Office Administration and Technology Diploma

In this course, students will become familiar with the major hardware components of a typical office computer system, and the function of a computer operating system. Students will master Windows topics such as the use of the start button, the task bar, short cut icons, and Windows Explorer. Students will also gain a foundation of knowledge about the Internet, internet browsers, service providers, e-mail, and transfer protocol. Students will also improve their keyboarding speed and technique.

Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: none.

This course explores the fundamental use of Microsoft Office’s word processing software: Microsoft Word. Students will learn how to use Word to create, save, edit, format, and manipulate documents in a professional manner.

Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: none.

This course explores the fundamental use of Microsoft Office’s spreadsheet creation software: Microsoft Excel. Students will learn how to use Excel to create spreadsheets, perform calculations, generate charts from data tables, and print results.

Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.

Students will practice business writing skills, applying the mechanics of style, developing proofreading and editing skills, and using words effectively. They will apply effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to a variety of business situations. Students will also practice the career and interpersonal skills necessary for success in the workplace, such as conflict resolution and business etiquette. They will work in teams to examine the administrative, ergonomic, and efficiency functions of a business office. Students will also learn about using PowerPoint to deliver demonstrations, training, and presentations in a professional manner.

Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.

This course introduces the students to the construction and interpretation of financial systems, records, reports, and statements – including how vital accurate and complete financial data is for a business to ensure its ongoing success. This course is the first in a series of courses to build a solid base in accounting from both a practical and a theoretical perspective.

Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: none.

This course helps students improve their efficiency and ability to problem solve using office technology, including computers, printers/scanners, internet browsers, common cloud storage and synchronization systems, and frequently used software applications. Students will learn how to troubleshoot basic computer problems, work in the cloud, craft efficient online search queries, customize and manage their internet browsers and bookmarks, make use of hotkeys and other shortcuts, and utilize productivity-boosting apps and plugins. Students will also establish and practice strong problem-solving strategies that they can use to investigate and solve future technology questions.

Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: OAT100.

This course helps students establish the skills they need to be effective in a modern office environment. Students will practice time management strategies, office communication methods, and techniques for maintaining an office’s professional image. They will also learn how to make travel arrangements for business, and how to prepare meeting minutes, conference notes, and official reports.

Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: COM200.

This course helps students acquire a core set of skills they can use to create and edit professional-quality documents using Microsoft Word, Microsoft Publisher, and Adobe InDesign. Using Microsoft Word, students will improve the appearance of a document, define formatting objects and settings, sort information, and publish their documents. Using Microsoft Publisher and Adobe InDesign, students will define the structure of a document, import content, work with text, images, and color, and prepare documents for print or export to pdf. By the end of the course, students will have experience creating clear and attractive document layouts for both print and digital distribution.

Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: COM200.

This course introduces students to record and information management, including physical record management, electronic record management and classification (using metadata, taxonomies, and file plans), and the administration of Record Information Management (RIM) programs. Students will learn a systematic approach to managing a record’s lifecycle, including creating, identifying, classifying, storing, securing, retrieving, tracking, and disposing of or permanently preserving a record. Students will also use Microsoft Access to learn how to organize data files, enter, sort, and filter data in a database, and create simple reports summarizing information from database tables or queries.

Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: COM210.

This course introduces students to key concepts of social media marketing and its contemporary platforms and strategies. Students will explore the use of Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Yelp, and other social media platforms for online marketing purposes.

Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: BUS100.

This course provides students with a strong foundational knowledge in project management, including project management practices, functions, phases, terminology, and common issues. Students will develop a functional understanding of the processes involved in starting, controlling, managing, and completing a project successfully. Students will also gain practical experience using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project software for project management. Students are required to undertake and earn a passing mark for their major project in this course.

Duration: 60 hours, 3 weeks.
Prerequisite: BUS100.

This course introduces students to the stages and strategies required to successfully plan an event. Students will learn how to apply their project management skills to the creation and development of an event – including budgeting, scheduling, site selection, permit acquisition, event security, catering, coordinating with third party vendors, emergency plans, and more.

Duration: 40 hours, 2 weeks.
Prerequisite: BUS100.

This course helps students prepare the required job search skills and knowledge they need to become employed. Students will learn the best known job search techniques to find viable opportunities, strategies to differentiate themselves from the competition and how they will add value to prospective employers in today’s competitive global economy.

Duration: 20 hours, 1 week.
Prerequisite: none.

During their practicum, students will have the opportunity to apply the theory and skills they learned during their program to practical situations at a real business. The purpose of the practicum is for students to obtain relevant field experience prior to graduation, and identify their strengths and areas of growth prior to embarking on a new, exciting career.

Duration: 100 hours, 4 weeks.