9. Graduate Programs of Study

Advanced Nursing	Health Studies	Advanced Management
Business Administration		Distance Education
MBA Information Technology		Advanced Education

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Protection of Privacy
Athabasca University becomes subject to Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act on September 1, 1999. The purpose of the Act is to make all public bodies, including universities, more open, accessible and accountable to the public and at the same time protect the privacy of individuals.
Athabasca University collects and maintains information for the purposes of admissions, registrations, and other activities directly related to you being a member of the Athabasca University community and its education program, and attending a public post-secondary institution of the Province of Alberta.
Applicants are advised that the information they provide, and any other information placed into the student record, will be protected and used in compliance with Alberta's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Athabasca University reserves the right to make changes to any policies, procedures, fees, course availability, delivery modes, schedules, program requirements, or other information described in this Calendar, at any time and without further notice.

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9.1.  Advanced Graduate Diploma: Advanced Nursing Practice

Program Requirements

Applicants for admission to the program must be graduates of a nursing degree program. Post-R.N. students who have earned a minimum of 54 credits toward the baccalaureate degree and who have completed courses in health assessment and community-based nursing will be considered for admission.

In addition to these educational requirements, applicants must

• have a minimum of two years of professional nursing experience
• complete and submit the Advanced Graduate Diploma: Advanced Nursing Practice application form along with a non-refundable application fee
• submit three letters of reference, one of which should be from someone who is familiar with the applicant's academic skills
• submit an up-to-date resume
• submit official transcripts of university studies
• submit proof of nursing registration
• submit proof of certification in BCLS.

The program begins in September each year. There may be a second start date in January subject to demand.

All application materials must be received by the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies by the application deadlines. The application deadline for students planning to begin the program in September is May 1 of the same year. The application deadline for students planning to begin the program in January is September 1 of the previous year.

Please check with your academic advisor about prior learning assessment in graduate studies programs at Athabasca University.

All papers submitted in all Nursing and Health Studies courses must conform to the American Psychological Association (APA) publication format. Information about this publication may be obtained from course instructors and the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies Web home page:
http://www.athabascau.ca/html/depts/nursing/general.htm

Note: Some courses have a practicum component. The participating health authority may request a student undertake a criminal record check before he or she is accepted.

Program Outline

Athabasca University's Advanced Graduate Diploma: Advanced Nursing Practice will prepare nurses to assume a broader role in the provision of health care services to clients of all ages in the community. The program provides theoretical and clinical preparation for nurses whose role will focus on advanced community nursing practice and nurse practitioner functions. Students will be prepared to deliver extended health services including diagnosis and treatment of common health concerns and advanced community health services, including community assessment and development. Courses within the program focus on application of concepts of primary health care, community health, and extended health services with clients throughout the lifespan, from a perspective of promoting the health of individuals and communities.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum for the program consists of the following six 3-credit courses:

NURS 520 Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice

NURS 522 Advanced Nursing Practice: Women's Health: Pregnancy/Newborn

NURS 524 Advanced Nursing Practice: Children: Infants to School Age

NURS 526 Advanced Nursing Practice: Adolescent and Adult

NURS 528 Advanced Nursing Practice: Older Adult

NURS 530 Comprehensive Advanced Nursing Practice

9.1.1.  Advanced Graduate Diploma: Advanced Nursing Practice Course Descriptions>

NURS 520
3-Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice

This course provides the foundation for subsequent courses in the program. Students are introduced to concepts of primary health care as they relate to community health, and extended health services. Students explore the history and current context of advanced community nursing practice, study various types of health data and planning frameworks useful in advanced community nursing practice, and begin to develop a vision for the future of advanced community nursing practice. Students make initial contact with settings in which they will complete practica designed to provide experience in extended health service skills and community assessment and development.

NURS 522
3-Advanced Nursing Practice: Women's Health: Pregnancy/Newborn

Selected concepts of primary health care, extended health services, and community health are examined with respect to health concerns of individual and community clients in the pregnancy/newborn lifestage. Practicum experiences provide students the opportunity to develop extended health service skills and to assess a community's health needs and resources with respect to clients in this lifestage.

NURS 524
3-Advanced Nursing Practice: Children: Infants to School Age

Selected concepts of primary health care, extended health services, and community health are examined with respect to health concerns of individual and community clients in the infant/preschooler/school-age lifestage. Practicum experiences provide students the opportunity to develop extended health service skills and to assess a community's health needs and resources with respect to clients in this lifestage.

NURS 526
3-Advanced Nursing Practice: Adolescent and Adult

Selected concepts of primary health care, extended health services, and community health are examined with respect to health concerns of individual and community clients in the adolescent and adult lifestage. Practicum experiences provide students the opportunity to develop extended health service skills and to assess a community's health needs and resources with respect to clients in this lifestage.

NURS 528
3-Advanced Nursing Practice: Older Adult

Selected concepts of primary health care, extended health services, and community health are examined with respect to health concerns of individual and community clients in the older adult lifestage. Practicum experiences provide students the opportunity to develop extended health service skills and to assess a community's health needs and resources with respect to clients in this lifestage.

NURS 530
3-Comprehensive Advanced Nursing Practice

The final course in the program synthesizes students' learning from previous courses within the context of improving the health of communities. The focus of the course is on community development based on students' understandings of community health concerns acquired through the theoretical content and practicum experiences of NURS 520 through NURS 528. Students also study management of an advanced community nursing practice and complete a comprehensive nurse practitioner examination.

Continuation Requirements

Students enrolled in the program must complete two courses each year in order to remain in the program.

Time Limits

The program must be completed within five calendar years of the program start date.

Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from a course up until one month before the end of the session by submitting a Withdrawal Request Form. If a student withdraws from a course within the first month, the record of registration will be deleted from the student's official transcript and the student will receive a refund of course fees less a course withdrawal processing fee. If a student withdraws from the course after the first month of the course and before the last month of the course, the official record and transcript will show that the student has withdrawn without credit and without prejudice or academic penalty.

Students may withdraw from the program by submitting their request in writing to the program coordinator. Students who withdraw from the program may be re-enrolled in the program by following the application procedures.

Computer System Requirements

The courses in the program are offered through a combination of print and computer-based home-study distance delivery methods. In order to participate in the computer-based portions of the program students must have access to the following minimum computer hardware and software

Minimum

Pentium-class or equivalent PC
Color monitor
CD-ROM
16 MB memory (minimum)
1 MB free disk space
Floppy disk device
Mouse
28.8 MB baud modem
Windows 95
Printer

Software

The preferred word processing system is Microsoft Word.

Students are responsible for their own communication costs such as long distance telephone charges and subscription to an Internet node, or any other communications requirement.

AGD:ANP Program Registration

Procedures

It is preferable for students to complete the core courses in the prescribed sequence. Exceptions will be made only after discussion with the program coordinator.

Grading System

All assignments that contribute towards a final grade are graded on a percentage basis. The following scale is used for conversion:

A+	90 - 100%
A	85 - 89%
A-	80 - 84%
B+	77 - 79%
B	74 - 76%
B-	70 - 73%
C+	67 - 69%
C	64 - 66%
D	60 - 63%
F	0 - 59%

Fee Structure

Program application fee: Students applying for admission to the program must complete an application package and submit a non-refundable application fee of $50.

Program admission fee: Students who are admitted to the program must submit a non-refundable admission fee of $100.

Course tuition fees: Fees are assessed on a course-by- course basis. An $850 fee is charged for each three-credit course, which includes all course materials.

Withdrawal processing fee: There is a $300 fee for processing a course withdrawal.

Contact Information

For more information or to receive the application package, please contact:

Centre for Nursing and Health Studies
Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3
Canada
Telephone: (800) 788-9041 (ext. 6300) or (780) 675-6300
Fax: (780) 675-6468
E-mail: cherylb@athabascau.ca

Academic Schedule (AGD:ANP)

1999
July 9	Last day for program students to register in 1999 fall session courses. Registration fees are due.
Sept. 1	Last day for receipt of application materials for admission to the program starting in January 2000.
Sept. 6	Labour Day. University closed.
Sept. 7	First day of fall session.
Oct. 7	Last day for early withdrawal from fall session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript.
Oct. 11	Thanksgiving Day. University closed.
Nov. 11	Remembrance Day. University closed.
Nov. 12	Last day for program students to register in 2000 winter session courses. Registration fees are due.
Nov. 17	Last day for late withdrawal from fall session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing.
Dec. 17	Last day of fall session courses.
Dec. 25 - Jan. 3/2000	Centre closed.
2000
Jan. 10	First day of winter session courses.
Feb. 10	Last day for early withdrawal from winter session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript.
Feb. 21	Family Day. University closed.
March 1	Last day for receipt of application materials for admission to the program, starting in September 2000.
March 20	Last day for late withdrawal from winter session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing.
April 20	Last day of winter session courses
April 21-24	Easter break. University closed.
TBA	Spring / summer session

9.2.  Master of Health Studies

The Master of Health Studies (MHS) program contains two streams: Leadership and Advanced Nursing Practice (ANP). At the time of printing the Calendar, the program was in the final stages of development, awaiting the approval of Athabasca University Governing Council. Consequently, the program and/or courses may be subject to change as they are developed. Please direct your enquiries about the program, its contents, or fees to the contact information telephone numbers and address located at the end of the MHS section.

The Leadership stream prepares health professionals to assume leadership positions in the health system. The rapid pace of change in health services delivery requires health-care professionals to be leaders, equipped to address new challenges. The program provides professionals from various health backgrounds with skills enabling them to discern emerging trends and anticipate future directions in health care; to provide leadership in health services planning, implementation and evaluation; to manage change; and to critique and develop health and social policy.

The ANP stream prepares nurses to assume a broader role in the provision of health services to clients of all ages. It provides theoretical and clinical preparation for nurses whose role will focus on advanced community practice. Graduates will be prepared for nurse practitioner functions in the community.

MHS Application Requirements and Procedures

Applicants for admission to the MHS program must be graduates of a health-related baccalaureate program from an accredited university. Applications must consist of

• an MHS application form along with a non-refundable application fee
• three letters of reference, one of which should come from someone familiar with the applicant's academic skills
• an up-to-date resume
• official transcripts of university studies.

Applicants for admission to the MHS (ANP) must fulfill the requirements as listed in 9.1 Advanced Graduate Diploma: Advanced Nursing Practice.

All application materials must be received by the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies at Athabasca University by March 1 for consideration for admission into the program starting in September.

Non-Program Students

Individuals who are not enrolled in the Master of Health Studies program will be permitted to register in MHS courses on a first-come, first-served basis, space permitting. Courses taken as non-program students may be directly applied toward the program degree requirements, if and when a student becomes a program student. However, the University is under no obligation to admit non-program students into the MHS program.

Program Status

To maintain program status, students must complete 6 credits of course work during each academic year (September 1 to August 31).

Students may not interrupt their studies for more than one semester without the approval of the program coordinator.

Students must present a minimum grade of (70 per cent) in all core courses in order to graduate.

MHS Core Courses
MHST 601 Philosophical Foundations of Health Systems
MHST 603 Facilitating Inquiry
MHST 611 Applied Project

Leadership Stream
MHST 602 Managing Information in Health Systems: Informatics
MHST 604 Leadership Roles in Health
MHST 605 Demystifying Policy Analysis and Development
MHST 606 Health Systems and Services Planning, Management and Evaluation
MHST 607 Developing Successful Project and Program Proposals
MHST 610 Applied Project

Advanced Nursing Practice Stream
NURS 520 Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice
NURS 522 Advanced Nursing Practice: Women's Health: Pregnancy/Newborn
NURS 524 Advanced Nursing Practice: Pediatrics
NURS 526 Advanced Nursing Practice: Adolescent and Adult
NURS 528 Advanced Nursing Practice: Older Adult
NURS 530 Comprehensive Advanced Nursing Practice

Elective Courses

Two electives are required in each of the streams.

These courses may be drawn from

• other Athabasca University graduate programs
• reading seminars with Visiting Professors or,
• pre-approved graduate courses from other university programs.

MHS Delivery

Courses are offered during two semesters each year. A spring/summer semester may be offered. The fall semester begins the day after the Labour Day holiday in September and lasts for fifteen weeks. The winter semester begins the second non-holiday Monday in January and lasts for fifteen weeks.

