1. Athabasca University Mission, History, and Governance
Athabasca University is dedicated to the removal of barriers that traditionally restrict access to and success in university-level studies and to increasing equality of educational opportunity for all adult Canadians regardless of their geographical location
and prior academic credentials. In common with all universities, Athabasca University is committed to excellence in teaching, research and scholarship, and to being of service to the general public.
Athabasca University Mission Statement, May 1985
1.1. About Athabasca University
History
The need for a fourth Alberta university became evident in the 1960s when university enrolments rose sharply. In response, Athabasca University was created in 1970 by an order in council of the government of Alberta. Soon after, however, enrolments took a downturn halting the development of another campus-based university. Instead, a pilot project was initiated to study new teaching and learning strategies for post-secondary students that would enable students to pursue their educational goals without leaving their homes, jobs or families.
The result was Athabasca University, a distance learning centre without a campus that would specialize in the delivery of distance education courses and programs. Six hundred and fifty students enrolled in the pilot project between 1972 and 1975. Athabasca University held its first convocation ceremony for two graduates in 1977.
Athabasca University's future was ensured in 1978 when a revision of the Alberta Universities Act granted the University permanent, self-governing status (approval in principle was given in 1975).
In 1984 Athabasca University moved its location from Edmonton to the town of Athabasca, 145 kilometres north. Satellite learning centres were then established in Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray. They provide another educational link to students by offering many services including counselling and advising.
In 1985 the mission statement was adopted to reflect the University's commitment to innovation, flexibility, excellence in teaching, research and scholarship, and service in the community. Emphasis has also been placed on international development and building a base for public trust and private support.
Authority to Grant Degrees
Athabasca University is a publicly funded institution of the Province of Alberta that reports to the government through the Minister of Advanced Education and Career Development. Through the Universities Act, the government authorizes Athabasca University Governing Council to grant degrees and govern its own affairs. Members of Athabasca University Governing Council are appointed under orders in council of the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
Governance
Athabasca University operates with a unicameral governance system. Athabasca University Governing Council incorporates the full responsibilities of a traditional board of governors (the overall policy committee), a general faculties council (responsible
for academic policy), and a senate (fulfills the role of community liaison).
Athabasca University Governing Council members are appointed by the Government of Alberta. Its membership consists of one chairperson, up to eight public members, two academic staff, one student, one tutor, and one non-academic staff.
Memberships
Athabasca University is a full member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada,
the Association of Commonwealth Universities, the International Council for Open and Distance Education, the Canadian Association for Distance Education, and the Canadian Association for
Graduate Studies.
1.2. Important Changes
A university calendar is thick with information, policies, and regulations. Viewers are encouraged to use the new Table of Contents at the front of the Calendar to familiarize themselves with the topics and location of the material.
The structure of this calendar is unique to Athabasca University in that home-study and paced-course students may register in individual courses for credit without enrolling in a program of study. Hence, the Calendar is arranged to display the more than 445 undergraduate credit courses first, followed by the programs of study, the undergraduate admission requirements and registration information.
Occasionally it is necessary to amend a course, program requirement, or policy after the publication of the Calendar. Athabasca University's Web site, http://www.athabascau.ca is maintained daily and the University's Information Center staff [(800) 788-9041
or (780) 675-6111] are also apprised of any subsequent changes.
Y2K Information
The impending date change from year 1999 to 2000 presents many new challenges for organizations with systems that incorporate computers into their business operations. Athabasca University has used computer technology in many aspects of its operations for
many years.
Athabasca University has adopted an organized program to help ensure that the University's critical systems, which may or may not be Year 2000 compliant, are remediated or replaced with the least possible inconvenience to staff and students. Our goal is to have our critical systems Year 2000 compliant by the fall of 1999.
In addition we are contacting our critical trading partners to enquire as to their state of Year 2000 compliance.
