Program and Course Search

A

Office Administration and Technology - Office Assistant Certificate

Program at a Glance

Length

6 months

Credential

Certificate

Delivery Method

Online

Campus

Online

Intake Dates

Fall

Contacts

Sabrina van Hellemond

Instructor

Phone

1 (250) 352-6601

11363

Direct

1 (250) 505-1363

Contact by email

Have Questions?

Student Recruiters

Direct

1 (250) 304-5071

Contact by email

Overview

Full-time, online, six months—starts every September and completes in February.

Full-time means that you should schedule 35 hours per week for assignments and studying.

The Office Assistant Certificate also has a part-time entry in January. Courses finish at the end of February and then resume in September. This is a perfect gradual start to determine whether the online classroom environment is right for you. Please note that part-time study lengthens completion time and affects student qualification for funding—ask us.

Through hands-on practical experience, you will learn:

Proficient, touch typing
Accounting fundamentals and practices
Up-to-date productivity software, such as Word and Excel
Interpersonal and professional communication skills
Customer service techniques

Professional document production
Employability skills
Personal and office organization
Team-building skills
Professionalism

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate standard administrative skills
Demonstrate workplace related collaborative skills
Explain the legal responsibilities of office personnel in providing a safe and healthy workplace environment
Demonstrate emerging employability skills
Outline the importance of ethical and professional behaviours and conduct themselves accordingly in an academic environment
Demonstrate basic numeracy skills
Apply entry level accounting principles/practices as required
Use technology and software applications to industry standards
Communicate professionally in various formats to a variety of stakeholders
Explain basic customer service theories and techniques

Admission Requirements

In addition to meeting the general entrance requirements for admission to Selkirk College, applicants must meet the following Office Administration and Technology Program requirements:

Office Administration and Technology Certificate (Office Assistant and Bookkeeping Concentrations):

English Studies 11 with a minimum of 60% or higher, or equivalent
For international applicants, IELTS 6.0 overall band score with no band below 5.5, or equivalent on other internationally recognized English Language Proficiency Tests
Any Math 10 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 60%

NOTE: Students that do not meet all admission requirements may complete the College Readiness Tool (CRT) to confirm required math and English levels.

Additional Requirements

The deadline for receiving required documentation is stated in the student’s admissions letter.

An interview (in person or by telephone) with the program coordinator (or designate) may be required before entry to the program.

Where space permits, students may be admitted up to the end of the first week of the course. Admission beyond this point will only be possible with the approval of the instructor(s) involved.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

1. Before an applicant's file is considered to be complete, the following must have been received by the Admissions Department:

a) Completed application form.

b) The appropriate official transcripts.

2. Entry may be limited by admission requirements, space limitations and/or completion of preadmission assessment.

3. Part-time Study
Subject to space limitations, program admission requirements, and course prerequisites, all three programs accommodate part-time study.

Graduation and Promotion

To be promoted a student must achieve a minimum grade of 50% in every course.

The minimal requirement for graduation is a cumulative program GPA of 2.67 or equivalent standard.

PROMOTION

1. To be promoted a student must achieve a minimum grade of "P" in every course.

2. Students must successfully complete the Office Administration & Technology Certificate with a minimum GPA of 2.67 to qualify for entrance to one of the Advanced Certificates.

3. Any student who has left the program because of unsatisfactory performance may be readmitted with the approval of the School Chair or designate after consultation with instructors.

GRADUATION

Credentials:

Office Administration & Technology Certificate - Office Assistant

To be eligible for the Office Administration & Technology Certificate, students must complete all requirements of the certificate within 3 years of entering into the program.
A student who has completed the graduation requirements with a cumulative GPA of 3.67 or better and no "B-" or lower grades in any subject will be designated as graduating with Honours.
The minimal requirement for graduation is a cumulative program GPA of 2.67 or equivalent standard.

Courses

Required Courses

OTEC100 - Online Learner Success

OTEC 100 Online Learner Success (OLS) provides students with a working knowledge of the Moodle online learning platform utilized by all Selkirk College online courses. Students submit assignments, discussion postings, emails, and quizzes to gain experience in working in an online classroom environment. This course is essential for student success in online studies.

