X--Associate Diploma Programs

Independent Study/Distance Learning

The University of Guelph has some 70 diploma-level courses and over 20 certificate programs in horticulture and landscaping and in agriculture and food available via OAC's Independent Study (I.S.) Division. There are over 40 diploma courses and one horticultural certificate program available in French via Teleformation at Collège d'Alfred. For both Independent Study and Teleformation, all courses are in the distance delivery mode.

Many of the I.S. diploma courses are directly transferable to agricultural college residential diploma programs. Independent Study courses are not recognized as part of the courseload for full- or part-time student status. Independent Study courses will appear as a transfer credit on the official transcript. Marks obtained in Independent Study courses are not included in the semester or cumulative average. Independent Study courses can also be taken to lead to the Ontario Diploma in Horticulture (ODH) and the Ontario Diploma in Agriculture (ODA). Both of these credentials are earned entirely via distance study.

The certificates available via Independent Study are industry-relevant. They include programs for the Canadian Feed Industry Association, The Canadian Animal Health Institute, the Ontario Independent Meat Packer and Processors, the Ontario Grape and Wine industry and the Canadian Plant Protection Industry. As well, there are more than 12 horticulture and landscaping certificates, including The Horticulturist, the flagship certificate of I.S. and the ODH Plus, a specialized post-diploma certificate.

The Ontario Diplomas in Horticulture and Agriculture are comprised of up to 15 courses, two qualifying examinations, a work experience report and a major project. The ODH has nine majors: Commercial Floriculture, Landscape Contracting, Landscape Design, Landscape Maintenance, Nursery Management, Ornamental Horticulture, Park Horticulture, Turf Management and Urban Forestry. The ODA has one major in General Agriculture.

The offices of Independent Study are located on the University of Guelph campus in Johnston Hall, Room 010. For a course catalogue and policy handbook, write:

• Independent Study/OAC ACCESS, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1;
• FAX: 1 (519) 824-9813;
• electronic mail: handbook@access.uoguelph.ca;
• telephone registration: 1 (519) 767-5050 or 1 (519) 824-4120, extension 3375
• automated registration: 1 (800) 263-4499
• internet: www.uoguelph.ca/istudy