Camosun College

Frequently Asked Questions

Public Administration Programs

 

What are the admission/entrance requirements?

At Camosun College, students pay tuition fees and ancillary fees. The tuition fees are set by the College. The ancillary fees include some College fees and also some Student Society levies which apply to all students, whether or not they actually use the particular services. More detailed information about each of these fees is set out below.

*Note that both tuition and ancillary fees are subject to change. You are advised to check with our registration department (370-3550) regarding fees that apply to you, indicating when you may be taking the courses, especially when you are applying to have your courses funded by your employer and require this information well in advance.

When can I apply?

You can apply to the college at any time. Once your application has been approved, registration for PADM programs and courses is usually open for the next fall. (See next question, which is related to this one).

The Camosun College Application Form can be found here: http://camosun.ca/learn/becoming/how-to-apply.html

Is enrollment in PADM programs continuous or do you have to start at a specific time of the year?

Once you are accepted into your program, there is an introductory course that is normally offered only in the fall each year. This course is a prerequisite for other core courses (see the website for specific courses). However, there are some elective courses within the programs that you may be able to take before the introductory one or concurrently.

You should chat with the program leader (or program assistant) if this is your situation and you want to get going sooner than the next fall.

What computer skills are needed?

You should have Microsoft Office skills. The more comfortable you are with word processing and email, for example, the easier and more naturally you will find the on-line communication and learning processes.

What computer hardware do I need to do the on-line portion of the class?

You must have access to the Internet. Go to http://online.camosun.ca/ to check if your browser will be suitable. It is an automatic check. Most browsers in current use will work.

How do the on-line courses work?

Any of our courses that start with “PADM” run in what we call “blended delivery” and this means that you come to the college for one day to kick off the course and then continue for seven weeks on line. Some courses have exams which are also conducted on line. We understand that, for some students, the travel will be impossible and those students can attend the first day by streaming audio link from their own computers. There is one course, the multi-party decision making one, which requires two days and in person attendance is mandatory (however, it is an elective and since it involves practicing negotiation skills in simulations, the attendance is required).

There are two seven week courses scheduled during most fall semesters (Sep – Dec) and another two seven week courses scheduled during the winter semester (Jan-Apr). Some years there will also be a spring term course (May-Jun). Courses may be cancelled if there is not sufficient demand, so the earlier you indicate your interest in a particular course, the better.

Do I have to attend the in-person session at the beginning of the class?

You are expected to make every reasonable effort to attend. This in-person session gives you the opportunity to meet your instructor and your classmates, and to be given an instruction session on using our web platform for on-line learning. In particular, we believe that you should attend the in person session for the first, introductory course.

If you take multi party decision making, you should attend the in person sessions (two day-long sessions, one at the beginning and one at the end) – this is a skills based courses that requires you to participate in simulations with other people, face to face. If there are several learners in various areas, we will consider running these sessions in more than one location. If you are interested in this, please contact us so that we may see if there is demand and work out appropriate logistics.

For all other courses, if it is impossible for you to attend, we will make alternate arrangements so that you may participate off site. Please call or e-mail ASAP so we can accommodate you in the best way possible.

How can I get my textbooks or class materials?

You can now order your texts and class materials online. The Camosun Bookstore offers secure online ordering. By entering the site for the campus where your course will take place (normally Interurban), you can view what text/materials are required, and place an order using a credit card. Orders will be shipped within two to four days.

If you are in town, you can also purchase items in person. Visit the Camosun Bookstore webpage for information and hours. Please note that Camosun Bookstores are not open on weekends.

Am I eligible for student loans?

You are eligible for student loans as long as you are enrolled in 9 credits of classes per term. These must lead to a credential and cannot be courses you have taken before.

Check the Camosun Financial Aid & Awards website for more information.

Last updated: 21-Jul-2011 12:43 pm