You can take the courses from wherever you have a computer linked to the Internet! The benefit of the online format is that you can work around your busy schedule by studying from the comfort of your own home and at a time convenient to you. There are no classes to attend. All that is required is a computer, an Internet connection, and a desire to learn.
For specific start dates, contact the Office of Open Learning or see the certificate information page.
To obtain a certificate, you must successfully complete 5 degree-credit courses. The courses may be taken in any order, as long as prerequisite (or the equivalent) requirements are met.
The Certificate program consists of five courses. If you were to take one course a semester, it would therefore take five semesters, or approximately 2 years to complete the certificate.
Online courses offer you more convenience and flexibility. Your online course will require a significant amount of reading, writing, completing assignments, and participation online. You should expect to spend about 10 hours per week for each course taken. You will receive a weekly schedule to help you plan your time.
Because our courses and programs are so wide-ranging, and targeted to such a diversity of learners, we recommend visiting the Office of Open Learning website at www.open.uoguelph.ca or calling us for information about specific courses and programs at 519 767-5000.
RECOGNITION OF PAST EXPERIENCE
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is in place to evaluate and recognize your past experience and previous education (including seminars, workshops and corporate training programs). As a result of PLAR, you may receive credit, to a maximum of one course credit, towards the Certificate.
Contact Mickey Smart, Office of Open Learning Program Counsellor, by phone at 519 824-4120, Extension 56050, or by email at msmart@open.uoguelph.ca for more information.
To obtain your parchment, complete the following application form and send it to us by fax at 519 824-1114 or mail to:
Office of Open Learning
160 Johnston Hall
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON, Canada N1H 2W1
Distance education allows you to study at home or in your office, according to your own schedule...there are no classes to attend. Generally, each course comes with a manual that may be accompanied by videotapes, audiotapes, audio CDs, computer diskettes, CD-ROMs, etc., depending on the nature of the course. As well, most courses incorporate websites with computer conferencing, e-mail, and computer-based quizzes using the World Wide Web as an innovative learning environment. Distance education provides a contemporary means through which the University of Guelph continues its tradition of outreach and open learning opportunities.
For more information on our approach to online distance education, please check out our online learning portal.
Effective January 2007 - Online courses will have the following hardware and software requirements:
| Component | Required | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, 2003, XP or Mac OS X (Note that some courses require access to a Windows-compatible computer) |
|
| Video | SVGA monitor -- set at a minimum resolution of 800 x 600 -- |
Resolution of 1024x768 or greater |
| Peripherals | CD-ROM drive Speakers |
|
| Browser (Windows) | Internet Explorer 6.0 Netscape 7.2 Firefox 1.5 |
|
| Browser (Mac) |
Netscape 7.2 Safari 1.3, 2.0 Firefox 1.5 |
|
| Internet Speed | 56K modem | DSL or Cable modem |
| Java Script | Enabled | |
| Cookies | Enabled | |
| Software | word processing software | |
No, tuition fees do not include the cost of textbooks.
You can register online, by fax or mail.
To register by fax, complete the registration form and fax it to 519 824-1114.
To register by mail, complete the registration form and mail it to:
Office of Open Learning
160 Johnston Hall
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON, Canada N1H 2W1
Please let us know the course(s) in which you are interested.
Should you have any questions, contact Mickey Smart, Office of Open Learning Program Counsellor, by phone at 519 824-4120, Extension 56050, or by email at msmart@open.uoguelph.ca.
Many of our courses fill up quickly so you should register early. In some courses we will accept registration up until the course starts but you should remember that we do not send out course materials until we receive course payment. It can take a week or more for course materials to arrive depending on where you live. International students should allow at least a week for course package delivery. If you register when the course starts you will not receive course materials until the first week of the course is over. Register early.
Each offering has its own registration deadline. Please see the individual course descriptions, or contact us for more information. Generally, we do everything we can to get you registered for a course. However, it is advisable to register early, as some courses have limits and fill up early.
We recommend using the guide below to help you determine by when you should register:
| Semester | Register no later than |
|---|---|
| Fall | Mid - August |
| Winter | Mid - December |
| Summer | Mid - April |
The Certificate courses are presented in English and require proficiency in written English. Students should supply evidence of English proficiency (except Francophone Canadian citizens educated in Canada) if:
Registrants who need to meet the English Proficiency Requirement should do so by submitting the required scores in 1, 2, or 3 below, along with their registration form.
Distance education courses typically have assignments due every week or two, and each assignment has specific requirements and a set due date.
It is important for you to be aware of due dates so that you can complete and submit your assignments in a timely fashion. Instructors may use their discretion to deduct marks for late assignments. Contact your instructor in advance of the due date, if possible, if you are unable to complete your assignment on time. Medical documentation may be requested if illness has prevented you from keeping up with your course.
If you change your mind about taking a course that you have registered for, you will need to contact the Office of Open Learning at 519 767-5000 as soon as possible.
Tax receipts are issued. In Canada, the tuition portion of your course fees is income tax deductible.
You may be eligible to receive a bursary award towards an Office of Open Learning continuing education activity and/or Open Learning program. Visit www.open.uoguelph.ca/bursary for more information.