Program Academic Schedule

1999
July 9	Last day for program students to register in 1999 fall session courses. Registration fees are due.
Sept. 6	Labour Day. University closed.
Sept. 7	First day of fall session.
Oct. 7	Last day for early withdrawal from fall session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript.
Oct. 11	Thanksgiving Day. University closed.
Nov. 11	Remembrance Day. University closed.
Nov. 12	Last day for program students to register in 2000 winter session courses. Registration fees are due.
Nov. 17	Last day for late withdrawal from fall session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing.
Dec. 17	Last day of fall session courses.
Dec. 25- Jan. 3/2000	Centre closed.
2000
Jan. 10	First day of winter session courses.
Feb. 10	Last day for early withdrawal from winter session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript.
Feb. 21	Family Day. University closed.
March 1	Last day for receipt of application materials for admission to the program, starting in September 2000.
March 20	Last day for late withdrawal from winter session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing.
April 20	Last day of winter session courses
April 21-24	Easter break. University closed.
TBA	Spring / summer session

Computer System Requirements

In order to participate in the program, each students must have ready access to the following computer equipment.

Minimum

Pentium-class or equivalent PC
Color monitor
CD-ROM
16 MB memory (minimum)
1 MB free disk space
Floppy disk device
Mouse
28.8 MB baud modem
Windows 95
Printer

Software

The preferred word processing system is Microsoft Word.

Students are responsible for their own communication costs such as long distance telephone charges and subscription to an Internet node, or any other communications requirement.

MHS Program Registration

Procedures

It is preferable for students to complete the core courses in the prescribed sequence. Exceptions will be made only after discussion with the program coordinator.

Students who intend to enrol in the MHS (ANP) must indicate their choice at the time of application to the MHS.

Incompletes

In exceptional circumstances and where the courses instructor concurs, a student may be assigned a grade of Incomplete (IN). This allows the student to take an additional two months to complete and submit the course work. Two months after the original course completion date, a grade will be assigned to the course. Where the student has not submitted the required course work, a failing grade (F) will be automatically assigned.

Re-registration

Students may re-register in a course only if they have received a final grade of "C" or less, or have withdrawn from the course in good standing. In re-registering students must complete all course requirements and pay the full course fee.

Students are permitted only one re-registration in each course.

Both the initial registration and the re-registration will appear on the student's academic record.

Withdrawal

Winter and Fall Courses

Students may withdraw from a course up until one month before the end of the semester (see academic schedule) by submitting a Withdrawal Request Form. The date of withdrawal will be the postmark on the request, or if the notice is hand delivered or faxed, the University date stamp.

Students may also request a withdrawal from a course by electronic mail provided the request is confirmed in writing.

If a student withdraws from a course within the first month, the record of registration will be deleted from his / her official transcript. If a student withdraws from a course after the first month of the course and before the last month of the course, the official record and transcript will show that the student withdrew without credit and without prejudice or academic penalty.

Spring and Summer Courses

Students may withdraw from a course up until one month before the end of the semester by submitting a Withdrawal Request Form. The date of withdrawal will be the postmark on the request, or if the notice is hand delivered or faxed, the University date stamp.

Students may also request a withdrawal from a course via electronic mail provided the request is confirmed in writing.

If a student withdraws from a course within the first two weeks, the record of registration will be deleted from his / her official transcript.

Withdrawing From Program

Students may withdraw from the program by submitting their request in writing to the program coordinator. Students who withdraw may be re-enrolled in the program by following the aforementioned application procedures. Students requesting re-admission to the program will be competing against all other applicants and will not receive special consideration.

Refunds

Students will receive a refund of the full course fees minus the course withdrawal processing fee (see MHS program fees) if they withdraw from the course within the first month of Fall and Winter courses and within the first two weeks of Spring and Summer courses. Students should not return their course materials. Students wishing to withdraw from a course(s) prior to the first day of class will receive a partial refund (full tuition minus the withdrawal processing fee).

MHS Program Grading System

With the exception of the thesis or project, which will be graded on a pass / fail basis, all courses will be graded using the following alphabetic scale.

A+	90 - 100%
A	85 - 89%
A-	80 - 84%
B+	77 - 79%
B	74 - 76%
B-	70 - 73%
C+	67 - 69%
C	64 - 66%
C-	60 - 63%
F	0 - 59%
IN	Incomplete status
W	Withdrawn in good standing

Time Limits for Completion

Students must complete their MHS studies within six years of their initial enrolment in the program.

Extensions up to one year will be considered by the program coordinator in exceptional circumstances and will require payment of a fee.

MHS Program Fees

Program application fee (non-refundable) required with each application	$ 50
Admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program)	$ 100
Course tuition fee (includes all required materials)
Canadian and landed immigrants living in Canada.	$ 850
Canadians living outside of Canada.	$ 950
Non-Canadian students living outside of Canada	$ 1,100
Visa students living in Alberta	$1,400
Evaluation fee	$ 55
Foreign evaluation	$ 110
Letter of Permission fee	$ 20
Non-program application fee (required only once and waived if previously an Athabasca University student)	$50
Transcript fee	$10
Withdrawal processing fee	$ 300

The withdrawal processing fee includes the cost of course materials and an administrative fee for processing the request. There will be no refund for returned course materials.

Students who choose to complete the AGD:ANP before applying to the MHS, must, upon application to the MHS, pay the required MHS application fees.

Note: All fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.

Course Offerings (1999-2000)

Note: The following schedule is as of the date of printing. Courses may be cancelled for various reasons.

Fall Session (September 1999)

ANP Stream

NURS 520 Foundations of Advanced Nursing Practice

NURS 524 Advanced Nursing Practice: Children: Infants to School Age Leadership Stream

MHST 601 Philosophical Foundations of Health Systems

MHST 602 Managing Information in Health Systems: Informatics

Winter Session (January 2000)

ANP Stream

NURS 522 Advanced Nursing Practice: Women's Health: Pregnancy/Newborn

NURS 526 Advanced Nursing Practice: Adolescent and Adult

Leadership Stream

MHST 603 Facilitating Inquiry

MHST 604 Leadership Roles in Health

Spring and Summer Session

TBA

9.2.1.  Master of Health Studies
(Leadership Stream)
(Refer to 9.1 for Advanced Nursing Practice Course Descriptions)

MHST 601
3-Philosophical Foundations of Health Systems

Students will explore the philosophical considerations and societal values underlying health systems. This foundation course will assist students interpreting the health delivery norms that lead to the formulation of health policy.

MHST 602
3-Managing Information in Health Systems: Informatics

Health professionals are deluged with data from a variety of electronic media. Transforming that data into useful information is a challenge facing health professionals. In this course, students will gain knowledge and experience in transforming and managing data to provide the information necessary to decision making.

MHST 603
3-Facilitating Inquiry

This course will focus on the application of research in the health system, exploring ways and means of enabling research in their practice settings. Students will investigate values that drive the research questions and identify the appropriate methods of facilitating inquiry in their particular fields of practice.

Prerequisite: An undergraduate research course.

MHST 604
3-Leadership Roles in Health

In this course, students will be encouraged to identify and understand their leadership styles through an examination of personal qualities and values. Specific skills that contribute to effective leadership will be examined, stressing the importance of mentoring. Principles underlying change management and decision making will be studied.

MHST 605
3-Demystifying Policy Analysis and Development

This course will focus on analysis and development of policy, a process necessary before moving to the next steps of planning, management, and evaluation of actions for change. The interface between policy and decision making, the implications of policies formed at different levels, and the relationship of accountability to the policy process will constitute the content of this course.

MHST 606
3-Health Systems and Services Planning, Management and Evaluation

Following the focus on policy in MHST 605, this course will examine the strategies of program and project planning, development, management, and evaluation. Students will analyse a variety of evaluation frameworks. Issues of risk management, communication and marketing will be addressed.

MHST 607
3-Developing Successful Project and Program Proposals

As students write their own detailed project proposal, they will review ethical, design, methodological, and analytic principles studied in previous courses. Presenting and defending their proposal to peers will allow students to gain competence in presentation and analytical skills. Various approaches to securing funding for projects and proposals in the health care sector will be examined.

MHST 610/611
3 each-Applied Project

In these courses students are expected to implement the project they have prepared throughout the program.

Contact Information

For more information or to receive the application package, please contact:

Centre for Nursing and Health Studies
Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3
Canada
Telephone: (800) 788-9041 (ext. 6300) or (780) 675-6300
Fax: (780) 675-6468
E-mail: cherylb@athabascau.ca

9.3.  Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management

The Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management program is offered by electronic delivery by Athabasca University's Centre for Innovative Management, a strategic business unit that also delivers the Master of Business Administration program from its offices in St. Albert, Alberta (see 9.4 Master of Business Administration program). A total of 18 credits is required to complete the AGDM program composed of six, 3-credit courses.

The program comprises Phase 1 of the MBA program-six courses and one comprehensive examination. Students who complete the AGDM program are eligible for admission to Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the MBA program.

The AGDM program is for managers who do not wish to pursue an MBA. The program helps instill effective analytical skills and raises a student's awareness of the critical nature a manager's role has in an organization.

Students will normally complete the AGDM program in one and a half years. Regulations state it must be completed within four years.

Program Requirements

Education requirements

Applicants to the program must hold

• a first degree from a recognized university or college; or

• an acceptable professional designation such as C.A. (Chartered Accountant), C.G.A. (Certified General Accountant), and C.M.A.(Certified Management Accountant).

Other Requirements

Students holding a recognized first degree must have at least three years of acceptable supervisory, professional, or managerial work experience showing progressive responsibility. Students holding a professional designation must have completed at least five years of acceptable supervisory, professional or managerial work experience showing progressive responsibility.

Applicants must complete the AGDM Program Application Form and pay the non-refundable application fee. Applicants must also confirm access to a computer system that meets the program's requirements. Upon acceptance to the program all students must pay the required admission fee.

Exceptions

Students who do not meet the aforementioned educational requirements but who can demonstrate substantive depth and breadth of experience in operating a business or in managing within an organization, will be considered for admission to the AGDM program on an exception basis. Please check with the Centre for Innovative Management about prior learning assessment in graduate studies programs at Athabasca University.

Students applying to the AGDM program may be required to demonstrate competency and proficiency in the English language.

Advanced Standing

Requests for advanced standing for courses completed at other institutions must be made at the time of admission to the program. The committee reviewing admissions will require official transcripts and in some cases, detailed course descriptions, in order to evaluate and approve such requests.

Those with C.A. (Chartered Accountant), C.G.A. (Certified General Accountant), and C.M.A. (Certified Management Accountant) designations are normally not required to take FACT 504 and MACT 505. Students with advanced standing are responsible for demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of all course materials covered in the comprehensive examinations.

Course Offerings
(Phase 1-MBA program)

The AGDM program is composed of the following six 3-credit courses and a comprehensive examination. Refer to 9.4 Master of Business Administration course descriptions.

STRT 500 Thinking about Strategy (3)
STMK 501 Strategic Marketing (3)
HRMT 502 Human Resource Management (3)
OPDM 503 Operations and Decision Making (3)
FACT 504 Financial Accounting (3)
MACT 505 Managerial Accounting (3)

COMP 506 Advanced Diploma Comprehensive Examination (0)

Students are enrolled in September, January, or May start dates and move through the program in lock-step fashion, completing the required individual courses in a predetermined order.

A minimum mark of 60 per cent for both the assignments and participation in a course must be obtained in order to pass the individual course modules. The comprehensive examination is graded on a pass/fail basis with a grade of 70 per cent being a pass.

Fees (AGDM)

Application fee	$ 150
Comprehensive examination fee (repeats)	$ 250
Course re-registration fee	$ 100
Deferral fee	$ 100
Admission fee	$ 500
Letter of Certification fee	$ 5
Program extension fee	$ 500
Program fee	$9690
Transcript fee	$ 10
Transfer credit fee	$ 250
Withdrawal processing fee	$ 500

Note: a 20 per cent surcharge will be charged on all fees (with the exception of the $150 application fee) for programs delivered outside of Canada. Fees are subject to change.

The AGDM program structure consists of 18 credits.

Academic Schedule (AGDM)

1999
May 3	May program starts for AGDM students.
May 24	Victoria Day, Centre closed.
June 15	Last day for receipt of admission materials for AGDM program for September start dates.
July 1	Canada Day, Centre closed.
Aug. 30	September program starts for AGDM students.
Sept. 6	Labour Day, Centre closed.
Oct. 11	Thanksgiving Day, Centre closed.
Oct. 15	Last day for receipt of admission materials for AGDM program for January start dates.
Nov. 11	Remembrance Day, Centre closed.
2000
Dec. 25/99- Jan. 4/2000	Centre closed.
Jan. 4	January program starts.
Feb. 15	Last day for receipt of admission materials for AGDM program for May start dates.
Feb. 21	Family Day, Centre closed.
Apr. 21-24	Easter break, Centre closed.
May 1	May program starts.

