Frequently Asked Questions
Sault College offers a number of courses and certificate programs on an Independent Study basis. With this learning method, you can start anytime. Upon registration, a facilitator will be assigned to you for the duration of
your course. This mode of learning is truly independent and requires that you be very self-motivated and disciplined. It is advisable to set aside specific times for study and assignments weekly. Many students have found that having a mentor available, someone with whom you can discuss concepts and course material, is a great benefit to their learning experience.
Independent Study is print-based for the most part. Assignments and exams are returned through the mail or by email. The advantage of this type of learning method is that you can set your own schedule and select your own place of study. Courses are 16 weeks long. The schedule for your assignments, tests, or exams will be determined in consultation with your facilitator.
Here are some frequently asked questions:
When can I register for an Independent Study course?
You can register at any time by calling 705-759-6700 (option #3) or toll free 1-800-461-2260.
How soon after registering can I expect to start my course?
About three weeks after Sault College receives your registration, you will receive, by mail or email, the name of the facilitator assigned to you and instructions on how to contact your facilitator.
How do I get my course material?
Your course material needs to be ordered as soon as you register for your course from www.saultshop.ca. Check the Help/Faq section of Efollett for more information. Letters from sponsoring agencies declaring their intent to pay for materials on behalf of the students are also accepted.
The material is listed for each course under the Subject area. The course material needs to be paid independently of the course fee unless otherwise stated. The Campus Shop will send your course materials via Purolator if you have a street address. If you have a P.O. Box address, the Campus Shop will contact you with further instructions. All prices quoted are subject to change.
If your material arrives damaged or incomplete, please contact the Campus Shop within two days of receipt of the material. To receive a refund for a manual/textbook, materials must be unopened, unmarked and returned
within five days of receipt of the material. Refunds will not be processed without the packing slip or receipt.
Study Guides that are printed in-house cannot be returned. Return materials directly to the Campus Shop, Sault College, 443 Northern Avenue, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 4J3.
How do I receive and send materials?
You and your facilitator will discuss receipt of your assignments and exams. You may send your work via email or by post, depending upon your location and computer access.
How much help can I expect from my course facilitator?
Upon receipt of your materials, you will be asked to contact your facilitator to let him/her know that you have your materials to start your course. At that time, you and your facilitator will go over course requirements and evaluation details. Feedback from your facilitator is generally given when assignments are returned. However, some facilitators encourage email or telephone contact if you are having difficulty. If you are having difficulty with the course content, you may want to hire a tutor.
How long can I take to complete a course?
You have sixteen weeks from the start date listed on your receipt. Extensions will be granted at the discretion of your facilitator.
If my course has an exam, how do I set that up?
Your facilitator will let you know about tests and exams required for your course. If you live outside of Sault Ste. Marie, you will need to find an exam proctor approved by your facilitator. When you have done this, you will be
required to let your facilitator know of the following: name and occupation of the invigilator, location of the university/college/library where the exam will be written, fax number or address (to direct the exam) and date and start time of the exam. Your facilitator will then forward the exam to the proctor at the agreed time.
How do I get a tax receipt?
Your Income Tax Receipt (T2202A) will be available to you through my.saultcollege.ca (student portal) mid-February for eligible courses taken in the previous year. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing my.saultcollege.ca, please use Firefox internet browser. You will need your student number and use welcomepostalcode as your password to access the student portal.
How do I receive my final grade?
Your instructor submits your final grade to Sault College once it is calculated. (Instructors must post grades within 3 weeks of the end date of your course.) You can view your final grade report at my.saultcollege.ca (student portal). If you are experiencing difficulty accessing my.saultcollege.ca, please use Firefox internet browser. You will need your student number and use welcomepostalcode as your password to access the student portal.
Can I withdraw from the course? Transfer?
You have one week after your course start date to withdraw and receive a full refund less a $15.00 administration fee. Please let the Registrar’s Office know at 705-759-6700 (option #3) if you choose to withdraw or transfer as soon as possible.
Contacts for Independent Study courses:
Continuing Education
Room A1150, 705-759-2554, Ext. 2658 or Ext 2612
continuingeducation@saultcollege.ca or ontariolearn@saultcollege.ca