UBC Certificate in Professional Communication Program Handbook

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UBC Certificate in

Professional Communication

Program Handbook

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Contact Information

UBC Certificate in Professional Communication UBC Continuing Studies

Writing Centre Ponderosa Annex C 2021 West Mall Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2

Registration and Student Services Tel: 604.822.9564

Fax: 604.822.0886

Email: [email protected] Web: cstudies.ubc.ca/writing

This program handbook is current as of November 2013. Note that future editions of this program handbook may contain changes to program requirements and policies.

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Program Overview

The UBC Certificate in Professional Communication, offered by the UBC Continuing Studies Writing Centre, provides a flexible program in professional communications for recent college graduates, UBC co-op students, working professionals, internationally-educated professionals, managers, business owners, entrepreneurs, self-employed consultants, and other students who handle masses of information in different media and need to communicate persuasively and effectively. As working professionals, they may face serious legal, professional, and personal consequences in failing to communicate their own or their company’s message. They may have professional or technical

expertise, but they may lack practical skills in producing written documents. They may also be pursuing other professional accreditation opportunities with which this program would overlap or support.

The UBC Certificate in Professional Communication consists of core courses and electives, as well as the opportunity for individual consultations or coaching for all students. Through the courses and support, students learn core competencies, key strategies, and practical skills in professional communications including business writing, creating presentations, public speaking, and participating in teams or meetings. Topics include engaging in strategic conversations, using narrative or storytelling in the corporate context, collaborative writing, web writing, blogging, creating e-portfolios, and publishing. Students are required to take an elective course in academic, creative or personal writing, so they strengthen core competencies and employability skills in critical thinking, creativity/problem solving, and writing.

Students have access to additional support from professional tutors who work with the program. These tutors engage with the students virtually and assess their work in each course, as well as offer a final assessment on their e-portfolio. The tutors may offer guidance and feedback on the students’ work during the program.

This part-time program consists of classroom-based and/or online courses. There is an option for local and international students to complete the certificate program 100% online.

The UBC Certificate in Professional Communication focuses on both broad and specific learning outcomes:

 Write clearly, concisely and correctly for a variety of audiences and in a variety of media, in professional contexts – for business, government, science, and technology.

 Apply business conventions and formats for specific writing tasks.

 Develop confidence, creativity, and communication skills in producing business correspondence, reports, proposals, presentations, speeches, and other documents.  Utilize digital platforms for communicating and recording information and ideas.

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UBC Certificate in Professional Communication 2

Program Benefits

The UBC Certificate in Professional Communication provides students with practical strategies and skills to communicate effectively and persuasively. The certificate program offers a flexible lea rning

environment with both classroom-based and online courses and individual consultations or coaching for all students. The skills that students may develop include writing in a variety of media,

communicating in contextually specific ways, and best practices for sharing information.

The program design is based on feedback from instructors and a program advisory committee, as well as some market research on core competencies and skills required by professionals and employers. According to the Business Council of BC’s biennial survey, local employers in all major sectors are looking for these top ten skills in employees: speaking/listening, judgment/decision making, teamwork, problem solving, writing, critical thinking, flexibility/adaptability, planning/ time management,

computer competency, and efficient use of technology and tools (2010).

The program focuses on key business communication principles, strategies, and skills for professionals working in a diverse work environment and job market. The UBC Certificate in Professional

Communication will meet an increasing demand by working professionals looking to build on core competencies and transferable skills in business and professional communications.

Program Objectives

The UBC Certificate in Professional Communication focuses on these beneficial outcomes:  apply general principles of communications, grammar, and style in all types of writing  apply business writing strategies for producing emails, letters, reports, and other documents  build confidence and skills for preparing and delivering effective presentations

 employ techniques for using narrative and storytelling to share knowledge, engage employees, and lead teams or organizations

 develop skills in collaborative writing and working with teams

 demonstrate critical thinking, creativity, writing, and editing skills for producing polished documents

 use technical and scientific writing skills to produce publications  examine new technologies and use social media

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Who Should Take This Program?

This program benefits students who are:

 recent college graduates  UBC co-op students  working professionals

 internationally-educated professionals  managers

 business owners  entrepreneurs

 self-employed consultants

 those handling masses of information in different media and need to communicate persuasively and effectively.

Students do not need to be native speakers of English in order to be fully engaged in and benefit from this program. However, English is the primary language of instruction for Writing Centre courses. All prospective students are required to have a minimum level of English. Non -native English speakers may be asked to demonstrate a score of 570 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL exam (88 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL), or equivalent English language proficiency test results.

Program History

The Writing Centre developed this program based on student and employer demand and recent literature underscoring the importance of strong writing skills in professional contexts. This program was developed based on the 20 years’ worth of experience the Writing Centre has in designing quality programs with input and guidance from an advisory committee made up of pro fessionals from a variety of fields, including consulting, high technology, and sustainability.

