FAQs: Courses - Materials

1. How do I obtain all the materials I need to complete my TRU-OL course?

   The majority of courses delivered by TRU-OL include all the materials you require to complete the course. Materials are mailed by courier to the address that we have on file.

   Students needing to purchase materials that are not included in their course packages can order them by calling Student Services at 1.800.663.9711. To verify if additional materials are required, you may proceed to www.truopen.ca. Click on Courses and select your subject. Hit 'Search'. Click on the course of your interest that appears at the bottom of the page and proceed to the section labelled "Is this the right course for you?" Under Step 1, click on 'detailed course information'. Scroll down to 'Required Text and Materials'.
   
   TRU-OL course fees delivered by SFU include all the materials you require to complete the course. TRU-OL Course fees delivered by UVic include most of the required materials. Students are responsible for purchasing their textbooks through SFU's or UVic's bookstore. All items are mailed to the address that is on your TRU-OL student file.

   

2. How do I return materials rented from SFU or UVic?

   Students taking TRU-OL courses delivered by SFU or UVic are required to return rented equipment or learning resources to the delivering institution. Details are included in the delivering institution's Welcome Letter.

   

3. Where can I check if I think course materials may be missing for my web-based course?

   Usually, most of your web-based course materials can be found when you log in to your course on myTRU. For example, course materials may be presented as web pages, a downloadable course manual or assignment files. Make sure you have checked your desktop first.

   If you think you are missing printed course materials, such as textbooks or other items usually found in course packages, contact Student Services at 1.800.663.9711.

   

4. When and how do I return materials rented from TRU-OL?

   Equipment or learning resources rented from TRU-OL must be returned to TRU-OL after you write your final examination, or earlier if you decide not to complete the course.

   Return materials in the original packaging, by registered mail to:
   Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning
   Student Services
   BC Centre for Open Learning, 4th Floor
   900 McGill Road
   Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8
   

   You should receive your deposit refund within six weeks.

   Students taking TRU-OL courses delivered by SFU or UVic are required to return rented equipment or learning resources to the delivering institution. Details are included in your welcome letter.

   

5. Who do I contact if there are packing list items missing from my course package (e.g. textbooks)?

   If your course package does not contain everything noted on the packing list, contact Student Services by calling 1.800.663.9711 (toll-free in Canada), 250.852.7000 (outside of Canada) or by emailing student@tru.ca.

   

6. What should I do If I have a question about the content of my course delivered by TRU-OL?

   Read the introduction to your course (Course Manual, Student Manual or Course Content Guide) to see if your question is answered there. If you still have questions, contact your Open Learning Faculty Member.

   

7. When will I receive borrowed materials from the TRU Library?

   Students may receive materials by Canada Post Priority courier, fax or in person at any of the TRU campus libraries. Materials from the TRU Library collection are sent within two working days. Resources ordered from other libraries through interlibrary loan take longer to acquire. Length of time for receipt of materials varies depending on your location. Allow yourself ample time when requesting materials.

   

8. Can I obtain materials from other libraries?

   Yes, the TRU Library will borrow materials for you from other libraries through interlibrary loan.

   The TRU Library participates in the Canadian University Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement, which extends in-person borrowing privileges to students at most Canadian university libraries. If you plan to use another Canadian university library (such as SFU, UBC or UVic) and would like to borrow any of their materials, refer to the TRU Library website.

   

9. How long may I keep TRU Library materials that I borrow?

   TRU-OL students have a four-week loan period for books from the TRU Library collection to allow for transit times. Videos are loaned for two weeks. TRU Library items may be renewed twice, unless a hold has been placed.

   Loan length for items acquired via interlibrary loans (ILL) is two weeks. There are no renewals available for these items. ILL books/videos cannot be sent outside North America.

   Fines apply to materials that are not returned on time.

   

10. How can I renew items (books, videos) that I have borrowed from the TRU Library?

    To renew books and videos borrowed from the TRU Library collection, please refer to the TRU Library website.

    

11. What library services are available for TRU-OL students?

    TRU Library provides services and materials to students through a variety of means. Refer to the TRU Library website for complete information.