FAQs

Frequently asked questions for Office Administration – Executive

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we have had to make significant changes to how we deliver our programs in order to maintain a high quality learning experience while ensuring the safety of our students and staff.

Only All courses will be delivered remotely for the Fall 2021 semester, with no requirement to be on campus. Faculty will use Zoom, and other virtual tools to teach course materials in a fun and interactive manner. Courses will have some real-time activities where you will meet with your classmates and teacher at a scheduled time, as well as some independent course work to be completed on your own. Class activities may include using breakout rooms for collaborative work, group discussions, or virtual activities. This program is well-suited to remote delivery.

We have also transitioned our services to virtual delivery and we have developed many new resources to support your success, such as our new Student Learning Kit. You may also wish to participate in one of our upcoming virtual events for prospective students to learn more about what’s in-store for you this Fall.

Your timetable is planned to be released on August 6, 2021.

If I enroll in the Office Administration-Executive program, will I have to go to college during the summer months?

Yes. The program is equivalent to a two-year diploma program, but its curriculum has been compressed into a 43-week program. This means students begin their studies in September and complete the program in late August. This is advantageous for students who are eager to get into the workplace more quickly.

I will be funding my studies in part with OSAP. How does the payment schedule work with this compressed program format?

You will receive your OSAP funding in two installments:

  • 1st installment: When you begin your studies (e.g., September)
  • 2nd installment: During your second semester (e.g., January)

What you need to remember is that the Office Administration-Executive compressed program runs for three semesters, back-to-back-to-back. As part of your financial planning, it is important to consider setting aside some of your 1st and 2nd installment of OSAP funding to ensure that you have funds available to pay your third and final semester’s tuition payment. Alternatively, you can put down additional funds on your Algonquin College student account at the time that you receive each OSAP installment to ensure that your third-semester tuition is paid for as of January. Your OSAP funding calculation is based on the fact that you will be in school for 45-weeks which means that each of your OSAP installments should have a great amount of funding based on your study duration.

Does the College assist students with finding a work placement?

Yes. The College does advocate with employers to provide placement experiences for students; however, students must make the effort to secure these placements. This means they must be active in searching for placement opportunities, approach employers, update their resume, and be prepared to be interviewed by employers. At the end of the day, it is the student’s responsibility to secure the placement opportunity.

What is the difference between a secretary and an office administration executive?

While some organizations still refer to the field as secretarial, many have changed the name to Office Administration–Executive to reflect the broader role that office administrators play within an office. Office Administration–Executive graduates are being prepared to take on many roles that are increasingly become more complex, such as managing databases, preparing financial spreadsheets, and delivering presentations to client groups.

What makes a good Office Administrator?

People skills are really important for anyone aspiring to work in the office administration field. While the program will teach students exceptional computer and office management skills, graduates will find employment in a variety of office environments that require them to work within a team. Office Administrators often set the tone for an office and must have excellent customer service skills.

If I take the Business program, after completing the Office Administration – Executive program, will I be eligible for some course exemptions?

Yes, students who have previously taken the Office Administration – Executive, 2-year Compressed Diploma program at Algonquin College, within five years of completion, are eligible for the following advanced standing: exemptions in Level 1 Computer Applications and Level 1 & 2 Communications, Level 2 Computer Application in Accounting and Level 3 General Elective course.