Parent policy: Credit Transfer – Institutional Operating Policy
Recognition of Prior Learning for Program Credit for Program Credit – Institutional Operating Policy
Procedures number:
Approval authority: Deputy Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of the Academic Board
Responsible officer: Deputy Vice-Chancellor
Designated officer: Director, Student Administration
Date of approval: 5 November 2008
Date last amended: 14 December 2009
Effective starting date: 5 January 2009
Any procedures replaced by these procedures: Nil

• Section 1: Terms
• Section 2: Application process
• Section 3: Determination of credit transfer and RPL for program credit
• Section 4: Internal credit transfer
• Section 5: Restrictions on credit transfer and RPL for program credit
• Section 6: Notification and recording
• Section 7: Rescinding of credit
• Section 8: Decision review and appeals
• Section 9: Monitoring of decisions – review and reporting
• Section 10: Roles and responsibilities

Section 1: Terms

Applicant means an existing or intending student of the University who has submitted an application for Credit Transfer for Program Credit and / or Recognition of Prior Learning for Program Credit in relation to their current / planned study program.

Articulation arrangement means an approved arrangement in which two or more programs, often at different levels and sometimes from different institutions, are linked in order to enable a student to progress seamlessly from one program to another.

Award program means a set of studies or courses leading to the award of a qualification, eg a Bachelor of Education program.

Combined degree program means an award program that combines courses available in a three-year University degree program (eg Arts) with courses available in another three-year University degree program but in a different field (eg Science) and from which students graduate with a qualification for each of the two component programs (eg a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science).

Course means a specific subject that is studied as a component of an award program.

Coursework means study that involves undertaking courses other than research components, such as is required for the completion of theses or dissertations, in higher degrees by research.

Credit transfer refers to four forms of credit:

1. specified credit for designated courses — the student is not required to complete one or more designated courses in the relevant program for the different qualification because other formal studies already completed by the student have been assessed as having equivalent or corresponding learning outcomes;
2. unspecified credit — based on assessment of the equivalence or correspondence of formal studies already completed by the student, the student is not required to complete the total number of courses that usually need to be completed successfully in the program in order to gain the relevant qualification and is given credit for courses such as electives or options; however, the student is still required to complete specific courses within the number of courses remaining;
3. block credit — based on assessment of the equivalence or correspondence of formal studies already completed by the student, the student is not required to complete the total number of courses that usually need to be completed successfully in the program in order to gain the relevant qualification and is granted credit for a block or set of courses, eg all introductory or first-year level courses in the program; and
4. exemption — based on assessment of the equivalence or correspondence of formal studies already completed by the student, the student is required to complete successfully the total number of courses required to gain the relevant qualification but may substitute alternative courses in place of some specific courses.

Cross-institutional enrolment means an enrolment in a course/s in another institution, which, on successful completion, may be credited to a program at the University.

Cross-sector means across higher education and other post-secondary education levels.

Dual award is the combination of an existing USC degree with a program offered by a VET institution. These dual awards can be in the form of an integrated model or an end-on model.

Intending student refers to a potential student who has lodged an application for admission to a program at the University.

Nested articulation arrangements means two or more award programs at different levels (eg Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master degree or Associate Degree and Degree) that are connected in such a way as to enable a student to progress from one program to the next involving recognition of studies completed in a lower level program towards completion of a program at a higher level.

Notice of Credit Transfer means the official University response to the applicant following the assessment of their application for credit transfer and / or recognition of prior learning for program credit.

Program has the same meaning as given for Award program.

Recognition of Prior Learning for Program Credit (RPL) refers to the assessment of a student’s knowledge and skills obtained through that person’s previous informal studies or other learning (eg training programs undertaken during employment, adult education classes, extensive work experience, extensive community and volunteer work, extensive participation in a leisure pursuit, life experience) for the purpose of obtaining program credit. Refer to Section 4 of the 'Recognition of Prior Learning for Program Credit for Program Credit - Institutional Operating Policy'.