Program Registration

Upon enrolment in the program, you will receive a timetable that outlines your course start dates and applicable completion dates.

Individual courses will be offered on a paced basis.

In the AGDM program, subject to the approval of the Chair of the Graduate Management Program Council, students who are unable to complete a courses by the specified completion date may take other courses within the program in any order except for STRT 500 Thinking about Strategy, which must be the first course taken. As well, Financial Accounting must be completed successfully before starting Managerial Accounting.

Incomplete Status

If you are unable to complete a course (within your current phase) within the allowable time frame you may (a) request an incomplete status; (b) request a deferral (see Deferrals); or (c) withdraw (see Withdrawal and re-enrolment).

Applications for an incomplete status must be made to the academic coach before the completion date of the course. If granted an incomplete status, you will have one month to complete the course. Failure to complete the course will result in a failing grade being awarded for the course.

Incomplete status will only be awarded where extenuating circumstances are evident and at the discretion of the academic coach.

Deferrals

Students who have commenced their studies can find themselves with changed circumstances in either their business or personal lives. In such circumstances, studies may be deferred. The University permits a student to defer their MBA studies for a fee of $100.

The following rules govern deferral status.

1. Deferral must occur within 21 calendar days of the start of the course.

2. Deferral requests must be submitted to the Manager, Registration, Records, and Graduate Student Affairs and copied to the GSA team. Deferral will not occur by default. After 21 days in a course, you are considered to be enrolled.

3. To retain active status as a student of the University, you must successfully complete at least one course or a comprehensive examination within any twelve-month period (summer school and weekend schools excluded).

Re-registrations and Repeats

Should you fail a course in the AGDM program, you may repeat that course only once. A re-registration fee will be required for each course repeated. In all cases, the higher of the original or repeat grade will be counted.

Should you fail the comprehensive examination in the AGDM program, you may repeat the comprehensive examination only once.

Active Status and Continuation

Students must successfully complete at least one course in the program of study within any given twelve-month period. (Where the program requires a comprehensive examination, registration in the comprehensive examination is deemed to be the equivalent of a course.)

Students who do not maintain their active status as outlined above will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program.

Withdrawal and Re-enrolment

Withdrawal from the Program

A student may withdraw from the AGDM program by notifying the University in writing. If you withdraw within 30 calendar days from the program start date, no record of the registration will appear on your transcript. After 30 days, your transcript will show that you withdrew without academic penalty.

Re-enrolment in the Program

A student who has withdrawn from the program may re-enrol in the program subject to review and approval by the Graduate Management Program Council and payment of the applicable fee. Students will be required to pay any fee increases that occur between the time of the last enrolment and re-enrolment. Credit for courses previously completed will be re-evaluated and applied to the degree regulations where appropriate.

Refunds

Tuition paid is refunded after the $500 withdrawal fee and the tuition portion for the courses completed and currently registered in, are processed.

Computer System Requirements

Access to a microcomputer is mandatory for the completion of assignments and contact with other students, faculty, and the Centre for Innovative Management. Students must be computer literate and possess or have access to computer equipment that will run the software used in the program. Contact the Centre for Innovative Management to obtain a listing of the acceptable computer equipment.

AGDM Examinations

You must undertake a comprehensive examination upon the completion of the AGDM program. This examination will be scheduled three times per year. Times and dates for each comprehensive examination will be determined early in the program schedule.

The comprehensive examination is graded on a pass/fail basis, with a grade of 70 per cent being a pass.

Comprehensive examinations may be rewritten only once.

Grading System

All assignments, examinations, projects, etc. that contribute towards a final grade are graded on a percentage basis. The following scale is used for conversion.

A+	90 - 100%
A	85 - 89%
A-	80 - 84%
B+	77 - 79%
B	74 - 76%
B-	70 - 73%
C+	67 - 69%
C	64 - 66%
C-	60 - 63%
F	0 - 59%
IN	Incomplete status

Time Limits for Completion

Students must complete their AGDM program within four years of their initial enrolment.

Extensions of up to one year will be considered by the Chair of the Graduate Management Program Council in exceptional circumstances and will require the payment of a fee. (For additional services please see 9.4 Master of Business Administration program.)

Additional services

Library

Please see 10.8 Library services.

Income Tax Deductions

Application and tuition fees can be used to reduce income tax. Only fees paid and expended during the calendar year can be reflected in the tax receipt. Revenue Canada regulations permit the University to issue an education tax credit receipt only for amounts greater than $100. Tax receipts are automatically mailed to the address on record in February. Full-time students may be eligible for the education tax credit for each month of full-time registration. T2202 tax forms for the educational tax deduction along with the tuition tax receipts are automatically mailed in February to the address on record.

Appeal Information

All students at Athabasca University, whether undergraduate or graduate, are bound by the same policies and regulations governing academic conduct and appeals. Please see Section 12-Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal for further information.

Transcripts and Confidential Information

Graduate students, like undergraduate students, are bound by the institution's policies, regulations, and procedures governing the release of transcripts and confidential information. For more information see 10.6.1 Admission and Evaluation Services.

Contact information:

Centre for Innovative Management
Athabasca University
301 Grandin Park Plaza
22 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue
St. Albert, AB Canada
T8N 1B4

Telephone: (800) 561-4650 or (780) 459-1144
Fax: (800) 561-4660 or (780) 459-2093
E-mail: cimoffice@athabascau.ca

Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)

9.4.  Master of Business Administration

Students of the Master of Business Administration program come from the private sector of small, medium and large organizations, public sector institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. It is a flexible program allowing students to study either at home or their workplace, while continuing their careers.

The aim of the MBA program is to provide students with a wide range of functional management skills. These skills will not only improve a student's management delivery but provide insight into effective team management strategies and sound decision making. Today's manager is a strategic leader who understands how to create and maintain a productive working environment.

The MBA program requires students to complete ten courses, two electives, two comprehensive examinations, one applied project, and to attend a week-long summer school and two weekend schools. The program is structured as a sequence of phases, each building on the work completed in the previous phase.

Students will normally complete the MBA program in two and a half to three years. The regulations state students must complete their MBA studies within six years of their initial enrolment in the program.

MBA Program Structure

The MBA program is divided into three distinct phases. At the end of Phase 1 and Phase 2, the student undertakes a comprehensive examination. Phase 3 is completed with an applied project.

A total of 48 credits is required for the completion of the MBA program: Phase 1 consists of six 3-credit courses; Phase 2 consists of four 3-credit courses; and Phase 3 consists of two 3-credit electives and an applied project equivalent to 12 credits.

You are admitted into the program in September, January or May start dates and move through the program in lock-step fashion, completing the required individual courses in a predetermined order. Students are unable to take two courses concurrently without permission from the Chair of the Graduate Management Program Council. Students may undertake an elective course once they have successfully completed Phase 1 of the program. Athabasca University reserves the right to modify the list of available courses at any time.

A minimum mark of 60 per cent for both the assignments and participation components in a course must be obtained in order to pass the individual courses. The comprehensive examination is graded on a pass/fail basis, with a grade of 70 per cent being a pass.

Progression to Phase 2 of the program is conditional upon successful completion of Phase 1 requirements. Exceptions require permission of the Chair of the Graduate Management Program Council. Phase 3 electives can be taken once a student is in Phase 2 of the program.

Upon completion of Phase 1, including the comprehensive examination, and application to the MBA Graduate Management Program Council, you may be awarded the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management (see 9.3 Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management program).

Program Requirements

Education Requirements

Applicants to the program must hold

• a first degree from a recognized university or college; or
• an acceptable professional designation such as C.A. (Chartered Accountant), C.G.A. (Certified General Accountant), and C.M.A. (Certified Management Accountant); or
• an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management from Athabasca University.

Other Requirements

Students holding a recognized first degree must have at least three years of acceptable supervisory, professional or managerial work experience showing progressive responsibility. Students holding a professional designation must have completed at least five years of acceptable supervisory, professional or managerial work experience showing progressive responsibility.

Applicants must complete the MBA Program Application Form and pay the appropriate non-refundable application fee.

Applicants must confirm access to a computer system that meets the program's requirements.

Upon acceptance to the program all students must pay the required admission fee.

Exceptions

Students who do not meet the aforementioned educational requirements but who can demonstrate substantive depth and breadth of experience in operating a business or in managing within an organization will be considered for admission to the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management program on an exception basis. (The Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management comprises Phase 1 of the MBA program. See 9.3 Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management program.) Please check with the Centre for Innovative Management about prior learning assessment in graduate studies programs at Athabasca University.

MBA Program Phases (48 credits)

Applied Project 12 Credits
Elective 1 3 Credits			Elective 2 3 Credits
Phase 3
MBA Comprehensive Examination for Phase 2
Making Strategic Choices 3 credits	Information, Technology, and Performance 3 credits		Global Marketing Management 3 Credits	Making Sense of Major Change 3 Credits
Phase 2
Advanced Diploma Comprehensive Examination for Phase 1
Strategic Marketing 3 credits	Human Resource Management 3 credits	Operations and Decision Making 3 credits	Financial Accounting 3 credits	Managerial Accounting 3 credits
Thinking about Strategy 3 credits
Phase 1

Additional Requirements for the MBA Program

Students applying to the MBA program may be required to demonstrate competency and proficiency in the English language.

Advanced Standing

Requests for advanced standing for courses completed at other institutions must be made at the time of admission to the program. The committee reviewing admissions will require official transcripts and in some cases detailed course descriptions, in order to evaluate and approve such requests.

Those with C.A. (Chartered Accountant), C.G.A. (Certified General Accountant), and C.M.A. (Certified Management Accountant) designations are normally not required to take FACT 504 and MACT 505. Students with advanced standing are responsible for demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of all course materials covered in the comprehensive examinations.

Applicants to the MBA program who hold the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management will be exempted from Phase 1 courses and can transfer directly into Phase 2. A transfer fee of $100 is applicable.

Transfer Credit-Elective Courses

Subject to the approval of the Chair of the Graduate Management Program Council, students may take one of their elective courses from another post-secondary institution if such a course is relevant and equivalent to courses in the MBA program at Athabasca University. A written request including a detailed outline of the course must be sent to the Chair at least one month before the registration deadline for the course. Upon successful completion of the course, students must submit an official transcript in order to obtain credit for the course. A transfer credit fee of $250 is applicable.

Residency Requirements

Students in the MBA program must attend two weekend schools and one week-long summer school during the course of the program.

Fees (MBA)

Application fee	$ 150
Comprehensive examination fee (repeats)	$ 250
Course re-registration fee	$ 100
Deferral fee	$ 100
Admission fee	$ 500
Letter of Certification fee	$ 5
Program extension fee	$ 500
Program fee   Phase 1	$9690
Program fee   Phase 2	$6460
Program fee   Phase 3	$5000
Transcript fee	$ 10
Transfer credit fee	$250
Summer School Fee	$2200
Weekend School Fee (two@$500)	$1000
Withdrawal processing fee	$ 500

Note: a 20 per cent surcharge will be charged on all fees (with the exception of the $150 application fee) for programs delivered outside of Canada. Fees are subject to change.

Academic Schedule (MBA)

1999
May 3	May program starts
May 24	Victoria Day, Centre closed.
June 15	Last day for receipt of admission materials for September start dates.
July 1	Canada Day, Centre closed.
Aug. 30	September program starts.
Sept. 6	Labour Day, Centre closed.
Oct. 11	Thanksgiving Day, Centre closed.
Oct. 15	Last day for receipt of admission materials for January start dates.
Nov. 11	Remembrance Day, Centre closed.
Dec. 25/99- Jan. 4/2000	Centre closed.
2000
Jan. 4	January program starts.
Feb. 21	Family Day, Centre closed.
Feb. 29	Last day for receipt of admission materials for May start dates.
Apr. 21-24	Easter break, Centre closed.
May 1	May program starts.

Registration Information

Upon enrolment in the program, you will receive a timetable that outlines your course start dates and applicable completion dates. Individual courses will be offered on a paced basis.

In the MBA program, registration will specify a specific phase of the program and a specific start date. Students, with the permission of the Chair of the Graduate Management Program Council, may undertake more than one course concurrently.

In 1999 summer schools will be held in Alberta, Ontario, and the United Kingdom. Registration takes place in the spring of each year. Weekend schools are held at various locations and will be advertised at least six weeks in advance.

