DEFINITIONS OF ACADEMIC TERMS
Academic Year
Academic Year is the period from September 1 to August 31 consisting of three distinct 15-week semesters.
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Access Programs
Developmental programs that students may enter prior to admission into regular Certificate/Diploma level programs.
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Credit Course
An approved and recognized body of content, knowledge, skills assigned a credit value.
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Credit
The weighted value of a course based on the depth and breadth of the learning objectives.
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Diploma Program
An approved program of study consisting of a prescribed combination of courses that must address:
- occupational skill development;
- academic or general study
- self interest or personal growth.
Diploma Programs will normally:
- be prescribed over a minimum of a four semester period
- be comprised of a minimum of 80 credits; and
- consist of a maximum of seven courses per semester.
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Advanced Diploma
An approved program of study consisting of in-depth training for graduates of a diploma program or equivalent. Advanced Diploma Programs will normally:
- be prescribed over a minimum of one semester;
- be comprised of a minimum of 20 credits.
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Post Diploma
A diploma to be issued upon successful completion of a minimum two-semester program that requires either graduation from a recognized two- or three-year post-secondary diploma or degree, or a combination of other post-secondary work and industry experience acceptable to the College as an entrance requirement.
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Certificate Program
An approved program of study consisting of a prescribed combination of courses that must address:
- occupational skill development;
- academic or general study;
- self interest or personal growth.
Certificate Programs will normally:
- be prescribed over a two semester period;
- be comprised of a minimum of 40 credits; and
- consist of a maximum of seven courses per semester.
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Continuing Education Studies (Certificate of
Participation)
Any non-formalized course, seminar, workshop which addresses one or more of the following areas of study: occupational skill development, academic study, personal interest/growth, for which specific learning or performance is not measured or evaluated.
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Certificate of Recognition
Certificates of Recognition may be awarded in various areas of study where students meet the criteria established for that area of study.
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Workplace Development
The College may enter partnerships for the purpose of developing and/or delivering courses or programs. Such partnerships will be formally recognized on parchments in one of the following ways:
- College Parchment
When a course or program is developed by the
College, either in partnership with or on behalf of
another institution, agency or industry; a College
parchment will be issued. This parchment may contain
the phrase "designed in partnership with..." as
an additional description of the course/program.
- Joint Parchment When a course or program is developed and/or delivered in partnership with another educational institution, a joint certificate formally recognizing both institutions may be awarded. This parchment would recognize both institutions and may contain the signatures of duly authorized officers of both institutions.
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Parchments for Workforce Development
- Diploma in Skill Development
Awarded upon completion of a program that is at
least two years in duration for which learning is measured
and evaluated.
- Certificate in Skill Development
Awarded upon completion of a program that is
normally one year in duration but not less than one
academic semester for which learning is measured
and evaluated.
- Certificate of Achievement
Awarded upon successful completion of a program
of less than one academic semester or upon completion
of an academic course for which learning is
measured and evaluated.
- Continuing Studies Certificate (Certificate of Participation) Issued upon completion of a non-formalized course, workshop, seminar or program, for which specific learning or performance is not measured or evaluated.
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Full-Time Student
Students who are registered for 4 or more courses in course-based programs.
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Part-Time Student
Students who are registered for less than 4 courses in course-based programs.
Students who are registered for less than 18 hours per week in self-paced programs.
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Semester
A 15-week period which will include class/learning time as well as administrative and evaluation time. The academic year will be divided into three semesters: the Fall Semester will commence in September; the Winter Semester will commence in January; and the Spring Semester will commence in May.
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Intersession
A five to seven week period which will include class/ learning time as well as administrative and evaluation time - usually scheduled at the beginning of the spring semester.
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Summer Session
A five to eight week period which will include class/ learning time as well as administrative and evaluation time - usually scheduled in the second half of the spring semester.
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Mature Student
Persons who do not meet the entrance requirements for admission into a full-time program, but who are at least 19 years of age at the time of submitting an application, and who have been out of school for at least one year.