Abbotsford – UFV is modernizing its non-credit course registration system, making it more flexible, accessible, and responsive to the needs of today’s learners.
For the first time, students looking to take programs and courses through UFV’s School of Continuing Education (CE) and Trades & Technology’s Industry Services department will be able to enroll online with a process that’s designed to be simple and intuitive.
Provided by Modern Campus and called Extended Learning, the system is an Amazon-style add-to-cart experience where students will be able to browse courses, sign in to register, and check out from anywhere, 24/7.
Carolyn MacLaren, CE director, says that the implementation of this system provides a seamless and responsive registration experience for continuing education students.
She says the new process will provide greater access and immediacy for these students through a flexible and user-friendly interface. This is particularly important for CE students who are often juggling multiple demands on their time, upgrading skills and balance schooling with nine-to-five jobs and other obligations.
“I’m very happy we’ll be able to remove a good number of barriers, and if we want to increase the number of students who are enrolling, making it easier for them to register is a positive step.”
It will also make it much easier, she says, to track a student’s learning journey to make sure they’re taking the optimal path to a credential.
“It will allow us to have much tighter relationships with our students and steward their academic journey in a way that academic students have long had access to through their online grad plan,” MacLaren explains.
Extended Learning will be rolling out in phases, starting with CE’s Nursing Unit Clerk, Medical Laboratory Assistant, and Legal Administrative Assistant programs, along with students in the Powerline Technician program offered by UFV Industry Services. Eventually, it will be available to all non-credit students.
Teresa Kisilevich, Dean of Applied and Technical Studies (which encompasses Industry Services), welcomes the change.
“Many of our programs rely on timely access to training, and the new online registration will allow us to meet learners where they are,” she says. “This modernization will strengthen our ability to support industry partners, help workers upskill quickly, and ensure that all educational pathways are seamless and student ready.”
Jessica Cottrill is a program coordinator for CE and has added the role of functional analyst for this project, playing a key role in implementing Extended Learning.
“The non-traditional student experience matters a lot to me, and it’s exciting for me to see UFV providing something that will make that experience better,” she says.
Extended Learning was championed by UFV President James Mandigo when he was serving as Provost. UFV strives to be a student-ready university, committed to being prepared for all students. UFV is focused on their success, and Mandigo says the new system is an investment in that success.
“UFV exists to serve the people of the Fraser Valley, and that means being ready to support the diverse learners who power our region,” Mandigo says. “Whether someone is upgrading their skills or taking their first step into post-secondary education, this simpler and more accessible non-credit registration system helps us open those doors. I’m proud of the work behind this project and excited for how it will strengthen pathways into learning for our entire community.”