In the MBA program, subject to the approval of the Chair of the Graduate Management Program Council, students who are unable to complete a course by the specified completion date may take other courses within the program in any order except for STRT 500 Thinking about Strategy, which must be the first course taken. As well, Financial Accounting must be completed successfully before beginning Managerial Accounting.

Incomplete Status

If you are unable to complete a course (within your current phase) within the allowable time frame you may (a) request an incomplete status; (b) request a deferral (see Deferrals); or (c) withdraw (see Withdrawal and Re-enrolment).

Applications for an incomplete status must be made to the academic coach before the completion date of the course. If granted an incomplete status, you will have one month to complete the course. Failure to complete the course will result in a failing grade being awarded for the course.

Incomplete status will only be awarded where extenuating circumstances are evident and at the discretion of the academic coach.

Deferrals

Students who have commenced their studies can find themselves with changed circumstances in either their business or personal lives. In such circumstances, studies may be deferred. The University permits a student to defer their MBA studies for a fee of $100.

The following rules govern deferral status.

1. Deferral must occur within 21 calendar days of the start of the course.

2. Deferral requests must be submitted to the Manager, Registration, Records, and Graduate Student Affairs and copied to the GSA team. Deferral will not occur by default. After 21 days in a course, you are considered to be enrolled.

3. To retain active status as a student of the University, you must successfully complete at least one course or a comprehensive examination within any twelve-month period (summer school and weekend schools excluded).

Re-registrations and Repeats

You may repeat any course in the MBA program only once. A re-registration fee will be required for each course repeated. In all cases, the higher of the original or repeat grade will be counted.

Should you fail a comprehensive examination in the MBA program you may repeat the comprehensive examination only once.

Active Status and Continuation

Students must successfully complete at least one course in the program of study within any given twelve-month period. This includes the applied project requirement of the program. Where the program requires a comprehensive examination, registration

in the comprehensive examination is deemed to be the equivalent of a course. In the MBA program, weekend and summer schools are not acceptable for maintaining active status.

Students who do not maintain their active status as outlined above will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program.

Withdrawal and Re-enrolment

Withdrawal from a Particular Phase

A student may withdraw from any phase of the program by notifying the University in writing. If you withdraw within 30 calendar days from the start date for the particular phase, no record of the registration will appear on your transcript. After 30 days, your transcript will show that you withdrew without academic penalty.

Re-enrolment in the Program

A student who has withdrawn from the program may re-enrol in the program subject to review and approval by the MBA Graduate Program Council and payment of the applicable fee. Students will be required to pay any fee increases that occur between the time of the last enrolment and re-enrolment. Credit for courses previously completed will be re-evaluated and applied to the degree regulations where appropriate.

Refunds

Tuition paid is refunded after the $500 withdrawal fee and the tuition portion for the courses completed and currently registered in, are processed.

Computer System Requirements

Access to a microcomputer is mandatory for the completion of assignments and contact with other students, faculty, and the Centre for Innovative Management. Students must be computer literate and possess or have access to computer equipment that will run the software used in the program. Contact the Centre for Innovative Management to obtain a listing of the acceptable computer equipment.

Examinations

You must undertake comprehensive examinations upon the completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2. These examinations will be scheduled three times per year. Times and dates for each comprehensive examination will be determined early in each phase.

The comprehensive examination is graded on a pass/fail basis, with a grade of 70 per cent being a pass.

Comprehensive examinations may be rewritten only once.

Grading System

All assignments, examinations, projects, etc. that contribute towards a final grade are graded on a percentage basis. The following scale is used for conversion.

A+	90 - 100%
A	85 - 89%
A-	80 - 84%
B+	77 - 79%
B	74 - 76%
B-	70 - 73%
C+	67 - 69%
C	64 - 66%
C-	60 - 63%
F	0 - 59%
IN	Incomplete status

MBA Applied Project

All students enrolled in the MBA program must complete an applied project. Normally, you start the project when you are undertaking Phase 3 of the program.

You are expected to complete an applied project within six months of having the written proposal approved. This time may be extended upon the approval of the Chair of the Graduate Management Program Council.

The applied project is graded on a pass/fail basis, with a grade of 70 per cent being a pass.

Time Limits for Completion

Students must complete their MBA studies within six years of their initial enrolment in the program.

Extensions of up to one year will be considered by the Chair of the Graduate Management Program Council in exceptional circumstances and will require the payment of a fee.

Additional Services

Library

Please see 10.8 Library Services.

Income Tax Deductions

Application and tuition fees can be used to reduce income tax. Only fees paid and expended during the calendar year can be reflected in the tax receipt.

Revenue Canada regulations permit the University to issue an education tax credit receipt only for amounts greater than $100. Tax receipts are automatically mailed to the address on record in February.

Full-time students may be eligible for the education tax credit for each month of full-time registration. T2202 tax forms for the educational tax deduction along with the tuition tax receipts are automatically mailed in February to the address on record.

Appeal Information

All students at Athabasca University, whether undergraduate or graduate, are bound by the same policies and regulations governing academic conduct and appeals. Please see Section 12-Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal for further information.

Transcripts and Confidential Information

Graduate students, like undergraduate students, are bound by the institution's policies, regulations, and procedures governing the release of transcripts and confidential information. For more information see 10.6.1 Admission and Evaluation Services.

9.4.1.  Master of Business Administration
Course Descriptions

Phase 1

STRT 500
3-Thinking about Strategy

This eight-week course has two distinct components: a two-week "pre-course" and a six-week session on strategic thinking. The TS "pre-course" is an introduction to the resources, tools, and skills that you will be required to use as an Athabasca University MBA student. It will help you to understand the responsibilities associated with graduate studies and the kind of support you can expect to receive from your academic coach while completing a course. You will be oriented to the learning platform used in the MBA program (Lotus Notes), the Internet, Athabasca University Library, and appropriate referencing techniques. The pre-course will also give you hints that will help you capitalize on the learning conversations that occur over the course of your program.

Thinking about Strategy provides the student with an overview of the key strategies behind high-performing organizations from a generic strategy point of view. Students will examine the work of Henry Mintzberg, Michael Porter, and Peter Senge and discuss "real-life" applications of these models though asynchronous discussions. Following this, students will look at the strategic nature of business failures as put forth by Danny Miller and Spiros Makridakis. Through case study, readings, workshops and discussions, students will acquire basic analytical skills enabling them to successfully complete a strategic review of the organization for which they work. This would include data collection, a SWOT analysis, a competitive analysis, and other aspects of strategic review.

STMK 501
3-Strategic Marketing

Managing markets will teach the fundamentals of marketing and the role that marketing plays in both profit and non-profit organizations. Through case studies, an active marketing assignment, and a design activity, students will look at the way the marketing strategy reflects the fundamental business strategy of the organization. Decisions faced by marketing managers and how these decisions are impacted by marketing ethics will be addressed. The assignment will require the student to apply the knowledge and skills gained in this course module to an active marketing problem.

HRMT 502
3-Human Resource Management

Managing and motivating people is a critical task for management, particularly in the context of rapidly changing and competitive organizational environments. This course module focuses on the strategic approach to human resource management taking a fresh look at topics such as motivation, leadership, culture, recruitment and selection, development, performance management, rewards, and organizational design. Through on-line conferencing and case work, human resource management assumptions and practices and their applicability to small, medium, and large organizations are critically examined.

OPDM 503
3-Operations and Decision Making

Operations include manufacturing and transport systems, supply systems, retail organizations, and service systems. The management of such systems involves initial design, planning, scheduling, control, maintenance, and replacement, as well as the management of inventories and the quality of goods and services delivered to the customer. Students will develop skills in categorizing, describing, and analysing operating systems and will be able to show the link between an effective choice of systems and the business strategy of the organization.

FACT 504
3-Financial Accounting

Understanding the language of accounting and financial information is important for all managers. The financial accounting course focuses on financial information from the user's perspective. The impact of alternative accounting policies on investing, financing, and operating activities of the organization is presented. The course uses financial analysis techniques as a basis for understanding financial reports: balance sheets, income statements, and the cash flow statements. Group discussions of cases and individual problems are used to reinforce the learning process.

MACT 505
3-Managerial Accounting

Managerial accounting plays an important role in all organizations. It is used for decision making, planning, and controlling activities. In this course, students study (a) how management accounting systems are used to measure the cost and profitability of the organization's products and services, and (b) how management accounting information is used to measure the economic performance of decentralized operating units of manufacturing, service, not-for-profit, and governmental organizations.

COMP 506
0-Advanced Diploma Comprehensive Examination

Using a case study method of assessment, students will be given a comprehensive test of their knowledge and understanding of all course modules completed and will be asked to show how this knowledge is integrated through their approach to specific cases.

Phase 2

STCH 601
3-Making Strategic Choices

By studying the markets for products and services and by analysing the competitive environment, students learn to understand the consequences of strategic choices and options. This involves both ''what if'' analysis methods and skills, and the analysis of strategic options. Students will acquire a set of advanced quantitative and qualitative skills that will assist in their analysis of strategic choices.

INTP 602
3-Information, Technology, and Performance

Building on the Phase 1 courses, this course deals with the nature of effective information systems and the process of developing an effective information strategy for the management of an organization. Case studies on innovative information management systems will be used throughout this course. Students will be asked to undertake an information quality audit of their organization.

GMMT 603
3-Global Marketing Management

Using a case-methods approach and some detailed analysis of the impact of global trading arrangements (GATT, NAFTA, EEC), this course module covers the impact of global marketing and production strategies on the way in which companies develop, thus raising some key issues for managers. Using studies of three industries-telecommunications, biotechnology, and health care-students will look at the impact of globalization on management decision making.

MMCH 604
3-Making Sense of Major Change

This course module is about the nature of change in management in both the public and private sector. It uses a model intended to facilitate the analysis of change at the personal, team, unit, organization, and marketplace levels. Skills to diagnose and evaluate change, success, and failure will also be presented. The impact of change on individuals and organizational culture will be explored. At the end of the course module, students will have the skills necessary in change project management to apply to their own organization. Some of the issues associated with politics, unions, and ethics will also be examined.

COMP 605
0-MBA Comprehensive Examination

Using a combination of assessment methods students will be given a comprehensive test of their knowledge and understanding of all subjects completed to date, and will be asked to show how this knowledge is integrated through their analysis and response to complex case studies.

Schools

WSCH 589
Weekend School 1

WSCH 689
Weekend School 2

SSCH 698
Summer School

Phase 3

Phase 3 requires students to complete two of the following list of electives.

ETLO 606
3-The Learning Organization I (Elective)

The Learning Organization I involves students in developing a thorough understanding of ''organizational learning'' and how and why organizations transform themselves into ''learning organizations.'' Students begin by exploring the meaning and philosophy of the concept, its background and origins. Next, they examine learning processes at the individual, group (team) and organizational levels, familiarizing themselves with the tools and techniques for recognizing and enhancing the depth, breadth and speed of learning in the workplace. In the final part of the course, students study the steps involved in building a ''learning organization.'' In addition to symposia and case study discussions, students will be involved in developing a Learning Organization Network that will act as an information and resource base for current and future students.

ETLO 607
3-The Learning Organization II

This is a project-based course supported by discussion databases and readings. It is geared towards students who are pursuing applied projects or work assignments involving organizational learning initiatives.

Prerequisite: ETLO 606.

ETQM 609
3-Total Quality Management in the Public Sector

Using a combination of case studies, skills-based activities and readings, this course will introduce the key constructs of TQM in the public sector and look at the use of these constructs in practice. It will provide an opportunity for a critical appraisal of the value of TQM in working to change public sector practices and processes.

EPCT 610
3-Public Consultation

Leadership on how the organization affects public consulting, communities and their role in decision making are the key topics addressed in this course. Planning, preparation, and managing the public consulting process as well as understanding the group process, managing the role of the community and advisory boards, and getting results, are all essential to the role of the public consultant.

ENVD 612
3-New Venture Development

New Venture Development is a course for would-be entrepreneurs-people who have already started a small firm and want to improve their entrepreneurial skill. It is also designed for people interested in entrepreneurship-lawyers, accountants, consultants-anyone with an interest in the creation and growth of a new enterprise.

The course objective is to provide a practical opportunity for you to realistically assess the potential of a new venture idea and develop a detailed program or plan for a small business of your own. Course topics increase your understanding of how success is achieved in an entrepreneurial career. From an overview of entrepreneurship and an understanding of the entrepreneurial process, the course considers how to evaluate a business idea, buy an existing firm, acquire a franchise, develop a marketing plan, and create a business plan for a new venture concept. It concludes with a discussion of how to grow and harvest a successful business.

