Individualized study, the most common method of teaching and learning
at Athabasca University, provides the greatest flexibility to set
your own study schedule. You can work at home or in your workplace
using a complete learning package. Each course is developed by a course
production team of subject matter experts, editors, and visual designers.
Each package, called learning resources, is a complete, user-friendly
learning system that may include, for example, a textbook, a study
guide, audiocassettes, and a reading file. Many courses have an optional
or required computer component that is noted on the course syllabus.
Your Tutor
Students who choose the individualized-study method are assigned
qualified tutors. Your tutor will assist you throughout the course,
either by
phone or e-mail. Individualized-study tutors offer subject-matter
assistance, engage in scholarly discussion, mark assignments, provide
feedback, and help you prepare for exams.
You can call your tutor, toll-free, from anywhere in Canada or
the US during established tutor hours, or you can leave a voice-mail
or e-mail message at any time.
Athabasca University individualized-study tutors are committed
to helping you learn at a distance. After you register in an individualized-study
course, and before your course start date, you will receive a letter
containing your tutor's name, address, e-mail address, phone
number, and tutoring hours. If you don't receive your tutor
letter one week before your course start date or if you have misplaced
it, contact Learning
Services Tutorial as soon as possible.
Never feel reluctant to contact your tutor. He or she is your main
link with Athabasca University.
Although Athabasca University is open 12 months of the year, tutors
are entitled to vacation time, which normally occurs during summer
months. There may be some situations in which your tutor will not
be available but this would be for 10 business days or less. When
absences of longer than 10 business days are necessary, alternate
arrangements will be made for you.
Online Courses
Many Athabasca University courses require that you have access
to a computer and the Internet. Others may use the Internet as an
optional component to enhance the course.
Online courses are designed to be completed at home or in the workplace
and are delivered using a variety of distance education media. Students
who choose courses with required online components must have access
to a personal computer with an Internet connection and an e.mail
account.
Each course syllabus indicates the method of delivery and hardware
and software specifications, if required. Please review this detailed
list of Athabasca University's online
courses and computer requirements.
Call Centre
With some Athabasca University courses, you will be provided toll-free
telephone access to a Call Centre, if you live with Canada and the
US. The Call Centre is the heart of the School
of Business course delivery, and often the first contact for
students registered in business courses.
Course Fees and Materials
The payment of course fees entitles students to receive most learning resources. Learning resources include, but are not limited to, texts, student manuals, study guides, tutorial assistance where provided, and other instructional materials required to complete the course for the period of active registration.
Miscellaneous fees for small items such as binders, calculators,
home lab materials, etc., may be associated with many Athabasca
University courses, and are the responsibility of the student.
Course Start Dates
Athabasca University's individualized-study courses generally
begin on the first day of each month throughout the year. The Office
of the Registrar will process completed registration forms that
are received by 4:30 p.m. MT on the tenth day of the previous month
for a subsequent month start date.
Remember to consider postal, courier, and processing times
when a particular start date is desired.
Each individualized-study course registration has an official
start date, the first day of a month, and the course concludes
at the
end of the active registration or contract date. Students
are considered actively registered in a course until the
course
is completed,
the
contract date expires, or the student withdraws.
All students are encouraged to register by the first day
of the month before their desired start month to allow for
the
arrival
of their
learning resource package.
Individualized-study students may preregister for courses up to
six months in advance of the intended start date.
Your learning resource package will be sent as soon as your
registration or preregistration request is processed. Tutor
contact, however,
is not be available until the course's official start
date.
Contract Period
Most individualized-study students have six months to complete
zero-, three-, or four-credit courses and 12 months to complete
six-credit courses. Individualized-study courses may be extended
three times for a period of two months each for a zero-, three-,
four- or six-credit course. Refer to Section 6.15. Course
Extensions.
Contract Period: Funded Students
If you are a Canadian student receiving student loans (either provincial
or federal) you must complete your three-credit course in four months
and your six-credit course in eight months. Refer to Section 5.11.2.
Financial
Assistance for details.
Maximum Course Load
Students may be actively registered in one to six courses at a time.
To ensure that you don't overburden yourself, Athabasca
University limits your course load to a
maximum of six active courses. If you have a full-time job or are new
to distance learning may find it advisable to start with one course.
Registering in a Course
If you are a new student to Athabasca University, you must complete
the Undergraduate
General Application Form before you register in a course.
Once you are admitted to Athabasca University, your student demographic
information is entered into Athabasca University's system. A student
account is created and you are issued a student ID number. Using
this number, you can << Login >>
to the Online
Registration System and all other online services offered by
Athabasca University.
Athabasca University has prepared a self-assessment questionnaire
“Am I Ready for Athabasca University?” to help new students
determine whether distance learning is suitable. The questionnaire
is online,
or to order a copy, phone the Information
Centre.
If you are an active student, one who is currently registered in
an Athabasca University course or have completed (or withdrawn from)
an Athabasca University course within the previous 12 months, or
you have completed courses on a Letter of Permission from Athabasca
University, please Login using the left-hand menu bar <<
Login >> link on the Course
Registration Form.
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