- What are the admission criteria for the program?
- What courses do I need to complete the Diploma?
- Do the courses in the Pupil Transportation Management certificate count as electives in the diploma program?
- Does the Diploma in School Board Administration replace the Supervisory Officers Qualifications Program?
- Can courses from other university degree programs be used as electives for the Diploma in School Board Administration?
- Can the courses be taken in any order?
- How long will it take me to complete the program?
Technical & Material Requirements FAQ
- What are my technical requirements?
- How will I know if I need to purchase a textbook for the course?
- How much time will it take to complete each course?
- How does an online course differ from a classroom based learning environment?
- What English proficiency level is required to take these courses?
- What is the course cancellation policy?
- Is there any form of financial assistance available for these courses?
What are the admission criteria for the program?
An undergraduate degree or an associated degree is recommended, along with appropriate work experience within the school board environment. Special admission consideration will be extended to applicants who can successfully demonstrate related experience and training in lieu of post-secondary education requirements.
Applicants must submit an official transcript to demonstrate level of post- secondary education. All international participants must provide a TOEFL score. Applicants without post-secondary education must provide:
- Resume outlining education and professional achievement
- A letter outlining objectives in taking this program
- Letters of reference (minimum two required)
What courses do I need to complete the Diploma?
You must complete the six online core courses and four in-classroom electives. All of the elective courses in the program are part of the OASBO certificate programs. You can mix and match elective courses from different certificate programs to meet your learning needs. Participants are required to complete the final examination and obtain a passing grade (minimum 50%) for the certificate courses.
Do the courses in the Pupil Transportation Management certificate count as electives in the diploma program?
All courses within the Pupil Transportation Management certificate from 2007 and onward will be considered electives for the Diploma in School Board Administration. Courses taken prior to 2007 will be considered an elective if participants write the exam for the course in the year that the course is being offered. If you took Business Communications in 2005 and want to use this course as an elective for the Diploma program, you can register to take the exam in 2009. You must obtain a passing grade (minimum 50%).
Does the Diploma in School Board Administration replace the Supervisory Officers Qualifications Program?
Currently, the Diploma in School Board Administration is not a replacement for the Supervisory Officers Qualifications program. The Ministry of Education has approved two courses within the Diploma for School Board Administration for accreditation in the Supervisory Officers’ Qualification program. The Introduction to School Board Administration and Financing of Education in Ontario courses are accredited and can be used to replace the two courses from Masters of Educational Administration OSIE/UofT program - TPS 1040 Educational Administration I: Introduction to Educational Administration: Policy, Leadership and Change and TPS 1041 Educational Administration II: Social and Policy Contexts of Schooling that are part of the Supervisory Officers' Qualification Program.
Can courses from other university degree programs be used as electives for the Diploma in School Board Administration?
The only university courses that will be considered electives to the program are the two courses from Masters of Educational Administration OSIE/UofT - TPS 1040 Educational Administration I: Introduction to Educational Administration: Policy, Leadership and Change and TPS 1041 Educational Administration II: Social and Policy Contexts of Schooling.
Can the courses be taken in any order?
The courses do not have prerequisites and can be taken in any order.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
It will take at least two (2) years to complete the program even if you have already completed the four elective courses.
Technical & Material Requirements FAQ
What are my technical requirements?
Click on the System Link check here and or on the login page to ensure your system meets the technical requirements.
How will I know if I need to purchase a textbook for the course?
Each course will have its own material requirements. If there is a course reader or DVD, you will be mailed the course materials prior to the course start date. Students may be required to purchase an additional text; the University Bookstore will carry the required text just prior to the course start date. You will be notified of all of these requirements in your confirmation letter.
How much time will it take to complete each course?
Each course will be ten (10) weeks in duration resulting in approximately 30 contact hours. Participants can expect to spend 10-15 hours per week to complete readings, writings, online interaction and activities or assignments.
How does an online course differ from a classroom based learning environment?
Online courses provide participants the same opportunity to learn and are much more flexible. Participants do not have to be in a certain place at a certain time in order to participate and are guided through each step of the course, including learning activities, resources, discussions with instructor and classmates. Each course has a specified start and end date. The Office of Open Learning will provide a weekly schedule for participants to follow, but participants can choose the time to get online. The online courses may come with additional learning materials such as course manuals, CD’s, or readers.
What English proficiency level is required to take these courses?
The Diploma in School Board Administration is facilitated in English. In order to understand fully the course materials and increase your chance of success, we strongly suggest you have an English proficiency equivalent to a score of 89 iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) with no band less than 21, or successful completion of the advanced level of the English Language Certificate Program at the University of Guelph.
What is the course cancellation policy?
If you decide to withdraw from the program a refund, less a $100.00 administration fee will be issued provided the Office of Open Learning receives a Drop Form prior to the course start date. A $200.00 administration fee will be charged to any cancellation that occurs after the course start date or up to the end of the second week of the course.
No refunds will be issued after the second week of the course.
Failure to take part in a course does not constitute notification of withdrawal and will result in you forfeiting the entire course fee.
Your course materials and original receipt must be returned to the Office of Open Learning for a refund to be issued. Please note textbooks are non-refundable and cannot be returned.
Should you decide not to continue after the course drop date, you must still send in a completed drop form by the 40th class day to avoid academic penalty (receiving a grade of "F" on your academic record). No drop forms are accepted after the 40th class day (the Friday in week 8 of the course).
Is there any form of financial assistance available for these courses?
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