EMDV 613
3-Breaking the Mould: Managing Diversity in the Workplace

This course will assist you in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the variety of needs, expectations, motivations, attitudes, and behaviours represented by the increasingly diverse workforce. Students examine the psychological, social, and structural barriers that prevent optimal utilization of human resources, focusing on perception biases and stereotypes relating to age, race, gender, physical ability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientations, and family expectations.

EMSV 614
3-Marketing of Services

This course is intended to expand your knowledge of marketing as it applies to services rather than to tangible consumer or industrial goods. Utilizing case studies, text, and readings, the course describes developmental aspects of a services marketing strategy while creating dialogue opportunities between students and the academic advisor. The course will encourage you to interact with Internet resources to update your knowledge of services marketing.

EEPD 617
3-Entrepreneurship Development

This introductory course in entrepreneurship aims to provide students with a basis for undertaking any kind of entrepreneurial activity. The course focuses on learning and using a systemic model of the entrepreneurial activity system. This model is the basis for both understanding entrepreneurs and fostering your own entrepreneurship development. Those who interact with entrepreneurs but do not plan an entrepreneurial career for themselves will find useful learning in this course. One requirement of this course is to build a Personal Entrepreneurial Model based on the framework presented in the courseware. This is not the same as a business plan (although it can lead to one), but it does require an entrepreneurial vision for an eventual venture.

Upon completion of this course, students will have acquired three levels of knowledge; the characteristics of entrepreneurs and how entrepreneurial activities are formed, the basis of acquiring "know-how" through the development of entrepreneurial and managerial competencies and skills, and how to apply the entrepreneurial model of vision for developing their own entrepreneurial system.

ESDB 619
3-Sustainable Development and Business

In this course you will discuss the concept of sustainable development as a proposed solution to a wide array of global and local concerns. Problems such as global inequity, overpopulation and overconsumption, and environmental degradation and their inter-relationships, will be introduced. Understanding the role of environmental advocates and their impact on strategic business decision making will be discussed. An investigation of the relationships between competitiveness and environmental performance will be undertaken with supporting examples, case studies, and contemporary readings.

EHPW 620
3-The High Performance Workplace: New Approaches and Practices in Performance Management

This course examines some new approaches to designing effective performance management systems. Building stronger links between organizational goals and performance outcomes, developing meaningful performance (value-added) measures, finding effective ways to reward both team and individual performance, the merits of monetary and non-monetary rewards, performance appraisal feedback, and balancing the need to assess past performance and future development, are some of the issues covered in the readings, discussions, and assignments. Performance management and compensation practices such as variable pay and incentives, gain sharing, profit sharing, competency-based approaches, multi-source assessment, skill-based pay, and flexible benefits are examined.

ECIA 622
3-Contemporary Issues in Accounting

Unlike the financial and managerial accounting courses in Phase 1, this elective course does not take you step by step through the basic principles of accounting; rather it expands on the use of financial performance measurements as an integrated component in measuring the performance of the organization as an entity.

Using a series of readings and case studies you will review the overall performance of not-for-profit, public and private sector organizations.

Contrasts and comparisons will be made between the types of measures that are applicable to different user groups.

You will discuss the use of ''creative accounting'' and how traditional ways of reviewing measurements such as return on investment, contribution margins, and cost accounting can be misleading. The major assignment involves an integrated approach that uses both financial and non-financial measures that are linked with the strategic objectives and goals of the organization.

EBSL 631
3-Business Law

This course is designed to introduce students to the Canadian legal system and related common issues that arise in business. Supported by a business law textbook and supplemental readings, students will be guided through discussions on various legal topics and the implications these topics may have on business, managers, and decision makers. This course is not intended to negate the need for lawyers, but may enable the decision maker to determine when legal advice is necessary.

In introducing the Canadian legal system, a basic overview of topics such as common and civil law, the constitution and charter, court systems, litigation procedures and administrative law, will be provided. Following this will be a discussion on Tort law, outlining the interference with the private rights of parties (outside of the contract), whether intentionally or negligently. As contracts form the basis of most business relationships, they are of primary importance to the business manager. As such, students will study in detail the formation of contracts, factors affecting contracts, and end of contracts. Other topics to be examined are, The Sale of Goods Act, consumer protection, employment acts, forms of business organization, and personal and intellectual property.

EIND 623
3-Independent Study Elective

Students may submit a request to take an independent study course as one of their elective course requirements. A written proposal including learning objectives, a study plan (which may include prior or concurrent learning), a project paper outline, and a possible course supervisor must be submitted to the Chair of the Graduate Management Program Council at least one month before registering for an independent study elective. Approval will be contingent upon the availability of an acceptable supervisor.

EITP 636
3-Management of Information Technology Projects

Project managers need to learn and to apply the discipline, skills, tools, and techniques of project management to information systems development and deployment because

• organizations are turning to project management over traditional, functional forms of management

• obtaining competitive advantage is increasingly dependent on the successful use of information technology

• projects involving information systems are becoming increasingly complex

• when information technology is involved, measurement of actual progress is often lost in the frenzy of technology deployment accompanied by the flurry of busy IT staff.

Neither the traditional business manager nor the information technology manager is likely to have received any training in project management. This course provides an overview of fundamental project management, using examples from information systems and computer applications development. The first part of the course looks at project management concepts, while the second half of the course looks at the tools and techniques involved in project management.

EPSM 637
3-Public Sector Management

In the last decade, the increasing cost and size of government, which reflected public demand for more government services, led to a crisis situation that demanded new strategies to control deficits and rationalize public institutions.

This course is designed to help public sector managers meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. The course addresses the essential topics needed by public sector managers to survive and thrive in the current turbulent environment.

3-Week-long Residential Electives

The residential module is an intensive week-long session concentrating on a specialized topic. In some cases, the emphasis will be on group work with follow-up individual assignments to be submitted within seven weeks following the module end date. Prerequisites and pre-course work may be required. Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. Information and registration for residential electives takes place approximately two months before each individual elective.

APRJ 699
12-Applied Project

The MBA applied project involves a systematic, critical review and analysis of a particular project, program, action or role within an organization or an industry. The aim of this project is to show how key concepts, methods, and approaches covered in the various courses in the program can be used to draw insights and develop solutions to actual business problems.

The applied project is a major piece of work completed by students in two phases. In the first phase, students register in a course module that guides them through the preparation of their applied project proposal. Once the proposal has been approved, each student is assigned to an academic advisor who supervises the project through to completion.

9.5. The Master of Business Administration (Information Technology Management) and the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Information Technology Management (in development)

These two new programs are currently being developed by the Centre for Innovative Management. In addition to the grounding received in 9.3 Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management and 9.4 Master of Business Administration, the ITM programs are designed to support the development of managers of information technology (IT) as the demand for application and management skills increases in both the private and public sectors.

It is expected that all program participants will be employed in IT professional roles, IT management roles, or general management positions when they begin their program. The programs will also prepare participants to move into more senior IT-oriented management positions, for example, chief information officer.

The degree will consist of the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management and the new Advanced Graduate Diploma in Information Technology Management and an applied project. In addition, students must attend two weekend schools and a week-long summer school. The Advanced Graduate Diploma in Information Technology Management will consist of four compulsory courses, plus two electives of the student's choice.

(Refer to 9.3 Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management)

Course Listing (Phase 1)
STRT 500 Thinking About Strategy 3
STMK 501 Strategic Marketing 3
HRMT 502 Human Resource Management 3
OPDM 503 Operations and Decision Making 3
FACT 504 Financial Accounting 3
MACT 505 Managerial Accounting 3

and

Advanced Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (Phase 2)
INTP 602 Information Technology and Performance 3
ITHF 601 Human Factors in Information Technology 3
ITPM 602 Project Management for Information Technology Projects 3
ITEC 603 Electronic Commerce 3

Phase 3 (Students may choose two of the following three electives or one of the regular MBA electives)

EISI 604 Systems Integration (3)-Elective 1

EIKM 605 Knowledge Management (3)-Elective 2

EIBP 607 Improving Business Performance through the Application of Information Technology (3)-Elective 3

IT Management Applied Project (12)

For more information about program, admission requirements, and start dates contact

Centre for Innovative Management
Athabasca University
301 Grandin Park Plaza
22 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue
St. Albert, AB Canada
T8N 1B4

Telephone: (800) 561-4650 or (780) 459-1144
Fax: (800) 561-4660 or (780) 459-2093
E-mail: cimoffice@athabascau.ca

Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)

9.6.  Master of Distance Education

About the Program

Established in September 1994, the Athabasca University Master of Distance Education program is now one of five graduate programs worldwide and the only one in North America whose primary focus is on the fields of distance education and training.

Education and training that enable learners to overcome the barriers of time and space are rapidly expanding fields and many indicators point to their continued and steady growth well into the future. Today, distance education and training students of all ages are provided with the opportunity to learn in a wide variety of subject areas, formats, and organizations.

If distance educators are to adapt to the increasingly sophisticated field of distance education and to maintain their professional competence, continuous upgrading is essential. Professional growth is also required by people from a variety of educational and occupational backgrounds who seek entry into this burgeoning field. As the demand for distance education and training increases, the need for formal qualifications in their delivery becomes more pressing.

Athabasca University's Master of Distance Education program is unique in several ways.

• It is housed at Athabasca University, one of the world's leading, open universities. All courses for the degree are delivered via a variety of distance education media, including the Internet.
• There are no face-to-face requirements for completion of the degree.
• Tuition rates are affordable.
• Up to 6 credits of the core courses and up to 15 credits of elective courses may be transferred from other institutions.
• By September 1999 approximately 400 students across Canada and internationally will be participating in the program.
• Program participants work in such diverse distance education and training settings as business firms, government agencies, voluntary and professional associations, hospitals and other health care organizations, schools, colleges, and universities.

If you currently work or aspire to work in distance education and training and your personal commitments demand a flexible and accessible graduate level program, Athabasca University's Master of Distance Education program may be your path to a more rewarding career.

Admission Requirements

Persons wishing to enrol in the Master of Distance Education program must hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized post-secondary education institution.

Application procedure

• Complete and submit the MDE Application Form along with the non-refundable application fee.
• Submit three letters of recommendation, at least one of which should be from someone who is familiar with the applicant's academic skills.
• Complete and submit the MDE Application Questionnaire.
• Submit an up-to-date resume.

All application materials must be received by the Centre for Distance Education at Athabasca University by March 1 for consideration for admission into the program starting in September.

Non-program Students

Individuals who are not enrolled in the Master of Distance Education program will be permitted to register in MDE courses on a first-come, first-served basis, space permitting. Courses taken as a non-program student may be directly applied toward the program degree requirements, if and when a student becomes a program student. However, the University is under no obligation to admit non-program students into the MDE program.

For more information on non-program status, contact the Master of Distance Education program (refer to contact information at the end of this section).

Program Structure

Credit Requirements

Forty-two credits are required to complete the MDE. These credits can be earned in one of three ways.

1. Thesis Route

   The curriculum requirement for the thesis route consists of five core courses, five elective courses, and 12 credits of thesis work. Normally, students will enrol in thesis credit after completion of the core courses

2. Project Route

   Same as above, except students complete a project instead of a thesis.

3. Course-based Route

   The curriculum requirement for the course-based route consists of five core courses and nine elective courses. At the conclusion of course work, a written examination and an oral defence must be passed.

For those individuals pursuing the thesis or project route, the thesis or project (12 credits) provides an opportunity for investigating a novel question or synthesizing / applying what has been learned in the course work.

Program Status

To maintain program status, students must complete 6 credits of course or thesis / project work during each academic year (September 1 - August 31).

Any student who receives a grade of ''F'' or more than one grade lower than a "B-" may be required to withdraw from the program.

Students may not interrupt their studies for more than one semester without the approval of the program director.

Students are required to present a minimum grade of ''B-'' on all core courses in order to graduate.

Residency

To meet the residency requirements, students must

1. For the Thesis or Project Route

   Complete a minimum of three courses (9 credits) from the core curriculum and complete the thesis or project through Athabasca University.

2. For the Course-based Route

   Complete a minimum of three courses (9 credits) from the core curriculum, a minimum of four elective courses (12 credits) through Athabasca University, and pass the written examination and oral defence at the conclusion of the course work.

