Portfolio parts and requirements

This section outlines how to prepare an e-Portfolio. All portfolio submissions will contain the same parts although navigation will understandably differ accordingly.

Your portfolio must contain the following parts and meet the following requirements:

A. Formatting elements

• Paper size 8 ½” x 11” (portrait presentation).
• Text:
  • Font – Calibri, Arial or Tahoma
  • 12 pt – bolded only to identify categories
  • Double space autobiography and/or narrative sections
  • Black text colour
• Number all pages of front-end pieces and learning statements.
• Place your name and student ID# as a header or footer of each page excluding supporting documentation.
• Orient front end pieces and learning statements to portrait layout.
• Orient support documents to portrait layout.
• Include no numbers or bullets in learning statements.

B. Sequential layout guidelines

• Cover page (optional)
  • Must include Student Name and ID# and program name.
  • You may use creativity for the title of portfolio, display of photos, or graphic layout (but it is not required).
  • Refer to virtual portfolios for suggested format.
• Declaration page - Available for download.
• Table of contents (TOC) - This important tool guides you in the organization of your portfolio including proper referencing and naming of your documentation in the e-Portfolio. You will NOT upload this document to the e-Portfolio. You will share this TOC with your mentor during portfolio preparation. Do not adjust your TOC after it has been approved without further consultation with your mentor.
  • Group different types of documents into specific categories. Common categories are Letters of Attestation, Primary Source Documents, and Secondary Source Documents.
  • Tab references must be in numerical sequence.
  • Tab 1 aligns with the resume.
  • Name and reference each support document with an identical name and tab number in both the Table of Contents and in the Supporting Documentation column within your learning statements document.
  • Refer to program and course-based examples:
    • Table of contents example program-based
    • Table of contents example course-based
• DegreeWorks worksheet (program planner) - A current copy of the DegreeWorks worksheet (or program planner for students with older course regulations) is required indicating courses completed, in process, and transferred.
• Front-end Pieces. Examples are available in PLAR handbook, virtual portfolios and on the website.
  • Résumé. Current professional examples in virtual portfolios.
  • Autobiography
  • Critical incident (optional)
• Learning statements document
  • Refer to website and PLAR handbook for guidelines specific to program-based and course-based approaches.
• Supporting documentation
  • Start the name of each document with the tab number assigned within your mentor-approved table of contents.
  • Aim for approximately 50 tab references for supporting documentation. That number is suggested to guide a concise presentation.
  • Group according to document type. See the virtual portfolios for examples.
  • Refer to table of contents samples above for organization of documentation.
  • A maximum of 3-5 letters of attestation is suggested. (See page 25, PLAR handbook.)

C. Organizational Tips

• Use a separate tab for each document and reference it in the table of contents.
• Start the name of each document with the tab number assigned within your mentor approved table of contents.
• Ensure all documents showcased are clear and display all information required as supporting documentation.
• When using large documents as support, insert only the pertinent aspects of these documents in the e-Portfolio. Ensure that the original document is appropriately referenced. This will result in provision of a truncated version of the supporting document.
• Pictures: If pictures are used in the body of the e-Portfolio please keep these to a minimum and use only if relevant to the learning. Check with mentor if in doubt.
• Confidentiality: Ensure references to any individual(s) including names, initials and contact information or private organizational content is redacted from the e-Portfolio.
• IMPORTANT NOTE: No changes, additions, or deletions to e-Portfolio documents or organization should be made after your mentor has reviewed and approved all contents prior to submission.

A printable version of this Portfolio parts and requirements document containing additional details is online and will also be provided to you by your mentor.