Credits

0.50

OTEC110 - Keyboarding I

OTEC 110 Keyboarding I provides students with the necessary techniques to keyboard accurately at a minimum of 35 net words per minute using the alpha and numeric keyboard. Starting with finger placement, students learn how to type alphabetic keys, numbers, punctuation and symbols quickly, accurately, and without looking at a keyboard. This course or the equivalent skill is essential for those interested in an office career and for subsequent computer courses where keyboarding is required.

Credits

0.50

OTEC115 - Administrative Computer Applications

OTEC 115 Administrative Computer Applications introduces essential computer skills required in any office career. Students learn terminology and how to use popular computer applications utilizing the Windows operating system. File Explorer, Windows Accessories, web browser basics, web navigation and research, internet security, blogs and social media are covered. Students also learn email etiquette and how to use Microsoft Outlook for composing, sending and receiving email messages, managing contacts, task creation, and calendar scheduling.

Credits

1.50

OTEC120 - Business Math and Calculators

OTEC 120 Business Math and Calculators teaches the touch method of calculator use, explains common calculator features, and emphasizes business and personal problem solving. Multiplication, division, the memory function, decimals, fractions, percentages and discounts are all introduced as well as the metric system and conversions. Students use practice drills throughout the course to enhance speed and accuracy.

Corequisites

None

Credits

1.00

OTEC130 - Business English for Professionals

OTEC 130 Business English for Professionals focuses on correct English usage in a business environment and provides students with a comprehensive study of grammar, punctuation, and style, as well as business spelling and vocabulary development. This course is essential for students seeking successful careers in management, administration, communication, and related areas in which a high level of English language skill is required.

Credits

2.00

OTEC135 - Business Communications

OTEC 135 Business Communications is designed to teach students how to plan, organize, and write accurate and effective reader-friendly business documents appropriate for use in today's global business environment. Design and strategies are covered for various business letters, memos, reports, proposals and electronic messages. A situational focus groups business communications into three categories: daily, persuasive, and negative. Practicing techniques for all three, students learn to communicate and respond effectively and professionally in a variety of workplace situations.

Credits

1.50

OTEC140 - Administrative Procedures

OTEC 140 Administrative Procedures - students will master essential organizational skills and develop efficient office practices in preparation for entry into the contemporary office. Preparing students for the office environment that requires workers to communicate effectively, think critically, apply problem-solving skills, and work effectively with other members of the office team. Students will look at the rapid pace of change in the office of today and understand office workers need the ability to develop new skills and understand new processes as jobs evolve.

Credits

1.50

OTEC150 - Word Processing I

OTEC 150 Word Processing I is designed to teach students basic functions of a word processing program as well as how to properly format business documents including letters and memorandums. Business standards in all documents are upheld throughout the course. Microsoft Word software is utilized as the learning platform; however, skills can be transferred to most word processing programs.

Credits

1.50

OTEC151 - Word Processing II

OTEC 151 Word Processing II is a continuation of Word Processing I and is designed to progress students beyond the basic functions of a word processing program to further enhance documents. Students are introduced to some of the more advanced features of Word including automating formatting, utilizing special Word features, merging documents, and customizing documents. Business standards in all documents are upheld throughout the course. Microsoft Word software is utilized as the learning platform; however, skills can be transferred to most word processing programs.

Prerequisites

OTEC 150 or equivalent with a minimum of 60%

Credits

1.50

OTEC153 - Spreadsheets

OTEC 153 Spreadsheets provides students with a working knowledge of electronic spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. Students will learn how to design, create, modify, and present professional-looking spreadsheets for use in today's workplace. Exercises include using formulas and built-in functions to solve mathematical problems. Students will also learn how to illustrate and present spreadsheet data in graphic form.

Credits

1.50

OTEC160 - Human Relations

OTEC 160 Human Relations concentrates on personal and professional development skills needed by workers in today's workplace. Students will study and practice these skills including self-examination and assessment, self-motivation and goal setting, stress management, time management, effective communication, interpersonal skills, handling conflict, client relations, teamwork, problem solving, and an understanding of business ethics.

