FAQ
Where do I take the courses?
You can take the courses 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 by studying from the comfort of your own home and 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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Where do I take the courses?
For specific course start dates, refer to the Courses page of the website.
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What courses do I need to obtain the Certificate?
To obtain a certificate, you must successfully complete six of the seven degree-credit courses (five required and 1 elective course). The courses may be taken in any order, as long as prerequisite requirements are met.
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How long does it take to complete the Certificate Program?
The Certificate program consists of six courses. If you were to take one course a semester, it would therefore take six semesters or approximately two years to complete the Certificate.
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How much time will I need to devote to my distance course each week?
Online courses offer you more convenience and flexibility. Your online course will require a significant amount of reading, writing, completing assignments, and participation online. You should expect to spend about 10 hours per week for each course taken. You will receive a weekly schedule to help you plan your time.
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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. Generally, each course comes with a manual that may be accompanied by DVDs, audio CDs, CD-ROMs, etc., depending on the nature of the course. As well, most courses incorporate online conferencing, e-mail, and computer-based quizzes as an innovative learning environment. 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 approach to online distance education, please check out our online learning portal.
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What are the technical requirements?
Effective January 2009 - Online courses will have the following hardware and software requirements:
| Component |
Required |
Recommended |
| 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 Speakers |
| Supported Browsers (Windows) |
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 included in the tuition fee?
No, tuition fees do not include the cost of textbooks.
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How do I register for a course?
You can register online, by fax or mail.
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:
Office of Open Learning
160 Johnston Hall
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON, Canada N1G 2W1
Please let us know the course(s) in which you are interested.
Should you have any questions, call 519 767-5000.
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When should I register?
Many of our courses fill up quickly so you should register early. In some courses we will accept registration up until the course starts, but you should remember that we do not send out course materials until we receive course payment. 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 will not receive course materials until the first week of the course is over. Register early.
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What are the registration deadlines?
Each offering has its own registration deadline. Please see the individual course descriptions or contact us for more information. Generally, we do everything we can to get you registered for a course. However, it is advisable to register early as some courses have limits and fill up early.
We recommend using the guide below to help you determine by when you should register:
| Semester |
Register no later than… |
| Fall |
Mid - August |
| Winter |
Mid - December |
| Summer |
Mid - April |
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What English proficiency level is required to take these courses?
The Certificate in Scottish Studies courses are presented in English and require proficiency in written English. Students should supply evidence of English proficiency (except Francophone Canadian citizens educated in Canada) if:
- their primary or first language (meaning the language first learned as a child) is not English;
and
- they have had less than four years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study, demonstrating satisfactory academic progress, in an English-language school system.
Registrants who need to meet the English Proficiency Requirements must submit the required scores as outlined in the English Proficiency Requirements section of the University of Guelph Undergraduate Calendar.
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How many distance education assignments will I have to complete?
Distance education courses typically have assignments due every week or two, and each assignment has specific requirements and a set due date.
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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 possible, contact your instructor in advance of the due date if you are unable to complete your assignment on time. Medical documentation may be requested if illness has prevented you from keeping up with your course.
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What is your refund and course cancellation policy?
If you change your mind about taking a course that you have registered for, you will need to contact the Office of Open Learning at 519 767-5000 as soon as possible.
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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 Office of Open Learning continuing education activity and/or Open Learning program. Visit www.open.uoguelph.ca/bursary for more information.
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Are Open Learning courses tax deductible?
Tax receipts are issued. In Canada, the tuition portion of your course fees is income tax deductible.
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I do not have some of the prerequisite courses indicated. Can I still take the course?
University of Guelph undergraduate students with questions about course prerequisites must contact the appropriate department offering the course. Open Learning program students can contact the Open Learning program counselor with questions about course prerequisites.
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