- How does the Certificate in Equine Business Management fit in with the other online equine studies programs offered by the University of Guelph?
- The University of Guelph offers two certificate and one diploma program: Equine Science Certificate, Certificate in Equine Business Management and the Diploma in Equine Studies. Some courses can be used for more than one program. The following chart illustrates where each of the equine online offerings fits into the certificate and diploma programs.
| Continuing Education Program |
ESC¹
(6 Courses) |
CEBM²
(6 Courses) |
DES³
(10 Courses) |
| Stewardships of the Equine Environment |
|
Elective |
Core |
| Equine Journalism |
|
Elective |
Elective |
| Equine Event Management |
|
Elective |
Elective |
| Finance & Risk Management |
|
Core |
Elective |
| The Equine Industry |
|
Core |
Elective |
| Marketing & Communications in the Equine Industry |
|
Core |
Elective |
| Equine Business Management |
|
Core |
Elective |
| Management of the Equine Environment |
Core |
Core |
Core |
| Health & Disease Prevention |
Core |
|
Core |
| Equine Nutrition |
Core |
|
Core |
| Functional Anatomy |
Core |
|
Core |
| Equine Behaviour |
Elective |
|
Core |
| Growth & Development |
Elective |
|
Elective |
| Exercise Physiology |
Elective |
|
Elective |
| Equine Genetics |
Elective |
|
Elective |
¹ESC: Equine Science Certificate
²CEBM: Certificate in Equine Business Management
³DES: Diploma in Equine Studies
- How many courses can I complete at once?
- We strongly recommend students start with one course per semester, and then decide whether they can increase their workload to two courses per semester. We recommend students do not enroll in more than two per semester, in order to get as much as possible from each course.
- Is owning an equine enterprise or a horse a requirement for taking any of the equine business management courses?
- No, it is not required. It is strongly recommended that you have access to a facility for each course, and access to a horse, a horse facility and various professionals in order to complete the optional learning activities.
- Is there a minimum age requirement?
- Yes. Students must either be at least 18 years of age, or have completed Grade 12 or equivalent in order to register for these courses.
- Where do I take the courses?
- You can take the course from wherever you have a computer linked to the Internet! The benefit of the online format is that you can work around your busy schedule by studying from the comfort of your own home and at a time convenient to you. There are no classes to attend. All that is required is a computer, an Internet connection, and a desire to learn more about the equine industry and business management.
- How long are the courses?
- Each course is 12 weeks in length. Students log onto the course web site several times per week to find out what to do, talk with classmates and instructors in the course bulletin board conference, complete learning activities, submit assignments, and check grades. Courses are broken down into units that are completed each week. The course is facilitated by an instructor with all students progressing through the course at the same time. Having the course paced like this over each week ensures the support from classmates and instructors that you needto complete the course successfully. You have the opportunity and flexibility within each week to determine when you will participate in the course, allowing you to participate while balancing work, family and horse commitments.
- When can I start?
- Courses are offered on a rotating basis each January, May and September. For specific start dates, call the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Suport at 519 767-5000 or see the course listing page.
- What courses do I need to obtain my Certificate?
- To obtain the Certificate in Equine Business Management, you must complete the five core courses and one of the electives successfully. Should you wish, you can also opt only for individual courses. While it is possible to take the courses in any order we suggest starting with Equine Business Management and Management of the Equine Environment. The required courses are listed here in the recommended order:
Core Courses (All five are required):
- Equine Business Management
Understand the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to become an equine entrepreneur.
- Management of the Equine Environment
Learn how to set-up and manage a safe and environmentally responsible horse housing establishment.
- The Equine Industry
Gain an appreciation of the scope and financial ramifications to the economy, sectors and governing bodies; and rules and regulations for the different sports, associations and breeds
- Equine Business Finance and Risk Management*
Learn about business strategy and risk management, to analyze financial data and make sound decisions.
- Marketing & Communications in the Equine Industry*
Enhance the communication process of the equine enterprise to ensure interaction with government, associations, customers and potential customers is maximized, regardless of the size of the staff.
