XI--Special Study Opportunities

Open Learning

The Open Learning program is an open admission distance-only part time mode of study that provides access to degree-credit university courses for individuals who wish to study independently but are not interested in pursuing a degree at the University of Guelph at the present time. You may register in the Open Learning program, even if you are in another program or are registered at another educational institution. The Open Learning program extends the academic resources of the University to those interested in personal enrichment, professional updating, or eventual application to a degree program.

Open Learning program students must complete the same assignments and examinations as those in degree programs and are evaluated using the same standards. Upon successful completion of a course, learners receive the same credit weight for courses as would apply to courses taken within the degree program.

• Certificate in Food Science
• Career Development Practitioner Certificate
• Diploma in Public Policy and Administration

(Refer to Certificates & Diplomas in this section for descriptions or contact the Office of Open Learning.)

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 assists in course development and preparation and is the focal point of this activity by providing information, student support, and administration. Please refer to the Distance Education heading in this section for the listing of courses offered through the distance format.

The Office of Open Learning offers different continuing education certificate programs. Programs generally consist of five or six related, not for degree, credit courses and 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.

This program consists of five courses and is designed to meet the learning needs of two types of individuals: those who are working (or aspiring to work) in personnel/human resources departments and those who work (or aspire to work) in areas influencing or influenced by areas such as recruitment, compensation, performance evaluation, employee training and development, and labour relations. The certificate program is comprised of the following 5 required courses:

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

Certificate Program in Personnel Administration

The Certificate Program in Personnel Administration is designed for individuals who currently work in a personnel/human resources environment, or who have ambition to do so. The program focuses on effective human resources recruitment, management and administration and consists of the following 5 required courses, each related to a specific topic of study relevant to the personnel/human resource management function:

• 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 and efficient managers get things done through and with the help of others. Successful managers are leaders who know how to work with people in meeting organizational goals and objectives. These managers have the right set of supervisory/management skills, knowledge and attitudes which are critical for positive and rewarding results. The Certificate Program in Managing People at Work is designed to provide training to individuals who are newly appointed or aspiring managers in organizations. The Certificate program is comprised of the following 5 courses:

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

Good communication depends upon particular skills that everyone possesses. These skills can be improved and enhanced with guidance and practice. An effective communicator listens carefully, thinks clearly, and speaks and writes with clarity and precision. The Certificate Program in Communications is designed for individuals who wish to develop and/or enhance their oral and written communication skills. It is comprised of the following 5 required courses and choice of one elective course:

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

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

Several University of Guelph continuing education Certificate Programs are used by the following professional associations and may be applied to their respective professional programs:

• Human Resources Professionals Association of Canada
• Purchasing Management Association of Canada
• Institute of Canadian Bankers
• Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario
• Canadian Payroll Association
• Association of Administrative Assistants
• The Trust Institute
• Industrial Accident Prevention Association
• Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists

1999-2000 Undergraduate Calendar XI--Special Study Opportunities