Glossary
Academic Authorities Grid: In Policy A-1.1, the grid outlines the required level at which recommendation, endorsement, approval, and notification occurs for SIAST programs. It ensures that new programs, changes to existing programs and courses, and program suspensions and deletions are subject to an approved, consistent, and effective process.
Academic Probation: If your academic progress is unsatisfactory, you will receive a probation warning that specifies the terms and conditions for continued enrolment at SIAST.
Academic Year: The academic year at SIAST is July 1 of one year to June 30 of the next year.
Advanced Certificate: An advanced certificate is a credential SIAST issues for the successful completion of credit programs that builds on post-secondary level education and leads to a higher degree of specialization in the same or related field. The programs require a certificate, diploma or degree (in the same or related field) as admission requirements and are between 6 and 20 weeks long.
Applied Certificate: An applied certificate is a credential SIAST issues for the successful completion of credit programs that provide introductory level skills training in a specific application of an occupation. The programs have specific admission requirements and are between 6 and 20 weeks long.
Asynchronous Delivery: You can sign on to the Internet anytime, anywhere, and receive training. An instructor will be available from a distance. Communication occurs through email, chat groups and discussion rooms, or you can meet other students using conferencing and collaboration tools.
Billing Unit: The tuition rate for SIAST programs and courses where one credit unit = one billing unit.
Campus: SIAST has four locations. Each of these locations is called a campus - SIAST Kelsey Campus (Saskatoon), SIAST Palliser Campus (Moose Jaw), SIAST Wascana Campus (Regina) and SIAST Woodland Campus (Prince Albert).
Certificate: A certificate is a credential SIAST issues for the successful completion of credit programs that provide skills training and education and leads to entry-level employment in particular occupations. The programs have specific admission requirements and are generally 30 weeks long (corresponding to one year of study).
Classroom: Your instruction will occur in a classroom setting that is usually complemented by labs, clinical experiences, practicums and/or work experiences.
Clinical Experience: Clinical experience is a component of some programs. It takes place in a clinical setting in the field of study in which students are orientated,and is taught, monitored and evaluated by SIAST instructors or preceptors based on established learning outcomes. 15 hours of clinical experience = one credit unit.
- you will receive a pass/fail mark
- credits are awarded and a clinical component is a requirement to graduate
- tuition is assessed per credit unit and in accordance with current tuition and fee policy
Co-operative Education: Co-operative education combines classroom learning with paid on-the-job work experience in the field you have chosen. To increase your career growth potential, your training will alternate between academic semesters and work terms.
- you will receive a pass/fail mark
- co-operative education is a requirement to graduate but no credits are awarded
- each co-op work term is approximately four months long
- tuition is assessed at a flat rate in accordance with current tuition and fee policy
Co-requisite Courses: When a co-requisite course(s) is listed for a course, you must take the co-requisite(s) and the course at the same time.
Competitive Entry: When the application period closes, your application will be ranked in the order of qualification. The applicants who are most qualified are accepted into the program first. The only competitive entry program is the Nursing Education Program of Saskatchewan (NEPS) and there are established periods for receipt of applications for the program.
Continuous Entry: Applicants are accepted into certain SIAST programs at intervals throughout the academic year.
Core Courses: Core courses are credit courses that are common to a number of SIAST programs.
Course Code: We attach a unique identifier to each course. It is composed of a two to four character subject code and a two to four character course number. You'll see these in the course listings for each program.
Credit Course: Every credit course is a planned education or training process with a defined set of learning outcomes and evaluation processes that are part of an applied certificate, certificate, diploma or advanced certificate program, apprenticeship level requirements or licensure requirements.
Credit Program: A credit program is a SIAST approved occupation-specific education or training endeavour that includes evaluating, documenting and formally recording student achievement in the student's permanent record. Every credit program is endowed with a specific title, length, admission requirements, curriculum outline, credit courses, credit units, completion requirements and a completion document.
Credit Unit: Credit Unit is a measure of course value. The calibration of credit units is a single unit of measure (15 hours = 1 credit unit). Other program requirements (such as work experience) that are not part of a course will not have a credit unit value.
Degree: A degree is a credential granted for three or four-year programs from a recognized university. SIAST is not a degree-granting educational institution and may only offer a degree program in collaboration with a recognized university. Graduates receive their degrees from the partner university.
Diploma: A diploma is a credential SIAST issues for the successful completion of credit programs that provides comprehensive and advanced skills training and education and leads to entry-level employment in a particular occupation. The programs have specific admission requirements and are generally 60 weeks long (corresponding to two years of study).
Discontinuation: When terminating a registration, you must provide written notification of the termination to Registration Services.
Distinction/Great Distinction: SIAST certificates and diplomas are issued With Distinction to students who achieve a cumulative grade average at graduation of 85% to 89%. SIAST certificates and diplomas are issued With Great Distinction to students who achieve a cumulative grade average at graduation of 90% to 100%.
