Part One: Course Pamphlet

Schedule of Events

The following schedule provides a brief outline of the events that occur during the course of most projects. Although there may seem to be many steps and check-points, they are for your benefit. Also, the more you know about the procedures, the less the likelihood of anything going awry.

1. The student learns that a project course is available in the Human Services.

2. The student requests the pamphlet for HSRV 455: Project Design I from the program coordinator or from the program assistant.

3. The student is interested in doing an independent study project and submits a proposal to the program coordinator. The student also suggests a project supervisor who ordinarily is a tutor or academic employed by Athabasca University.

4. The program coordinator reviews the suggestion of the project supervisor. If the project supervisor is approved, the program co-ordinator will proceed to step 5. The program co-ordinator has final approval in the selection of a project supervisor.

Note: This is your next step. If you need help or further information please contact the Program Assistant at 1-800-788-9041. You must submit your proposal at least one month before you plan to start the project.

5. The program coordinator reads the proposal and determines if the project is equivalent to three senior-level credits in the Human Services.

1. If so, the program coordinator verifies the acceptability of the suggested project.

2. If not, the program coordinator asks the student to resubmit the proposal with specific changes, consider writing a different proposal, or chooses not to take the course at this time.

6. If the project is deemed suitable, the program coordinator informs the student, asks him or her to register at Athabasca University for HSRV 455

7. Upon registering for the course, the student will be sent a copy of the HSRV 455 Student Manual by Course Materials. The student manual gives information about completing a Learning Contract for this course.

8. Once registered in the course, and paying tuition for a three credit course, refer administrative questions to the BPA Program Assistant at 1-800-788-9041.

9. The student contacts the project supervisor and they meet (in person, by telephone or by email) several times. Together, they agree on a learning contract that states the specific objectives of the project, how the objectives are to be achieved, the evaluation procedure, and the deadline for the project.

10. The learning contract is sent to the program coordinator for approval. The program coordinator receives the original copy of the contract from the student:

    1. If the program coordinator approves the contract, she or he asks the student to submit any remaining fees and proceed.

    2. If the program coordinator does not approve the contract, she or he will give her or his reasons, suggest changes, and then ask the project supervisor and student to reconsider and resubmit the contract.

    Note: The contract must be agreed upon and must reach the program coordinator within two months of the date the student registered in the course.

11. The student works on the project and reports regularly to the project supervisor.

Note: If matters arise that affect the student's ability to complete the learning contract as initially agreed to, the project supervisor is to be contacted immediately. The deadlines in the contract, or the contract itself, may need to be amended.

12. The student submits the project report to the project supervisor by the agreed deadline.

13. The project supervisor evaluates the report. The supervisor prepares written comments and grades, based on the objectives stated in the contract.

14. The project supervisor then submits the course grade to the program coordinator.

15. Following consultation with the project supervisor the program coordinator sends the final comments, the grade, and copy of the report to the student. The program coordinator also provides the Administrative Course Assistant with the final grade form to be submitted to the Office of the Registrar.

16. The program coordinator also asks the student and project supervisor each to complete a "Course Evaluation Questionnaire," and return them to the program coordinator.

Note: It is important that students and supervisors fill in and return these questionnaires. Regular evaluation helps ensure that the course improves over time.

17. The student receives official notification of course completion from the Office of the Registrar.

For further information about the course please contact:

Program Assistant, BPA
Telephone 1-800-788-9041 or write:
Human Services Program
Athabasca University
10030-107th Street,
3rd Floor, North Tower
Edmonton, AB T5J 3E4

For further information about the Human Services program, please contact the Human Services Program Assistant:

Telephone: 1-800-788-9041 or write:
BPA - Human Services
Athabasca University, Edmonton Learning Centre
3rd Floor, 7th Street Plaza
10030 - 107 St.
Edmonton, AB
T5J 3E4