Informal HTML adaptation of the 1999-2000 Calendar      Effective September 1, 1999 - August 31, 2000
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2.  Athabasca University: An Overview




Athabasca University offers opportunity - a university education to people regardless of where they live and work. We believe where there is a will to learn, there must be a method of delivering educational opportunity. This is accomplished by offering undergraduate credit courses in four major fields of study: Applied Studies, Humanities, Science, and Social Science by home study, using technological support and Athabasca University tutors.

Most courses are 3-credit courses or the equivalent of half-year courses or one semester. Others are 6-credit courses or the equivalent of a full year, or two semesters. Courses with a practicum component are 4-credit. Courses are available at the preparatory, junior, and senior levels. In addition, some courses are available at the graduate level.

Check the Web

Athabasca University's Web site is maintained daily. Please refer to http://www.athabascau.ca for the most recent updates on courses and programs.


2.1.  Admission Requirements

Anyone 18 years of age or older is eligible for admission to Athabasca University, regardless of previous educational experience, with or without a high school diploma. Athabasca University is an open university, committed to the principle that everyone with a will to learn deserves the opportunity. Enrolment in some programs and courses offered by Athabasca University may be restricted by academic achievement or by geographic area. Athabasca University has a year-round admission and enrolment policy and there are no application deadlines (see 6.1 Course Start Dates/Registration). Learners are advised to consider postal and processing times when a particular starting time is desired (see Section 5 - Undergraduate Admission and Transfer Credit Procedures).

2.2.  Course Delivery Methods

Athabasca University specializes in home-study courses that are delivered to students throughout North America and the world. Students receive a complete home-study learning package developed by a team of publication experts (see Section 3 - Undergraduate Courses and Section 4 - Undergraduate Programs of Study). The package, along with tutor interaction and student support services such as the Helpdesk, advising, counselling, and Library, offers learners the opportunity to receive their education without leaving their communities, homes, families, or workplace. In addition to home-study courses, Athabasca University also offers paced courses for students who prefer more structure. These courses offer students different learning methods such as classroom, teleconference, and videoconference seminars.

Students choose from the following two basic delivery approaches.

2.2.1.  Home Study

Home-study students receive a course package that may include, but is not limited to, a student manual, study guide (required reading, if included), textbook(s), CD-ROM, and audiocassettes and/or videotapes, among other learning instruction. In individualized home study, students set their own study schedule within the time limits allowed for each course. Students are assigned a tutor who provides comments on assignments and assists students in understanding the course material. Tutors are available via e-mail or a toll-free telephone line for calls originating in Canada or the U.S. Students may also send in their assignments electronically.

Students may pursue a program of courses on a full- or part-time basis. Full-time students may expect to enrol in three to five courses per term. Part-time learners usually enrol in one to three courses per term. Learners have six months to complete a three-credit course and a year to complete a six-credit course. Time extensions are available in home study courses only (see Section 3 - Undergraduate Courses).

2.2.2.  Paced Study

Paced courses are designed for students who prefer more structure. The courses incorporate a number of different learning methods such as classroom, teleconference, and videoconference seminars. Paced delivery courses bring students together in a group study situation and have a set course start and finish date. Students interact with an instructor and complete their assignments and examinations according to a predetermined schedule. Instruction takes place at a number of cooperating institutions and at Athabasca University's learning centres located in Calgary, Edmonton, or Fort McMurray (see Section 13 - Collaborative Programs and Institutions). Paced delivery courses start at various times throughout the year. There are no provisions for extensions in paced study courses.

2.3.  Transfer Credit

Athabasca University grants transfer credit for approved courses completed at other recognized post-secondary institutions. Its credits, in return, may be eligible for transfer to programs at other universities across Canada, the United States, and worldwide.

2.4.  Learning Accreditation

Athabasca University established a Centre for Learning Accreditation in 1996. It provides opportunities for students to gain credit for non-formal learning, and workplace and labour training programs. Several methods from many areas of learning are being developed to provide students with a variety of routes for credit assessment (see 10.5 Centre for Learning Accreditation).

2.5.  Computer System Requirements

Athabasca University is integrating new technologies, including Internet audio and video, into its courses.

To participate fully in most courses that have an Internet or computer component, students will need access to a computer and an Internet connection that allows them to browse graphical Web pages and run typical Microsoft Windows 95 compatible software applications. Use of older technology may detract significantly from the student's learning experience. Some Computer Science and Information Systems courses may require more advanced configurations. Consequently, students are advised to consult with the professor of a particular course before registering to determine whether the equipment to which they have access is sufficient or should be upgraded.