A student considered for recognition With Distinction or With Great Distinction will have no recorded failures during his/her program of studies and will have completed the program within five years of the program start date.
Equivalent Course Credit: We grant credit for a specific SIAST course(s) on the basis of previous credit in another SIAST course(s). Equivalent course credit is not reciprocal unless it is specifically declared.
Expulsion: A student may be expelled for reasons as outlined in Student Conduct Policy A-2.5. Expulsion permanently excludes the student from SIAST, and is executed under the authority of the SIAST President.
First Qualified/First Admitted: The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of SIAST programs. When we determine that you meet the program’s admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.
Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.
Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.
Full-Time Student: You are a full-time student if you are enrolled in a SIAST program and taking a minimum of:
- 15 hours per week for at least three consecutive weeks (applied certificate, certificate, diploma and apprenticeship programs)
- 12 hours per week for a period of 12 calendar weeks (Basic Education programs)
General Educational Development (GED): The GED Program is a high school equivalency testing program that provides you with the opportunity to obtain an equivalency certificate at the Grade 12 level.
Graduate: You must successfully complete all courses and requirements for a program to receive a credential from SIAST.
High-Demand Program: High-demand programs consistently have more applicants than spaces available at each SIAST location at which they are offered. High-demand programs have admission requirements plus additional selection criteria.
Home Study: You progress through the course materials (text books and/or course manuals) independently and may have telephone access to a course facilitator. You write your exams at a testing site in (or near) your community.
Some home study programs and courses have on-site lab requirements, preceptored clinicals, supervised clinicals, preclinical seminars and/or workplace clinical practicums.
Independent Study: You will learn independently and have access to an instructor to reinforce aspects of the curriculum. Your instruction may be complemented by labs, clinical experiences, practicums and/or work experiences.
Industrial Attachment: Some programs require full-time students to work in a selected industry for two weeks. You will be exposed to current industrial environments and employers will have the opportunity to assess prospective employees.
Model Office: You will work in an office environment located on campus. You will gain experience working as a receptionist, accountant, keyboard operator, proofreader and mail clerk. You must demonstrate your dependability, teamwork skills and ability to complete real work (brought in by instructors and students) in a reasonable time frame. Successfully completing the Model Office experience is a prerequisite to going on your work experience.
Non-Credit Courses: We offer many non-credit courses that are designed to improve your career opportunities or personal skills. These courses are not part of a credit program; therefore, they do not lead to the award of a SIAST credential or meet the requirements for licensure.
On-Site Labs: An on-site lab is a course or a component of a course (mainly distance learning and development) that takes place at SIAST or other specified lab facilities where you will learn, practice and demonstrate psychomotor skills and other critical competencies.
Online: You will progress through the program theory via the World Wide Web. Depending on the program or course, you may have the opportunity to purchase CD-ROMs and/or videos that contain lectures and enhanced graphics.
Online programs and courses may have psychomotor skills labs and/or clinical experiences. These labs and experiences provide you with the opportunity to apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills.
Online learning includes synchronous and asynchronous distance learning. It also includes technology-enhanced learning that can enrich the learning experience for students in a traditional classroom setting.
Part-Time Student: You are a part-time student if you are enrolled in a SIAST program and taking less than:
- 15 hours per week per semester (12 week period) - certificate, diploma and apprenticeship programs
- 12 hours per week (less than 12 weeks) - Basic Education programs
Post-Secondary Programs: Post-secondary programs are programs that require secondary school completion (grade 12 or equivalent).
Practicum: A practicum is a component of some SIAST programs. It takes place in a practice-based setting in the field of study in which students are monitored and evaluated by SIAST instructors or preceptors based on established learning outcomes. 15 hours of practicum = one credit unit.
- you will receive a pass/fail mark
- credits are awarded and a practicum is a requirement to graduate
- tuition is assessed per credit unit and in accordance with current tuition and fee policy
Pre-requisite (Concurrent) Course: When a pre-requisite (concurrent) course(s) is listed for a course, it means the course is a pre-requisite and generally required to be taken prior to entering but it may be taken at the same time as or concurrently with the course for which it is required.
Pre-requisite Course: When a pre-requisite course(s) is listed for a course, you must have successfully completed the pre-requisite(s) before you can take the course.
Preceptored Clinical: You will work on a one-to-one basis with guidance from an experienced preceptor. Depending on the program, your preceptor will either be a volunteer nurse, physician or pharmacist.
Your clinical experience may or may not be scheduled in (or near) your community. You will be in an unpaid student role during the clinical and will require time off from work.
Preclinical Seminars: You will be introduced to new clinical intraoral skills through lectures, preclinical labs and clinical experiences on-site at Wascana Campus (Regina).
Prior Learning Assessment And Recognition: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition is a process of evaluating the knowledge and skills gained through experiential and/or non-formal learning for the purpose of obtaining credit in a SIAST course. PLAR forms an integral part of the student evaluation and student support elements of the SIAST education and training framework.
