About the Session

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process for evaluating skills and knowledge gained through work, life experience, and professional training. As more B.C. institutions explore flexible and learner-centred approaches, PLAR is emerging as an essential strategy for supporting student mobility, reducing barriers, and honouring diverse learning journeys. This panel brings together leading practitioners from across the B.C. post-secondary sector to share how their institutions are implementing PLAR, what they’ve learned, and why expanding PLAR pathways matters now more than ever.

Moderated by Helena Prins, an advisor on the BCcampus Learning and Teaching team, this session will be an engaging and practical conversation for faculty, administrators, student-service professionals, and anyone interested in equity-informed innovation. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of PLAR’s value, examples of effective models across B.C., and inspiration for strengthening or developing PLAR pathways within their own institutions.

This session may be recorded, archived, and shared after the event.

About the Facilitators

Justine Arsenault is an advocate and practitioner for PLAR at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), where she leads the Experience-Based Placement initiative. She collaborates with programs to create flexible pathways that validate the knowledge, skills, and experiences of adult learners, supporting credential completion and lifelong learning. Justine also oversees the BCIT Legion Military Skills Conversion Program, providing Canadian Armed Forces members with prior learning assessments, career transition, and academic support. Beyond her role at BCIT, she serves as co-chair of the B.C. Prior Learning Action Network (BCPLAN), collaborating with PLAR experts and champions to expand access to credentials and employment through informed recognition of prior learning.

Susan Forseille is Director of PLAR and Strategic Partnerships at Thompson Rivers University (TRU). She holds a BA from Simon Fraser University, a MA from TRU, and is completing her PhD at the University of Leicester. Her research focuses on career development, experiential learning, and PLAR.

Luke Kitching is an Asset Integrity Coordinator overseeing the integrity of pressure vessels and a graduate of the Bachelor of Technology, Trades & Technology Leadership program at TRU. With a professional focus on the reliability and safety of critical infrastructure, Luke specializes in proactively managing risks to ensure operational excellence and regulatory compliance. As a BTech alumnus, Luke used the PLAR process to bridge the gap between his field experience and academic credentials. For Luke, the PLAR journey was more than a means to gain academic credit, it served as a vital self-assessment tool to identify personal strengths, recognize learning gaps, and uncover new opportunities for professional growth. He’s since been an advocate for PLAR with students and prospect learnings in the industry abroad.

Lisa Middleton has worked in post-secondary student services for over 20 years and has served as Associate Registrar at Vancouver Community College, Langara College and the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC). At JIBC Lisa is responsible for admissions, student records and graduation, and contributes to academic governance committees. Lisa spearheaded the implementation of the professional training transfer credit pathway at JIBC as students with backgrounds in law enforcement, the military and public safety professions benefit from having their on-the-job training recognized academically.

Amanda Roberts is an accomplished RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) and PLAR practitioner, and she is serving as manager of PLAR at the University of the Fraser Valley. She is dedicated to establishing clear governance and supportive policies that create alternative pathways for learners. Amanda’s work strengthens institutional capacity by expanding access and creating pathways enabling learners to progress efficiently toward achieving their goals. Her servant leadership is demonstrated through mentorship of staff, faculty, and learners, as well as her contribution on committees, provincial councils, and national boards.