Academic Credential Prcedure Policy

Authorizer: Vice-President Academic/Student Affairs & Human
Resources Version: V2
Effective Date: 4/21/2022

PROCEDURE STATEMENT:

Following the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) Binding Policy Directives and Operating Procedures, Nova Atlantic College award credentials that reflect the provincial credential framework.

Nova Atlantic College also awards documents approved as identified in this procedure.

SCOPE:

This procedure applies to all students registered in courses or programs for which a
credential or document is issued.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Registrar:

Ensure adherence to College and Ministry Binding Policy Directives, Operating Procedures and the Framework for Programs of Instruction.

Records Officers:

Record, report, retain and ensure the confidentiality and accuracy of all student records.

Program/Programming Team

Ensure that academic decisions regarding program completion are in accordance with program promotion policies/standards.

Student

Notify the Office of the Registrar by submitting the appropriate form(s) when requesting documents

PROCEDURE:

Awarding of Ontario College Credentials and Nova Atlantic College Credentials:

1. Students are awarded diplomas, degrees, and/or Certificates by the Office of the Registrar. (Please see Convocation Procedure)
   1. A credential cannot be granted from a program that has been canceled by the Ministry.
2. Alternate Credentials
   1. Students who withdraw from their program before completing their full program may be awarded an alternate credential (e.g. two-year diploma instead of a three-year advanced diploma, or a one-year certificate instead of a two-year diploma), assuming all requirements of the credential have been met. Students who wish to graduate with an alternate credential must complete the Application to Graduate Form and submit it to the Registrar’s Office.
   2. The Office of the Registrar will forward a request to the program/programming team of the program for an academic decision.
3. Multiple Credentials (Concurrently)
   1. Students who wish to pursue multiple programs of study concurrently leading to multiple credentials must meet the residency requirements as set out in the Credit Transfer Policy.
   2. The student must apply for the primary program desired.
   3. The student must meet with the program/programming team in order to have an academic plan approved and developed.
   4. Students who wish to graduate with multiple credentials must apply for the concurrent program by submitting the Program Application Form to the Office of the Registrar.
4. Joint Credentials
   1. Nova Atlantic College may issue a joint credential that includes the name and logo of both the Nova Atlantic College and its partner organization. Joint credentials will be recommended by the Executive Dean and approved by the Office of the Vice President, Academic Administration in cooperation with the Registrar.

Note: Combining/Bundling credentials outside of the above definitions is not permitted.

Other Nova Atlantic College Documents:

1. Certificate of Achievement:
   1. Students will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement upon completion of the program of study. Students must notify the Office of the Registrar upon completion by submitting the Application to Graduate/Program Completion Form to the Office of the Registrar.
      (no fee will be assessed for Certificate of Achievement programs)
2. Recognition of Learning:
   1. A program/programming team may request this document to be used for recognizing achievement for learning that does not qualify for a credential/document issued through the Office of the Registrar. The program/programming team will be responsible for issuing the Recognition of Learning. This document will be made available through the Office of the Registrar.
   2. The Recognition of Learning document will not:
      1. include the verbiage used on the official Nova Atlantic College credentials/documents as issued through the Office of the
         Registrar.
      2. be produced on the same paper or use the same color ink as the official Nova Atlantic College credentials/documents as issued through the Office of the Registrar.
      3. include the signatures of the President, Chair of the Board of Governors, and the Registrar.
      4. include the seal of the College.
3. Statement of Participation and/or Affirmation
   1. Students must request a Statement of Participation or an Affirmation for applicable courses by completing and submitting the General Request Form to the Office of the Registrar. (Applicable fees apply.)

Replacement of a Credential/Document:

Graduates may request a replacement credential/document by completing the General Request Form and submitting it to the Office of the Registrar. (Applicable fees apply.)

DEFINITIONS:

Baccalaureate Degree: Awarded by the Office of the Registrar to students who have successfully completed outcomes of a prescribed degree program, typically eight (8) academic semesters or 2400-3200 equivalent instructional hours in duration, approved by the Nova Atlantic College’s Board of Governors in accordance with degree-level standards established by the Ontario Postsecondary Education Qualifications Review Board. This degree will include the logo and seal of Nova Atlantic College and will be signed by the President, Chair, Board of Governors, and Registrar.

Ontario College Graduate Certificate: A Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) credential that meets all specific vocational learning outcomes as defined by provincial program standards, where these exist. The complexity of knowledge would enhance the ability of graduates to perform a more specialized range of activities. Leadership and guidance may be involved when organizing self or others as programs usually require completion of a College Diploma or University Degree Program, in a related field.

Ontario College Advanced Diploma: Awarded by the Office of the Registrar to students who have successfully completed outcomes of a prescribed advanced post-secondary program, typically six (6) academic semesters or 1800- 2100 equivalent instruction hours in duration, approved by Nova Atlantic College’s Board of Governors which meets all specific vocational learning outcomes as defined by provincial program standards, where these exist. This diploma will include the logo and seal of Nova Atlantic College and will be signed by the President, Chair, Board of Governors, and Registrar.

Ontario College Diploma: A Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) credential that meets all specific vocational learning outcomes as defined by provincial program standards, where these exist. The complexity of knowledge covers the planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skill and knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or administrative requirements, coordination, and evaluation. Most Ontario College. Diploma programs require 4 semesters (full-time)

Ontario College Certificate: A Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) credential that meets all specific vocational learning outcomes as defined by provincial program standards, where these exist. The complexity of knowledge would prepare graduates to perform in
varied activities or knowledge application situations where the range of contexts in which the choice of actions required is usually clear, and there is limited complexity in the range of options to be applied. Most College Certificate programs require 2 semesters (full-time) for completion.

College Certificate: Awarded by the Office of the Registrar to students who have successfully completed outcomes of a prescribed program, typically a minimum of three courses and between 168-600 hours. This certificate will include the logo and seal of Nova Atlantic College and will be signed by the President, Chair, Board of Governors, and Registrar.

Certificate of Achievement: Awarded by the Office of the Registrar to students who have successfully completed outcomes of a prescribed program, typically less than 168 hours. This certificate will include the logo and seal of the Nova Atlantic College and will be signed by the
Registrar.

Micro-credential: Awarded by the Registrar’s Office to those who have successfully completed a defined list of related courses that focus on a specific competency. Typically less than 136 hours and include assessment. The quality criteria are determined by the College.

Affirmation: For courses where a formal assessment component has occurred.

Statement of Participation: For courses in which there is, no formal assessment (indicates the student’s attendance and participation).

Recognition of Learning: Awarded by the program team for the purposes of recognizing learning that does not qualify for a credential/document as outlined in the definition.

Canceled Program: A program that is no longer offered and no students are enrolled. A credential cannot be granted from a program that has been canceled by the Ministry