Probation, Performance or Learning Contracts: These contracts establish specific requirements, tasks or conditions that individual students must meet and/or fulfill within a stipulated time period.
Required to Discontinue: Students who do not meet the expected performance standards for the SIAST program in which they are enrolled may be required to discontinue for a specified period of time. SIAST Academic Progress Policy A-1.3 outlines in full the conditions of required discontinuation and return.
Saskatchewan Communications Network (SCN): SCN is a television network used to provide information, formal education and training at centres away from our campuses. You access the television network through an SCN site in (or near) your community.
Shop/Lab: You will develop your skills in a hands-on shop and/or lab environment.
Special Admission: If you do not possess the academic qualifications for a program, you may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. The special admission assessment may include a placement test or documented evidence of previous learning. The results of the assessment will determine your acceptance into the program, placement in the program or recommendation of a preparatory program.
The following criteria are used to evaluate special admission applications:
- for special admission testing for Math and English, SIAST uses ACCUPLACER as the placement assessment tool
- previous successful completion or partial completion of post-secondary certificates, diplomas and degrees from recognized institutions are indicators of student success and will be considered for meeting admission requirements
- where applicable, specific pre-requisite course requirements must be met in order to be admitted under special admission
Special admission applicants will not be admitted or placed on a wait list until they have provided complete documentation and demonstrated that all requirements have been met. An applicant may appeal a special admission decision to the program dean.
Statement Of Achievement: A statement of achievement may be issued upon completion of credit or non-credit courses typically delivered through continuing education for which there is a formal assessment of learning. The credit courses are taken from existing approved SIAST credit programs.
Statement Of Attendance: A statement of attendance may be issued upon completion of non-credit courses typically delivered through continuing education for which there is no formal assessment of learning.
Supervised Clinical: You will participate in a supervised clinical experience in Regina. Depending on the program, there may be an opportunity for you to attend a supervised clinical geographically close to your community. You will be in an unpaid student role during the experience and will require time off from work.
Suspension: When a suspension is issued, the student is not allowed to participate in a program or course activity for a specified period of time.
Synchronous Delivery: You will sign onto a computer at a specific time to meet with your instructor and other students. You will be able to hear your instructor and see text, graphics and/or video streaming on your computer screen. Synchronous delivery simulates the real-life classroom.
Technicians: Technicians are specialists who have expertise and precise knowledge of technical equipment and practices. They install, service, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment. They also provide support, monitor production control, define problems and generally use a "hands on" approach to their work.
Technologists: Technologists are technical experts who use their knowledge and skills training to problem solve using principles underlying their respective discipline. Their responsibilities may include supervision, designing equipment, processes or systems, project management and participating in short and long-range planning.
Technology-Enhanced Learning: A Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) environment is learner centered and uses a variety of tools and technologies to enable increased interaction. Through the use of technology, we can create virtual learning communities with increased interaction for learners. Email, chat rooms and discussion groups are examples of environments that can enrich and enhance learning whether the students are enrolled at a distance or in a traditional classroom.
Training/Contact Hour: A training/contact hour is an hour of scheduled learning activity per student.
Training Day: A training day is six training hours. The exception is Basic Education, where a training day is five training hours.
Transcript: Registration Services certifies this official document. It indicates the program and courses you have taken and the results you obtained. For more information, go to Transcripts.
Transfer Credit: Transfer credit is the acknowledgement of formal learning from another recognized institution and its application toward a SIAST credential.
Unclassified Student Status: If you have this status, it means you are registered in a SIAST course (either credit or non-credit) but you are not currently admitted to a SIAST program.
Weighted Average: Weighted average expresses the general quality of academic achievement. It is calculated by multiplying the grade earned in each course by the credit unit, resulting in grade points. Total grade points for all courses is then divided by the total credit units attempted, resulting in the weighted average.
Withdrawal: A withdrawal is the notification you give SIAST if you have been accepted as a student and paid a portion (or all) of the assessed fees but won't be registering for the program or course that you were accepted into.
Work-Based Training: Learning is linked to the work role and has three interrelated components:
- learning structured to the workplace
- appropriate on-the-job training/learning opportunities
- relevant off-the-job learning opportunities
- you will receive a complete/not complete mark
- work experience is a requirement for graduating but no credits are awarded
- minimum length is one week
- tuition is assessed at a flat rate of three billing units
Work Term: A component of many SIAST programs is paid on-the-job placements that are monitored by SIAST staff. Work terms (also called co-op terms) are mandatory components of most Co-operative Education programs. A flat fee is charged for the administration of the co-op term as set out in the tuition fee policy.
Workplace Clinical Practicum: You will be required to be employed as a chair-side dental assistant in a dental office (either paid or as a volunteer) a specific number of days per week. You will work under the guidance of an experienced mentor to develop and refine the skills introduced in the preclinical seminars.