In the College Access program, you will learn how to build foundational academic and personal skills through supportive coursework that prepares you for future college success.
The curriculum for this program is currently under review and the courses may change.
Get Ready to Be a Student Again!
Do you have an interest in pursuing a postsecondary education and not sure what program suits you best? The College Access program at Confederation College will help you prepare for success in postsecondary education while exploring career and education options. Our program is offered on the Thunder Bay campus as well as in various communities. We collaborate with other programs at Confederation to provide help and guidance for pursuing the education you need for a career you will love. You’ll be able to upgrade or refresh your math and communication skills, while also taking courses that transfer into other diploma programs, allowing you to transition into your destination program. You also get the full support of our professors and staff who are ready to help at every step. We want to see you succeed at college so you can take the next step to a great job!
Top Highlights
A great option for recent high school graduates or mature and returning students who want to ease into college life
Develop skills to help you succeed in college – and your future job
Receive support that will prepare you to get the admission requirements you need to enter other college programs
In addition to increasing academic skills, you’ll have opportunities to explore your strengths and gifts as you develop personal, career, and educational goals
Successful completion of many of the courses in the College Access program are transferrable toward other postsecondary programs
The College Access program empowered me with learning tools for life and future education, with supportive teachers who encouraged me every step of the way.
The following 2 intakes share the same admission requirements:
Fall, Winter, Spring (0101)Fall, Winter, Spring (0101)
Admission Requirements for Domestic Students
19 years of age or older
or Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent) with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (U/C), or Open (O) preparation levels with Grade 12 English (E/C/U) Level.
or successful completion of the Mature Student Assessment.
or successful completion of the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or General Education Development Test (GED), prior to May 2024.
or appropriate credits from the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program - LBS level 5 Communications and LBS level 4 Mathematics.
Starts in Fall, Winter, Spring. Program code 0101.
Semester 1
CA 101
Critical Reading & Thinking
42 hours
In this course, students examine the role of the critical reader and thinker as an active participant in the learning process. In today's increasingly complex world, reading comprehension, critical reading, and critical thinking skills are essential tools students require for success in their post-secondary studies and in the workplace. Through exposure to a diverse range of reading sources, students will be encouraged to extend their reading comprehension, critical reading, and critical thinking skills; explore different reading strategies, and sub-skills that will provide students the opportunity to develop the attributes of an active, critical reader, and thinker.
In this course, students are provided opportunities to develop the personal and interpersonal skills needed to succeed in future post-secondary studies. Working within a framework of goal-directed learning and self-evaluation, students are encouraged to become active participants in the learning process and, ultimately, to become empowered, independent learners. An examination of learning styles, preferences, personal interests, student rights and responsibilities, effective personal management strategies, interpersonal communication skills, and personal wellness provides students with a foundation for pursuing their future studies confidently.
This course is designed for students to examine and develop foundational mathematical skills required for navigating various aspects of daily life, the workforce, and other college programs. This course recognizes the importance of mathematics as a practical tool for making informed decisions, solving real-world problems, and enhancing critical thinking skills. The content is specifically tailored to address the mathematical challenges encountered in everyday scenarios, equipping students with the confidence and proficiency needed in their personal and professional lives. Students solve problems using whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percent, budgeting, credit and debt, savings, and financial planning.
In this course, students gain the knowledge and confidence needed to perform basic computer skills. Computers are an important aspect of post-secondary education, the workforce, and personal life. Students will be introduced to the required technology needed to communicate effectively in the educational environment and the workplace. Students will develop new computer skills by using Windows file management software to produce professional documents, spreadsheets and presentations with Microsoft Office software.
In this course, understanding and developing key strategies for learning are essential skills to ensure academic and career success and to strengthen future learning opportunities. Students explore the theories and principles of learning, brain function, learning styles, motivation and group dynamics. Special attention is placed on analyzing oneself as a learner and preparing for future personal and post-secondary goals through a collaborative and supportive learning environment using interactive workshops, discussion board activities, team presentations and journal writing.
In this course, students will experience an introduction to the development of oral language and culture. Students will explore vocabulary related to conversational topics, the writing systems and relationship of language to cultural expression and revitalization.
