Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) in place for both Certificates to evaluate and recognize your experience and previous education (including seminars, workshops and corporate training programs). As a result of PLAR, you may receive credit, to a maximum of one course credit, for one the Certificates.

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You can take the course from wherever you have a computer linked to the Internet! The benefit of the online format is that you can work around your busy schedule by studying from the comfort of your own home and at a time convenient to you. There are no classes to attend. All that is required is a computer, an Internet connection, and a desire to learn.

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For specific start dates, contact the Office of Open Learning or see the certificates information pages.

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To obtain a certificate, you must successfully complete 6 degree-credit courses. The courses may be taken in order, as long as prerequisite requirements are met. Each certificate has one required course, which should be taken early in the sequence.

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The Certificate programs consist of six courses each. If you were to take one course a semester, it would therefore take five semesters, or approximately 2 years to complete a certificate.

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Please contact the Office of Open Learning for information on your particular program(s).

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Online learning courses aren't easier than on-campus courses - they just offer you more convenience and flexibility. Your online course will require a significant amount of reading, writing, completing assignments, and participation online. You should expect to spend about 10 hours per week for each course taken. You will receive a weekly schedule to help you plan your time.

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Because our courses and programs are so wide-ranging, and targeted to such a diversity of learners, we recommend visiting the Office of Open Learning website at www.open.uoguelph.ca or calling us for information about specific courses and programs at 519 767-5000.

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Distance education allows you to study at home or in your office, according to your own schedule...there are no classes to attend. Generally, each course comes with a manual that may be accompanied by audiotapes, audio CDs, computer diskettes, CD-ROMs, DVDs etc., depending on the nature of the course. As well, most courses incorporate websites with computer conferencing, e-mail, and computer-based quizzes using the World Wide Web as an innovative learning environment. Distance education provides a contemporary means through which the University of Guelph continues its tradition of outreach and open learning opportunities.

For more information on our approach to online distance education, please check out our new online learning portal.

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Textbooks can be purchased either through the Guelph Campus Co-op Bookstore or The University Bookstore. This listing is subject to change without notice. For information on how to order your textbooks, etc., please refer to the Textbook and Resource Order Form included in your course package.

This form is available for download by clicking here.

Contact Information:

• The University Bookstore - 519 824-4120 x53715
• Guelph Campus Co-op Bookstore - 519 824-4120 x52235

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You can register online, by fax, by mail or by phone.

To register by fax, complete the registration form and fax it to
519 824-1114.

To register by mail, complete the registration form and mail it to:

Office of Open Learning
160 Johnston Hall
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON, Canada N1H 2W1

Please let us know the course(s) in which you are interested.

To register by phone, call 519 767-5000.

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Many of our courses fill up quickly so you should register early. In some courses we will accept registration up until the course starts, but you should remember that we do not send out course materials until we receive course payment. It can take a week or more for course materials to arrive depending on where you live. International students should allow at least a week for course package delivery. If you register when the course starts you will not receive course materials until the first week of the course is over. Register early.

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Each offering has its own registration deadline. Please see the individual course descriptions or contact us for more information. Generally, we do everything we can to get you registered for a course. However, it is advisable to register early as some courses have limits and fill up early.

We recommend using the guide below to help you determine by when you should register:

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Continuing Education

There generally are not restrictions for individuals wishing to register in continuing education courses, workshops, conferences, distance education courses etc. However, it is best that you read the course description carefully, including the information on the intended target audience, to ensure that the course is right for you.

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The Environmental Science Certificate courses are presented in English and require proficiency in written English. Students should supply evidence of English proficiency (except Francophone Canadian citizens educated in Canada) if:

1. their primary or first language (meaning the language first learned as a child) is not English; and

2. they have had less than four years of full-time secondary or post-secondary study, demonstrating satisfactory academic progress, in an English-language school system.

Registrants who need to meet the English Proficiency Requirement should do so by submitting the required scores in 1, 2, or 3 below, along with their registration form.

1. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
600 on the paper- based test (250 on the computer test) AND Test of Written English (TWE) - 5 AND Test of Spoken English (TSE) - 50. Applicants with scores 237-249 on the computer-based test will be reviewed on an individual basis.
These tests are offered on several dates each year by centres throughout the world. The TOEFL Bulletin of Information and registration form can be obtained by writing or contacting TOEFL/TSE Publications, P.O. Box 6154 Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6154, USA; telephone (609)771-7100; email toefl@ets.org; Website www.toefl.org.

2. International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6. Information on test centres and registration can be obtained from IELTS Administrator, Anglia Polytechnic University, East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PT, Great Britain (telephone (01223) 363271; facsimile (01223) 352973; email j.m.ferra@anglia.ac.uk).

3. The Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
Minimum overall score of 85 is required, a minimum composition score of 83. In addition, applicants must present a minimum score on the oral test of 3.
Applicants can request Information Bulletins and Registration forms from English Language Institute, Testing and Certification Division, 3020 North University Building, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1057, USA (telephone (734) 763-3452; facsimile (734) 763-0369; Website http://www.lsa.umich.edu/eli.

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Distance education courses typically have assignments due every week or two, and each assignment has specific requirements and a set due date.

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It is important for you to be aware of due dates so that you can complete and submit your assignments in a timely fashion. Instructors may use their discretion to deduct marks for late assignments. Contact your instructor in advance of the due date, if possible, if you are unable to complete your assignment on time. Medical documentation may be requested if illness has prevented you from keeping up with your course.

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If you change your mind about taking a course that you have registered for, you will need to let us know as soon as possible. Send us a letter to notify us of your intent to cancel your enrolment. The letter must include the date, your name, student ID and your signature.

A refund minus a $75.00 administration fee will be supplied to those who notify Office of Open Learning in writing within two weeks of the start of a course. Course materials must be returned to Office of Open Learning before a refund can be issued.

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Tax receipts are issued. In Canada, the tuition portion of your course fees is income tax deductible.

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You may be eligible to receive a bursary award towards an Office of Open Learning continuing education activity and/or Open Learning program. Visit www.open.uoguelph.ca/bursary for more information.

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