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Program: University and College Access Program (UCAP)

Locations:

Program length: 1 Year

Start date: September

Credential:

  • Aurora College Record of Achievement

Delivery:

  • Full Time
  • Classroom
Tuition & Fees Housing Information

Program Description

The University and College Access Program (UCAP) is under the broader umbrella of the Aurora College School of Development Studies.  UCAP provides a combination of prerequisite and college preparation courses to enable students to enter the following Aurora College post-secondary programs: Nursing, Business Administration, Aviation Business, Environment and Natural Resources Technology. 

UCAP includes a combination of 85 percent Adult Literacy and Basic Education (ALBE) and Alberta Education Grade 11 and 12 courses, and 15 percent Specialty Access courses. The Aurora College School of Developmental Studies has developed ALBE curriculum, which includes six levels of study. The ALBE Courses in UCAP range from the 140 to 160 levels. Courses in this program enable students to learn or relearn skills needed to meet employment, personal or educational goals. Participants in UCAP enrol in a program of study according to their career goals and academic levels. Because of this, time spent in the program will vary for each individual.

Due to the extensive range of courses available, the course offerings will vary at each Aurora College campus location. The courses for every Aurora College Career Pathway may not be available at each campus. Participants mainly enrol in the program to meet prerequisite entry requirements for Aurora College diploma or degree programs. Students may enrol in this program on a full-time basis through classroom and/or distance delivery.

Distance delivery of courses may not be available every academic year.

Aurora College has developed a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) process to ensure the ALBE curriculum used in the Access Programs is current and relevant.

Program Eligibility

Individuals must be at least 17 years of age and meet specific academic prerequisites depending on career pathway of choice. 

Applicant Assessment

Applicants must meet the program eligibility requirements. Applicants may have to

complete placement tests to assess English (reading and writing) and math skills. The tools are not pass or fail, but designed to place the learner at an appropriate level. Also, as part of the placement process, Aurora College staff will interview each participant to assess

suitability for the program and course selection. If secondary school (grades 10-12) transcripts can be provided, a copy of the transcript will also be used to assist with the assessment. 

Program Admission

Applicants will be admitted to this program based on their ability to meet the program eligibility requirements. Applicants should also include a personal letter indicating why they want to enter the program. 

Program Information

  1. Access program delivery varies at each campus location.

  2. The program consists of 85 percent score courses in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) Portfolio Development and 15 percent Specialty Access courses. Not all courses are available at all locations.

  3. An NWT Secondary School Diploma may be obtained by adult learners who complete a minimum of 100 credits, of which 55 are specified academic course credits. The balance may be attained through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), to a maximum of 45 credits for accredited course equivalencies. An application must be completed and documentation must be provided to support PLAR assessment.Completed applications and supporting documentation are to be submitted to the Adult Recognition Model (ARM) Evaluation Committee for review.

  4. Full-time students are placed in a program of study based on their interests and needs.

  5. Most courses are delivered in the classroom, but some courses may be delivered through distance delivery.

  6. Students attend all scheduled classes in accordance with College and/or Program policy.

Program Objectives

The University and College Access Program will provide the students with opportunities to:

  1. Achieve prerequisite courses for entry into post-secondary programs at Aurora College (Business Administration, Aviation Business, Nursing and Environment and Natural Resources Technology);
  2. Develop writing and research skills to prepare students to be successful in the post-secondary program of their choice;
  3. Develop basic skills in specific subject areas using Adult Literacy and Basic Education curriculum (levels 140 to 160);
  4. Expand critical and creative thinking skills;
  5. Acquire skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to meet personal, employment or educational goals;
  6. Explore a range of learning experiences;
  7. Apply new knowledge to different situations;
  8. Develop career pathways leading directly to employment or entry into post-secondary programs through the study of carefully chosen courses;
  9. Identify skills, knowledge and attitudes acquired through life experiences as well as course-based learning;
  10. Develop a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) portfolio, which can be used for personal affirmation, employment or accredited course equivalencies; and
  11. Explore an alternative pathway for adult learners to earn an NWT Secondary School Diploma.

Completion Requirements

For all courses levels 140 to 145, the student must achieve 60 percent or greater to complete the course. 

For levels 150 and 160, Biology 20, Biology 30, Chemistry 20, Chemistry 30, Physics 20, Physics 30, Social Studies 20-2 and Social Studies 30-2, the student must achieve 50 percent or greater to complete the course. The students must achieve 50 percent or greater to complete the three UCAP Specialty Courses. Aurora College post-secondary programs and other colleges/universities may require higher course pass marks for entrance into specified programs of study.

The course completion requirements for an Aurora College Access Program Record of Achievement are determined by the chosen career pathway.

Click here to see the UCAP Pathways Chart. 

Document of Recognition

Students will receive a Record of Achievement based on completing courses in their selected career pathway.

NWT Secondary School Diploma may be awarded by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) to an adult learner who meets the NWT Secondary School Diploma requirements. Students are required to complete and submit the application directly to ECE.

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