree-Completion Program" in "Collaborative Program" section. Diploma A diploma is a credential awarded by an accredited institution, (in Ontario, a college of applied arts and technology or CAAT), in recognition of a learner's completion of a prescribed program of study according to performance standards approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. The diploma normally designates training and education related to a vocation or profession which has collaborated with the Ministry in identifying the performance standards for graduation. College diplomas normally require a minimum of four semesters of study or the equivalent. Universities may award diplomas upon the completion of non-degree programs. Discipline A grouping of several related fields of study that forms the basis for organizing educational programs in the university sector. Direct Entry Programme A credit transfer opportunity to a specific degree program which has been formally approved by the receiving institution but is not a formal collaborative agreement between institutions. Division A grouping of several related fields of study that forms the basis for organizing educational programs in the college sector.
	Elective Credit/Course An elective credit is awarded for the successful completion of an elective course. Elective courses usually exist outside the prescribed core program of study but still satisfy the specified number of elective credits that comprise a full program and are therefore applied to the total number of credits needed to complete the program. Elective credits/courses offer choice in learning to enhance the breadth and diversity of a learner's knowledge and skills; they meet program completion requirements over and above the core courses in the program. Equivalence/Course Equivalence Course-to-course equivalence provides for the automatic transfer of credit from one postsecondary institution to another based on a formal agreement between institutions that similar courses offered by the two institutions are equal in academic value, and, as long as the requisite academic standards have been achieved, credit for the relevant course(s) will be granted by the receiving institution toward an academic program or credential. Exemption (See Transfer Credit)
	General Education Ontario colleges define general education as, "those postsecondary learning experiences that enable learners to meet more effectively the societal challenges which they face in their community, family and working life....(it) provides learners with insight into the enduring nature of the issues being addressed and their particular relevance to today and the future. It is intended to encourage and support continuous learning". (CSAC, 1994) Generic Skills Generic skills are "particular life skills essential for both personal and career success" (CSAC, 1992). They describe role performances that prepare learners to get and maintain employment and perform successfully in their personal lives. These lifelong learning outcomes include role performances related to literacy, numeracy, information literacy, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, work-study habits, and effective thinking and problem-solving. Grade Point Average (GPA) A grade point average quantifies the cumulative academic achievement of a learner designating achievement to date or at the end of a term or program by multiplying the number of credits/hours by the grade point value. Grade A grade is a designation of a level of academic performance. Grades may be directly related to cumulative numerical (marks) or alpha scores on a number of instruments or they may stand alone as a rubric denoting various levels of achievement on a scale from unsatisfactory to excellent.
	Intensive/Accelerated Program (See "Accerated Program" in the "Collaborative Program" section.
	Joint/Integrated Program (See "Joint/Integrated Program" in the "Collaborative Program" section.
	Letter of Permission A letter of permission is a formal document issued by the institution to which a student has been admitted which enables the student to enrol in one or more specific courses at another institution without having to apply for formal admission to that institution. Course credits successfully completed under a letter of permission are transferable to the student's record at the university to which they have been admitted. Level Level refers to academic level in a program which is usually expressed in semesters or academic years such as levels one, two, etc.
	Mature Applicant/Mature Student A term used by postsecondary institutions to describe an applicant who is requesting admission to the institution without the normally required academic qualifications. The age of the applicant may be one of the characteristics used to define who is eligible for admission as a mature applicant. Usually, a mature applicant has not completed the traditional high school graduation admission requirements and has not previously attended a college or a university. The mature applicant may apply to the institution according to a special set of admissions criteria which are usually verified by some form of testing and/or interview. For college admission, a "mature" applicant must be at least 19; each university sets its own criteria concerning age and/or work experience for mature student status. Multilateral A formal articulation or credit transfer agreement between one receiving institution and two or more sending institutions.
	Ontario College Graduate Certificate Program (Formerly called post-diploma programs) Usually a two-semester college program offering study at an advanced level for graduates of diploma or degree programs or equivalent. Ontario Student Record (OSR) The Ontario Student Record is the ongoing, confidential record of a student's educational progress through the elementary and secondary school system in Ontario. The collection, storage and use of this information is authorized by the Ontario Education Act and is subject to defined policies and practices. Ontario Student Transcript (OST) The Ontario Student Transcript is an official document provided by the school(s) a student attended which provides a common and consistent summary of a student's achievement of credits throughout the school system.