About the Writing Centre

The Writing Centre supports students as they work to tell a story, share information, make a request, change a life, or do any of the infinite things that words are capable of. For the past 20 years, the Writing Centre has offered courses in creative, professional, and academic writing that help students to reach writing goals and craft their words into stories and communications that a re powerful, elegant, and memorable.

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About UBC Continuing Studies

UBC Continuing Studies is an academic unit that inspires curiosity, develops ingenuity, stimulates dialogue and facilitates change among lifelong learners locally and internationally. We an ticipate and respond to emerging learner needs and broaden access to UBC by offering innovative educational programs that advance our students' careers, enrich their lives, and inform their role in a civil and sustainable society

In addition to the Certificate in Professional Communication, UBC Continuing Studies offers numerous other programs for professional and career development, including:

 UBC Certificate in Translation and Interpretation  UBC Certificate in Digital Content and Communications  UBC Certificate in Organizational Coaching

 UBC Certificate in Immigration: Laws, Policies, and Procedures  UBC Certificate in Intercultural Studies

Format and Curriculum

Program Format

The UBC Certificate in Professional Communication requires a minimum of 150 c ourse hours consisting of five required core courses and three electives delivered in-class and online on a part-time basis throughout the year. There may also be some flexibility in terms of the core course selection if a student has needs that differ greatly from those met by the core courses; for example, if a student is changing careers from one that focuses on reports to one that focuses on marketing, we may allow a switch from Introduction to Business Writing to Creative and Persuasive Copywriting. Th e courses that make up the certificate program may change over time to reflect the changing needs of participants and the evolution of the program.

Core courses include business writing, report writing, public speaking, grammar and writing with style. The electives include Writing Centre courses in academic, creative and personal writing, so participants develop further their critical thinking, creativity/problem solving, and writing skills.

Students are encouraged to take introductory courses prior to advanced courses to help them build on their knowledge and skills to prepare them for more advanced studies in professional communications. The UBC Continuing Studies Writing Centre can provide guidance to students on the most appropriate order in which to complete courses and the electives that will be of the greatest benefit for their needs. Please see the suggested program pathways under Sample Programs.

In-class and online courses are offered on a weekly basis in the fall term (September to December), winter term (January to April), and spring/summer terms (May to August).

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To be granted the UBC Certificate in Professional Communication, students must successfully complete the five required courses and three elective courses, and demonstrate confidence, cr eativity and competence in professional communications. Students will be assessed on participation, assignments, projects, and tests. The assignment criteria will be made clear in the individual course outlines. There is also a final assessment of each student’s e-portfolio. This portfolio incorporates one piece of writing and a learning reflection piece from each course taken, built up as students complete individual courses. Support for creating the e-portfolio is available through an online module that students have ongoing access to during the duration of the program.

Students need to earn a minimum passing grade of 60% in each course and on the final e -portfolio to complete the requirements of the program. Students must complete all requirements for g raduation within two years of admission to the program.

Length of Program

Participants must complete all requirements for graduation within two years. Under exceptional circumstances, a student who withdraws can apply the next year for re-admission. In some cases, students may also be able to apply previously completed Writing Centre courses towards their

certificate, which may impact the length of their participation in the program. These exceptions require special approval by the Director.

Curriculum

The program includes five core required courses for a strong foundation in professional

communications and related competencies, plus elective courses that offer more focus on specific topics and skills.

Required Courses

 Introduction to Business Writing  Report and Business Writing

 Preparing Presentations and Public Speaking

 Getting Ahead with Grammar (required for EAL students) or Writing with Style  Writing Under Pressure or Advanced Composition

Elective Courses

For the UBC Certificate in Professional Communication, students are able to choose three electives from a variety of options. One of these courses needs to be a course that focuses on creative communication and at least one needs to be a professional writing course, including journalism.

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Pathway for Students on an Executive Track

Writing with Style Advanced Composition

Introduction to Business Writing

Strategic Conversations and Meetings

Report and Business Writing Preparing Presentations

Creative Writing: Fundamentals of Great Writing Using Narrative and Storytelling in Corporate Contexts As the program continues, new courses may be developed based on research or surveys of essential employability skills and core competencies, including transferable skills in professional communications plus specialized skills for specific professions. For example, customized courses on scientific or technical writing may be offered for medical or engineering professionals. Some of these courses may include discussions and exercises on intercultural topics.

