Athabasca University, headquartered in Athabasca, Alberta, is a fully accredited institution specialized in the delivery of distance education courses and programs.
Athabasca University was created by the Alberta government in 1970. When it became apparent that the province could not justify building a fourth traditional university, new teaching and learning strategies for post-secondary students were studied. A pilot project was developed between 1972 and 1975, in which students enrolled, as a way of gauging community response to the new style of teaching. Considered to be a success, the University was granted permanent, self-governing status in 1978. In 1984, Athabasca University moved 145 kilometres north from Edmonton to the town of Athabasca where it is now established. There are satellite centres in Calgary and Edmonton. The university has recently concluded an agreement with Lakeland College in Lloydminster, which would make the College an Athabasca satellite centre for business education.
The University has become a leader in distance education. Its flexible programs, geared to continuing education using state-of-the-art communications technology, has attracted participation by students from around the world. The University is a leader in on-line study programs and has a special dedicated web site for that purpose. |