Full- and Part-time Involvement

Students may study in the program on a full- or part-time basis. Part-time students must complete a minimum of 6 credits (two course equivalents) per calendar year. Full-time students enrol in a minimum of 9 credits (three course equivalents) per semester.

Courses

Courses are designed to encourage self-study either at home or in the workplace. Students will be supplied with a basic course package of print and other media as deemed necessary (for example, textbooks, study guides, audiotapes, videotapes). In addition, students are expected to use computer mediated communications for the following purposes

1. instructor and student-to-student interactions in computer conferences
2. electronic mail, both within and outside of the course structure
3. file transfer or file attachment of assignments and feedback between instructor and students and between students on joint projects, and
4. accessing electronic databases.

Core Courses

MDDE 601 Introduction to Distance Education and Training
MDDE 602 Methods of Inquiry and Decision Making
MDDE 603 Systems Design in Distance Education
MDDE 604 Instructional Development and Program Evaluation in Distance Education
MDDE 605 Planning and Management in Distance Education and Training

The core curriculum is an integrated arrangement of courses covering the field of distance education and training. The five core courses (15 credits) review current knowledge, theory, and practice, in distance education and training. The core provides students with the skills and knowledge that will facilitate their understanding and ability to analyse, synthesize, evaluate, create, and implement distance education and training courses, programs, and systems.

Core courses in the MDE are currently only offered once a year and should be taken in the following sequence.

If you intend to take one core course each session (semester), then you should register in the core courses in the following order:

MDDE 601  Fall (first year)
MDDE 603  Winter (first year)
MDDE 604  Fall (second year)
no core      Winter (second year)
MDDE 602  Fall (third year)
MDDE 605  Winter (third year)

If you plan to take more than one core course in any given session (semester), then you should register in the following order.

MDDE 601 and MDDE 602  Fall (first year)
MDDE 603 and MDDE 605 Winter (first year)
MDDE 604 Fall (second year)

OR
MDDE 601 Winter (first year)
MDDE 603 Winter (first year)
MDDE 602 and MDDE 604 Fall (second year)
MDDE 605 Winter (second year)

There are two important sequences that must take place.

1. MDDE 604 should be taken in the subsequent semester that MDDE 603 is taken in, and

2. MDDE 605 requires MDDE 602 as a prerequisite.

Elective Courses

MDDE 610 Introduction to Technology in Distance Education and Training
MDDE 611 Foundations of Adult Education
MDDE 612 Experiential Learning
MDDE 613 Adult Learning and Development
MDDE 614 International Issues in Distance Education
MDDE 615 Human Factors in Educational Technology
MDDE 616 Research Interpretation and Data Analysis
MDDE 617 Program Planning in Adult and Continuing Education
MDDE 620 Advanced Technology for Distance Education and Training
MDDE 621 On-line Teaching and Learner Support Technologies in Distance Education and Training
MDDE 650 Special Topics: Tutoring and Student Support in Distance Education and Training
MDDE 651 Special Topics: Gender Issues in Distance Education
MDDE 690 Independent Study

Elective courses are designed to complement the core curriculum and expand basic knowledge, theory, and practice into areas and issues of individual interest or concern. They allow students to specialize in a particular topic or learn a new set of skills necessary for research and / or practice in distance education and training. Some elective courses may not be available every year and a growing list of electives will emerge as student and faculty interests change and develop.

Normally, elective courses may be taken concurrently with core courses. Students may obtain advanced credit for elective courses and may be encouraged to take elective courses from other institutions.

Permission of the program director is required before courses are taken for MDE program credit outside Athabasca University. Students will also be encouraged to work on subject matter areas or skills with individual faculty members as a way to fulfil elective requirements. To facilitate this involvement with faculty, students may enrol in MDDE 690 in 3-credit blocks (equivalent to a 3-credit course). Normally, no more than 9 credits may be taken as Independent Study.

Advanced Standing

Some students may have completed work at other post-secondary institutions which is applicable to the MDE program. After enrolment in the program, a committee will review such work to determine if the student should be awarded Advanced Standing and ''Not to Takes'' for specific courses in the MDE program. Students seeking Advanced Standing will be required to submit official transcripts (if these were not submitted in support of their application for admission). The student may also be required to submit detailed course descriptions for such courses. Failure to supply either the transcript or the detailed course description (if required) shall result in no Advanced Standing being awarded.

In addition, students may be able to build on prior learning experiences and receive credit through independent study (MDDE 690). For more information, students should contact their program advisor.

Transfer Credit

Students enrolled in the MDE program may take courses from other post-secondary institutions in fulfillment of the program requirements, provided such courses are applicable to the Athabasca University MDE program. Students wishing to take courses from other institutions must submit a Letter of Permission,

a written request, detailed course outlines, and the appropriate fees to the MDE program director for review. If approved, a Letter of Permission will be issued by the Office of the Registrar. To allow mailing time, requests for a Letter of Permission should be made at least one month prior to the registration deadline at the institution where the student will be taking the course. Upon completion of the course, the student must submit an official transcript to the MDE program director in order to obtain credit for the course.

Delivery

The program is offered during two semesters each year (with a Spring / Summer semester offered in most years). The Fall semester begins the day after the Labour Day holiday in September and lasts for fifteen weeks. The Winter semester begins the second non-holiday Monday in January and lasts for fifteen weeks.

All course work should be completed during the semester periods. Extensions to these timelines may be granted if circumstances warrant through the granting of an incomplete.

Academic Schedule (MDE)

1999
July 9	Last day for program students to register in 1999 fall session courses. Registration fees are due.
Sept. 6	Labour Day, University closed.
Sept. 7	First day of fall session courses.
Oct. 7	Last day for withdrawal from fall session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript.
Oct. 11	Thanksgiving, University closed.
Nov. 11	Remembrance Day, University closed.
Nov. 12	Last day for program students to register in 1999 winter session courses. Registration fees are due.
Nov. 17	Last day for late withdrawal from fall session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing.
Dec. 17	Last day of fall session courses.
Dec. 25/99- Jan. 3/2000	University closed.
2000
Jan. 10	First day of winter session courses.
Feb. 10	Last day for early withdrawals from winter session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript.
Feb. 21	Family Day, University closed.
March 1	Last day for receipt of application materials for admission to the program starting in September 2000.
March 20	Last day for late withdrawal from winter session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing.
April 20	Last day of winter session courses.
April 21-24	Easter break. University closed.
TBA	Spring / Summer session.

Computer System Requirements

In order to participate in the program, each student must own or have ready access to the following minimum computer hardware and software:

Minimum:

Pentium-class or equivalent PC

16 MB memory

1 MB free disk space

Floppy disk device

Mouse

28.8 MB baud modem

Windows 95

Recommended:

Pentium 200 MMX or greater

32 MB memory

Super VGA compatible monitor

3 1/2-inch floppy

CD-ROM

2.5 MB free disk space

Mouse

28.8 baud FAX modem or higher

Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98

Laser, ink jet or bubble jet printer

Zip disk or other backup device

Software

Word or WordPerfect

Netscape or Internet Explorer

Anti-virus program

It is also highly desirable for students to own or have access to a printer and word processing software which can read and write Microsoft Word documents.

Students are responsible for their own communication costs such as long distance telephone charges and subscriptions to an Internet node, or any other communications service requirement.

Program Registration

Procedures

Students must complete the core courses in the prescribed sequence. Elective courses may be taken on completion of the core courses or concurrently with the core courses offered in any term.

Incompletes

In exceptional circumstances, and where the course instructor concurs, students may be assigned a grade of Incomplete (IN). This allows the student to take an additional two months to complete and submit the course work. Two months after the original course completion date, a grade will be assigned to the course. Where the student has not submitted the required course work a failing grade (F) will be automatically assigned.

Re-registration

Students may re-register in a course only if they have received a final grade of ''C+'' or less, or have withdrawn from the course in good standing. In re-registering, students must complete all course requirements and pay the full course fee.

Students are permitted only one re-registration in each course.

Both the initial registration and the re-registration will appear on the student's academic record.

Withdrawal

Winter and Fall Courses

Students may withdraw from a course up until one month before the end of the semester (see academic schedule) by submitting a Withdrawal Request Form. The date of withdrawal will be the postmark on the request, or if the notice is hand delivered or faxed, the University date stamp.

Students may also request a withdrawal from a course by electronic mail provided the request is confirmed in writing.

If a student withdraws from a course within the first month, the record of registration will be deleted from his / her official transcript.

If a student withdraws from a course after the first month of the course and before the last month of the course, the official record and transcript will show that the student withdrew without credit and without prejudice or academic penalty.

Spring and Summer Courses

Students may withdraw from a course up until one month before the end of the semester by submitting a Withdrawal Request Form. The date of withdrawal will be the postmark on the request, or if the notice is hand delivered or faxed, the University date stamp.

Students may also request a withdrawal from a course via electronic mail provided the request is confirmed in writing.

If a student withdraws from a course within the first two weeks, the record of registration will be deleted from his / her official transcript.

If the student withdraws from a course after the first two weeks of the course and before the last month of the course, the official record and transcript will show that the student withdrew without credit and without prejudice or academic penalty.

Withdrawing from Program

Students may withdraw from the program by submitting their request in writing to the program director. Students who withdraw may be re-enrolled in the program by following the aforementioned application procedures. Students requesting re-admission to the program will be competing against all other applicants and will not receive special consideration.

Refunds

Students will receive a refund of the full course fees minus the course withdrawal processing fee (see MDE program fees) if they withdraw from the course within the first month of Fall and Winter courses and within the first two weeks of Spring and Summer courses. Students should not return their course materials. Students wishing to withdraw from a course(s) prior to the first day of class will receive a partial refund (full tuition minus the withdrawal processing fee).

Continuation

A student who has completed all the course requirements and has paid the full tuition fee for the thesis or project, but who has yet to ''Pass'' the thesis or project will be required to pay a continuation fee in order to remain in the program.

Grading System

With the exception of the thesis or project which will be graded on a pass / fail basis, all courses will be graded using the following alphabetic scale.

A+	90 - 100%
A	85 - 89%
A-	80 - 84%
B+	77 - 79%
B	74 - 76%
B-	70 - 73%
C+	67 - 69%
C	64 - 66%
C-	60 - 63%
F	0 - 59%
IN	Incomplete status
W	Withdrawn in good standing

Thesis and Project Requirements

Students choosing this route must complete either a thesis or a project. Once the student has decided to do either a thesis or a project, a supervisor will be assigned.

The thesis or project in the MDE program is the equivalent of 12 credits. Students register in the thesis or project in four blocks of 3 credits each. Normally students will register in either a thesis or a project after completion of all core course work.

A student who has completed all of the course requirements and has paid the full tuition fee for the thesis or project, but who has yet to ''complete'' the thesis or project, will be required to pay a continuation fee each session (semester) in order to remain in the program.

Time Limits for Completion

Students have a maximum of seven years from their first registration to complete the MDE degree program.

Fees (MDE)

Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies	$ 50
Admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program)	$ 100
Course tuition fee (includes all required materials) for Canadians and landed immigrants living in Canada	$ 700
Course tuition fee (includes all required materials)for Canadians living outside of Canada	$ 800
Non-Canadian students living outside of Canada (includes all required materials)	$ 900
Visa students living in Alberta (includes all required materials)	$1,400
Continuation fee (per semester) same as course tuition fees (see above)
Evaluation fee	$ 55
Foreign evaluations	$ 110
Letter of Permission fee	$ 20
Non-program application fee (required only once and waived if previously an Athabasca University student)	$50
Thesis/Project (payable in units of $700)	$2,800
Foreign students	$5,600
Transcript fee	$ 10
Withdrawal processing fee	$ 300

The withdrawal processing fee includes the cost of course materials and an administrative fee for processing the request. There will be no refund for returned course materials.

The total tuition cost for a Canadian student living in Canada, who takes all their courses from Athabasca University, would be as follows:

$700 x 14 (3-credit courses or equivalent) = $9,800.

Note: all fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change.

Course Offerings (1999-2000)

Please note that the courses are scheduled as of the date of printing. Courses may be cancelled due to insufficient registrations. Refer to course descriptions on the following pages.

