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Résumé exécutif

In ONCAT’s work with Ontario postsecondary stakeholders, we have encountered challenges in communicating about learner mobility topics due to the lack of a common vocabulary. While there are various resources with extensive definition sets, these occasionally conflict with one another or omit important terms. In response to the situation, we present a set of ONCAT-recommended definitions for key learner mobility concepts and associated terms intended for use across Ontario’s postsecondary sector. These definitions were developed through a five-step process that involved analyzing over 150 publications and websites to establish core definitions, which were then refined in consultation with key postsecondary education stakeholders. Details about the methodology and rationale behind each definition are available in our supplemental report (LaCroix & Napierala, 2025).

The goal of this project was to provide a definitional framework to address longstanding ambiguities surrounding learner mobility terminology. Broader adoption of this framework will improve communication among stakeholders in transfer and mobility and facilitate increased linkages between research and practice.