Online Course Procedures

Effective July 15, 2013

1.0 Registering for a course

Students can register online for AFOA Canada’s Certified Aboriginal Financial Management (CAFM) courses, Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator (CAPA) courses and Professional Development courses on our website at www.afoa.ca.

2.0 Course Registration

Students can register for any AFOA Canada online course. Students may register in as many AFOA Canada online courses as they wish. However, AFOA Canada cautions students that taking more than one course while balancing a full-time job and their personal and professional lives can be challenging. If the student wishes to enrol in more than one AFOA Canada online course, that student understands these risks and does not hold AFOA Canada accountable.

Upon receiving a course registration, AFOA Canada will forward an email to students confirming registration in the chosen course. The e-mail will include the course fee invoice/receipt, the AFOA Canada Online Course Policy, Student Integrity Policy, Course Withdrawal Form, information on orientation and an AFOA Membership Application Form (if not a current member).

IMPORTANT: AFOA requires that course payments be received in full by the semester start date. If payment is not received by a semester start date, on-line course access will not be granted. If payment is not received by the end of the 1st week of the semester, the student will automatically be withdrawn from the course.

Textbooks. If a student is registering for CAFM 3: Aboriginal Business Law, CAPA 2: Leadership or CAPA 4: Communications, there are required books that must be ordered online. AFOA Canada will provide information on how to order the book. However, the student is responsible for ordering the required textbooks in advance, that is prior to the course start date.

3.0 Course Orientation

Approximately two weeks before a semester start date, AFOA will forward the student an orientation information/guide for the course in which the student is registered. The guide offers step-by-step assistance on how to navigate the online course portal.

All students new to an AFOA online course are strongly encouraged to participate in an orientation session. You will be contacted by AFOA Canada via email or by phone to schedule an orientation.

4.0 Accessing the AFOA Online Site

AFOA online courses are delivered on the AFOA website at www.afoa.ca. AFOA will provide each student with a username and password to access their course(s). This username and password will only allow access to the course(s) in which the student is registered.

It is the responsibility of each student to provide their own computer system and internet access to the AFOA Canada online courses for which they are registered.

Students require “full access” to the Internet – including the ability to upload and download both Microsoft Word and PDF files – and access to a web browser. “High-speed” internet access is recommended. The course administrator is available during AFOA Canada regular business hours weekdays from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm (EST) to assist students with online navigation, and Education program related questions. Instructors will advise students of their preferred office hours each semester, students will be provided with instructor contact information for questions relating to course work. AFOA Canada is not responsible for system problems generated outside of the AFOA Canada server and Internet provider, or personal computer problems.

5.0 Scheduling

AFOA Canada reserves the right to alter, reschedule or cancel an AFOA Online course at any time. Students will be notified of any cancellations prior to the course start date. Those registered for a course cancelled will be given the option of a full refund of course fees or credit towards another course, not including interest.

6.0 Fees

AFOA Canada membership is not a requirement for course registration, although the course registration fees are offered at a discounted rate for AFOA Canada members. Should a non-member wish to register for a course as a member, the student must include their membership application form and payment along with their online course registration form and payment. Should a student register for an online course as a non-member, and decide later that he/she would like to take advantage of the member rate, this must be done within two weeks from the course start date. The student (or employer) will be reimbursed the difference.

All course fees are subject to applicable taxes unless AFOA Canada is provided with appropriate proof of exemption. Fees include access to the online course material, instruction, and evaluation of assignments submitted. The online course registration fee does not include any required textbooks.

Payment methods include personal or corporate cheque, or major credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex). There will be a charge of $37.50 plus applicable taxes for NSF cheques.

Course Fees:
Member Rate is $575 per course
Non-Member Rate is $695 per course

Textbooks:
Please note that CAFM 3, CAPA 2, CAPA 4 online courses require textbooks and are not included in the Online Course fee. It is the responsibility of the student to acquire these books before the course starts.

7.0 Cancellation Policy

Before the course starts:
AFOA will provide a full refund for cancellations received in writing within 5 days of the AFOA semester start date.

After 5 days of the AFOA semester start date, students will receive a refund minus a $250 administration fee plus applicable taxes

If a cancellation is received after the 3rd week into the semester, there is no refund.

8.0 Withdrawal Options

Once the course starts:
For students who feel that they are unable to complete the course during a session, a signed withdrawal form must be completed by the student and submitted to AFOA Canada. If the withdrawal form is submitted one week after and before the end of the 3rd week of the semester, the student will be eligible for a refund minus a $250 administration fee plus applicable taxes. The student will receive a VW (Voluntary Withdrawal) on their AFOA Canada transcript. If the student wishes to take the course again, full course fee payment would be required and the student must take the entire course from the beginning.

For students who withdraw from the course after the 3rd week of the semester, a signed withdrawal form is also required. However, no refund will be given after the 3rd week. The student will receive a DNC (Did Not Complete) on their AFOA Canada transcript. If the student wishes to take the course again, full course fee payment would be required and the student must take the entire course from the beginning.

9.0 Completion of the course

Students are responsible for submitting their assignments to the course instructor on or before the assigned due date.

It is the responsibility of each student to seek advice/help from the AFOA staff and/or instructor where required.

Enrollment in any AFOA Online course session may be limited to ensure ample opportunity for full participation of all students.

Upon completion of the course, all students will be issued an official transcript.

Final grades are recorded in the AFOA Canada database as a final percentage achieved.

Final grades less than 65% will be recorded as a failed final grade on the course.

Students who do not meet the required 65% for a passing final grade in a course are eligible for a 20% discount of the total course fee for that course if they wish to attempt the course again. Only those students who received a grade less than 65% are eligible for the discount; students who receive a VW (voluntary withdrawal) or a DNC (did not complete) are not eligible for the 20% discount and must pay the course fee in full upon re-enrollment.

Withdrawal Codes

Code	Code Names	Description
C	Cancel	Students cancelling within the first week or the course is cancelled. No mention on transcript.
CT	Cancel/Transfer	Students transferring to another course. Registration and course fees paid transferred to new course. No mention on transcript.
VW	Voluntary Withdrawal	Students withdrawing within the first 3 weeks of the semester. An administrative fee of $250 is applicable and a refund issued. They receive a VW on their transcript. Full course fee is due upon registration in another semester.
DNC	Did Not Complete	Student withdraws from course after the 3rd week of the semester. No refund. They receive a DNC on their transcript. Full course fee is due upon registration in another semester
F or 65 or lower	Fail	Students who fail a course or who do not submit a withdrawal form. Student will receive a failed percentage grade on their transcript. Student may retake the course at a 20% discount.