FAQs: Courses - Getting Started

1. What credentials can I earn by distance with TRU-OL?

   TRU-OL offers a wide variety of credentials, including adult secondary school completion, certificates and diplomas (including post-baccalaureate), associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and one master's degree (doctoral degrees are not available at this time).

   TRU-OL offers degree programs in the areas of arts and science, business and management studies, health science, education, general studies, and information technology.

   Students may earn degrees by completing courses available from TRU-OL or in conjunction with campus-based studies at other institutions. Some TRU-OL degrees are offered in association with colleges, university colleges and universities in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada.

   

2. Does TRU-OL offer graduate degrees?

   We currently offer the following post-baccalaureate certificates and diplomas: Graduate Certificate in Child and Youth Mental Health, Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning, Certificate in Commerce, Certificate in Liberal Arts, Certificate in Business Principles and Diploma in Commerce.

   

3. Can I obtain an extension for courses delivered by TRU-OL?

   You may request an 18 week course extension for most courses. Some courses are not eligible (labs, paced courses and other select courses). You are permitted one extension per course.

   We must receive your extension request prior to the course completion deadline. Refer to your Welcome Letter or call Student Services at 1.800.663.9711 to confirm your course end date. Courses that have been extended will have an 'XT' on your transcript in addition to your final letter grade. You may not cancel your course registration or withdraw from a course that has been extended. Students receiving financial aid should contact the Financial Aid & Awards office to find out how an extension will impact their loans.

   To request a course extension, complete the Course Extension Request form online or call Student Services. You will receive a letter by mail with your new course completion deadline and eligible exam sessions. You must apply to write your final exam (if applicable) one month prior to the eligible exam session of your choice.

   

4. How do I begin my course?

   Take advantage of your Open Learning Faculty Member's email contact and/or office hours to discuss course content.

   

5. How do I know if distance education is right for me?

   http://www.tru.ca/truforms/distance/self-test.html

   

6. How will I know who my Open Learning Faculty Member is?

   For courses delivered by TRU-OL, students will receive a Welcome Letter by mail, which will include the Open Learning Faculty Member's name, address, office phone number, office hours and email address. Please be advised that students cannot request a specific Open Learning Faculty Member or request a change during the course. Group delivery students (students who are required to attend a face-to-face session to complete course work in Kamloops), will receive information regarding their Open Learning Faculty Member at their first class. Within Canada, you may phone your Open Learning Faculty Member using our toll-free number (1.888.828.3399).

   If you are phoning from outside of Canada, you may phone 250.852.6900. Contact Student Services at 1.800.663.9711 if you need information about contacting your Open Learning Faculty Member or cannot reach them. For courses delivered by SFU or UVic, the institution assigns a instructor and sends the contact information to students.

   

7. Is distance education the same as traditional classroom learning?

   Distance courses can appear similar to traditional classroom learning, depending on the technology used. In most cases, distance education is different.

   For example:
   
   The majority of TRU-OL courses have flexible start and end dates, so students have little contact with each other. This may cause some students to feel isolated.

   Some of TRU-OL's web-based, cohort courses require that students start and end the course at the same time.

   Some of TRU-OL's seminar-based web courses have discussion areas where students can share concepts and ideas.

   Some students find they receive more personal, one-on-one interaction from their Open Learning Faculty Member than in a large classroom.

   Students can access their TRU-OL distance courses at any time.

   

8. 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.

   

9. Will I need to travel for my distance course?

   The majority of TRU-OL courses are offered by distance education methods - course materials are provided by mail or on the web and students receive instructional support via phone or email - so you do not need to travel.

   The exceptions are labs and practicums, which are held at on-site locations. Labs for first-year science courses are held once a year as one-week sessions at TRU in Kamloops, BC. Practicums and workshops for programs in Health and Human Services may require travel at the student's expense.

   

10. What services are available for TRU-OL students?

    TRU-OL provides the following services for students:

    Education Information and Educational Advising Services

    Disability Services Office (DSO)

    Financial Aid and Awards

    Office of the Registrar

    IT Service Desk

    For more comprehensive list go to Student Resources and Services

    

11. When do I receive my course package?

    Students normally receive their course package by courier within two weeks of registering in TRU-OL courses with continuous registration. For courses with fixed start dates, students normally receive their packages by courier no later than two weeks before the course start date. Contact Student Services if you do not receive your package within the estimated time.