Structured Credit Agreement refers to a formal agreement between the University and another institution. The agreement identifies the amount and type of credit transfer that will be awarded for studies in a specified program and institution towards a specified program at the University.

Unit value means a numerical value associated with a course or program, eg in order to complete a program a student may need to acquire 96 units (complete eight courses that have a value of 12 units each or four courses that have a value of 24 points each).

Vocational Education and Training (VET) Sector refers to government colleges of technical and further education (TAFE) and private registered training organisations (RTO).

Terminology. In this document the abbreviation 'RPL' is substituted for 'Recognition of Prior Learning for Program Credit'.

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Section 2: Application process

2.1 Information to prospective applicants

The University’s website will provide general information about credit transfer and RPL, processes for applying for credit and RPL, including any restriction to credit transfer and RPL applying to specific programs, and a link to the Credit Transfer – Institutional Operating Policy and Recognition of Prior Learning for Program Credit – Institutional Operating Policy and related institutional procedures.

2.1.1 International students
International students who are thinking of applying for credit transfer and / or RPL should consult USC International for advice and guidance before applying as there may be visa and other implications involved.

2.2 Application form and accompanying documentation

Applications for credit transfer and RPL must be made using the relevant application form for credit transfer or RPL (available from Student Administration or at the Student Administration domain on the University’s Student Portal).

2.2.1 Documentation required for credit transfer
Individual applications for credit transfer must be accompanied by the following documentation:

1. the program / curriculum outline or description or training package for each post-secondary education program (eg certificate level, Bachelor degree, Advanced Diploma) in which each course was undertaken and which includes: 

   (i) structure (list of component courses and their levels, eg First-year, Advanced level), 

   (ii) entry requirements, 

   (iii) duration or usual completion time (eg three years full-time), and 

   (iv) total credit points or unit value of the program; and

2. original or certified copies of all official academic transcripts of the applicant’s formal post-secondary education studies from each post-secondary education institution attended, that are relevant to the application, and which must include a key to, or explanation or description of, the results or grades recorded; and
3. the official outline or description of each course for the specific year in which each course was undertaken and which includes:

   (i) the level of study (eg First-year, Advanced level),

   (ii) aims and objectives,

   (iii) topics/content covered, duration (eg 14 weeks, one semester),

   (iv) weekly contact/tuition hours or expected weekly student hours if available online or by distance education,

   (v) assessment requirements, and

   (vi) credit points or unit value of the course or percentage of the total credit points or unit value of the course within the program in which the course was undertaken.

Applicants who have completed studies at USC are not required to provide documented evidence of these studies.

For qualifications completed in a language other than English, certified translations of the relevant documents as well as the originals must be provided.

2.2.2 Documentation required for RPL
Intending applicants for RPL should consult Student Administration who will provide applicants with information to read about the RPL process as well as documentation to complete. Applicants seeking RPL must supply the information requested on the application form/s. This would normally comprise a portfolio containing a range of supporting materials and evidence attesting to the student having met the learning outcomes of the identified course, such as:

• work-based assessments
• current Curriculum Vitae
• essays
• certified copies of professional references
• certified copies of industry awards
• reports
• workplace documentation, such as position description, third party reports (performance plan and report), work samples, professional development activities

2.3 Timing and lodgement of applications

Credit transfer and RPL application forms will be processed for current or intending USC students.

Informal advice can be obtained from Student Administration or the relevant Program Leader prior to an application for admission being received. This advice is indicative only, and is not binding on the University.

For intending students, credit transfer and RPL applications should be submitted to Student Administration at the time of admission to the University and normally no later than the commencement of the relevant teaching period. Current students should submit credit transfer and RPL applications prior to the commencement of the teaching period in which credit transfer and RPL is being sought.

International students are required to advise USC International Office of their application for credit transfer and RPL in accordance with the above timing.

2.4 Acknowledgement of application

The applicant will receive a written acknowledgement of receipt of an application for credit transfer and RPL by no later than five working days of the application being received. The written acknowledgement will indicate whether the application is complete and what additional documentation is required.

