University Classes Offered to Grade 12 Students at U of S

Posted December 11, 2003


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, December 11, 2003 2003-12-04-EXT

University Classes Offered to Grade 12 Students at U of S

The University of Saskatchewan is pleased to announce that grade 12 students
now have the opportunity to enroll in a university-level course while
completing their high school classes.

The Extension Division, in partnership with the College of Arts and Science
and the Department of Geography, is offering Geography 111.3 to academically
talented grade 12 students. Classes begin on February 2, 2004 and the course
will wrap up with the final examination, which will be written in May 2004.

"It is very important for us to give Saskatchewan students the opportunity
to study in their home province," said Walter Archer, Dean of Extension. "We
know that students want to get a head start on their post-secondary
education and we hope that this offering will encourage them to stay here
and study."

"Students will be treated like University students, they will be expected to
spend between six and eight hours a week working on class material. If they
complete the course, they will receive University credit for it."

Geography 111.3 can be counted as a natural science course in all Arts and
Science degree programs at the U of S. It can be used as a social science or
natural science in most of the other degree programs on campus and will also
be transferable for credit at most Canadian universities and colleges.

Tuition for the course is $450 plus $100 for the course guide, lab manual
and textbook.

Students will independently view class lectures on pre-recorded VHS tapes
they can play at school or at home. They will be expected to participate in
weekly computer conferencing sessions online, and complete take home lab
assignments. There are 12 modules, each of which will take approximately one
week to complete.

Academically talented students with basic computer skills and good study
skills are encouraged to apply. As a result of the independent nature of the
study, students across Saskatchewan are eligible.

Application kits can be obtained through high school counselors or from the
Extension Division (by calling 306-966-5563 or email extcred@usask.ca).
Applicants need to include: an application for admission form, a letter of
permission from a parent/guardian, a letter from their guidance counselor or
principal indicating that the student is in Grade 12 and is capable of
completing the work in the specified time period, along with a $75
application fee. This fee will be rebated to students who successfully
complete the class (achieve a grade of 50% or more).

The coursework focuses on the earth as more than just a planet - it is a
complex and dynamic body of air, water, and rock. Students will examine many
of the earth's features including weather, climate, soils and ecosystems and
the implications humans have upon their sustainability. It is co-instructed
by Rod Johnson and Bert Weichel, two very popular instructors who teach
geography both on- and off-campus.

Deadline for applications is January 16, 2004.

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For more information, media are asked to contact:

Bev Chicoine
Director of Marketing and Communications
Extension Division
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1869
Email: beverley.chicoine@usask.ca

Students requesting additional information are asked to contact their school
guidance counselor. Alternatively they can request information by contacting
Shannon Storey at:
Extension Credit Studies
300 Kirk Hall
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8
Tel: (306) 966-2085
Fax: (306) 966-5590
Email: shannon.storey@usask.ca
Website: www.extension.usask.ca