    If you register in a TRU-OL course delivered by SFU or UVic, the university that delivers your course sends you the course materials or ordering instructions by the start of the session. Contact SFU or UVic if you have questions.

    Students registered in most UVic courses should contact their UVic program area for a course materials order form.

    Most required textbooks and materials are sold through the bookstore at the university delivering the course.

    

12. What is plagiarism?

    Plagiarism occurs when you:

    • Present someone else's exact words (e.g. direct quotations) or ideas as though they are your own
    • Paraphrase without acknowledging the source
    • Do not acknowledge the source of facts that do not belong to general knowledge

    To avoid plagiarism:

    Use your own words and give credit to all sources that you have directly quoted or borrowed ideas from. Acknowledging sources correctly is an important academic skill. Some TRU-OL courses and various library resources contain information about how to identify your sources.

    Penalties for plagiarism include:

    • Mark of zero on your assignment
    • Fail (F) grade for the course and the possibility of a more serious consequence

    Refer to TRU-OL student conduct policies.

    

13. When do I submit assignments?

    The suggested dates to submit assignments for courses delivered by TRU-OL are stated in your course materials.

    • Submit each assignment as soon as you complete it. By submitting assignments one at a time, you receive feedback about your work, which allows your Open Learning Faculty Member to guide your progress. It is best to submit your assignments in sequence, though they are accepted in any order.
    • There may be deadlines to submit assignments. Refer to your course materials or ask your Open Learning Faculty Member.

    

14. Where can I find information on the website about TRU-OL tuition and course costs?

    Information about tuition and costs for courses delivered by TRU-OL, SFU and UVic is provided at www.openlearning.tru.ca/services/policies/tuition.html.

    Tuition information per individual course is provided through the course search function in Web Registration.

    

15. When should I start my course?

    Normally, you can start a print-based course as soon as you receive your course package. If you are registered in a web-based course delivered by TRU-OL, you can start your course as soon as you receive your user name and password by email. Your welcome letter contains deadline dates for course completion, withdrawal, registration cancellation and examination applications.

    Most 3-credit distance courses are 30 weeks in duration (except for full-time financial aid students) from the date of registration. Your registration date for most courses is your official start date.

    Some courses have fixed start and end dates, and students are advised when scheduled events begin.

    

16. What should I do if illness or a serious problem prevents me from working on my course for several weeks?

    Contact the Registrar's Office if you have an illness or disability that prevents you from studying for more than eight weeks. You may apply in writing for a course extension with fee waiver. Requests must be supported with documentation (such as a physician's statement) stating dates and the duration of the illness and prognosis.

    

17. What advice is available if I need help choosing courses and programs?

    Student Services advisors can help you choose a course or program to meet your educational goals. They can answer questions about:

    • Course selection, course sequencing and program planning
    • Prerequisites and entrance requirements to specific programs
    • Transfer credit, challenge credit, assessment for credit of informal learning
    • A referral if you need detailed program planning assistance

    Contact Student Services for assistance with educational planning.

    For information about courses or programs delivered by TRU Kamloops, refer to the TRU website, email TRU Admissions or phone 250.828.5071.

    

18. When is the next graduation ceremony?

    TRU-OL's official Graduation Ceremony is held twice a year in the spring and fall. The Graduation Ceremony recognizes all graduates who have successfully completed a program, including graduates in certificate, diploma and degree programs.

    Normally, students attend the ceremony in the calendar year following the completion of their program.

    Every spring and fall, details are mailed to students who have successfully completed a program. Information is also provided at by TRU's Convocation Department.

    

19. What are the residency requirements for TRU-OL?

    Residency requirements vary by program type:

    • Certificate programs require 6 credits of upper-level TRU university coursework (on-campus or distance)
    • Diploma programs require 9 credits of upper-level TRU university coursework (on-campus or distance)
    • Bachelor programs require 15 credits of upper-level TRU university coursework (on-campus or distance)

    Some TRU-OL programs may require completion of specific courses.

    TRU-OL courses delivered by SFU or UVic are applicable toward the residency requirements for TRU-OL programs.

