'Athabasca University', headquartered in
Athabasca, Alberta, is a fully
accredited institution specialized in the delivery of
distance education courses and programs. Athabasca University is also recognized as one of the fastest
growing universities in
Canada. Courses are offered in both
English and
French.
The
university is especially popular with students who are
disabled,
overseas, or looking after family members,
single parents who need a degree to get ahead in their
careers, members of the
Canadian Forces,
Olympic competitors, athletes, students who are working
full time and students who need an extra course to add on to their degrees or diplomas at a traditional university.
[1] A
high school diploma is not required for admission; however, there is an age minimum of sixteen years.
[2] They serve 32,000 students per year.
[3]
Origins
The University was created by the
Alberta government in
1970, Athabasca University was formed when a fourth traditional university couldn't be justified. New teaching and learning ideas for post-secondary students were studied and considered. Finally a pilot project was developed starting in
1972 in which students enrolled, to see if the community liked the idea of this new concept of teaching. After being considered a success, the university was granted a permanent, self-governing status in
1978. After growing too big for its location, Athabasca University moved 145
kilometres north from
Edmonton to the town of
Athabasca, Alberta in
1984 where it is now established. Satellite centers are in
Calgary and
Edmonton.
[4]
Distance Education
The university has become a leader in distance education. Its flexible programs which are geared to continuing education using modern communications
technology, have attracted participation by students from around the world. The university is a leader in on-line study programs and has a special dedicated web site for that purpose.
[5]
Differences
Students at the
University write their exams in a different way than a regular university. They can write them at any one of the three learning centres, or by arranging to do it at a local college or university.
AU's classes are taught in several ways:
★ Individual study: Students are provided with the textbooks, computer software, and video material required. A pre-set recommended schedule comes with each course in a "course reader". The student is then free to study as they wish. Students have up to 6 months to finish their course, unless they have received a student loan, in which case, they have up to 4 months. Courses start at the beginning of each month.
★ Grouped study: Offered primarily to students physically in
Alberta, this method allows students to get together with other students in the same course, and study in a manner similar to that of a regular university. Students studying in this method have up to 4 months to complete their course. Courses start in September and January.
[1]
Facts & Trivia
★ In
2004, Athabasca's
Executive MBA was rated in the top 75 by the
Financial Times, the only executive MBA on the list that is delivered entirely online.
[7]
★
Canada's only exclusively open University.
★
Maclean's Magazine called it Canada's fastest growing university.
[8]
★ Admissions are year-round.
★ 1,028 staff as of
March 2004.
★ 50% of Athasbasca students are between the ages of 25 and 44.
★ Only Canadian University to seek and be granted
accreditation in the
USA.
[9]
★ 36% of students come from
Ontario.
★ AU plays host to 3
Canada Research Chairs.
[10]
Accreditation
Athabasca University reports to the government through the Minister of Advanced Education and is publicly funded through the Province of
Alberta. The University's Governing Council is authorized to grant degrees through the
Post-Secondary Learning Act along with governing its own affairs. Members of the Governing Council are appointed by the
Lieutenant Governor in council.
[11]
The University is accredited with the United States by the Commission on Higher Education of the
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.
[9]
Athletics
Athletics at Athabasca work somewhat differently than those at a traditional university, being that almost all of its programs are done by distance education. The
Athabasca University Students' Union offers a
Sports Club. The club via their website, encourages individual participation in sports, or local groups that get together students at the university, to participate in various events. One such group they have is a Fitness Support Group, created " to help the members of the AUSC achieve their health, fitness and sports goals."
Other features they have are an "Athlete of the Month," "Latest Scores," Olympics information, and "Ask Angela" a column on becoming more physically fit and healthy or learning how to play sports.
[13]
Notable Students & Alumni
Main articles: List of Athabasca University people
Some notable people have attended or attend Athabasca University. These people include, amongst others
Debby Carlson,
Christian Farstad,
Alyn McCauley, and
Milaine Thériault.
Controversy
In Spring of
2004 there was controversy about former
Premier of Alberta Ralph Klein plagiarizing a paper he was doing. The University cleared him of it, but it brought the university into public awareness even more than it had been.
[14]
References
1. Who studies at AU
2. Undergraduate calendar
3. About Athabasca University
4. History of Athabasca University
5. Athabasca University
6. Who studies at AU
7. EMBA rankings 2006
8. The chalkboard is dead: reseachers
9. Database of Institutions Accredited By Recognized U.S. Accrediting Organizations
10. Canadian Research Chairs
11. Athabasca University Regulation, Alta. Reg. 50/2004
12. Database of Institutions Accredited By Recognized U.S. Accrediting Organizations
13. Athabasca University Sports Club
14. Klein accused of lifting info for school essay
See also
★
Athabasca University Students' Union
★
The Voice Magazine
★
CUPE 3911
External links
★
Athabasca University
★
Ask AU
★
Magic and real life: Thomas Wharton
★
AU should be National University
★
AU student competes at the Olympics
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