Oshawa, Ontario - Durham College president Gary Polonsky said, "A new partnership recently signed between the College and Athabasca University (Alberta) to provide degree completion opportunities via distance learning to Durham College diploma holders will be beneficial for the students and the community at large."
The collaboration agreement allows Durham College Legal Administration and Law and Security Administration graduates to build on their diplomas by applying for block transfer credit. Studying part time from home, they can earn a desired university credential by adding university-level courses in a related discipline. By doing so, students obtain the knowledge and skills that are increasingly necessary, in certain fields of employment.
The agreement covers the following:
Athabasca University is Canada's Open University, and the largest degree-granting distance education institution in the country. Most of their more than 400 courses are available for home-study, allowing more than 13,000 students annually to cost-effectively complete one of approximately 30 undergraduate degrees at their own pace and convenience. Located approximately 150 kilometers north of Edmonton in Alberta, Athabasca University also offers graduate degree programs, including Canada's first fully elective electronic Master of Business Administration. (M.B.A.)
"Collaborative efforts like this provide more opportunities for students to continue their studies at the university level by appropriate distance education methodologies," says Athabasca University Vice-President, Academic, Alan Davis.
"We are excited about the possibilities this flexible program opens for many people who might have been prevented from completing a university degree in the past due to their geographic location, educational background or financial ability or, simply, lack of program availability," he says.
"At Athabasca University, we offer a university education - at a distance - to all, regardless of where they live and work, and their educational background," Davis says. "This agreement gives Durham College students and graduates new options for obtaining the university degree they desire."
Full-time Bachelor of Arts university programming is offered at Durham University Centre at Durham College through Trent and York Universities. Durham College also has articulation agreements in place with, Ryerson, Waterloo, Guelph and Lakehead Universities. In most cases, advanced admission is granted based on diploma completion, with a specific academic achievement level, and the student must leave Oshawa to attend the university.
Durham College students and diploma holders interested in pursuing a related university degree through Athabasca University's home-study program should contact the university's Information Centre (1-800-788-9041; or e-mail: auinfo@athabascau.ca). Or, at Durham College, they can contact the Registrar's Office at: (905) 721-3046 or 1-800-461-0549.
Media Contact:
Pam J. Patten
Communications Officer
Athabasca University
(403) 675-6176 or 1-800-788-9041
Fax: 403-675-6145
e-mail: Pam.Patten@athabascau.ca
Media Contact:
Alice Lytwynchuk
Public Relations Officer
Durham College
(905) 721-3111 ext. 2117
Fax: (905) 721-3201
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