General Information

Many students who enter Capilano require preparatory courses to meet entry level requirements for a particular university program, or to upgrade their academic skills from the the Fundamental to the Provincial level (regular or adult Dogwood Certificate).

Students who have been out of school for a number of years and want to resume their education often find that the Adult Basic Education program best meets their needs. Most courses in the program are self-paced and may be taken on a part-time basis. Full-time students attend classes in which they work up to five hours a day in the classroom with University instructors. In addition, some courses require independent study outside of class. The level of courses in the Adult Basic Education program ranges from the Fundamental to Provincial (Grade 12) level. Many of the upper-level courses, taken alone or as part of a larger program of studies, meet entry requirements for university transfer and career/vocational programs.

The preparatory courses which are offered by a number of departments at the University are designed to upgrade students who lack course prerequisites for university transfer and career/vocational programs. Many of these courses are taught in 1.5 hour classes that meet twice a week for an academic term (15 weeks). In addition, considerable independent study is required outside of the formal instruction period.

Either the Adult Basic Education program or the preparatory courses offered in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences departments may satisfy the student’s upgrading needs. Students should refer to the Adult Basic Education section of the Calendar or contact the program coordinator. For information on other preparatory courses consult the Advising Centre at 604.984.4990 (Birch building, room 238).

For more information, please see www.capilanou.ca/programs/preparatory