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Can I register for individual
courses if I am not interested in obtaining a certificate at this time?
What are my technical requirements?
How do I register for a course?
What is the cost of each course?
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. 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. Course
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. 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
Office of Open Learning website <www.open.uoguelph.ca> 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. 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. 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. Can the courses be taken in any order? Yes, most courses can be taken in any order. The exception is Landscape
Design I must be taken before Landscape Design II. Can I take a face-to-face course? Yes, workshops are available in horticulture, landscaping and turf. Workshop
descriptions and schedules are available at www.open.uoguelph.ca/hort. Could you send me an Office of Open Learning catalogue? Continuing Education Distance Education
What are my technical requirements? Effective January 2007 - Online courses will have the
following hardware and software requirements:
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.
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:
Please let us know the course(s) in which you are interested. To register by phone, call 519-767-5000. 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. What are the registration deadlines? Each offering has its own registration deadline. Please see the individual
course descriptions for start dates or contact us for more information.
We will do everything we can to get you registered for a course. However,
it is advisable to register early, as courses have limits and fill up
early. Are there restrictions on who is eligible to take courses through the Office of Open Learning? 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. Is English proficiency required to take these courses? The horticulture, landscape and turf 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@open.uoguelph.ca
or call 519-767-5000. How should I prepare my distance education assignment? The horticulture Handbook and course web site contain specific instructions about assignment format. Here are some helpful hints:
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. 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. 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. What is the course cancellation policy? A full refund will be issued provided the Office of Open Learning receives a completed Drop Form 30 calendar days or more prior to the course start date. A Drop Form is found at www.HorticultureCertificates.com 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 Office of Open Learning 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). 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.
What is the cost of each course? The tuition fee for each course is $495.00 Canadian. Are Open Learning courses tax deductible? Tax receipts are issued. In Canada, the tuition portion of your course
fee is income tax deductible. Is there any form of financial assistance available for these courses? 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. Do you have any other questions not covered above? Contact us at 519-767-5000 or send us your questions by writing to hortinfo@uoguelph.ca.
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Certificate FAQ...