Who do I talk to if I need help deciding on a course?

We are here to help. Do not hesitate to contact us for assistance.

How do I apply for an Open Acadia course?

See the Admission and Registration page.

How much does a course cost?

See the Payments and Fees page.

Do I have to submit payment with my registration form? Do I have to pay all the tuition at once, or is there a payment plan?

Your application will not be processed without payment. Cheque, VISA, and MasterCard are accepted at the openAcadia office. Cash payments or special arrangements for payment must be made at the Student Accounts Office in University Hall. You can contact them by phone at (902) 585-1297, option 2.

How can I check on the status of my application for admission or course registration?

• Email openacadia@acadiau.ca or visit the Admissions website
  
• Access your Acadia 4 U account if you have set one up
  

How do I get a tax receipt?

T2202A's will be available on-line in mid-February to students who have paid their fees from the previous year in full. For more information go here.

I have a disability and need special accomodations to complete a course. What should I do?

Please contact our Disability/Access Services. Jill Davies at 902-585-1127 or Suzanne Robichea at 902-585-1913

Who teaches the courses?

All courses are taught by experienced Acadia University faculty available to you by phone or email.

What does open-entry mean?

Open entry means that there are no particular registration or start times (ex. monthly, semesters); you can register whenever you’d like and begin shortly thereafter, once your registration has been processed.   You’ll usually have up to six months to complete your course, but the pace is up to you.

How do the courses actually work?

Our courses focus on independent study, although some may feature interactive or group-oriented elements.  In most of our courses, you will not interact directly with other students.  However, your professor will be available to answer your questions and provide guidance as needed.

Do I have to be an Acadia student to take your courses?  What if I’m enrolled at another university?

Anyone is welcome to take our online courses; you will have to apply to Acadia as a part time/distance learner.  Each year, many students from other universities in Nova Scotia and beyond choose to take online courses from Acadia.

Can I transfer my credits to another university?

Yes, most other Canadian universities will accept Acadia University credits.  If you’re currently enrolled at another institution or have decided where you may wish to transfer your credits, we recommend you contact the institution to verify details and applicability. If you apply with a Letter of Permission, the credit is transferred when you finish your course.

What’s Open Acadia?  What is its relationship with the university?

Open Acadia is a department of Acadia University dedicated to offering flexible programming and learning opportunities to Acadia students and the greater community. As part of this mandate, we provide a diverse array of programming including Acadia’s online courses, Spring & Summer courses, Professional Development, Lifelong Learning, and more.

Are paper-based correspondence courses still available?

While we focus on online formats, print packages are still available upon request for many courses.  Please contact us if you are interested in taking a particular course in a correspondence format.

What is required to register?

You’ll need to be admitted to Acadia for part-time study, and fill out a brief registration form.  You must also pay course fees before you begin your study.  Please see the documents on our Admission & Registration page, and contact us if you have any questions.

When can I start?

You can begin at any time after you’ve finished the registration process.  It usually takes about 1 week for any materials you have purchased from the Acadia University bookstore to arrive.

When will I receive my course materials?

We will ship your course materials within one week of receipt of your application. However, if your application is incomplete (missing any necessary documents or payments), processing time is delayed. To allow adequate time to complete your course – normally a minimum of three months – submit your application early.

What if I want to complete my course in less than three months?

You should discuss this with your instructor first. Most of our instructors are full-time Acadia faculty with other teaching commitments. They may not be able to meet your timelines.

I have a busy schedule.  How long do I have to complete the course?

Typically, you have up to 6 months to complete a credit course, but you may file for a course extension.

Can I register for more than one course at a time?

Yes.

How do I order my textbooks?

By Phone: 1-902-585-1201
Online: www.acadia.bkstr.com

When and how will I receive my final grade?

You will be notified by email when your grade has been submitted. You can access your grade by logging your account on the Acadia Central website. It cannot be given to you by e-mail or over the phone.

How do I write my exams if I’m not in Wolfville?

Acadia allows examinations to be proctored at other educational institutions. If you are in a remote area, other proctors may be considered. Contact our office for assistance.

If I need technical assistance with my online course, what should I do or whom do I contact?

You should contact our technical assistant directly at (902) 585-1139 or e-mail open.acadia.support@acadiau.ca.

Can I use library resources, and how can I borrow books if I don’t live in the area?

The Vaughan Memorial Library provides service to distance education students. More information is available in the Student Handbook you will receive with your course material, or at the library's web site.