FAQ
Certificate FAQ
Technical & Material Requirements FAQ
Policies & Procedures FAQ
Financial FAQ
Certificate FAQ
Can I register for individual courses if I am not interested in obtaining a certificate at this time?
Absolutely! Courses can be taken as part of a certificate program or individually and applied towards a certificate at a future date.
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How are these courses conducted?
The distance education courses are offered through interactive and innovative online instruction. Each course is facilitated by a qualified instructor and is 12 weeks in length. Students log onto the course web site several times per week to study the course material, talk with classmates and instructors in the course discussions, submit assignments, and check grades. Courses are broken down into modules that are completed each week. Courses have a paced study schedule which ensures everyone progresses through the course at the same time with the support of classmates and the instructor. You have flexibility within each week to determine when you will participate in the course.
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How does distance education work?
Distance education allows you to study at home or in your office, according to your own schedule...there are no classes to attend. Each course has a web site where you will find course content, assignments, quizzes as well as access to classmates and the instructor. Course may include a manual, CD-ROMs, DVDs etc., depending on the nature of the course. 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 online distance education programs, see the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support website <www.open.uoguelph.ca>
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Where do I take the courses?
You can take the course 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 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.
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When can I start?
Courses start in January, May and September each year. For specific start dates or the schedule of offerings, see the course offerings page and each certificate description. Sign up to the Join Info List to receive important updates and advance notices through email, as courses are scheduled and become available.
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How much time will I need to devote to my distance course each week?
A general rule of thumb is that you should expect to spend six to 12 hours per week for each course taken. However, there is some variation in the nature of assignments and instructor requirements, as well as individual study habits. We recommend that you establish a study routine and schedule early in the semester.
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Can the courses be taken in any order?
Yes, courses can be taken in any order.
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Could you send me an Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support catalogue?
Continuing Education
More detailed information, including registration forms, is available on each continuing education offering at www.coles.uoguelph.ca. You can also request a brochure regarding specific programs of interest. Contact info@coles.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000 to request a program specific brochure.
Distance Education
A catalogue of degree-credit and professional development distance education courses is available. Contact us at info@coles.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000 to request your copy.
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Technical & Material Requirements FAQ
What are my technical requirements?
Effective November 2009 - Online courses have the following hardware and software requirements:
| Operating System |
Windows 98, 98SE, ME, 2000, 2003, XP, Vista
or
Mac OS X (up to 10.4)
(Note that some courses require access to a Windows-compatible computer) |
Windows 2003, XP Service Pack 2 |
| Video |
SVGA monitor set at a minimum
resolution of 800 x 600 |
Resolution of 1024x768 or greater |
| Peripherals |
CD-ROM drive
DVD Player
Speakers |
| Supported Browsers (Windows) |
Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0
Firefox 2 |
| Supported Browsers (Mac) |
Safari 1.3, 2.0
Firefox 2 |
| Internet Speed |
56K modem |
DSL or Cable modem |
| Java Script |
Enabled |
| Cookies |
Enabled |
| Software |
word processing software |
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Are textbooks required for my distance education course?
Textbooks are not required. If you wish to supplement your personal library, each instructor has provided a list of suitable references on the Resources page in each course.
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Policies & Procedures FAQ
How do I register for a course?
You can register online using the online registration form at the top and bottom of each distance education course description. A print/fax registration form is available from the Register link.
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:
Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support
University of Guelph
160 Johnston Hall
Guelph Ontario Canada N1G 2W1
Please let us know the course(s) in which you are interested.
To register by phone, call 519-767-5000.
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When should I register?
Many of our courses fill up quickly so you should register early. Registrations will be accepted until the first Friday of class, if there is space in the class, but course materials are not shipped until course payment is received. 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 may not receive course materials until the first week of the course is over. Register early.
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What are the registration deadlines?
Please see the individual course descriptions for start dates or contact us for more information. Registrations will be accepted until the first Friday of class, if there is space in the class. We will do everything we can to get you registered for a course. However, it is advisable to register early, as courses have space limits and fill up early.