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Section 3: Determination of credit transfer and RPL for program credit

Credit transfer arrangements fall into two categories (i) individual or unstructured credit transfer arrangements; and (ii) structured credit transfer arrangements.

The Program Leader is normally responsible for the assessment of credit transfer and RPL (under delegation from the Dean). Student Administration will provide an initial assessment of a credit transfer application for the Program Leader based on precedents and any relevant approved articulation or structured credit arrangements.

3.1 Credit transfer

When assessing an application for credit transfer the Program Leader takes into consideration the following five factors:

1. the qualification, institution and level of studies completed;
2. the amount of study; 
3. the content and learning outcomes of the courses completed; 
4. the existence of any program-specific agreements regarding program credit; and
5. the requirements of external professional accreditation or registration bodies.

3.1.1 Assessment of qualification

Eligible and ineligible qualifications or studies
Qualifications and studies offered by recognised Australian HE and VET providers (subject to the following statement regarding Certificate level programs), as listed in the AQF Implementation Handbook http://www.aqf.edu.au/implem.htm.

The University will not grant credit transfer towards the requirements for a program on the basis of the Australian Qualifications Framework VET Certificates I, II and III.

While VET Certificates at level IV will normally be regarded as meeting requirements for admission, faculties may grant credit transfer for a relevant Certificate IV where the Certificate IV subjects meet the criteria for credit transfer outlined in 3.1.4.

For international qualifications, studies leading to those qualifications that are confirmed by USC International as consistent with Australian Education International (AEI) assessments of qualifications are eligible for the purposes of these procedures.

Ineligible international qualifications would be qualifications or studies that are not assessed by AEI as comparable to higher education or are not qualifications or studies from institutions with which USC has structured or standard credit arrangements.

Program Leaders should consult USC International in establishing equivalence / correspondence of any studies completed by an applicant for credit transfer through an overseas education provider.

3.1.2 Institution of studies

USC may recognise studies from higher education institutions, which meet one or more of the following requirements:

Institutions in Australia

1. Studies offered by a registered higher education provider in Australia. See AQF Register of Recognised Education Institutions and Authorised Accreditation Authorities in Australia: http://www.aqf.edu.au/register.htm; and / or
2. Studies offered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) in Australia. See the National Training Information Service: http://www.ntis.gov.au/cgi-bin/waxhtml/~ntis/org.wxh?page.

Institutions outside Australia

1. Studies offered by an overseas institution with which the University has structured or standard credit arrangements as documented by USC International;
2. Studies offered by a recognised higher education provider or training organisation on the basis of assessments made by Australian Education International (AEI).

3.1.3 Assessment of amount of study

In cases where the amount of studies undertaken by an applicant has not been identified in terms of credit points or equivalent, the number of hours of study may have to be used as the basis for a determination. For this purposes, a 12-unit course is normally indicative of ten hours of learning activities per week, ie nominally, completion of approximately 130 hours (hours of learning activities x weeks of the semester) over the duration of the course.

3.1.4 Assessment of course content

Credit transfer for specific USC courses (including core courses)
Study that is considered appropriate to provide credit transfer for a specific USC course must demonstrate:

1. an equivalent / corresponding level of academic rigour;
2. substantial equivalence / correspondence in learning outcomes with the USC course; and
3. an equivalent / corresponding level of study duration (eg equivalent to a 12-unit course if that is the unit value of the course for which credit transfer may be awarded).

Credit transfer for unspecified USC courses
Study that is considered appropriate to provide credit transfer for a USC unspecified course must demonstrate:

1. an equivalent / corresponding level of academic rigour; and
2. an equivalent / corresponding level of study duration (eg equivalent to a 12-unit course if that is the unit value of the course for which credit transfer may be awarded).

3.1.5 Structured credit transfer agreements

Structured credit transfer agreements apply universally to all students who have completed the identified qualification and are applying for credit transfer in the specified USC program. The DVC can authorise relevant authorities such as a Dean or Program Leader, Student Administration or USC International to enter into negotiations and document agreement between the two institutions.