This course provides opportunities for students to develop an informed, critical awareness of the role the media plays in shaping societal views and develop a broader understanding of the role media plays in our lives. Students will explore the history and evolution of media technology from its early years to contemporary media issues. Students will be invited to consider the commercial implications of media production, the values associated with media messages, the current state of each medium, and the credibility of media sources. A range of media issues will be examined within a framework of applied critical thinking and ethics, and the continuing implications of a more connected world.
This course invites students to relate a personal understanding of values, beliefs, worldview, and identity both to an examination of the social, cultural, and political aspects of communities and how knowledge of interpersonal communication is the foundation for creating a healthier community. An exploration of how communities are bound by the individual and how effective interpersonal communication strategies such as personal choice, politeness, ethical behaviour, and conflict resolution provide a framework for interacting with others in course-related activities, in future post-secondary studies, and in the workplace.
In this course, students explore the concept of global citizenship, focusing on the roles and responsibilities individuals have in a globally interconnected world. Students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to understand and engage with diverse cultures, communities, and global issues. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students will examine global issues, with a focus on fostering cultural competence, ethical awareness, and social responsibility in a global context. This course will encourage critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and the development of a sense of social responsibility.
In this course, students explore the essential skills needed to transition successfully into the workforce. The course will cover a range of topics such as self-assessment, career exploration, job search strategies, resume building, networking, interview techniques, workplace etiquette, and lifelong career management. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to create a professional image, build a career plan, and develop competencies that employers value.
This course serves as the culminating academic experience providing students an opportunity to showcase the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout the academic year. Guided by their professor and through individual and collaborative work, students will synthesize their knowledge gained and will design, execute, and present a comprehensive project addressing a number of topics covered in the program. This comprehensive project will demonstrate that the student has acquired the necessary information to be successful in other post-secondary programs and in the workforce. Students will continue to explore areas such as effective communication, college readiness, personal management, critical reading and thinking skills, critical self-reflection and workplace etiquette.
In this course, students will be introduced to academic writing styles with a thematic focus on current issues. This course will help students to express themselves clearly and correctly in written form. Students will critically analyse assigned readings and express their thoughts. The course will also focus on the development of an academic paper utilizing the APA style of documentation.
College Access is a pathway to other post secondary programs. As a graduate you will have obtained the skills and confidence needed to pursue your career aspirations and to succeed in other college programs.
Pathways
Confederation College offers a variety of articulation agreements designed to help you advance your education and career. Whether you're coming to us from another institution or planning your next steps after completing your program, our pathways make your transition seamless and effective.
Student Accessibility and Essential Program Requirements
Confederation College is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive learning environment and will provide reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and College policy.
Students who require accommodations are encouraged to engage with Student Accessibility Services and are responsible for initiating and participating in the accommodation process. Accommodation is a collaborative process involving the student, Student Accessibility Services, faculty, and the Academic School. Requests for accommodation are considered on an individual basis, and the College will work with students to identify reasonable accommodations that provide equitable access to learning while maintaining the integrity of the program.
Students are expected to demonstrate the essential knowledge, skills, professional behaviours, learning outcomes, and competencies required to successfully complete their program. While the manner in which these requirements are demonstrated may be accommodated where appropriate, the essential requirements themselves must still be achieved.
For programs involving laboratories, field work, clinical placements, aviation environments, trades training, equipment operation, simulations, community placements, or other environments where health and safety are critical, accommodations must also be consistent with applicable legislation, professional standards, licensing requirements, accreditation standards, and workplace safety obligations.
In some circumstances, a requested accommodation may not be reasonable or possible where it would:
Fundamentally alter an essential program requirement, competency, or learning outcome.
Compromise the health or safety of the student or others.
Conflict with provincial or federal legislation.
Conflict with the requirements of an external regulatory, licensing, accreditation, or professional body.
Prevent the student from demonstrating competencies required for safe and effective professional practice.
Note
Where a particular accommodation cannot be provided, the College will work collaboratively with the student to identify whether an alternative accommodation can appropriately address the student’s disability-related needs while maintaining essential program requirements.