    

20. What courses and programs does TRU-OL offer?

    Thompson Rivers University, Open Learning (TRU-OL) offers students independent-study courses and programs by distance to earn recognized credits and credentials.

    Credentials awarded include adult secondary school completion, certificates and diplomas (including post-baccalaureate), associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and one master's degree (doctoral degrees are not available at this time).

    TRU-OL delivers over 200 distance courses of its own. Consortium institutions Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the University of Victoria (UVic) deliver over 200 courses on behalf of TRU-OL. Other courses and programs are offered in cooperation with various educational institutions, professional associations, workplaces and community organizations.

    Independent Study with Open Learning Faculty Member Support

    TRU-OL distance courses are offered as independent-study courses. Students complete courses by studying on their own and receive instructional support from highly qualified Open Learning Faculty Members.

    Students can communicate with their Open Learning Faculty Member by email, phone or regular mail for most courses and also by electronic conference for paced courses.

    Continuous Registration

    Most distance courses delivered by TRU-OL are offered on a continuous basis, so that students may register throughout the year. Labs, clinicals, selected classroom offerings and some paced courses have fixed start dates (see below).

    Varied Course Delivery Formats

    Courses delivered by TRU-OL are offered in the following formats:

    • Print-based
      Course is print-based. Some print-based courses may have optional web content and/or web interaction. Internet access is not required to complete the course.
    • Web-based
      Course is web-based. Most web-based courses have some printed materials. All web-based courses have mandatory web content, and most have web student-to-student interaction. Internet access with email is required to complete the course.
    • In Person
      Course is delivered face-to-face in a classroom setting or as a lab, clinical, workshop or fieldwork.

    Not all delivery formats are offered for each course.

    Course materials may include CDs or DVDs.

    Flexible Course Scheduling

    Most distance courses delivered by TRU-OL are designed for students to complete within a specified time at a place and pace that suits their needs.

    Some print- and web-based courses are offered as paced where a group of students works through the course together. Paced courses have specific start and end dates. Students start the course at the same time, submit assignments (and project examinations when appropriate) by specific due dates, and write their final examination at a pre-determined session. Extensions are limited and granted only for exceptional circumstances.

    

21. I haven't studied for a long time. How can I improve my study skills?

    • Your course materials provide advice on the best way to work through the course.
    • Refer to TRU Library Services.

    

22. Why should I send the Self-Introduction to Open Learning Faculty Member form?

    It will help your Open Learning Faculty Member get to know you and assist you in your studies. The form is provided on the TRU-OL website and in the TRU-OL Student Handbook.

    

23. Who can assist if I cannot contact my Open Learning Faculty Member?

    Contact Student Services if you need information about contacting your Open Learning Faculty Member of cannot them.

    

24. What courses are offered by distance education through TRU-OL?

    TRU-OL offers a wide range of distance courses. Most are offered through distance education methods - course materials are provided in print or on the web, and students receive instructional support from Open Learning Faculty Members by phone or email. Exceptions are labs and practicums, which are offered on-site at designated locations.

    Registration is available on a continuous basis for most courses. This means you can register at any time unless you are applying for or receiving a student loan.

    TRU-OL also offers courses delivered by consortium institutions SFU and UVic. TRU-OL courses delivered by SFU or UVic are offered only at specific dates and are subject to availability. Course availability details are provided on this website.

    

25. Are there limits to using TRU Library services?

    No. You may contact TRU Library services as often as you need to and borrow as many resources as you require. Refer to the TRU Library website for more information.

    

26. How do I communicate with my Open Learning Faculty Member in a distance course?

    In a traditional classroom course, students speak to their instructor face-to-face. In a distance course, you communicate with your Open Learning Faculty Member by phone or email. Some web-based courses delivered by TRU-OL have discussion areas where students are expected to post questions and add to the conference. Students are able to read others' questions, and the Open Learning Faculty Member mediates the discussion and provides feedback to the group.

    

27. I registered for the print-based version of a course delivered by TRU-OL and would like to switch to the web-based version. How should I do this?

    First, you need to determine if the course is available as web-based. Not all print-based courses are offered in the web-based delivery format. Access the Web Registration system and check the course information. If the course is available as web-based, contact Student Services to change your registration.