Structured credit transfer agreements are restricted by the limitation on credit transfer identified in Section 5 of these procedures, unless specifically approved by Academic Board.

Once agreement is reached, a formal credit transfer agreement must be documented and this Agreement must be approved by the following persons:

1. Dean of the relevant Faculty;
2. Pro Vice Chancellor (International and Quality) except in relation to programs in which no international students will be enrolled; and
3. the Chairperson, Academic Board.

All credit transfer agreements must state:

• the period for which the agreement will have currency (usually no more than three years)
• provisions for review of the agreement before the expiry date
• a specific date on which the agreement will end

The Vice-Chancellor approves, and is the University’s signatory to, any formal documented agreement between this University and another institution.

A copy of the approved Agreement will be provided to Academic Board and to Student Administration for recording in the Credit Transfer Precedent Database (CTPD).

3.2 Dual Awards

Dual Awards are a form of structured credit transfer agreement. The number of courses within the USC degree component of a Dual Award is determined by the amount of credit transfer the University can give for the VET award component (eg a maximum of 96 units for a diploma).

The ability of the other partner to also grant credit transfer for USC courses can potentially result in the Dual Award being substantially shorter than had the two individual programs been studied as separate entities.

The approval process for Dual Awards is identified in the 'Program Accreditation and Course Approval Procedures'.

3.3 Nested articulation arrangements

A student enrolled in a program within a nested articulation arrangement and who meets the requirements for successful completion of a lower level program within the suite of nested programs may exit the University with a qualification for the lower level program by receiving 100 percent credit transfer for the studies completed successfully in the higher level program.

3.4 Recognition of prior learning for program credit

3.4.1 Prior non-formal learning used for gaining entry to a program

A student who has been granted admission to a program through meeting the minimal entry requirements on the basis of prior informal learning cannot be granted program credit for the same non-formal learning used to meet those minimal entry requirements.

3.4.2 Maximum amounts of RPL for program credit

The maximum amounts of credit that may be granted for RPL toward a Bachelor degree program is 67 percent, and for a postgraduate coursework program is 50-67 percent. Details are specified in Item 9 of the 'Recognition of Prior Learning for Program Credit' policy.

3.4.3 Factors to take into account when assessing applications for RPL

When assessing an application for RPL, the Program Leader takes into consideration the following four factors:

1. whether the student’s knowledge and skills obtained through that person’s previous informal studies or other learning meet the learning outcomes of the identified course/s;
2. the adequacy of the documentary evidence to support the student’s claim of prior learning;
3. the requirements of external professional accreditation or registration bodies; and
4. whether the prior learning has been used for entry into the program or for prior credit transfer, to ensure that any prior learning is not counted twice.

3.4.4 Required evidence

The assessment is made through one or more of the following and documentary evidence provided by the applicant:

• work-based assessments;
• examinations;
• written exercises;
• reports;
• projects;
• interviews;
• demonstrations; or
• some combination of the above.

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Section 4: Internal credit transfer

4.1 Change of programs

Except for students transferring between programs within approved nested articulation arrangements (eg from Graduate Certificate in Management to the Master of Business Administration), credit in the form of credit transfer or RPL cannot be transferred automatically from one program of enrolment to another.

A student who has been given approval to transfer enrolment from one program at this University to another program at this University and who wishes to seek credit transfer for the studies already completed in the original program of enrolment must make application for credit transfer. An assessment is then made of the equivalence or correspondence of the learning outcomes in the courses already successfully completed with those of courses in the new program of enrolment.

The requirement to lodge a new application also applies to students who have been given approval to transfer enrolment from a combined degree program at the University to one of the component programs (eg transfer from Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science combined degree program to the Bachelor of Science program only).

A student who was previously awarded credit transfer or RPL in one program and who is transferring to another program must submit a new application for credit transfer or RPL in order that an assessment can be made of the amount and type of credit that may be granted for the new program of enrolment.

