Discovering new worlds at School of Extended Learning
The School of Extended Learning (SEL) is one of Concordia’s best kept secrets — it offers a wide range of programs and services, including a new series of complementary credit courses in business.
“These courses are for people who didn’t think it was possible to take one course at a time that is immediately applicable in the workplace,” explains Richard Bastien, the school’s director of special projects at its recent open house, held to promote greater awareness of the SEL’s offerings.
Anna Lucia works full-time in information technology sales. She attended the open house to find out more about marketing courses, and how they might help her take the next step forward in her career. “I’ve been in sales for a long time,” said Lucia. “I want to find out what courses would give me better skills.”
Professor Nick Papatheodorakos recommended Lucia begin with a course in marketing fundamentals. “That will give you an idea of where you might want to focus, and how it might parlay with your present job or maybe future positions in another department, because it identifies all the fields.”
The School is also expanding its online offerings, beginning with a certificate in marketing practices, available entirely online beginning this fall. “Our goal is to respond to the needs of the community,” says instructor Robert Soroka. “Online courses allow us to reach a segment we wouldn’t otherwise be able to reach.”
According to Bastien, complementary courses are also useful for people who want a university- level education and a certificate that matches their career aspirations, but don’t necessarily want to commit to a three-year bachelor’s degree. Students from non-business university programs may also appreciate acquiring hands-on business skills needed for their careers.
Bastien also pointed out that these courses may provide an opening for people to return to university for a degree, if that’s their goal. Although complementary courses can’t be applied to a university degree, in some cases they can be used as a basis for admission.
“If they do well in our certificate courses, it’s possible that they can qualify as mature students, take some make-up courses, and be accepted into a program.” He encouraged those wishing to find out more about how to re-enter university to speak to one of the school’s academic advisers.
Other programs
The school offers numerous programs and courses outside of business. Elizabeth Huerdler, an administrative assistant with the Missing Children’s Network, is interested in learning more about the school’s courses in Adobe Photoshop.
“I use Photoshop every day, but only its basic functions,” she explains. “I want to further develop my abilities. It’s such a big program!”
Huerdler already has a diploma from Vanier College in document design and multimedia. Her profile fits the type of student the school is attracting: someone who may already be working or has a degree but who wants to upgrade particular skills.
Instructor Antonio Teoli has been teaching at Concordia’s Centre for Continuing Education (now under the umbrella of the School of Extended Learning since its establishment in 2007) for three decades. He says the clientele for his courses has changed considerably over the years.
“Before, people would come in after the holidays and sign up to learn how to use their cameras. That clientele is pretty much gone,” he says. “Now we get people who either want to pursue a career in photography, or who have gone through the Department of Studio Arts here at Concordia and want to acquire hands-on experience.”
Instructor Richard Anber says the program is mainly geared towards commercial photography: wedding, portrait, product and fashion photography. “When you get out, you’ll have the technical knowledge you need to begin working.”
Language classes
Language instructors were also on-site at the open house to outline the many different courses offered through the Language Institute, including the popular eight-level English intensive program. Each level lasts 240 hours. Once students complete the program, they achieve an acceptable language level for admission to the university.
“We’ve really become an entry point to the university,” says instructor Kevin Stanley. “We get students ready with critical thinking skills, academic research and writing.”
“Socialization is also a key component of the language classes taught at the school,” he adds, saying the students are encouraged to participate in all sorts of extracurricular activities. “They have to learn how to live and function here. This is an important aspect of what they learn at the school.”
The centre also offers part-time English or French courses in the evenings and Saturdays for those professionals who also wish to improve their language skills.
Related links:
• School of Extended Learning
• “Visiting Students Soak up Montreal Culture, School of Extended Learning Offers Students Unique Learning Opportunity” - NOW, July 25, 2011