XI--Other Programs

Open Learning

The University of Guelph serves the learning needs of people of all ages whose educational requirements may not match the program structure or services available through full-time undergraduate study. The adoption of the philosophy of lifelong learning, changes in the demographic characteristics of our communities, the explosion of new knowledge, and the effect of rapid technological advances on professional competence are major factors underlying the University's commitment towards alternative approaches to providing education through open learning.

The Office of Open Learning

The Office of Open Learning is the institutional focus for distance education, continuing education, the Open Learning program and conference planning. As such, the Office supports departments in the development and delivery of open learning activities. Courses and programs cover a broad spectrum of learning needs which include professional updating programs and general interest/knowledge enhancing courses.

Continuing Education

The Office of Open Learning offers six different certificate programs. Each program consists of five or six related, not for degree credit courses. Generally, courses are scheduled for one three hour evening class held once a week over a ten week period. Some classes are scheduled on Saturdays. Students are expected to do a reasonable amount of reading on their own in support of their courses. Those seeking certification are required to complete assignments and write examinations. The Certificate Program for Child Care Administrators is available by distance only. To qualify for a certificate, candidates must receive a passing grade in all of the required courses in the program of their choice and apply in writing to the Office of Open Learning for certification.

In addition to the Certificate programs, many short intensive continuing education workshops/courses/seminars and conferences are offered in specific topic areas each year. For more complete information on any continuing education courses and/or certificate programs, please contact the Office of Open Learning, Room 159, Johnston Hall, 767-5000, email: INFO@OPENLRNG.UOGUELPH.CA.

Certificate Program in Human Resources Management

The Human Resources Management Certificate program provides essential foundation skills and knowledge of management and labour relations with particular emphasis on relating practitioner principles, policies and procedures to "real world" situations. This program is designed to improve participants' skills in dealing with people and is comprised of the following courses:

• Human Resources Administration (prerequisite)
• Labour Management Relations
• Employment Law
• Training and Development
• Organization and Management

Certificate Program in Personnel Administration

How an organization identifies and utilizes its human resources will determine its prosperity and success; however, lasting success in times of rapid change depends on the acquisition of new skills and knowledge in all facets of personnel administration.

The Certificate Program in Personnel Administration focuses on effective human resources recruitment, management and administration and is comprised of the following courses:

• Human Resources Administration (prerequisite)
• Finance and Accounting Concepts
• Human Resource Planning
• Salary Administration and Benefits
• Labour Market Economics

Certificate Program in Managing People at Work

Effective management means getting things done right through others. Successful managers and supervisors are leaders who know how to resolve conflict, motivate others and build an effective and efficient team which gets results. With little or no training or experience, people often are called upon to manage others. The Certificate Program in Managing People at Work is designed to benefit aspiring and newly appointed managers as well as those with supervisory experience and is comprised of the following courses:

• *Managing People at Work (prerequisite)
• *The Fundamentals of Human Communication
• Labour Management Relations
• Employment Law
• Training and Development

*Also available by distance education.

Certificate Program in Communication

Effective communication is essential for personal and professional growth. It inspires confidence and improves relationships with family, friends, colleagues and business associates. It reduces misunderstanding and suspicion and leads to new openness, clarity and mutual respect. Effective communication is a vital link between you and your goals. An effective communicator listens carefully, thinks clearly, speaks and writes with clarity and precision.

Core Courses (Required)

• *The Fundamentals of Human Communication
• Effective Writing
• Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
• **Using Audio Visual Media
• Research and Reading Skills Workshop

Elective Courses (Choose One)

• Creative Writing
• Business Communication
• Report and Proposal Writing
• Marketing and Public Relations
• Information Management
• Desktop Publishing

* Also available by distance education

** Available by distance education only

Certificate Program for Child Care Administrators

The responsibilities of child care administrators are becoming increasingly complex. A foundation of management skills combined with knowledge of current legislation is necessary to establish, maintain, and promote a quality child care services. The distance study Certificate Program for Child Care Administrators will enable administrators to develop essential personnel, fiscal, and resource management skills, in the context of current regulations.

• A Framework for Child Care Administration
• Communication Strategies
• Management and Organization
• Human Resources Administration
• Financial Management
• Policies and Procedures
• Current Issues in Child and Family Welfare
• Curriculum Issues

National Certificate Program in Voluntary and Non Profit Sector Management

Voluntary and non profit sector managers are required to administer increasingly complex organizations with limited resources. Professional management practice must be based on a comprehensive understanding of management concepts and the many features of practice unique to the non profit setting. The National Certificate Program in Voluntary and Non Profit Sector Management is designed to give managers the educational support they need to face this challenge.

The University of Guelph is one of seventeen universities across Canada offering this program. Developed by The Canadian Centre for Philanthropy and Ryerson Polytechnical Institute, the program has also benefited from the input of leaders and decision makers in the voluntary sector throughout the country.

Core Courses (Required)

• Strategic and Operational Planning in the Non Profit Sector
• Management, Leadership and Decision Making in the Non Profit Sector
• Board, Community and Government Relations in the Non Profit Sector
• Financial Management in the Non Profit Sector

Elective Courses (Choose Two)

• Human Resources Management in the Non Profit Sector
• Marketing for the Non Profit Sector
• Fundraising and Resource Development for the Non Profit Sector
• Program Planning and Evaluation in the Non Profit Sector

For more specific information on any of the certificate programs listed above, or any other continuing education courses, please visit the Office of Continuing Education office in Room 159, Johnston Hall, or call 519-767-5000, FAX 519-767-0758.

Distance Education

The Office of Open Learning facilitates the delivery of degree credit courses to students who are typically off-campus or wish to take a distance course in order to accommodate their schedule. The Office of Open Learning is the focal point of this activity by providing information, student support, course development and preparation, and administration. Please refer tot he Distance Education heading in this section for the listing of courses offered through the distance format.

Calendars and brochures outlining complete details of distance education activities are available from the Office of Open Learning, Roo 153 Johnston Hall, 767-5010, INFO@OPENLRNG.UOGUELPH.CA.

Open Learning Program

The Open Learning program is an open admission distance-only mode of study which provides access to degree credit university courses for individuals who wish to study independently and who are not interested in pursuing a degree at the present time. The program is designed to extend the academic resources of the university to those who may wish to take courses for eventual application to a degree program; or for professional updating; and/or for personal enrichment.

No limit applies to the number of distance education courses taken. Individuals may move from the Open Learning program to a degree program. Eligibility for admission into a degree program requires that individuals must have completed a minimum of 10 degree courses in order to apply for transfer, and they must meet the admission requirement for transfer into the program of choice. Eligibility for admission into a degree program will be based on the established internal transfer requirements for the program of choice and consideration of any previous post-secondary experience (if applicable).

Open Learning Courses