    

28. How do I know who my Open Learning Faculty Member is for my web-based course delivered by TRU OL?

    Your welcome letter includes the name, address, office phone number, office hours and email address for the course Open Learning Faculty Member.

    You can usually contact your Open Learning Faculty Member by email, phone or regular mail, as stated in your welcome letter.

    Within Canada, you may phone your Open Learning Faculty Member using toll-free numbers. If you are phoning from outside Canada, you are responsible for phone charges.

    If you are registered in a web-based course, you can find information about your Open Learning Faculty Member by checking your myTRU account.

    Follow the steps to log in to your desktop and do the following:

    Click on your Mailbox folder. Check if your Open Learning Faculty Member has sent a welcome message to your mailbox.

    Click on the folder or icon for your course. There should be a link in your course to a page about your Open Learning Faculty Member or to a course introduction.

    Check your private email account. When you registered for your course, you provided your personal email address. Check if the Open Learning Faculty Member has sent a message to that address.

    Contact Student Services If you need assistance or cannot reach your Open Learning Faculty Member.

    

29. What is a Study Contract, and why do I have to sign one?

    While TRU-OL gives you 30 weeks (roughly seven months) to complete a standard 3-credit course, you must complete the coursework in 17 weeks (four months) to be considered a full-time student and qualify for student loans. Final examinations may be written in the last month of your period of study or the month following (you must submit your assignments before you write the final examination). A Study Contract ensures that you understand and have agreed to these terms, and that you understand the potential consequences if you fail to meet the terms of the contract.

    

30. Do I need to use a library to complete my course?

    Many courses suggest or require that you research a subject or access specific informational resources. Access to information can also expand your understanding of the course and provide you with information about literary skills. The TRU Library can provide you with information that will help you succeed in your course.

    

31. What services are provided by the IT Service Desk?

    The IT Service Desk assists students and Open Learning Faculty Members with courses that are hosted on the WebCT system.

    Students are required to have adequate Course Delivery Formats for WebCT courses.

    The IT Service Desk provides the following services:

    • Sets up IDs and passwords to access web-based courses delivered by TRU-OL.
    • Assists WebCT users with connecting to WebCT using a Web browser (Internet Explorer or Safari).
    • Assists users with email functions and discussion tools, including troubleshooting error messages.
    • Assists students to navigating the discussion areas of their courses.
    • Assists students with attaching assignment files to email messages.
    • Assists students with guidelines for saving their assignment files, so files are compatible with the software used by Open Learning Faculty Members.
    • Assists Open Learning Faculty Members and students with resolving file formatting problems, when they are unable to "read" (open) submitted or marked assignment files.
    • Follows up on reports of broken links in course web pages.
    • Refers student questions to the appropriate area for follow up.

    Contact the IT Service Desk by:
    Email: ITServiceDesk@tru.ca
    Phone: 250.852.6800 (Kamloops or International) or 1.888.852.8533 (toll-free in Canada)

    

32. What happens if I don't submit my assignments within my four-month loan period?

    You may be considered "technically withdrawn" from full-time study even though you are still enrolled in the courses. This "withdrawal" will be reported to the Ministry of Advanced Education the same way it would be if it were a formal withdrawal. A portion (or all) of your loan and grant will be considered an over award.

    

33. I registered for the web-based version of a course delivered by TRU-OL and would like to switch to the print-based version. How should I do this?

    First, you need to determine if the course is available as print-based. Access the Web Registration system and check the course information. If the course is available as print-based, contact Student Services to change your registration.

    

34. As a TRU-OL student, how is my privacy protected?

    The information you provide to TRU-OL that is placed into your student record is protected, used and disclosed in compliance with BC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Information collected is used for admission, registration, educational research and other purposes consistent with TRU-OL's mandate.

    For more information, refer to the Release of Student Information policy or contact Student Services.

    

35. Can I come to the TRU Library for assistance?

    Students registered in courses delivered by TRU-OL are encouraged to come to the TRU campus libraries in Kamloops or Williams Lake, where reference staff can assist you with your research.

    TRU Library Kamloops/Williams Lake
    Refer to the TRU Library website for the addresses and hours of the TRU Libraries in Kamloops and Williams Lake.