Potential Electives:

 Using Narrative and Storytelling in Corporate Contexts  Collaborative Writing and Writing in Teams

 Strategic Conversations and Meetings  Technical Writing

 Creating and Sustaining Your Blog  Scientific Writing

 Writing for Graduate Students  Freelance Article Writing

 Creative Writing: The Fundamentals of Great Writing

 Writing Creative Non-Fiction: Literary Journalism and Beyond  Creative and Persuasive Copywriting

Sample Program Pathways

The pathways for each student are up to the individual and therefore will differ, but below are samples illustrating how the program can be customized to meet specific needs. Required courses are indicated in bold type.

Pathway for Students in Tech Sectors

Getting Ahead with Grammar Advanced Composition

Introduction to Business Writing

Technical Writing Scientific Writing

Report and Business Writing

Collaborative Writing

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Pathway for Students in Administration

Getting Ahead with Grammar Introduction to Business Writing Advanced Composition

Strategic Conversations and Meetings

Using Narrative and Storytelling in Corporate Contexts

Preparing Presentations

Collaborative Writing

Pathway for Students in Healthcare

Introduction to Business Writing Report and Business Writing

Scientific Writing Technical Writing Collaborative Writing

Pathway for Students in Marketing

Creative Writing: Fundamentals of Great Writing Using Narrative and Storytelling in Corporate Contexts

Introduction to Business Writing Report and Business Writing

Creative and Persuasive Copywriting

Pathway for Students in Science

Writing for Graduate Students

Introduction to Business Writing Preparing Presentations

Scientific Writing

Freelance Article Writing

Changes to Curriculum

The learning objectives, subject areas, topics, speakers and assignments that make up the program may change over time to reflect the needs of program participants, new best practices and technologies, and the best use of University resources. The program may also change in duration, number of instructional hours or requirements for completion. If the curriculum changes, the total cost of the program may also change to reflect the actual costs of program delivery.

If a change occurs, students who are already enrolled in the program will still be able to complete the program under the original requirements at the time of registration.

To receive the UBC Certificate in Professional Communication, participants must complete the required curriculum and the number of instructional hours that are compulsory at the date they are admitted to the program.

Availability of Program Courses

Course availability varies from year to year, depending on demand and availability of resources an d instructors.

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Instructors

Courses in the UBC Certificate in Professional Communication are taught by instructors from a variety of professional backgrounds, all of whom bring practical experience and academic credentials into the classrooms. The Writing Centre employs instructors who are not only outstanding in their fields but are also outstanding communicators and teachers.

Workload Expectations

The UBC Certificate in Professional Communication is intended to be a part -time program for working adults, or those with significant other responsibilities. For success in the program, students are expected to attend at least 80% of face-to-face class meetings or participate in online modules, as well as spend several hours each week throughout the program on readings and assignments.

Assessment Methods

Program participants are assessed in individual courses according to University assessment guidelines to ensure successful acquisition of required skills and concepts. Assessment is based on classroom attendance and participation, online participation, and grading of assignments, exams, presentations and projects.

Graduation Criteria

To be granted the UBC Certificate in Professional Communication, students must successfully complete required courses and demonstrate confidence, creativity and competence in professional

communications. Students will be assessed on participation, assignments, projects, and tests. The assignment criteria will be made clear in the individual course outlines. There is also a final assessment of an e-portfolio that the students create that incorporates one piece of writing and a learning

reflection piece from each course. Students need to earn a minimum passing grade of 60% in each course (equal to a letter of completion) and on the final e-portfolio to complete the requirements of the program.

The e-portfolio is meant to be a collection of the student’s best writing from throughout the program with learning reflections from each course. Both of these categories need to be completed and incorporated into the e-portfolio for the student to be eligible for graduation from the program. Assessment of the final e-portfolio is based on a rubric of expectations that will be made available to the student early on in the program.

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Program Admission Information

Admission Requirements

All applicants to the UBC Certificate in Professional Communication must complete and meet these minimum requirements for admission:

 High school diploma or equivalent  Application form

 Current résumé

 Letter of intent stating the student’s goals, interests, and reasons for participating in the program

English is the primary language of instruction for Writing Centre courses. All prospective students are required to have a minimum level of English. Non-native English speakers may be asked to demonstrate a score of 570 or higher on the paper-based TOEFL exam (88 or higher on the Internet-based TOEFL), or equivalent English language proficiency test results.

Application Process

The UBC Certificate in Professional Communication has a formal admissions process. The admissions process helps ensure that participants’ goals, interests and expectations are adequately matched to the program’s objectives and capabilities. Applicants should read and understand thoroughly th is Program Handbook before applying to the certificate program. The application form is available online.

Evaluation of Applications

Applications are evaluated on the following criteria:

 compatibility of letter of intent with current program goals and objectives  suitability of previous education and work experience.

Once applications have been reviewed, applicants will be notified whether they have been accept ed into the program.

Program Fees

A $175 non-refundable application fee is payable upon acceptance into the program. This fee confirms your registration in the program. All fees are payable in Canadian dollars.

