Adventure Studies - General Application Guidelines
The Adventure Studies Department has specific requirements when applying to our certificates, management diploma and adventure diploma. These requirements include a cover letter stating your adventure activity experience, 5-year education/career plan and how the program will help you attain your goals, a student information form, two letters of reference, employment resume, a passport type photograph and a detailed outdoor experience log.
In addition to applying directly to the Adventure Studies Department, every applicant must apply to the TRU Admissions Office by completing a TRU Admission Application and a one time application fee of $25.50.
Apply to TRU
Prospective students must apply to TRU Admissions for entry to the University and to the Adventure Studies Department for entry into one of the programs offered by the department.
The General Information section of the TRU Calendar explains admission policies at TRU.
TRU Admissions encourages applicants to submit an Application for Admission form and related documentation as soon as each of the requirements is completed. These will be kept on file until all documentation has been received.
The minimum documentation which will be accepted is as follows:
- A completed Application for Admission Form
- An official transcript of the applicant’s interim or final grades
- A fee of $25.50 for first-time registrants to TRU
- Proof of citizenship, landed immigrant status, or valid student visa, if not born in Canada
Apply to the Adventure Studies Department
Application requirements are similar for each program, with the exception of the Canadian Mountain and Ski Guide Certification Program (CMSG). Any exceptions or unique requirements will be listed in the description of specific programs. You may address inquiries to the Adventure Studies Department or TRU Admissions.
Applications are received year-round for September entry, with the exception of the CMSG Certification Program (continuous intake). Some programs also have a January intake as noted. Applicants must be at least 19 years old unless noted differently.
To apply for adventure programs, please submit the following to the Adventure Studies Department:
- Official transcripts of previous secondary and post-secondary education
- A completed Application and Student Information Form
- Verification of attendance at a Program Information Session (this will be forwarded to TRU Admissions by the Adventure Studies Department)
Educational Requirements
Applicants to the Adventure Sports Certificate and the Adventure Guide Diploma must meet the following educational requirements:
- BC Grade 12 or equivalent, or mature student status
- BC Math 11 or Math 051 or equivalent, with a minimum C+ grade
BC English 12 or equivalent with a minimum C+ grade (within the last 5 years) or completion of English 050 with a minimum B grade, or Level 3 on the Composition section of the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) within the last 2 years.
International Students
The programs offered by the Adventure Studies Department are open to international students. An applicant to TRU who is not a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant is considered an international student.
International students must apply to TRU International Student Admissions for admission to TRU and to the Adventure Studies Department for admission to adventure programs.
Information on international student applications may be found in the current TRU Calendar. Please contact Tracy Barth, International Student Admissions, at tbarth@tru.ca or telephone (250) 371-5776 with specific questions.
Program information sessions provide important information about programs, courses, entrance requirements, and admission procedures as well as answers to pertinent questions from prospective students (view dates and locations).
All students intending to apply for Adventure Studies programs must attend one of these information sessions.
Information sessions are held between September and April at various locations throughout Canada and by telephone. Pre-registration is required. To register for an information session, please contact the Adventure Studies Department secretary at (250) 828-5221.
Interview
After reviewing applications, some individuals may be asked to attend an interview with the faculty of the Adventure Studies Department to help determine the applicant’s readiness for admission.
Admission interviews may be conducted onsite at TRU, by telephone, or by video conferencing.
Applications to the Adventure Studies Department will NOT be accepted without applicants having first attended a Program Information Session. |
Exemptions
Exemptions to admission requirements may be granted by the Chairperson of the Adventure Studies Department.
Acceptance into a Program
Written notice is given by TRU Admissions to applicants who have been accepted into a program offered by the Adventure Studies Department.
A non-refundable commitment fee of $500 (2008) is required by June 1st to secure a place in the Adventure Sports Certificate, Adventure Guide Diploma, and Adventure Management Diploma. This fee will be applied to the first semester’s tuition.
Successful applicants must submit:
Physical Examination
The certificate and diploma programs are physically demanding. Students must arrive in good physical condition suitable for participating in strenuous outdoor activities.
A complete Physical Examination Form is required for the Adventure Sports Certificate, Adventure Guide Diploma, and Adventure Management Diploma. This form will be forwarded to applicants from the department office upon acceptance to the program.
Students must possess medical coverage and will be required to have additional coverage for any course held in foreign countries, including the United States.
Legal Release Document
Due to the varying levels of risk associated with adventure sports and outdoor activities, participants must sign the Adventure Studies Department’s Liability Waiver, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnifying Release Form. Participants may want to seek legal advice regarding their signing of this form.
Clothing and Equipment
Students provide their personal clothing and some equipment, such as a backpack, backcountry skis, skins, climbing harness, sleeping bag, and boots.
The Adventure Studies Department manages an equipment bay with rock climbing, sea kayaking, whitewater kayaking, rafting, skiing, avalanche, mountaineering, rescue, and camping equipment.
Adventure Studies students have free access to this extensive equipment resource and may wish to consult with program faculty before making major equipment purchases.
Group equipment (such as stoves, avalanche transceivers, climbing equipment, canoe and kayak equipment, and tents) is provided.
More information is available here.