4.2 Cross-institutional enrolment

Cross-institutional enrolment may be approved for USC students who wish to undertake relevant courses offered at another institution (host). Students given approval to undertake cross-institutional enrolment will be granted credit transfer towards their USC program for course/s successfully completed at the host institution.

When approving cross-institutional enrolment the Program Leader should ensure that:

1. the courses chosen are of equivalent standard and weighting to courses required for the completion of the student’s USC program;
2. the cross-institutional enrolment combined with any credit transfer and / or RPL for program credit already received by the student does not exceed the maximum identified for the type and length of the student’s USC program; and
3. subject to the limit identified in (b), a maximum of eight courses (96 units) within a three-year degree (or equivalent for programs of other lengths) may be undertaken through cross-institutional enrolment.

Normally an application for cross-institutional enrolment will be considered if the student is unable to undertake the planned courses at USC in their normal sequence of studies. A student requesting cross-institutional enrolment must justify to the Program Leader that the studies cannot be completed at USC.

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Section 5: Restrictions on credit transfer and RPL for program credit

5.1 Amount of credit transfer that can be granted

The following tables identify the maximum amount of credit transfer that may be granted and transferred to an award program from completed studies
Note the maximum amount of credit transfer and RPL combined cannot exceed these limits.

5.1.1 The maximum amount of credit transfer that may be transferred in cross-sector (vocational education and training to higher education)

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5.1.2 The maximum amount of credit transfer that may be transferred from higher education programs (outside nested articulation agreements)

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5.1.3 The maximum amount of credit transfer that may be transferred between USC programs containing nested articulation agreements.

The maximum amount of credit that may be transferred between approved USC programs containing nested articulation agreements is 100%.

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5.2 Limitations on program specific credit transfer and recognition of prior learning for program credit

Credit transfer and RPL may not be available for every program offered by the University. To find out whether credit transfer and RPL are available for a particular program, students should read the general information on credit transfer and RPL and information on the particular program in which the student is enrolled or intending to enrol, available on the University’s website.

5.2.1 Studies used for meeting entry requirements to a program

A student who has been granted admission to a program on the basis of previously completed studies that meet the entry requirements for a program cannot be granted specified, unspecified or block credit transfer for the studies used for the purpose of meeting those entry requirements but may be granted credit transfer in the form of an exemption where this is appropriate in order to avoid duplication of learning.

5.2.2 Combined programs

Credit transfer may be granted in either of the two programs that form a combined program, or apportioned between them, but may not be granted twice for the same prior studies.

When determining credit transfer and RPL in combined programs, the relevant Program Leaders are required to consult to ensure that the applicant is not unfairly advantaged or disadvantaged by the process.

5.3 Currency of previous studies

Credit transfer will not normally be granted for formal studies completed by a student more than 10 years before a student makes an application for credit transfer.

5.4 Currency of prior learning

As RPL takes into account a person’s life experiences, it is therefore inappropriate to limit the time elapsed since the gaining of that experience.

5.5 Request for a variation to the maximum amount of credit transfer or Recognition of Prior Learning for program credit

A request for a variation to the maximum amount of credit transfer can be made only on the basis of pedagogically sound arguments and / or external professional accreditation requirements. The request will include a strategy to ensure that the integrity of the University’s program is maintained.

A request for a variation must be approved by Academic Board following a recommendation from the relevant Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee.

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Section 6: Notification and recording

6.1 Advice to the applicant

On the basis of the credit transfer and RPL assessment made by the Faculty, Student Administration will provide the applicant with a Notice of Credit Transfer containing details of the credit transfer and RPL assessment in the following categories:

• specified credit transfer;
• unspecified credit transfer;
• block credit transfer; and/or
• exemption.

6.2 Acceptance of credit

The Notice of Credit Transfer details will not be activated unless and until Student Administration receives from the applicant a written acceptance of the offer of credit provided in the Notice. The written acceptance or a written request for review must be lodged with Student Administration within 20 days of the date given on the Notice.