Credits

1.00

OTEC161 - Service Delivery

OTEC 161 Service Delivery concentrates on development of fundamental customer service skills required by workers in today's office. Students acquire skills including self-assessment, understanding and controlling barriers to customer service, determining customer needs, problem solving, developing opportunities, empowerment, effective communication, self-motivation and goal setting, and the use of technology. Customer-focused companies are profiled to examine how they promote excellence in customer service.

Credits

1.00

OTEC162 - Employability Skills

OTEC 162 Employability Skills will help students develop successful job search strategies for today's competitive and changing job market. Topics include self-assessment, workplace skills, creating on online presence, job search strategies and research, using the Internet for job search and career planning, networking, resumes, employment-related communications, application forms, portfolios, and interviews. Students also explore the role of human resources, occupational health & safety, employment standards, and Worksafe BC.

Credits

1.50

OTEC170 - Bookkeeping I

OTEC 170 Bookkeeping I provides students with an introduction to manual accounting. Emphasis is placed on fundamental accounting principles and their application in day-to-day business situations. This course is based on a service business organized as a sole proprietorship. Students cover basic bookkeeping skills including double-entry general journal entries, posting to the general ledger, preparing a trial balance, recording adjustments in a ten-column worksheet, producing period-end financial statements, closing the temporary accounts, maintaining petty cash, and preparing bank reconciliations.

Credits

2.00

Policy

Effective Term:

Fall

Effective Year:

20240801

Advanced Standing:

For more information, see Policy 8614: Advanced Standing.

Re-Entry Instructions:

1. Students, who withdraw from their program, may apply to re-enter within one year of departure.

2. Priority for re-entry will be given as follows:

a) Students who interrupted their program for illness or compassionate reasons.

b) Students who failed to meet program requirements for promotion.

Assessment:

This Program uses the Standard Academic and Career Grading Table and Competency Based Grading Table. To view all College grading tables, see Policy 8612: Grading.

Grading Table:

Standard Academic and Career Programs

Types of Assessments:

1. Assessments

a) Students are expected to complete the course outcomes independently and with original work unless specified otherwise by the instructor.

b) Students are assessed and graded for each course outcome as indicated in the respective course outline.

c) Exams, labs, group or individual projects, assignments, presentations, professionalism and other evaluative activities are weighted and averaged as indicated in the respective course outline.

d) Missed assignments and tests will receive a zero mark if not submitted. However, in some courses it may be mandatory to submit all assignments to an acceptable level and/or to write all exams in order to receive credit for the course. If accepted, late assignments may be subject to penalty.

e) Individual course outlines may have other specific requirements for assignments, grades, and/or examinations.

2. Examinations

a) In some courses, students must receive a passing grade on specified exams in order to pass the course. The details will be explained in the applicable course outlines.

b) Students may be allowed to make alternative exam arrangements, with the appropriate instructor, for valid and verifiable reasons such as medical emergency, family bereavement, or jury duty.

Attendance:

A. PARTICIPATION

1. Participation Responsibilities

a) Students are required to follow course schedules and participate in online class discussions on a regular basis. Punctual submissions of all of the scheduled learning activities are expected of all students.

b) Where absenteeism adversely affects a student’s progress and performance, behavioural probation and/or withdrawal from the program may result.

c) Students planning an extended absence from the course must notify or make arrangements with their instructor in advance. Instructors are not obligated to provide alternative instruction or assessments in order to accommodate student absences. Failure to notify the instructor may result in withdrawal from the course.

d) See individual course outlines for any additional attendance and participation requirements.

Professional Requirements:

Student Conduct

a) Students are expected to behave in a professional manner while in class and/or on Moodle. This includes being respectful of and contributing to the learning environment in accordance with the student code of conduct. For additional information, see Policy 3400: Student Code of Conduct-Rights and Responsibilities.

b) Students are expected to be prepared for all classes prior to its start. Assigned materials are to be completed by students; such materials and textbooks are not necessarily reviewed page by page by the instructor.

c) The student is responsible for researching and obtaining notes of missed sessions. Instructors will not provide personal reviews to students for missed material.

d) See individual course outlines for any additional professional requirements.