*Equine Business Management is the required required for these courses. Please see the detailed course descriptions.
Elective Courses (Select one):
- Stewardship of the Equine Environment. Reducing your environmental "hoofprint"
Explore the importance of properly managing the natural environment and man-made facilities to optimize the health of your horses..
- Equine Journalism
Gain insight into the equine publishing industry and how to become published.
- Equine Event Management
Gain insight into the management skills required to set up and oversee an equine show, sale or clinic.
- Can the courses be taken in any order?
- You can take the courses in any order. If you are new to online learning it is recommended Management of the Equine Environment is completed first or second in your course of study.
- How long does it take to finish the Certificate in Equine Business Management?
- The Certificate program consists of six courses, five core courses and one elective. If you were to take one course a semester, it would take six semesters, or approximately two years. However, many students choose to complete courses at a faster pace, courses are scheduled so it is possible to complete the requirements in as little as one year or 18 months. Most students will complete the certificate in three years. You can take up to ten years from the start of your first course to complete and receive the Certificate in Equine Business Management.
- How much time will I need to devote to my distance course each week?
- Distance courses are just as demanding as on-campus university courses. They require a significant amount of reading and writing, and a corresponding amount of time is required to complete course requirements. A general rule of thumb is that you should expect to spend a minimum of 10 hours per week for each course taken. However, there is some variation in the nature of assignments and instructor requirements, as well as individual study habits. We recommend that you establish a study routine and schedule early in the semester.
- Could you send me an Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support catalogue?
- Because our courses and programs are so wide-ranging, and targeted to such a diversity of learners, we do not have a single printed catalogue. You can view all of the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support courses at www.coles.uoguelph.ca
Continuing Education
More detailed information, including registration forms, is available on each continuing education offering. Please request a brochure regarding the program in which you are interested.
Distance Education
A catalogue of degree-credit distance education courses is available. Contact info@open.uoguelph.ca to request one.
- How does distance education work?
- Distance education allows you to study at home or in your office, according to your own schedule...there are no classes to attend. Generally, each course comes with a manual that may be accompanied by CDs, DVDs, etc., depending on the nature of the course. As well, most courses incorporate websites with computer conferencing, e-mail, and computer-based quizzes using the internet as an innovative learning environment. Distance education provides a contemporary means through which the University of Guelph continues its tradition of outreach and open learning opportunities.
For more information on our approach to online distance education, please check out our new online learning portal.
- What are my technical requirements?
- Click on the System Check link here or on the login page www.open.uoguelph.ca/equine to ensure your system meets the technical requirements.
- Where do I get the required textbooks for my courses?
- You may order textbooks from any supplier. The University Bookstore and Co-Op Bookstore will carry the required textbooks just prior to each course offering, but do not stock them on an ongoing basis. Each course offering provides links to both on campus bookstores, as well as the publishers’ websites. Most publishers sell the textbooks online.
- How do I register for a course?
- You can register online using the online registration form For your convenience you may also register in other ways:
To register by fax, complete the printable registration form and fax it to 519 767-1114.
To register by mail, complete the printable registration form and mail it to: Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support University of Guelph 160 Johnston Hall Guelph, Ontario Canada, N1G 2W1
Please let us know the course(s) in which you are interested.
- When should I register?
- Many of our courses fill up quickly and well ahead of the early bird fee cut off date, so you should register early. Registration deadlines are posted on each course offering page, if a course is not full we will accept registration up until the course starts. You should remember that we do not send out course materials until just prior to the course start dates. It can take a week or more for course materials to arrive depending on where you live. International students should allow at least a week for course package delivery. If you wait and register when the course starts, you will not receive course materials until the first week of the course is over. Register early.
- What are the registration deadlines?
- Each offering has its own registration deadline. We do have an early bird course fee to encourage you to register well in advance of the course start date. See the individual course offering pages, or contact us for more information.
- Are there restrictions on who is eligible to take the courses in the Certificate in Equine Business Management?
- The courses in this certificate program are at University level, and the expectations are in line with this. Therefore, participants must either have Grade 12 or equivalent, or be at least 18 years of age.