Course fees are paid on a course-by-course basis. Fees are due at the time of course registration and may be paid by Visa, MasterCard, debit card, cash or Canadian cheque. You can view the current

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available course offerings and related fees on our website at cstudies.ubc.ca/writing. Participants should be aware that texts, materials and software related to courses may constitute an additional cost in some cases.

No deferral of the administration fee or course fees is allowed. Fees are subje ct to change. All fees in reference to certificate courses are exempt from GST.

Policies

Withdrawal and Cancellation

A.Withdrawing from a Course

If you would like to withdraw from a course, please submit written notice three business days before the course begins to be eligible for a refund (less a $50 administration fee). Fees of $50 or less are non - refundable unless a course is cancelled by UBC Continuing Studies. No refund will be made for

cancellations received later than three business days before the course begins. Part-Time Courses

The deadline for withdrawing from a course is 48 hours after the start of the first class. Please notify the Writing Centre in writing that you wish to withdraw. A $50 administration fee will be deducted from the refunded fee. No refund of any kind will be considered after the deadline. If a course or section is cancelled, a full refund is issued.

Online Courses

The deadline for withdrawal from our online courses is the Friday of the first week of the course. Please notify the Writing Centre in writing that you wish to withdraw. A $50 administration fee will be

deducted from the refunded fee. No refund of any kind will be considered after the deadline. If a course or section is cancelled, a full refund is issued.

Writing 098/099

Students who want to withdraw must do so by the Friday of the first week of the course. Students who registered through the Student Service Centre (SSC) must withdraw through the SSC; withdrawals are not accepted by phone or by course instructors. Those who registered through UBC Continuing Studies must notify us in writing of their decision to withdraw by the deadline. A $50 administration fee will be deducted from the refunded fee. No refund of any kind will be considered after the deadline. If a course or section is cancelled, a full refund is issued.

Summer Institutes

The withdrawal deadline for our summer institute programs is one week before the course start date. A $100 administration fee is deducted from each refund; no refunds are possible af ter the deadline. If the Writing Centre has to cancel a course due to insufficient enrolment, a full refund is provided.

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B.Course Cancellations

UBC Continuing Studies is sometimes forced to cancel courses due to insufficient enrolment or other reasons. If this occurs, a full refund is processed and sent to the student automatically.

C.Withdrawing from the Program

Participants may withdraw from the program at any time, but they should notify the UBC Writing Centre in writing of the reasons for withdrawal.

As fees are paid on a course-by-course basis, there is no financial penalty for withdrawing from the program except for the non-refundable administration fees.

Academic Conduct

UBC Continuing Studies takes academic misconduct in the form of cheating a nd plagiarism seriously. Students found cheating or plagiarizing will be subject to penalties that may include dismissal from the program or course with a failing grade and no refund of tuition fees.

For additional information about cheating and plagiarism policies, please read the UBC policy on academic misconduct at www.vpacademic.ubc.ca/integrity/policies.htm.

Professional and Ethical Conduct

The special nature of our programs obligates UBC Continuing Studies to foster a learning environment that respects the diversity of individuals, but also applies standards and ethics in keeping with a professional, adult workplace. Our goal is to make programs a positive learning experience. Theref ore students and staff in our programs are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with professional standards of behaviour, respect and scholarly integrity. The ability to work respectfully in a team environment and specifically with other students, instructors and staff is essential.

In addition, the University administration may require a student to withdraw from the University at any time for unsatisfactory conduct, for failure to abide by regulations, for unsatisfactory progress in a program of studies or training, or for any other reason which is deemed to show that withdrawal is in the interests of the student and/or the University. In such cases there will be no refund of tuition.

UBC Appropriate Use of Information Technology

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Program Administration

The UBC Certificate in Professional Communication was developed by a diverse group of academics and representatives from the public and private sectors. This collaboration has resulted in the creation of an educational program that is academically strong with real-world orientation. The program staff ensures that the certificate curriculum continues to evolve as new business practices and processes emerge.

Continuing Studies Administration

For administrative questions, please contact our Student Services Specialist at 604 .822.9564 or email the Writing Centre at [email protected].

Advisory Committee

Giselle Baxter, UBC Certified General Accountants Program Marker Judy Brown, Associate Head and Instructor, UBC English Department

Raquel Collins, Associate Director, UBC Continuing Studies Technology, Media and Professional Programs

Tomi Eng, Freelance Communication Consultant with Ethos

Darren Frew, Director of Planning and Communication at BC Bioenergy Network Johnathan Friesen, Resource Advisor at BC Hydro

Kathryn Gretsinger, Instructor/Internship Coordinator, UBC Graduate School of Journalism Julie Walchli, Director of the UBC Arts Co-op Program

UBC Certificate in Professional Communication Program Handbook