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Are there restrictions on who is eligible to take courses through the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support?
There are generally no restrictions for individuals wishing to register in Continuing Education and professional development courses, workshops, conferences, distance education courses etc. However, it is best that you read the course description carefully, including the information on the intended target audience, to ensure that the course is right for you.
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Is English proficiency required to take these courses?
The sustainable urban agriculture and horticulture courses are facilitated in English. In order to understand fully the course materials and increase your chance of success, we strongly suggest that you have an English proficiency equivalent to a score of 89 iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) with no band less than 21 or successful completion of the advanced level of the English Language Certificate Program at the University of Guelph. Should you have any questions or concerns about your English proficiency, please contact the Office of Open Learning at info@coles.uoguelph.ca or call 519-767-5000.
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How should I prepare my distance education assignment?
The sustainable urban agriculture and horticulture Handbook and each course web site contain specific instructions about assignment format.
Here are some helpful hints:
- double space your assignment and allow for margins along the top, bottom and sides of the page
- use one side of the paper only and number the pages
- we strongly urge you to use a word-processor or typewriter; however, if this is not possible check with your instructor to see if he or she will accept neatly handwritten assignments
- proofread your assignment for content, spelling and grammatical errors
- always retain a disk or hard copy of your assignments
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How many distance education assignments will I have to complete?
Distance education courses typically have anywhere from two to ten assignments, quizzes, research papers, graded discussions, case studies etc. Each course has a schedule of study and specific requirements for assignments, quizzes, etc. Information on the course requirements and due dates are located in the Outline on each course website.
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What happens if I can't get my assignment in on time?
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. If you are unable to complete your assignment on time, contact your instructor in advance of the due date, if possible. Medical documentation may be requested if illness has prevented you from keeping up with your course.
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What if I am unable to complete a course?
If you are unable to complete a course, submit a Drop Form before the 40th day of class to avoid academic penalty (receiving a grade of “F” on your academic record). Drop forms are found in the Documents link. Failure to take part in a class does not constitute notification of withdrawal and will result in forfeiture of the entire course fee. No refunds are issued after the second week of the course.
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What is the course cancellation policy?
A full refund will be issued provided the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support receives a completed Drop Form 30 calendar days or more prior to the course start date. A Drop Form is found at www.UrbanHort.ca and select the Documents link. A completed Drop Form, including signature, can be faxed or mailed.
A refund less a $75.00 administration fee will be issued provided the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support receives a completed Drop Form at least 29 calendar days or less prior to the course start date or up to the Friday of the second week of the course. Your course materials and original income tax receipt must be returned to the Office of Open Learning for the refund to be issued.
No refunds will be issued after the second week of the course.
Failure to take part in a course does not constitute notification of withdrawal and will result in forfeiture of the entire course fee.
Should you decide not to continue after the course drop date, you must still send in a completed Drop Form by the 40th class day to avoid academic penalty (receiving a grade of “F” on your academic record). Drop Forms are not accepted after the 40th class day (the Friday of week 8 in each course).
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What is the requirement for granting of certificates?
A certificate will be issued to those who successfully complete all the courses listed within a certificate program. Select the Documents link to obtain a Certificate Request Form.
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Financial FAQ
What is the cost of each course?
Early Bird Tuition: $595.00 CDN per course for registrations received 30 days or more before the course start date.
Regular Tuition: $645.00 CDN per course for registrations received 29 days or less before the course start date
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Are Open Learning courses tax deductible?
Tax receipts are issued. In Canada, the tuition portion of your course fee is income tax deductible.
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Is there any form of financial assistance available for these courses?
You may be eligible to receive a bursary award towards an Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support continuing education activity and/or Open Learning program. Visit http://www.coles.uoguelph.ca/about/financial-assistance.aspx for more information.
Do you have any other questions not covered above?
Contact us at 519-767-5000 or send us your questions by writing to info@coles.uoguelph.ca.
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