What is a portfolio?

A PLAR portfolio at AU is a collection of written content and documented evidence that you assemble with the guidance of your mentor to demonstrate university-level experiential learning.

Feedback and resources provided by your PLAR mentor are essential to guide your portfolio presentation. Portfolios developed without mentor support will not be distributed for assessment.

Portfolio Components

A PLAR portfolio at AU will consist of the following elements:

• Table of Contents – listing and numbering all components of your portfolio.
• Cover page (Optional) – introduction with your name, ID, program, and a statement of the portfolio intent.
• Declaration page – a form affirming you have met portfolio requirements.
• DegreeWorks – your AU program plan.
• Resume - outlining all past employment and educational history in reverse-chronological order using a concise and organized layout.
• Autobiographical Essay – demonstrating a critical and chronological reflection of your educational and employment history throughout your life, and how it aligns to your current and future goals.
• Critical Incident Essay (Optional) - a brief essay that frames an aspect of your learning as it relates to one critical incident from your past, linking to your present and future career and educational goals.
• Learning Statements – A series of statements following a prescribed format that describe your relevant learning, including your application of theories, methodologies, and research in the field, carefully aligned to address specific learning outcomes. These may be program-based or course-based learning statements depending on your program’s portfolio approach.
• Letters of Attestation - Letters from colleagues who witnessed your work from a supervisory or leadership role that directly support your learning statements. (NOTE: These are not letters of reference and cannot be collected until your mentor directs you to.)
• Supports / Evidence of Learning – A range of documents collected from your experience in the field that provide direct evidence for your learning statements, such as reports, strategies, presentations, process maps, emails, and a range of other media. See Sample student portfolio for examples.

You can find more about the portfolio parts in the “Portfolio parts and requirements” document and the PLAR Handbook.

Portfolio Format

Portfolios are to be submitted electronically.

There are several ways to compile and submit an electronically- based portfolio.

• Use our e-Portfolio template, available at e-Lab Portfolio. (Instructions are available to assist you in using the e-Portfolio site).
• Compile a document (Word, PDF, etc.) with bookmarks and/or embedded links. Submit the content electronically via a zip drive or an equivalent negotiated with your mentor.
• Use a commercial site available online to house your documents and build the portfolio.

Follow the examples provided in the sample student e-Portfolios section and submission guidance in the e-Portfolio submission section.

Your mentor will provide further insight so you can select the electronic submission route that works for you.