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 and Edmonton. They provide another educational link to students by offering many services.
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 Alberta Learning. 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
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 460 undergraduate credit courses first, followed by the programs of study, the undergraduate admission requirements and registration information.
Other Changes
Services has important URLs where students can find expanded information on a subject or department at Athabasca University. Section 2 - An Overview, comprises course delivery definitions for delivery modes noted in Section 3 - Undergraduate Courses. Application for Graduation forms will not be carried forward into the next academic year (see Section 5.6). Section 6.2.1 - Home-Study Course Start Dates encourages students to register by specific dates to ensure the timely arrival of course materials. There are now three time extensions granted in 3- and 6-credit home-study courses — each extension is two months in length (see 6.7.). Section 8 - Undergraduate Fees, Financial Assistance, Refunds reflects tuition increases permitted under the Government of Alberta's Tuition Fee Policy. Section 8.7 - Financial Assistance has two application subsections: Alberta Residents and Out of Province Residents.
1.2.1. Protection of Privacy
Athabasca University became 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 2000-2001
The Bachelor of Professional Arts, Human Service major responds to career and
professional needs of career practitioners in the human services fields of early
childhood education, child and youth care rehabilitation services and other
closely related fields such as teacher assistants and counselling. The program
complements the diploma programs offered at community colleges in Alberta and
across Canada.
The Bachelor of Administration Industrial Relations concentration and the University Certificate in Labour Relations are scheduled to close August 1, 2000.
In their place are two consolidated programs — the Industrial Relations and Human Resources concentration in the Bachelor of Administration and the Bachelor of Administration (Post Diploma) programs and the University Certificate in Industrial Relations and Human Resources. These programs are in response to Athabasca University's mandate to provide those students wanting to combine a university education with full-time employment, the opportunity to become formally qualified in their area of work.
The Bachelor of Arts (three and four-year) in Political Economy degree program
is designed to help fill the knowledge gaps that the Canadian government has
identified for education and research in Canada in this millennium. The program
is scheduled for a September 1, 2000 or earlier opening date subject to Alberta
Learning approval.
Designed specifically for flexibility and distance delivery, Athabasca
University's Master of Arts Integrated Studies (MAIS) program offers Canadian
students unprecedented access to graduate-level studies.
** This page is an official publication of Athabasca University **
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