What's New
Partnership Simplifies Accreditation Process for Graduates
September 28, 2009
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program at the University of Guelph can now tailor their program to create a fast-track to accreditation as Professional Agrologists (P.Ag.), thanks to a new initiative developed through the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) in conjunction with the Ontario Institute of Agrologists (OIA), the professional regulatory body for the practice of agrology in Ontario.
The announcement was made as part of Agrologist-in-Residence (AIR) week, which provides students with the opportunity to meet and network with practicing agricultural professionals.
“Preparing tomorrow’s agricultural leaders has been one of the cornerstones of OAC’s mandate since the college was first established in 1874,” said Rob Gordon, dean of OAC. “We are extremely pleased to partner with OIA in providing our BSc(Agr) students with this tremendous opportunity, which will allow them to be recognized as agricultural professionals as they graduate and launch their careers in the industry.”
Under the new program, students who complete two experiential education courses in the senior years of their BSc(Agr) studies will receive credit towards the completion of the Articling Agrologist program required for the P.Ag. designation. After completing one additional course offered through OIA, students will be qualified to apply for the professional designation without having to complete an articling period.
“Connecting the program of study at OAC to achieving a Professional Agrologist designation upon graduation will prepare the next generation of practicing professionals to serve the public interest in a competent, professional and ethical manner,” said Terry Kingsmill, registrar for the Ontario Institute of Agrologists.
OAC’s Student Federation was instrumental in the development of the new fast-track program.
For more information, contact OAC Communications: Brenda Cassidy at 519-824-4120, ext 56832 or bcassidy@uoguelph.ca
