Certificate
Campus: Sault Ste. Marie
Program Code:
8220
Overview
Start Dates: New intakes every week
Do you need your grade 12 equivalency for apprenticeship or employment?
Are you missing a course or two required for admission to a college program?
Have you been out of school for a while and need to brush up on some skills in order to succeed in college, apprenticeship, or the workplace?
If so, the tuition-free Academic Upgrading Program may be a perfect choice! We prepare students for college, apprenticeship, and employment in a supporting adult-learning environment. Complete the English, math or science courses you need to meet the admission requirements for your college program of choice, or earn the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate, which is recognized across Ontario as a Grade 12 equivalency certificate for admission to college or apprenticeship, as well as by many employers as meeting their minimum employment standard. Brush up on keyboarding, digital literacy and computer skills, as well as personal and academic success strategies. Get a taste of college academics by taking one college course tuition-free while enrolled in our program (dual enrollment for qualified ACE students)!
Requirements & Program Information
- Applicants must be 19 years of age or older (some exceptions may apply).
- Applicants must be residents of Ontario.
- Applicants must be fluent in English.
- Applicants must complete assessments to determine eligibility and course placement.
- Applicants must be ready to set goals for their future, commit time and effort to courses and homework, and show progress on a weekly basis.
- Applicants must be able to work independently and ask questions when needed.
Following initial intake and assessment, applicants must complete a training plan and attend registration and orientation prior to starting classes.
Our program runs year-round, and courses are delivered in a self-paced, self-directed classroom or online learning setting with instructors who guide and support students through course content and requirements.
For more information, complete our Initial Intake form online.
Virtual Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Office Location: A0020, Sault College, 443 Northern Ave, Sault Ste Marie
Phone: 705-759-2554, ext. 2433
Facebook: @academicupgradingsaultcollege.ca
Admission process
Once you`ve completed the initial intake process (either online via the form above or in-person), you`ll complete any required assessments to determine placement in English and/or math as well as your readiness for learning. We may assess reading, writing, grammar/punctuation, vocabulary, numeracy, digital technology skills, listening, and/or problem-solving depending on your goals, background, and preferred method of delivery (face-to-face and/or online).
Accommodated placement testing can be provided to those who qualify.
Based on placement results, students will enroll in ACE-level and/or pre-ACE courses.
The Academic Upgrading Program participates in the Literacy Services Planning and Coordination process in the Algoma District. As such, applicants who do not meet our minimum placement testing requirements may be referred or redirected to other literacy service providers whose programs may be better suited to meet their needs.
Contact
WHEN ARE COURSES OFFERED?
Our courses are offered Monday-Friday between 9:30-3:30. We have year-round delivery with a one- or two-week break between terms.
WHEN CAN I START?
Courses are self-directed in an online setting, so you can start at any time. Intake and placement testing occur online, so no appointment is needed. (Placement testing in English and math may be required based on your goals.) Once your eligibility is determined via placement tests and/or transcript review, you will complete the registration and orientation process online. Then you can start your classes!
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
This depends on your placement, the time you spend on your studies, and how quickly you learn. Students may take anywhere from a few months to two years to reach their goals. (See course information chart.)
WHAT WILL IT COST?
- The program is TUITION FREE for most Ontario residents
- Learning materials and textbooks are loaned to students and must be returned in good condition
- A tote with a pen, USB stick, lanyard, and ear buds are provided
WHAT IF I’VE BEEN OUT OF SCHOOL FOR YEARS?
We provide a non-threatening start to higher education via refresher courses in math, English, computers, or student success. Our SEL 93: Foundations course prepares you for the rigors of a college education and aids in balancing academics and personal life.
WHAT IF I’M NOT GOOD WITH A COMPUTER?
Our digital literacy assessment allows you to see which skills you need to develop. Take keyboarding or learn to use word processing, spreadsheets, database, and PowerPoint programs. Earn computer skills certificates in a variety of areas (we’re a Northstar Digital Literacy assessment and delivery site).
I JUST NEED A COURSE OR TWO TO ENTER COLLEGE. CAN YOU HELP?
Yes! Many of our students take just the coursework they need to enter a college program. (See course equivalency sheet for more information.)
HOW DO I ENTER COLLEGE AS A “MATURE STUDENT”?
To see if your current skills in English and/or math qualify you for direct entrance into a college program, you’ll need to write the CAAT test. Save time and money by taking our free placement tests in math or English first to see if you’d be able to pass the CAAT. We offer courses that prepare you for the CAAT, and our students do not pay the CAAT test fee if we refer them to write the CAAT in Student Services.
I HEARD YOU PAY FOR A COLLEGE COURSE? IS THIS TRUE?
Qualified ACE-level students enrolled in Academic Upgrading at Sault College can take a tuition-free, college-level course that counts toward a college certificate or diploma! We will even cover the cost of the textbooks! This is a great opportunity for students to “sample” a college course offering without having to take a full load. Furthermore, by successfully completing a college course required for the student’s intended college program, the student will have a reduced course load in one of the semesters of full-time postsecondary enrolment.
WHAT COURSES DO YOU OFFER?
We offer the following subjects:
- Communications (English)
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Keyboarding
- Digital Literacy
- Student Success
WHAT ARE YOUR COURSES LIKE?
We offer these structures:
- Self-paced, self-directed learning in an online setting
- Self-paced, self-directed learning in a classroom setting
- Traditional classroom setting (for Foundations course) when available
- Computer-based and computer-assisted learning
Program Contact: Academic Upgrading Office, (705) 759-2554 ext 2433, academicupgrading@saultcollege.ca
Tuition free; continuous intake (start any time of the year); self-paced, self-directed learning.
Online substitutes for Academic and Career Entrance courses are available.