Fall Session (September 1999)
MDDE 601 Introduction to Distance Education and Training
MDDE 602 Methods of Inquiry and Decision Making
MDDE 604 Instructional Development and Program Evaluation in Distance Education
MDDE 610 Introduction to Technology in Distance Education and Training
MDDE 613 Adult Learning and Development
MDDE 614 International Issues in Distance Education
MDDE 617 Program Planning in Adult and Continuing Education
MDDE 621 On-line Teaching and Learner Support Technologies in Distance Education and Training

Winter Session (January 2000)
MDDE 603 Systems Design in Distance Education
MDDE 605 Planning and Management in Distance Education and Training
MDDE 611 Foundations of Adult Education
MDDE 615 Human Factors in Educational Technology
MDDE 616 Research Interpretations and Data Analysis (Prerequisite: MDDE 602)
MDDE 620 Advanced Technology for Distance Education and Training
MDDE 650 Special Topics: Tutoring and Student Support in Distance Education and Training
MDDE 651 Special Topics: Gender Issues in Distance Education

Spring and Summer session
TBA

Master of Distance Education
Course Descriptions

MDDE 601
3-Introduction to Distance Education and Training

This course introduces students to distance education and surveys the field. It provides students with the essential descriptions and examples of what distance education and training are and how they are conducted. Students are asked to critically analyse current practice and information in the field.

MDDE 602
3-Methods of Inquiry and Decision Making

This course addresses the concepts of inquiry and decision making as tools for understanding truth and isolating relevant information for decision-making purposes. The course will cover the essentials of scientific inquiry, and students are expected to discuss and analyse various concepts important in research and evaluation approaches in education and distance education. Students will be introduced to statistical decision making and the range of methods used for inquiry in the social sciences.

MDDE 603
3-Systems Design in Distance Education

This course introduces students to systems theory and practice and how systems approaches apply to distance education. Students will examine how systems design theory and concepts apply to education in general and to distance education in particular. Students will learn about instructional systems design and how ISD applies to distance education and instructional design.

MDDE 604
3-Instructional Development and Program Evaluation in Distance Education

This course begins with a brief overview of individualized instruction. The student then studies course design and development and is required to develop a unit of instruction and a plan for delivering the instruction at a distance. The last third of the course covers program evaluation, and the student is required to design a program evaluation system to evaluate the program that one's unit of instruction would fit into. Since this course requires the application of skills, knowledge, and concepts presented in the TIP material in MDDE 603, MDDE 603 is a prerequisite for this course. While MDDE 602 is not considered a prerequisite for MDDE 604, the concepts and knowledge presented in MDDE 602 might be useful in developing one's program evaluation system.

MDDE 605
3-Planning and Management in Distance Education and Training

In taking MDDE 605 students will be expected to develop a comprehensive business plan for their own hypothetical (or real) distance teaching enterprise. Along the way students will review key trends in distance education; conduct background research into the prospects for their enterprise; and learn and apply the elements of strategic planning, Porter's value system analysis, basic management accounting techniques, and the development and analysis of performance indicators.

Prerequisites: MDDE 601, MDDE 602, and MDDE 603, or consent of the instructor.

MDDE 610
3-Introduction to Technology in Distance Education and Training

This course is an introduction to some of the conceptual issues in the use of distance education technologies, including cost-effectiveness and pedagogical strengths and limitations of various media. Selected case studies of implementations in both developed and developing countries will be examined for critical success factors and lessons learned.

MDDE 611
3-Foundations of Adult Education

This course will examine the foundations of adult education. It will begin by asking what the purposes of adult education are. Students will be asked to relate these to the philosophical and historical origins, and to the social and political economy of adult education. Students will be asked to critically reflect on adult education as a field of practice and to consider to what extent the study of adult education is centred on ''practical knowledge'' or on a study of the foundational disciplines (philosophy, history, sociology, psychology, etc). The course will be focused on Canadian and North American adult education but will also consider global perspectives and experience as well as discussing higher education issues.

MDDE 613
3-Adult Learning and Development

Using readings, writings, computer conferences, and film- analysis, the course examines the contributions of different disciplines, perspectives, and theories to adult learning that have found expression in adult education, past and present. These perspectives explore adult learning from a tripartite framework: the adult learner, the learning process itself, and the context in which adult learning takes place. This makes possible an expanded understanding of the complex nature of adult learning and the impact of that learning upon adult development. Students will also consider the role played by experience upon adult learning as well as the role that learning plays in the development of the capacities to work and to love (reportedly Freud's hallmarks of adult maturity).

The course speaks to the need of the professional distance educator for understanding the connection between adult learning and development and for taking this into account in the design and delivery of successful learning or training experiences. The course also offers an opportunity for the student to apply the principles and insights acquired to one's own personal development.

MDDE 614
3-International Issues in Distance Education

In this course students will explore three aspects of distance education as it is practiced around the world: (1) the ways in which distance education is configured in order to meet regional needs (e.g., the Caribbean and South Pacific regions) and national needs in high, middle, and low income countries; (2) the advantages and limitations of distance education as a tool for development at the regional and national levels and also in meeting the needs of political minorities (e.g., Aboriginal peoples); and (3) the role of national and international organizations of distance educators in furthering the reach of distance education (e.g., the Commonwealth of Learning, the International Council for Distance Education).

Materials for the course will include case studies and overview articles. Course activities will include small group work and presentations, critiques of proposals for development projects involving distance education, discussions via CMC with the authors of some of the articles assigned as reading, and a project of the student's own choosing.

MDDE 615
3-Human Factors in Educational Technology

This course will provide a general survey of the human factors field with a detailed focus on the design issues in computer mediated communications. The course will look at relevant developments in computer-based learning such as asynchronous computer conferencing, synchronous ''talker'' technology, and hypermedia on the Internet (HTML and WWW readers) in relation to open learning and peer collaboration.

Students will be provided with initial direction and then will be expected to generate their own projects. Students may take a development approach or an evaluation/assessment approach. It is expected the approach will culminate with a detailed systems design, an experimental design, survey study, or completed system/experiment. Students will be encouraged to work in groups.

Students are expected to connect to an Internet provider (including Athabasca University) at their own expense. Participation in electronic mail, computer conferencing, and two hours of ''talker'' participation will be mandatory.

Note: While there are no prerequisites to this course, students should probably not register in this course unless they feel comfortable in using the Internet and various World Wide Web tools.

MDDE 616
3-Research Interpretation and Data Analysis

This course focuses on the knowledge and skills that a distance education professional must possess in order to interpret the results of empirical investigations as reported in the distance education and general education literature. Such knowledge and skills are viewed as very beneficial to graduate students who will be encountering a large number of such reports during their course work and their thesis or project and who will need to possess the means to assess the validity and utility of that material. In addition, a computer-based data analysis tool will be used to carry out course-related activities to reinforce the acquired concepts. The course is intended to function as a follow-up to MDDE 602 Methods of Inquiry and Decision Making and will especially benefit those students who plan to carry out some type of empirical work as part of their thesis or project.

Prerequisite: MDDE 602

MDDE 617
3-Program Planning in Adult and Continuing Education

This course is an intensive study of theoretical foundations, policies, evaluation models, methods, and materials for planning adult and continuing education and/or training programs. The main purpose of this course is to enable course participants to increase their knowledge and competence relative to that process in order to become more proficient in planning, implementing, and evaluating effective educational programs for adults in the organizational or institutional setting of their choice. The primary means for accomplishment of this purpose is for participants, drawing on a comprehensive theoretical framework, referred to as the lifelong education program planning (LEPP) model, to formulate and develop a detailed plan for an effective education or training program.

MDDE 620
3-Advanced Technology for Distance Education and Training

MDDE 620 is intended to develop students' knowledge and understanding of educational technologies and planning skills in relation to the introduction of technology into existing educational systems. Besides acquiring information about present and emerging educational technologies, students will closely study the planning and implementation issues related to a specific technology of their choice. The course combines information, theoretical concepts and frameworks, case studies, and direct experience with specific technologies in actual educational use. (Students are required to have access to an operating educational technology site, and a reliable Internet provider.)

MDDE 621
3-On-line Teaching and Learner Support Technologies in Distance Education

This course provides fundamental concepts, basic principles, information, and models for the successful use of technology as a medium for teaching and support of various audiences in distance education and training. Students need not be teachers or trainers, but should have a basic familiarity with computer technology applications in distance education (for example, through completion of MDDE 610 or MDDE 620, or equivalents), and have experience working or learning through technology.

In this course the term "on-line" refers primarily to computer-based communications tools but it also comprises the more familiar "low tech" technologies including print. Issues addressed include: learning and learner characteristics, and accompanying learning needs; teaching behaviours and principles that are associated with learning independent of the delivery medium; organizational roles which technology use requires, and which distance learning teachers, trainers, and administrators may be expected to fill; designing and implementing technology-based learning experiences for learners who are at a distance from us and from other resources they may need; learning and communication characteristics of some commonly available or emerging technologies.

MDDE 650
3-Special Topics: Tutoring and Student Support in Distance Education and Training

This is an issue/problem-based course, analogous to a seminar course in which students will be provided with reading materials, ideas, concepts, and issues and be expected to work independently or in groups to address questions, solve problems, and/or prepare proposals. Students will have considerable flexibility in defining their own issues and problems so long as they achieve the general goals and objectives of the course. Specifically, students will be developing knowledge, skills and attitudes to facilitate the analysis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of a tutoring and student support system for general or particular applications.

MDDE 651
3-Special Topics: Gender Issues in Distance Education

This course is a feminist exploration of the practice of contemporary distance education as it relates to women's needs and experiences as both students and practitioners. Themes such as course design, media selection, and the two-edged sword of home-based study will be traced through a wide range of international case studies.

MDDE 660
3-Professional Seminar in Distance Education

This course is targeted at MDE students who are near the end of their MDE course work (senior MDE students). MDDE 660's content is not fixed; it follows a seminar-style format unlike the regular core and option MDE courses. The material is chosen based on the interest of the faculty member responsible for the seminar that year, contemporary issues in the field during that time, and potential interests of students. Given the above, students typically read recent MDE research and other scholarly articles, discuss contemporary issues in distance education, and participate in seminar presentations with the faculty member in charge, guests from outside Athabasca University, and presentations by other students in the seminar.

The seminar relies heavily upon asynchronous interaction and independent work. Students are expected to be able to choose a topic of interest, moderate a CMC discussion on that topic, and prepare a summary dealing with issues similar to those dealt with by editorial reviews and academic conference symposia. Students who have completed the core MDE curriculum are encouraged to register. The seminar is especially relevant for those students going on to complete a thesis or project.

MDDE 690-692
3-Independent Study

Students may fulfil option credits through contract-based learning experiences with interested faculty members. Students may approach a faculty member with or without the assistance of their advisors and ask for the faculty member's assistance in an independent study course. These courses will require a written proposal including a detailed plan of the student activities; a list of the objectives, goals or intended outcomes; a description of the role of the faculty member; and a detailed evaluation or achievement plan. This proposal requires the approval of the program director before further activity is undertaken.

MDDE 699
12-Thesis/Project

After the successful completion of the Thesis/Project, students will receive 12 credits of MDDE 699. To assist students in paying for these 12 credits, students should pay $700 in four instalments (designated: MDDE 696, MDDE 697, MDDE 698 and MDDE 699) . Currently, MDDE 696, MDDE 697 and MDDE 698 do not have course descriptions and are in fact not courses at all but a means for distributing tuition payment for the Thesis/Project ($2,800) into four equal payments of $700 each.

Note: In the Fall Session each year, students who are beginning their Thesis/Project work, should "register" in MDDE 696. Beginning in the fall of 1998, students "registered" in MDDE 696 will receive resource material and be asked to participate in computer conferencing activities. For more information about the Thesis/Project students should refer to the MDDE: Student Handbook for Thesis/Project.

Additional Services

Library

The Athabasca University Library also serves the needs of graduate students. Please see 10.8 Library Services

Income Tax deductions

Application and tuition fees can be used to reduce income tax. Only fees paid and expended during the calendar year can be reflected in the tax receipt.

Revenue Canada regulations permit the University to issue an education tax credit receipt only for amounts greater than $100. Tax receipts are automatically mailed to the address on record in February.

Full-time students may be eligible for the education tax credit for each month of full-time registration. T2202 tax forms for the educational tax deduction along with the tuition tax receipts are automatically mailed to the address on record in February.

Appeals

All students at Athabasca University, whether undergraduate or graduate, are bound by the same policies and regulations governing academic conduct and appeals. Please see Section 12-Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal for further information.

Transcripts and Confidential Information

Graduate students, like undergraduate students, are bound by the institution's policies, regulations, and procedures governing the release of transcripts and confidential information. For more information see 10.6.5 Academic Records and Examination Services.