While Athabasca University believes it is taking reasonable steps to reduce or eliminate the risk of the Year 2000 problem to its systems and operations, and those of the University's critical suppliers, it may be impossible to fully eliminate such risk. Dealing with the Year 2000 problem is an ongoing process and, as some problems are resolved, new ones may be discovered.
Therefore, Athabasca University cannot provide any form of warranty, representation or undertaking as to whether Athabasca University's systems or equipment will be Year 2000 compliant in 1999, 2000, or thereafter. Athabasca University hereby disclaims any liability whatsoever for disruptions to its operation or any activities connected thereto, and disclaims any and all liability for damages, howsoever arising, out of any Year 2000 disruption.
1.2.1. 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 programs, 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.
1.2.2. New in 1999-2000
The Advanced Graduate Diploma in Distance Education (Technology) is offered by the Centre for Distance Education. The program 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 Master of Distance Education 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.
The Master of Health Studies program, offered by the Centre for Nursing and Health Studies, responds to the growing demand from health professionals for graduate level education by distance delivery. The Master of Health Studies (MHS) program comprises 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 Section 9.2 Master of Health Studies.
Two new programs, the Master of Business Administration (Information Technology Management) and the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Information Technology Management were developed by the Centre for Innovative Management. The programs are designed to help develop managers of information technology as the demand for application and management skills increases.
The four-year Bachelor of Arts, Major in Humanities is designed to ensure that on completing the major a student will possess good writing, critical thinking, and library research skills; have a basic reading knowledge of a second language; have experience in interdisciplinary study within the humanities; have experience of two or more traditional intellectual disciplines within the humanities; and have taken a reasonable proportion of specialized courses at the
400 (fourth-year) level.
The Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma) regulations were amended to allow students to continue their studies towards a science degree from two entry levels: the technician or technologist level. Students must have successfully completed an approved science-related technician or technology diploma from a college or institute of technology.
The Bachelor of Science (Post Diploma)-Human Science is designed to allow students to continue studies towards a science degree from either the technician or technologist level. Students must have successfully completed an approved science-related technician or technology diploma program in allied health (e.g., respiratory therapy, radiation therapy, medical laboratory technology, paramedic program) or nursing from an accredited college or institute of technology.
The University Diploma in Inclusive Education is a new collaborative program with the University of Alberta. The diploma is intended primarily for teachers who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills in educating students with special needs. By building on competencies already developed, teachers may take courses from either institution and may register on a part-time basis, taking up to six years to complete the diploma.
A third major in the Bachelor of Professional Arts degree program, the Human Services major, is anticipated to open in the year 2000. An approved two-year college diploma (or its equivalent) in the fields of Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Services, or Rehabilitation Services, is the enrolment requirement. Prior learning assessment credits in this program may be considered. For additional information please contact the Information Centre or the Web site at http://www.athabascau.ca/html/programs/b_pa/bpa.htm.
1.2.3. Courses in Development
Several programs and courses are in development and may become available during the year in which this Calendar is in effect. For information on either, contact the Information Centre at (800) 788-9041 or
(780) 675-6100, or Athabasca University's Web site at http://www.athabascau.ca
The following courses are in development. While the University makes every effort to have courses in development out by their projected dates, occasionally there are unavoidable delays.
BIOL 442 Animal Behaviour
CADE 305 Prior Learning Assessment and Portfolio Development
CMNS 365 Language and Power
CMNS 425 Film and Genre
EDUC 302 Educational Issues and Social Changes II: Current Debates
ENGL 373 Film and Literature
ENVS 306 Ecosphere and Humanity
GEOG 304 Introduction to Remote Sensing
HLST 481 Forensic Practice in Health Care
HUMN 420 Anglo-American Popular Music Traditions to 1914
MATH 209 Finite Mathematics
PHIL 231 Introduction to Philosophy
PSYC 315 Psychology and the Media
SOCI 437 Deciphering our Social Worlds
WMST 312 Women and Advocacy
WMST 333 Goddess Mythology: Faces of Female Divinity
WMST 367 Applied Project
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.
Public Affairs