	Performance Assessment Performance assessment is direct and systematic observation of actual learner performance using demonstration (such as a performance test) or a product of performance such as a project, a major assignment, or a creative work. Performances may be demonstrated in a controlled setting such as a laboratory or a classroom or in real life (authentic) environments such as work placement. Placement (Clinical/Field) All college health programs have a clinical component and most applied arts/human services programs have a field placement component. This is a formal program component where learners are placed in an agency or institution as a learner, in an unpaid capacity. The clinical/field placement is linked to program outcomes and is supervised and assessed by the institution. The placement could be organized as a block or semester-long experience, or as an integrated part of an academic semester. Some institutions refer to unpaid placements as "work study programs" where learners obtain part of their training in the workplace. Portfolio A portfolio is an instrument used to document formal and informal learning achievements, experience acquired, autobiographical background, career aspirations and personal goals. Most commonly used as vehicles for presenting an individual's achievements for purposes of prior learning assessment and recognition (PLA, PLAR), portfolios are increasingly used as instruments for documenting personal learning history and accomplishments throughout a school and working career. Post Diploma Program (See Ontario College Graduate Certificate Program) Post-secondary Program Postsecondary programs represent a level of academic and/or vocational learning achievement beyond the secondary school graduation level. Prerequisite Course A course that must be completed before a more advanced course can be taken. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) [also referred to as: Learning Assessment Recognition (LAR); Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR); Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)] PLA is a process whereby learning gained from experience and/or from informal study is documented, evaluated and translated appropriately into academic credit(s). The assessment and documentation of learning achieved through experience and verified by challenge tests or portfolio preparation recognizes learning achieved and demonstrated in non-traditional ways. Program/Program of Study An approved set of ordered credit courses leading to a credential such as a certificate, diploma, or degree.
	Receiving Institution The institution to which a student intends to transfer. In a transfer agreement, the institution which grants credit for the course work completed at the "sending institution" (see "sending institution") Required Course A required course provides essential learning related to the discipline and/or profession/vocation associated with the degree/diploma/certificate. It is considered part of the core program and all learners registered in the program must achieve success in order to receive the credential. Required courses are sometimes referred to as core courses. Residency Requirement The minimum number of credits or length of time that must be spent under the direct supervision of faculty in the institution that awards the credential. The colleges have established that a learner must be "resident" for a minimum of 25% of the program, usually expressed in terms of total program hours. In universities, the normal residency requirement is about fifty percent of the total degree program.
	Second Diploma Programs Second diploma programs typically offer learners the opportunity to achieve a second diploma in a related area in a shorter time period than would normally be required, on the assumption that some curriculum elements and learning outcomes are common to both credentials and should therefore realize some time-savings for the learner. Sector Sector is a term used to identify the Ontario college system as one sector and Ontario universities as the other sector within the postsecondary division. Semester/Term A semester is a defined period of time within the academic year that is usually marked by the beginning of a new stage in learning; it usually culminates in the evaluation of learning achieved at the end of the stage. The words "semester" and "term" are often used interchangeably. Traditional semesters are approximately twelve to eighteen weeks in duration. Most Ontario academic institutions refer to the fall, winter, spring, and summer semester/term. Sending Institution The institution from which a student is transferring. In a transfer agreement, the institution where the course work was completed.
	Transcript An official document issued by the registrar of an educational institution that reports a learner's cumulative academic record, usually listing courses taken, credits and grades or achievement levels obtained, and credentials earned. Transfer Transfer consists of the documentation of credit by the receiving institution of credit received for programs or courses completed at another institution. Transfer implies that credits completed at an institution are treated as equivalent to similar courses/credits offered by the receiving institution. Transfer agreements recognize that, while learning experiences may differ in many ways, their learning outcomes and substance are equivalent in terms of content and rigour. Transfer arrangements are based on a commitment that barriers to mobility should be minimized while ensuring that the integrity of educational programs and credentials are maintained. Learners should not be required to repeat learning that has already been achieved but institutions will not award more transfer credits than previous learning experiences and levels of achievement warrant. Transfer Assessment Transfer assessment refers to a process of evaluation completed by an institution to determine the equivalence of completed credit courses, non-credit courses, experiential and prior learning relevant to a program or credential to assess eligibility for advanced standing through block transfer or course-to-course transfer credit. Transfer Credit Transfer credit is the process whereby a credit course taken at one institution within a sector is considered to be the equivalent of a course at another institution in the same sector. Subject to program requirements, grade requirements and other institutional policies, transfer credits may be automatically recognized by the receiving institution.
	Upgrading Upgrading is a term used by educational institutions to describe units of study/learning designed to prepare a learner for further formal learning.