Refer to Section 8 for details on the review and appeal processes.

International students who have received a notice of assessment for credit transfer and RPL should check that acceptance of any credit transfer and RPL is consistent with any visa or scholarship conditions.

6.3 Recording of the credit transfer and recognition of prior learning for program credit

Student Administration will record the credit transfer and RPL assessment on the student’s record.

6.4 Credit Transfer Precedent Database

Program Leaders may nominate a credit transfer decision as a precedent, which will then be entered into the Credit Transfer Precedent Database (CTPD) by Student Administration. Any future applications for credit transfer that match an approved assessment in the CTPD will be assessed by Student Administration. The CTPD contains:

1. precedents approved by the Program Leader in the Faculty administering a program; and
2. formal credit transfer arrangements with other institutions concerning credit transfer.

The Credit Transfer Precedent Database ensures consistency in granting credit transfer. A precedent will not be created for a RPL assessment or for non-identical circumstances.

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Section 7: Rescinding of credit

Rescinding of credit transfer and RPL comes in two forms — the surrender of credit transfer and / or RPL by a student, and the revoking of credit transfer and / or RPL by the University.

7.1 Where a student wishes to surrender credit previously granted

A student who has been granted credit transfer and / or RPL may subsequently wish to surrender all or part of that credit transfer and RPL. The student should consult a Program Adviser and the Program Leader to discuss the implications of this decision for their program of study.

International students must consult USC International before submitting an application to surrender any grant of credit.

A student who wishes to proceed with the surrender of credit transfer and RPL should, after or as part of the consultations with the Program Adviser and Program Leader, complete an application to surrender credit transfer and RPL form. Within 10 working days of receipt of a completed application to surrender credit transfer and RPL form, the faculty will indicate on the form whether it supports the surrender of credit transfer and RPL and, in the case of not supporting the surrender, provide reasons for that position.

The decision regarding the application to surrender credit transfer and RPL will be made by the Program Leader.

7.2 Revoking of credit by the University

Credit transfer and RPL granted towards a USC program may be revoked by the relevant Dean. Credit transfer and RPL would normally be revoked where the original credit transfer and RPL decision was subsequently discovered to be based on incorrect information provided by the student.

7.3 Communication of the decision to rescind credit

On the basis of a decision to rescind credit transfer and / or RPL, Student Administration will provide the applicant with a revised Notice of Credit Transfer within 10 working days of the Faculty’s receipt of the appropriate documentation, including any reasons for the decision.

In the case of an international student, the credit detailed in a revised Notice of Credit Assessment will not be recorded or activated unless and until Student Administration receives from the student a written acceptance of the credit detailed in the revised Notice. The student should consult USC International before accepting any revised credit details because of possible visa or other implications.

An international student’s written acceptance of changes to a grant of credit must be received by Student Administration within 20 days of the date given on the revised Notice.

In all other cases, any change made to a grant of credit under 7.1 or 7.2 above will be activated and amended in the student’s record immediately following the issue of a revised Notice.

7.4 Dissatisfaction with the decision

A student who is dissatisfied with an assessment of credit or any grant or non-grant of credit or a decision related to surrender or revoking of credit should, in the first instance, discuss the matter informally with the relevant Program Leader.

The student may lodge a formal written appeal against the decision with the relevant Dean, stating the grounds for the appeal.

Refer to Section 8 for details on the review and appeal processes.

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Section 8: Decision review and appeals

8.1 Dissatisfaction with the credit assessment

If the applicant is dissatisfied with the decision outlined in the original or revised Notice of Credit Transfer, the applicant may lodge a formal written appeal against the assessment with the relevant Dean, stating the grounds for the appeal.

Usually, a request for a review of decision will be made before any formal appeal against a decision is lodged.

Appeals or requests for a faculty-based review of a credit transfer assessment or decision in relation to credit transfer must be received by the relevant Dean within 20 working days of the date of issue of the Notice of Credit Transfer.

