Heritage Institute (Perth)

Our Program

This 45-week Ontario College Diploma program provides students with the theoretical and practical skills required to work as administrative assistants in the public or private sector.

Students acquire knowledge and skills in the formatting and preparation of office documentation utilizing a variety of business computer applications, executive office procedures, customer service, Canadian business and legal concepts, bookkeeping practices and project management.

The curriculum covers courses in keyboarding, communications, manual and automated accounting, spreadsheet and database applications, office procedures and word processing. Emphasis is placed on the practical demands of the job: interacting in the workforce, meeting deadlines, working under pressure, accepting responsibility and demonstrating initiative. Students participate in office environment simulations where they deal with realistic problems and solutions. In the third level of the program, students complete a two-week work experience component.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy working in an office environment.
• Like using computer and technology applications and enjoy a "hands-on" approach to learning.
• Possess good communication (written, verbal, technology) and interpersonal abilities.
• Are well-organized, pay attention to detail and can work effectively under time constraints.
• Are able to sit for extended periods of time.

Back to Top

Your Career

Graduates may find employment in any administrative field within the private and public sectors (corporations, government and associations). Graduates usually find employment as administrative assistants in financial, legal, business or personnel administration. With further experience, they may progress to positions as administrative officers, senior executive assistants or office managers.

Back to Top

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Level: 01		Hours
DAT9101	Exploring Information Technology This course examines the way information technology (IT) enables students to explore topics, expand their knowledge and communicate with people. Features of the Internet, the workings of web browsers and the building of a web page are topics emphasized and discussed. On completion of this course, students acquire practical skills to feel confident working in the Internet environment and more knowledgeable about IT in general.	45.0
ENL9212	Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.	45.0
MAT9002	Introduction to Business Mathematics This course provides students with the fundamental mathematical skills necessary to be successful working in a business/office environment. Course content includes a review of basic mathematical calculations including fractions, decimals, percentages and word problems involving a variety of financial situations. Students learn to use business related calculations including payroll deductions, simple interest and trade discounts.	45.0
OFF9154	Document Production I This introductory course develops students keyboarding speed and accuracy to a minimum rate of 25 words per minute and a production rate of 15 words per minute when working on assigned projects. Keyboarding techniques and proofreading skills are emphasized in formatting basic business letters, memos and reports. Timed production, that meets acceptable business standards, which includes an accuracy rate of 98% or higher, is a course requirement.	75.0
OFF9156	Computer Applications - Text Editing Students use word processing software to produce various documents that follow correct business formats and utilize relevant word processing features. Students learn and are assessed on using basic and intermediate text editing features that enable the manipulation and format of documents in more sophisticated ways. Features, such as file management, search and replace, autocorrect, use of spelling and thesaurus writing tools, headers/footers, page numbering, columns and mail merge are also introduced.	60.0
OFF9161	Social Understanding for Customer Care In this general education course, students examine all aspects of customer care and service, such as effective listening and questioning techniques, how to handle difficult people in a professional manner, and how to represent and assist an organization in problem solving. Students learn to communicate with an awareness of internationally accepted protocols and cultural sensitivities and develop a social understanding of relationships among individuals in society.	45.0
OFF9164	Administrative Procedures In this course, students develop their knowledge of administrative procedures in today's office environment. Topics covered include support staff responsibilities, office ergonomics, time management, postal and courier services, front-line reception and public relations, records management, handling banking transactions, reference sources, research tools, and techniques and the use of computerized office tools. This course uses research projects, discussions, online activities, and simulated on-the-job situations to help students develop the skills and attitude expected of an office professional.	75.0

Level: 02		Hours
ACC9301	Accounting I In this course, students are introduced to the basic principles of financial accounting. Emphasis is placed on what accounting information is, understanding the accounting cycle, recording transactions, payroll concepts and procedures, employer's tax responsibilities, and the preparation and analysis of financial statements. Through simulated business situations students are evaluated on their ability to accurately record financial information and complete the accounting cycle.	60.0
OFF9155	Document Production II This course further develops students' keyboarding speed and accuracy to a minimum rate of 40 words per minute and a production rate of 25 words per minute when working on assigned projects. Further development of formatting skills is achieved by producing a variety of documents, such as tables, letters, memoranda, business reports including outlines and charts using current word processing software. Timed production that meets acceptable business standards, which includes an accuracy rate of 98% or higher, is a course requirement. Prerequisites: OFF9154 and OFF9156	75.0
OFF9163	Computer Applications - Desktop Publishing Students develop an understanding of the design considerations for layout of desktop published documents and are introduced to the sophisticated features used in desktop publishing through computerized software packages. Through instruction, exercises and group work, students develop critical-thinking, decision-making and design skills to produce professional looking documents. Students also learn to organize, illustrate and professionally deliver ideas through the use of presentation software. Students produce a portfolio that demonstrates the concepts learned. Prerequisites: DAT9101 and OFF9156	60.0
OFF9173	Executive Administration I This course further develops students' knowledge of administrative procedures by developing skills in arranging and participating in meetings, making travel arrangements, protecting and preparing documents for distribution and transcribing documents. Students are introduced to the principles of project management and the use of project management software, and apply this knowledge to the planning, coordinating and implementation of an event. This course further develops the ability to complete documents in acceptable business format with emphasis on proofreading, speed and accuracy. Prerequisites: DAT9101 and OFF9154 and OFF9156 and OFF9164 Co-requisites: OFF9155 and OFF9163	90.0
OFF9179	Computer Applications - Spreadsheet Students learn the essential features of spreadsheet software using appropriate software. Through practical applications, proficiency is developed and assessed in preparing, manipulating and presenting numerical data to produce spreadsheets, financial statements, tables, invoices/receipts and charts. Statistical, logical, and financial functions are studied and applied. Prerequisites: DAT9101 and MAT9002	60.0

