The School of Continuing Studies might be based in Johnston Hall, but the scope and value of what it has to offer students at all stages of learning far exceeds the campus at the University of Guelph.
"Our whole mission is to bring the world-renowned internal expertise we have at U of G to an external audience, to empower lifelong learners," says Dianne Tyers, associate vice-president, School of Continuing Studies.
Formerly known as Open Learning and Educational Support (OpenEd), the shift to the School of Continuing Studies (SCS) is the start of a fresh chapter with the same passion for lifelong learning. It aligns with global best practices and strengthens U of G as a value-driven provider of flexible and accessible education. In its new evolution, SCS is expanding opportunities for learners seeking career-focused programs, shorter learning experiences leading to micro-credentials or pathways into lengthier degree studies.
Learning keeps you growing, connected
From business and leadership to horticulture and equine studies, to sustainability, communication and the English language, SCS's diverse programming is designed for learners both local and international. In 2024, students from 35 countries enrolled in continuing studies at U of G.
Curious about the plants and soil? Interested in broadening your people management skills? Maybe you've always wanted to pursue a creative writing passion. SCS offers degree credit courses, as well as professional and workforce learning as micro-credentials, certificates and diplomas. Most courses are offered asynchronously online, without a scheduled class time.
Among its new programming is an academic upgrading option for graduating high school students with conditional post-secondary offers to improve their grades, a high school enrichment option for students looking to experience university learning prior to starting a post-secondary program and career essentials micro-credentials, to upgrade workplace skills.
"Learning keeps you growing and keeps your mind active and keeps you connected," Tyers says. "With the School of Continuing Studies, you can fit learning into your life."
A program that meets the needs of learners
When Catherine Saunders began working in a local garden centre, her interest in plants and ecology prepared her with the basics. But she soon found she wanted to deepen her knowledge and expand her skill set.
This year, she graduated from the horticulture diploma program with distinction.
For her final project, she wrote and illustrated a children's book on climate, something she says she never could have done with the encouragement of both her peers and instructors.
Approaching her studies with an open mind, Saunders says, she met like-minded students in the discussion forums, improved her technological prowess and found old skill sets like high school chemistry were used again in greenhouse management.
"For me, the point of it all has become that of protecting the environment and helping to make urban and suburban areas more livable and enjoyable for everyone in ways that are more climate informed," she says. "These courses provide a wide distillation of the human experience as it relates to horticulture, art, sociology, urban planning and more."
Value-based education made accessible
Key to the success of SCS has been its partnerships with U of G's colleges and departments, to determine the potential for programming and for students to connect with different credentialing pathways.
The pandemic accelerated the level of comfort people have with online learning by decades, and people have discovered they don't always need to be in a physical classroom to learn, Tyers says. Technology improvements have also enabled the quality of engagement in online programming, to meet people where they want to learn and align with what employers need.
"The value we offer is not only in the quality of the learning experience and the subject matter experts, but also in the credentialing," she says.
Whether a learner is looking to upskill, change careers, explore a passion or connect with a learning community, SCS can meet those needs in a modern setting.
"The University is here to serve the community, its people and organizations," Tyers says. "The role of the School of Continuing Studies is to create bridges to help drive that forward."
The School of Continuing Studies is open now. For more information visit them online at uoguelph.ca/continuing-studies.