It is recommended you read the course description carefully, including the information on the intended target audience, to ensure the course is right for you.
- What English proficiency level is required to take these courses?
- The Certificate in Equine Business Management is facilitated in English. In order to understand fully the course materials and increase your chance of success, we strongly suggest you have an English proficiency equivalent to a score of 89 iBT (Internet-based TOEFL) with no band less than 21, or successful completion of the advanced level of the English Language Certificate Program at the University of Guelph.
- How should I prepare my distance education assignment?
- Your course site and student handbook contain specific directions about assignment formats.
Most assignments are submitted via the course site dropbox. Full details on setting up your assignments and how to submit them are provided in your course materials.
- How many assignments will I have to complete?
- The courses in this certificate program have anywhere from two to six assignments, and each assignment has specific requirements and a set due date. Information on your course assignments and assignment deadlines are located in the course outline on the course website and in the course offering page.
- What happens if I can't get my assignment in on time?
- It is important for you to be aware of due dates so that you can complete and submit your assignments in a timely fashion. Instructors may use their discretion to deduct marks for late assignments. Contact your instructor or peer helper in advance of the due date, if possible, if you are unable to complete your assignment on time. Medical documentation may be requested if illness has prevented you from keeping up with your course.
- What if I decide that a course isn't for me?
- If you change your mind about taking a course that you have registered for, you will need to let us know as soon as possible. Review our course cancellation policy. To drop a course you will need to complet a course drop form. Fax the completed Drop Form to notify us of your intent to cancel your enrolment. In order to receive a refund, the form must be received by the cancellation deadline noted in the cancellation policy. Should you decide to not continue after the course drop date, you MUST still complete and send in a Drop Form, informing us of your intentions before the 40th class day to prevent receiving a grade of "F" on your academic record.
- What is the course cancellation policy?
- A full refund will be issued provided the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support receives a completed Drop Form at least 30 calendar days prior to the course start date.
A refund, less a $25.00 administration fee will be issued provided the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support receives a completed Drop Form at least 21 calendar days prior to the course start date.
A refund, less a $75.00 administration fee will be issued provided the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support receives a completed Drop Form within 20 calendar days prior to the course start date or up to the end of the second week of the course.
No refunds will be issued after the second week of the course.
Failure to take part in a course does not constitute notification of withdrawal and will result in forfeiture of the entire course fee.
Your course materials and original receipt must be returned to the Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support for the refund to be issued. Please note textbooks are non-refundable and cannot be returned.
Should you decide not to continue after the course drop date, you must still send in a completed drop form by the 40th class day to avoid academic penalty (receiving a grade of "F" on your academic record). No drop forms are accepted after the 40 th class day. (The Friday in week 8 of each course.)
- What is the grade structure for the courses and what is the structure for granting of certificates?
- The Certificate in Equine Business Management will be issued to those students who successfully pass all five core courses and one elective.
Assignment of course grades in the Certificate in Equine Business Management program is according to the following standards:
80-100 (A) Excellent
70-79 (B) Good
60-69 (C) Acceptable
50-59 (D) Minimally Acceptable
0-49 (F) Fail
Those students achieving a cumulative average of
80% or higher will receive a Certificate with Distinction
70-79% will receive a Certificate with Honours
Passing grade less than 70% will receive a Certificate
- What is the cost of each course?
- The cost of each course in the Certificate in Equine Business Management program is $495.00 Canadian (Early Bird) and $549.00 Canadian (Regular). Please refer to each course offering for Early Bird cut off dates.
Required Textbooks are not included in the tuition fee, and must be purchased by the student prior to the course start date. Textbooks are listed on each of the course offering pages.
There is no discount for registering in all six courses at once.
Registration by credit card converts foreign currencies to Canadian dollars.
- Are Open Learning courses tax deductible?
- Receipts are issued. In Canada, the tuition portion of your course fees may be tax deductible.
- Is there any form of financial assistance available for these courses?
- You may be eligible to receive a bursary award towards an Centre for Open Learning and Educational Support continuing education activity and/or Open Learning program. Visit www.open.uoguelph.ca/bursary for more information.