Choose one from equivalencies:		Hours
GED2210	General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology. Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LFS9178 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or ENL7643 or GED1896 or GED5009 or PSI0003	45.0

Level: 03		Hours
ACC9302	Accounting II - Computer Applications Emphasis is on the use of specialized journals and the production of financial reports. Students use computerized accounting software to create a set of books for a business; customize program settings; record financial data, including payroll and inventory; and perform year-end accounting procedures to complete the accounting cycle. Prerequisites: ACC9301 and DAT9101	52.0
ENL9000	Communication Skills for Business This course gives students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills to a variety of practical, vocation-oriented exercises. Students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication through lectures and independent learning, while practising business writing style and tone; creation of workplace and employment correspondence; preparation for oral presentations; design and delivery of business reports; and exploring other communication skills expected in a business environment. Prerequisites: ENL9212	52.0
LAW9006	Introduction to Law/Business This general education course introduces students to the field of Canadian law and its interaction with business and government. Students study topics in the history, structure, players, process, and ethics of the legal system with topical discussions on current legal, business and government issues. This course uses research projects, group discussions, in-class application and unit assignment activities to help students identify, and understand societal issues and values as reflected in Canadian legal procedures and practices.	52.0
LFS9180	Work Placement This internship is offered to students who qualify. In association with appropriate participating employers, students apply principles and skills learned in the program to actual office situations. Students are responsible for completing a workplace activity log. Prerequisites: ACC9301 and DAT9101 and ENL9212 and MAT9002 and OFF9154 and OFF9155 and OFF9156 and OFF9161 and OFF9163 and OFF9164 and OFF9173 and OFF9179	60.0
OFF9100	Computer Applications - Database Management This course introduces students to the fundamentals of relational database design and develops an understanding of the importance of good table design and effective relationships. Students create and use tables to store information, queries to analyze and report needed information, forms to effectively present information for screen display and reports to professionally present information. Prerequisites: DAT9101	39.0
OFF9177	Executive Administration II This course further develops students' administrative skills. Emphasis is placed on initiative, good judgment, speed and accuracy in the production of a variety of business documents from rough draft and voice files. Simulated office situations involving practical office activities further develop skills in effectiveness and efficiency using office technology. This course reinforces the importance of project planning and documentation, as well as Internet navigation and research skills. Prerequisites: OFF9155 and OFF9163 and OFF9173 and OFF9179 Co-requisites: OFF9100	78.0

Back to Top

Fees & Expenses

Approximate Program Costs

Tuition/Fees: $ 5,822
Books/Supplies: $ 2,350
Incidental Fees: $ 0
Total: $ 8,172



Tuition Fees listed are in effect for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Tuition Fees: $1,612.40 per term.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Student Activity/Sports Fee: $190.50 per term

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term

Health Plan Fee: $114.50 paid once annually.**

A $35 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information, please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/services/it_fee.htm

** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the
request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $2,350 for the program.

Back to Top

Admission Requirements  2012/20132011/2012

Back to Top

Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario
N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should contact their Guidance Office to apply. For all other applicants, applications are available online at ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the
International Student Application Form at
https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
Heritage Institute
7 Craig Street
Perth, ON K7H 1X7
Telephone: 613-267-2859
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723

Back to Top

Additional Information

This non-semestered Full-time day program is offered at the Perth and Pembroke Campuses. It is offered at the Woodroffe Campus as a two-year program. While the learning outcomes at the Woodroffe, Pembroke and Perth Campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of the local circumstances which affect program delivery.

Students in the Office Administration - Executive program must meet a words per-minute typing speed target in order to graduate. Applicants are encouraged to develop keyboarding skills prior to beginning the program.

The Perth Campus is an elearning environment; to ensure your success as a student, we recommend that you bring a current laptop computer to support your studies.

For more information, contact Monique Cochrane or Sandra Marchant, at
613-267-2859 ext. 5608.

Back to Top

Awards & Bursaries

3M Textbook Bursary is open to full-time students in the Office Administration – Executive program, who have demonstrated financial need and are registered in the final semester.

Back to Top