The request or appeal documentation must include an outline of the matters that have led to the request or appeal, the grounds for requesting the review or lodging the appeal (refer to Item 8.2 below) and any documentation in support of the applicant’s / student’s case.

8.2 Grounds for review

The grounds for requesting a review of a credit transfer assessment or for lodging an appeal against the assessment are one or more of the following:

1. the University failed to follow relevant credit transfer or RPL policies or procedures; or
2. the University failed to follow its own published procedures and guidelines for credit transfer and RPL, including for any credit transfer and RPL within the relevant program; or
3. the University’s application of its own procedures and guidelines for credit transfer and RPL, including for any credit transfer and RPL within the relevant program, was not consistent with a University rule, policy or procedure.

8.3 Advice to the applicant of the outcome of the review

Within 10 days of receipt of the written request the faculty will advise Student Administration in writing of the outcome of the review of decision or appeal.

Within five days of receipt of the outcome, Student Administration will provide the student official written advice of the outcome, including the basis for the decision.

8.4 Appeal of outcome of the review

In the event that an applicant or student is dissatisfied with the outcome of any review of decision or an appeal relating to credit transfer and RPL, the applicant may lodge an appeal with the Student Grievance Appeals Committee or an external appeal body in accordance with the 'Student Grievances and Appeals – Governing Policy and Student Grievances and Appeals – Procedures and Guidelines'.

De-identified information relating to all faculty-based reviews of decision and appeals concerning credit transfer and RPL will be entered in the Student Grievance Precedents Register.

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Section 9: Monitoring of decisions – review and reporting

The Director, Student Administration will provide annual reports to the Academic Board on data related to the implementation and impact of credit transfer and RPL for program credit within the University.

The Chairperson, Academic Board (in liaison with the Director, Student Administration) will arrange for an overall review of the effectiveness and impact of the University’s processes for credit transfer and RPL for program credit to be undertaken at least every five years.

Where relevant such a review may lead to recommendations regarding policy and procedural changes.

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Section 10: Roles and responsibilities

10.1 Applicant

The responsibilities of the applicant include the following:

1. to identify the program and course/s for which they are seeking credit transfer;
2. to complete the required University forms;
3. to ensure that all the additional documentation is attached;
4. to ensure all documentation is accurate;
5. to undertake any required assessment activities in the case of applicants for RPL; and
6. to submit all documentation by the identified due dates.

10.2 Student Administration

The responsibilities of Student Administration include the following:

1. to create and distribute relevant University forms;
2. to provide an initial assessment of the application for the Program Leader to consider;
3. to administer, record and communicate the credit transfer and RPL assessments;
4. to establish and maintain a Credit Transfer Precedent Database;
5. to act on behalf of the Program Leader to determine future assessments in line with any precedents; and
6. to provide informal advice to potential applicants on the amount of credit transfer they may receive for their previous studies based on the Credit Transfer Precedent Database.

10.3 Program Leader

The responsibilities of the Program Leader include the following:

1. to provide informal advice to potential applicants on the amount of credit transfer they may receive for their previous studies or learning;
2. to assess submitted forms and approve credit transfer and RPL (delegation from the Dean);
3. to conduct assessment activities for applicants for RPL for program credit;
4. to consult course coordinators and other Program Leaders in relation to specific applications for credit transfer or RPL for program credit where required; and
5. identify and notify Student Administration of relevant decisions as precedent.

10.4 Dean

The responsibilities of the Dean include the following:

1. to ensure Program Leaders are familiar with the requirements for granting of credit;
2. to ensure implementation of the policies and associated procedure and guidelines within the relevant faculty;
3. to assess written requests for a review of the assessment;
4. to inform Student Administration of the review decision;
5. to revoke credit transfer and RPL that was granted on the basis of information supplied by the applicant that was later to be found to be false or incorrect; and
6. to make final decisions on the grant of credit transfer and RPL to individual applicants in relation to programs offered or administered by the faculty (normally delegated to the relevant Program Leader).

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