What is Open Learning and Educational Support?

Open Learning and Educational Support is the culmination of an extensive process, resulting in the coming together of two departments' Teaching Support Services (TSS) and the Office of Open Learning (OOL). Teaching Support Services' mandate was to provide scholarly support of faculty, to provide expertise in curriculum design, and to maintain and improve learning environments on campus. The Office of Open Learning's mandate was to extend teaching and research expertise of the University of Guelph, and its various partners, beyond the University campus, providing innovative and flexible educational programs. These programs included online and on-campus courses, workshops, seminars, conferences, certificate and diploma programs, customized training packages, and degree-credit and non-credit distance education courses.

Both departments were already viewed internally and beyond our campuses as key partners, innovators and leaders in their respective fields. As research and educational technologies, higher and professional continuing education needs, ESL programming and models of support have evolved, so too has our structures, mandates and approaches, in response to these trends. Open Learning and Educational Support emerges as the next evolution of our work. The synergies resulting from the coming together of these two leading departments will better position us to respond to your continual and evolving needs as both providers and participants in lifelong learning.

Vision Statement

Open Learning and Educational Support enhances the teaching and learning culture and capability of the University of Guelph and local, national and international partners. In partnership with our stakeholders, we facilitate the development of lifelong learning opportunities through a variety of evidenced based educational programs and supports.

Mission Statment

Open Learning and Educational Support provides expertise and leadership to the University of Guelph community and our partners in the following: the scholarship and practice of teaching, technology-enhanced education, open learning and professional development. We provide support for teaching and learning that is evidence-based, responsive, developmental and based on best practices.