The University of Guelph has some 70 diploma-level courses and over 20 certificate programs in horticulture and landscaping and in agriculture and food available via OAC's Independent Study (I.S.) Division. There are over 40 diploma courses and one horticultural certificate program available in French via Teleformation at Collège d'Alfred. For both Independent Study and Teleformation, all courses are in the distance delivery mode.

Many of the I.S. diploma courses are directly transferable to agricultural college residential diploma programs. Independent Study courses are not recognized as part of the courseload for full- or part-time student status. Independent Study courses will appear as a transfer credit on the official transcript. Marks obtained in Independent Study courses are not included in the semester or cumulative average. Independent Study courses can also be taken to lead to the Ontario Diploma in Horticulture (ODH) and the Ontario Diploma in Agriculture (ODA). Both of these credentials are earned entirely via distance study.

The certificates available via Independent Study are industry-relevant. They include programs for the Canadian Feed Industry Association, The Canadian Animal Health Institute, the Ontario Independent Meat Packer and Processors, the Ontario Grape and Wine industry and the Canadian Plant Protection Industry. As well, there are more than 12 horticulture and landscaping certificates, including The Horticulturist, the flagship certificate of I.S. and the ODH Plus, a specialized post-diploma certificate.

The Ontario Diploma in Horticulture and the Ontario Diploma in Agriculture are each comprised of up to 15 courses, two qualifying examinations, a work experience report and a major project. The ODH has nine majors: Commercial Floriculture, Landscape Contracting, Landscape Design, Landscape Maintenance, Nursery Management, Ornamental Horticulture, Park Horticulture, Turf Management and Urban Forestry. The ODA has one major in General Agriculture.

The offices of Independent Study are located on the University of Guelph campus in Johnston Hall, Room 010. For a course catalogue and policy handbook, write:

Independent Study/OAC ACCESS

University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

FAX: 1-519-824-9813

email: handbook@access.uoguelph.ca

telephone registration: 519 767-5050 or 519 824-4120 extension 3375

internet: www.uoguelph.ca/istudy

The following I.S. courses are transferable to the Associate Diploma in Agriculture or Horticulture programs provided that permission to take I.S. courses is given by the program counsellor prior to registration in them: The following I.S. courses are transferable to the Associate Diploma in Agriculture or Horticulture programs provided that permission to take I.S. courses is given by the program counsellor prior to registration in them:

The Distance Education program, administered by the Office of Open Learning at the University of Guelph, supports the departments in offering degree credit courses to students who choose to study independently. Generally, each course comes with a manual that may be accompanied by videotapes, audiotapes, audio CD's, computer diskettes, CD-ROMs, etc., depending on the nature of the course. As well, many courses incorporate computer conferencing, e-mail, listserves, computer-based quizzes, and the use of the Internet. Distance education provides a contemporary means through which the University of Guelph continues its tradition of outreach and open learning opportunities.

The University of Guelph recognizes the importance of distance learning and is committed to providing opportunities for the off-campus learner. A wide range of subject areas and course levels are available.

Please consult the Office of Open Learning:

Office of Open Learning

Room 160, Johnston Hall

519-767-5010

e-mail: INFO@OPENLRNG.UOGUELPH.CA

for an updated listing on courses available by distance education and when they are scheduled to be offered.

Note: Please check with the Office of Open Learning regarding the technology and resource requirements (e.g. computer, modem, VCR, audio cassette recorder etc.) for the specific course(s) in which you are interested.

Admission inquiries: Admission Services ~ ~ ~ General calendar inquiries: Undergraduate Program Services
Last revised: 14 May 2003
© 2003 Office of Registrarial Services, University of Guelph