Recommended minimal computer hardware and software:

  • IBM PC (or compatible) year 2000 ready, 486 or Pentium
  • 16 MB memory
  • super VGA compatible monitor and video card
  • 3 1/2-inch floppy
  • 1.0 GB hard disk drive
  • CD-ROM
  • mouse
  • sound card
  • 28,800 baud modem
  • Microsoft Windows 95

Suggestions for upgrading:

  • IBM PC or compatible Pentium II or Pentium III
  • 32 MB (or greater) memory
  • 2.0 GB (or greater) hard disk drive
  • 12x (or faster) CD-ROM
  • 16 bit sound card
  • faster fax/modem

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

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

2.6.  Other Instructional Support

In some courses, laboratories, workshops, and field trips play major roles in offering varied learning experiences. Other courses may offer the following instructional support:

  • ViTAL (Virtual Teaching and Learning environment)

    Many of Athabasca University's courses are now offered in both regular home study and by Virtual Teaching and Learning (ViTAL), developed using Lotus Notes.

    ViTAL allows people to communicate by exchanging documents, messages, software, and graphics. In a ViTAL course you will communicate with other students and academic staff, participate in learning conferences, prepare and submit assignments electronically, and use specially designed interactive learning activities. If you have an IBM compatible, you can get started in a course using ViTAL right away.

    The advantages of joining the ViTAL community include: faster and better turnaround of assignments; electronic access to our University Library; acquiring current news about Athabasca University, your course and your program; and registration support. You can join the ViTAL community at no extra cost to you for the use of the software. ViTAL requires the use of a modem and telephone line so you may incur long distance charges depending on where you live in Canada, and whether you subscribe to an Internet provider.

    The Call Centre, at (800) 788-9041 (ext. 6189) or (780) 675-6189, is an integral part of the ViTAL community. Leave a voice-mail message and an individual will later inform you of which courses are available in ViTAL. For more information and to receive a brochure, telephone the Call Centre.

  • Television programs

    Television programs are used to enhance the learning experience and form an integral part of some courses. Students progress through these courses by following the broadcast schedule of the programs or by borrowing the appropriate video or audio component from Athabasca University Library.

  • Electronic format

    All of the Computer Science and Information Systems (COMP) courses are available in electronic format and require computer mediated communications. Students are required to have an Internet (ISP) connection and provide their own Internet account with graphical Internet access.

2.7.  Exams and Assignments

To earn credit, students must successfully complete assignments and examinations that assess their understanding of the subject. Examinations are an expression of our philosophy that evaluating and testing should contribute directly to learning rather than simply judge ability and effort.

By linking examinations to learning objectives, we follow what is known as ''criterion-referenced evaluation.'' Students know at the start of a course what they are expected to learn. By the end of the course they know how well they have learned it.

2.8.  Advising and Counselling Services

Athabasca University provides advising and counselling assistance to students. We recognize adult students' broad range of concerns from determining a career direction and selecting a program of study to developing and applying effective study skills.

Advising Services helps new students enrol in a program of study or assists those currently in a program. Advisors can also help you select appropriate courses; deliver information about the University's requirements and procedures; help with your application for financial assistance; and refer you to other resources either within or outside the University.

Counselling Services helps you define your educational and career goals, and overcome any learning barriers by helping you select a program of study and by providing individual counselling sessions either in person, over the phone, or by electronic mail.

Athabasca University students are encouraged to use these services. For more information, or to contact a counsellor or an advisor, see Services in the Calendar preface.

Time Management

Only through good organization and careful time management can you take full advantage of the flexibility and freedom offered by distance education. Although this is a convenient way to learn, it is not always easy. It requires discipline and motivation and often takes more work than you might expect.

When comparing our courses to those at conventional universities, some people think they need to put in only the equivalent time spent in a classroom. Most learning, however, takes place outside the classroom-reading, studying, doing research, and preparing assignments. Our courses also involve these activities, so you must be prepared to spend ''lecture time'' and extra study time. The amount of time required in each course is a particularly important consideration if you intend to take more than one course at a time.

Many students find independent study challenging because of the amount of reading involved. About 60 to 70 per cent of independent study usually consists of reading textbooks and study guides, and completing self-tests, practice questions, and exercises. In most courses, about 15 to 20 per cent of the time is required for writing assignments. The remainder is spent communicating with the tutor, writing examinations, and possibly undertaking a practicum component.

Successful Study Skills

Study skills development is a significant aspect of a counsellor's work. Counsellors help students develop successful study skills by recommending material and providing individual assistance for specific concerns.

Studies of performance at Athabasca University show four characteristics of successful students: they have clear educational goals and know why they are taking the course; they submit their first assignment promptly; they set aside regular periods for study; and they communicate with their tutor or professor when necessary.

If you need help sharpening your study skills, contact a University counsellor. Refer to the appropriate telephone number in Services in the Calendar preface.


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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