Contact Information

For more information or to receive the application package, please contact

Master of Distance Education - Program Director Athabasca University 1 University Drive Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3 Canada

Telephone: (800) 788-9041 (ext. 6179) or (780) 675-6179
Fax: (780) 675-6170
E-mail: mde@athabascau.ca

9.7.  Advanced Graduate Diploma in Distance Education (Technology)

About the Program

The Advanced Graduate Diploma in Distance Education (Technology) is intended for practitioners who are interested specifically in issues related to the use of technology in distance education and training, but who do not intend, at least initially, to pursue the MDE degree. The AGDDE(T) provides usable skills and applicable knowledge in the use of educational technology for distance and virtual learning, along with a basic grounding in distance education concepts and principles. The program also provides some student choice in the selection of courses.

Admission Requirements

Persons wishing to enrol in the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Distance Education (Technology) program must hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized post-secondary education institution.

Application Procedure

• Complete and submit the AGDDE(T) Application Form

• along with the non-refundable application fee.

• Submit three letters of recommendation, at least one of which should be from someone who is familiar with the applicant's academic skills.

• Complete and submit the AGDDE(T) Application Questionnaire.

• Submit an up-to-date resume.

• All application materials must be received by the Centre for Distance Education at Athabasca University by March 1 for consideration for admission into the program starting in September.

Program Structure

Credit Requirements

Eighteen credits (six courses) are required to complete the AGDDE(T). (See below for a detailed description of courses and requirements.)

Program Status

• To maintain program status, students must complete six credits of course or thesis / project work during each academic year (September 1 to August 31). Any student who receives a grade of "F" or more than one grade lower than a "B-" may be required to withdraw from the program.

• Students may not interrupt their studies for more than one semester without the approval of the program director.

• Students are required to present a minimum grade of "B-" on all courses in order to graduate.

Residency

To meet the residency requirements, students must complete a minimum of three courses (9 credits), including the two core courses, through Athabasca University.

Courses

AGDDE(T) students take their courses alongside MDE students, and are required to complete the same activities and achieve the same standard. Courses are designed to encourage self-study either at home or in the workplace. Students will be supplied with a basic course package of print and other media as deemed necessary (for example; textbooks, studyguides, audiotapes, videotapes).

In addition, students are expected to use computer mediated communications for the following purposes.

• instructor and student-to-student interactions in computer conferences.

• electronic mail, both within and outside of the course structure.

• file transfer or file attachment of assignments and feedback between instructor and students and between students on joint projects and

• accessing electronic databases and various Web sites.

Core Courses (Required)

MDDE 601  Introduction to Distance Education and Training
MDDE 603  Systems Design in Distance Education

Prescribed Options (minimum of three required)

MDDE 604  Instructional Development and Program Evaluation in Distance Education
MDDE 610  Introduction to Technology in Distance Education and Training
MDDE 615  Human Factors in Educational Technology
MDDE 620  Advanced Technology for Distance Education and Training
MDDE 621    On-line Teaching and Learner Support Technologies in Distance Education and Training

From the MDE Course Catalogue

One additional course of the student's choosing, if required. Note: AGDDE(T) students are not allowed to registered in MDDE 660, or MDDE 690-692.

Students should be aware that some courses in the MDE catalogue are currently only offered once a year. Generally, core courses should be taken first in the program (especially if the student has limited distance education background).

AGDDE(T) courses are generally available as follows (*indicates required course):

Fall term: 601*, 604, 610, 621*, 615, 620,

Spring/summer term: courses are announced prior to the Winter term

Winter term: 601*,603; 610 may occasionally be offered, along with option courses.

See the course offerings and course descriptions in the MDE Program section for details about courses.

Permission of the program director is required before courses are taken for AGDDE(T) program credit outside Athabasca University.

Advanced Standing

Some students may have completed work at other post-secondary institutions that is applicable to the AGDDE(T) program. After enrolment, a committee will review such work to determine if the student should be awarded Advanced Standing, and whether "Not to Take" restrictions for equivalent specific courses in the AGDDE(T) program should be imposed. Students seeking Advanced Standing will be required to submit official transcripts (if these were not submitted in support of their application for admission). The student will also be required to submit detailed course descriptions for such courses. Failure to supply either the transcript or the detailed course description (if required) shall result in no Advanced Standing being awarded.

For more information, students should contact the Diploma Advisor.

Transfer Credit

Students enrolled in the AGDDE(T) program may take courses from other post-secondary institutions in fulfilment of the program requirements, provided such courses are applicable to the Athabasca University AGDDE(T) program. Students wishing to take courses from other institutions must submit a Letter of Permission, a written request, detailed course outlines, and the appropriate fees to the Diploma Advisor or MDE program director for review. If approved, a Letter of Permission will be issued by the Office of the Registrar. To allow mailing time, requests for a Letter of Permission should be made at least one month prior to the registration deadline at the institution where the student will be taking the course. Upon completion of the course, the student must submit an official transcript to the AGDDE(T) Advisor in order to obtain credit for the course.

Program delivery

The program is offered during two semesters each year (with a Spring / Summer semester offered in most years).

The Fall semester begins the day after the Labour Day holiday in September and lasts for fifteen weeks. The Winter semester begins the second non-holiday Monday in January and lasts for fifteen weeks. All course work should be completed during the semester periods. Extensions to these timelines may be granted if circumstances warrant through the granting of an Incomplete.

Academic Schedule AGDDE(T)

1999
July 9	Last day for program students to register in 1999 fall session courses. Registration fees are due.
Sept. 6	Labour Day, University closed.
Sept. 7	First day of fall session courses.
Oct. 7	Last day for withdrawal from fall session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript.
Oct. 11	Thanksgiving, University closed.
Nov. 11	Remembrance Day, University closed.
Nov. 12	Last day for program students to register in 1999 winter session courses. Registration fees are due.
Nov. 17	Last day for late withdrawal from fall session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing.
Dec. 17	Last day of fall session courses.
Dec. 25/99- Jan. 3/2000	University closed.
2000
Jan. 10	First day of winter session courses.
Feb. 10	Last day for early withdrawals from winter session courses. No record of the course will appear on the transcript.
Feb. 21	Family Day, University closed.
March 1	Last day for receipt of application materials for admission to the program starting in September 2000.
March 20	Last day for late withdrawal from winter session courses. Transcripts will reflect a withdrawal in good standing.
April 20	Last day of winter session courses.
April 21-24	Easter break. University closed.
TBA	Spring / Summer session.

Computer System Requirements

In order to participate in the program, each student must own or have ready access to the following minimum computer hardware and software. Note: students are responsible for Internet access costs.

Minimum:

Pentium-class or equivalent PC

16 MB memory

1 MB free disk space

Floppy disk device

Mouse

28.8 MB baud modem

Windows 95

Recommended:

Pentium 200 MMX or greater

32 MB memory

Super VGA compatible monitor

3 1/2-inch floppy

CD-ROM

2.5 MB free disk space

Mouse

28.8 baud FAX modem or higher

Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows 98

Laser, ink jet or bubble jet printer

Zip disk or other backup device

Software

Word or WordPerfect

Netscape or Internet Explorer

Anti-virus program

Program Registration

Procedures

Students should complete the core courses in the prescribed sequence. Elective courses may be taken on completion of the core courses or concurrently with the core courses offered in any term. Students will be required to complete a program plan for review by the Diploma Advisor to assure conflicts or delays are avoided.

Incompletes

In exceptional circumstances, and where the course instructor concurs, students may be assigned a grade of Incomplete (INC). This allows the student to take an additional two months to complete and submit the course work. Two months after the original course completion date, a grade will be assigned to the course. Where the student has not submitted the required course work a failing grade ("F") will be automatically assigned.

Re-registration

Students may re-register in a course only if they have received a final grade of "C+" or less, or have withdrawn from the course in good standing. In re-registering, students must complete all course requirements and pay the full course fee. Students are permitted only one re-registration in each course. Both the initial registration and the re-registration will appear on the student's academic record.

Withdrawal

Winter and Fall Courses

Students may withdraw from a course up until one month before the end of the semester (see academic schedule) by submitting a Withdrawal Request Form. The date of withdrawal will be the postmark on the request, or if the notice is hand delivered or faxed, the University date stamp. Students may also request a withdrawal from a course by electronic mail provided the request is confirmed in writing. If a student withdraws from a course within the first month, the record of registration will be deleted from his / her official transcript. If a student withdraws from a course after the first month of the course and before the last month of the course, the official record and transcript will show that the student withdrew without credit and without prejudice or academic penalty.

Spring and Summer Courses

Students may withdraw from a course up until one month before the end of the semester by submitting a Withdrawal Request Form. The date of withdrawal will be the postmark on the request, or if the notice is hand delivered or faxed, the University date stamp. Students may also request a withdrawal from a course via electronic mail provided the request is confirmed in writing.

If a student withdraws from a course within the first two weeks, the record of registration will be deleted from his / her official transcript.

If the student withdraws from a course after the first two weeks of the course and before the last month of the course, the official record and transcript will show that the student withdrew without credit and without prejudice or academic penalty.

Withdrawing from Program

Students may withdraw from the program by submitting their request in writing to the program director. Students who withdraw may be re-enrolled in the program by following the aforementioned application procedures.

Students requesting re-admission to the program will be competing against all other applicants and will not receive special consideration.

Refunds

Students will receive a refund of the full course fees minus the course withdrawal processing fee (see AGDDE(T) program fees, below) if they withdraw from the course within the first month of Fall and Winter courses and within the first two weeks of Spring and Summer courses. Students should not return their course materials. Students wishing to withdraw from a course(s) prior to the first day of class will receive a partial refund (full tuition minus the withdrawal processing fee).

Grading System

All courses will be graded using the following scale.

A+	90 - 100%
A	85 - 89%
A-	80 - 84%
B+	77 - 79%
B	74 - 76%
B-	70 - 73%
C+	67 - 69%
C	64 - 66%
C-	60 - 63%
F	0 - 59%
IN	Incomplete status
W	Withdrawn in good standing

Time Limits for Completion

Students have a maximum of three (3) years from their first registration to complete the AGDDE(T) program.

Fees [AGDDE(T)]

Program application fee (non-refundable) required each time a person applies	$ 50
Admission fee (payable upon acceptance into the program)	$ 100
Course tuition fee (includes all required materials) for Canadians and landed immigrants living in Canada	$ 700
Course tuition fee (includes all required materials)for Canadians living outside of Canada	$ 800
Non-Canadian students living outside of Canada (includes all required materials)	$ 900
Visa students living in Alberta (includes all required materials)	$1,400
Evaluation fee	$ 55
Foreign evaluations	$ 110
Letter of Permission fee	$ 20
Transcript fee	$ 10
Withdrawal processing fee	$ 300

The withdrawal processing fee includes the cost of course materials and an administrative fee for processing the request. There will be no refund for returned course materials.

The total tuition cost for a Canadian student residing in Canada, who takes all their courses from Athabasca University, would be as follows:

$700 x 6 (3-credit courses or equivalent) = $4,200.

Note: all fees are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to change. (Application and admission fees not included in the above calculation.)

Course Offerings (1999-2000)

Please refer to the complete course descriptions in the MDE program.

Additional Services

Library

The Athabasca University Library also serves the needs of graduate students. Please see 10.8 Library Services.

Income Tax Deductions

Application and tuition fees can be used to reduce income tax. Only fees paid and expended during the calendar year can be reflected in the tax receipt. Revenue Canada regulations permit the University to issue an education tax credit receipt only for amounts greater than $100. Tax receipts are automatically mailed to the address on record in February.

Full-time students may be eligible for the education tax credit for each month of full-time registration. T2202 tax forms for the educational tax deduction along with the tuition tax receipts are automatically mailed to the address on record in February.

Appeals

All students at Athabasca University, whether undergraduate or graduate, are bound by the same policies and regulations governing academic conduct and appeals. Please see Section 12-Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal for further information.

Transcripts and Confidential Information

Graduate students, like undergraduate students, are bound by the institution's policies, regulations, and procedures governing the release of transcripts and confidential information. For more information see 10.6.5 Academic Records and Examination Services.

Contact Information

For more information or to receive the AGDDE(T) application package, please contact:

AGDDE(T) Advisor
Centre for Distance Education Athabasca University
1 University Drive
Athabasca, AB T9S 3A3
Canada
Telephone: (800) 788-9041 (ext. 6179) or (780) 675-6179
Fax: (780) 675-6170
E-mail: mde@athabascau.ca

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In the event of a discrepancy between the informal web site version and the printed 1999-2000 Calendar, the latter alone is to be regarded as the authoritative and legally binding source.

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