Access a suite of flexible and diverse learning opportunities from anywhere in the world through Mount Allison’s Extended Learning program.
Extended Learning is a growing initiative at Mount Allison, focused on expanding the types and format of learning offered through the University.
Questions? Contact extendedlearning@mta.ca
Who are you?
We are a small team of educators eager to provide space for learners and knowledgeable experts of all kinds to gather, share knowledge, and build skills.
Beth Jewett, PhD, Director of Extended Learning
Hi, I’m Elizabeth (Beth) and as the director of Extended Learning my goals are to amplify existing programs and to create new learning opportunities for current MtA students, alumni, and the wider community. I keep as key tenets for all Extended Learning programming the guiding principles founded in critical pedagogy, inquiry-based learning, UDL, EDIA, Indigenization, adult learning, and dynamic educational technology. I am also a faculty member in the Canadian and Indigenous Studies program at MtA with a PhD in environmental history. I research in the history of sport and leisure (golf course landscapes) and the history of food (settler maple syrup industry in what we now call Canada). I have lots of experience teaching (in-person, online, hybrid, and hyflex) and love exploring new topics and curriculum with learners.
Jay Boyes, PhD, Instructional Designer
Hi, I'm Jay (they/them), your go-to person for technical support with Moodle, this catalog, and other digital platforms used in Extended Learning. I work with instructors to design accessible and engaging courses and workshops, especially for online learning environments. I hold a PhD in English, specializing in digital media and social justice studies, and have more than a decade of university teaching experience. Above all, I'm passionate about helping people learn and thrive in new learning experiences.
Where are you located?
We are located in the Siknikt District of Mi’kma’ki, the unceded, ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq. The Mi’kmaq and Mi’kma’ki, along with the Wolastoqey, Peskotomuhkatiyik, Penobscot, and Abenaki nations and their territories, form the Wabanaki Confederacy. Our privilege to live in this territory and our relationships to this place were agreed upon in the Treaties of Peace and Friendship between 1725-1752. We are all Treaty People and have responsibilities to uphold these treaties and respect and honour this territory's past, present, and future.
We are excited to virtually welcome learners from all over the globe and acknowledge they may reside on the territories of any one of the thousands of Indigenous nations world-wide. The interactive map tool at native-land.ca is a great resource to find out on whose territory you reside and learn more.
As part of ongoing efforts towards decolonization and reconciliation, especially in and through education, we look to the reports and calls to action developed through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC). This Commission was created through a legal settlement of a class action suit by Residential School Survivors and its mandate was to document Survivors' experiences and inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools and their ongoing legacy. You can find out more information through the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation.
If you have any questions or want to discuss more, please reach us at extendedlearning@mta.ca.
What is Extended Learning's mandate?
Our mandate is to:
- Welcome all learners of different ages, backgrounds, and career paths to the Mount Allison experience with flexible and diverse learning opportunities that enrich and nourish everyone’s personal, academic, and professional development goals.
- Offer courses, credentials, and value-added experiences through a range of teaching principles emphasizing universal design, EDIA, Indigenization, and decolonization.
- Offer high-quality learning and educational experiences led by Mount Allison faculty, as well as by a range of external experts, all supported by innovative technologies and platforms.
- Support meaningful, respectful, diverse, open, and innovative knowledge seeking and gathering.
- Foster networking, collaboration, and community building with Sackville/Tantramar; with regional organizations, employers and employees; with provincial and federal institutions; as well as with an international hub of engaged learners.
What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous?
We offer a variety of programming across a range of delivery modes according to what best suits the subject matter and the needs of learners.
With synchronous programming, instructors and learners engage with the course content and each other at the same time. Synchronous programming may occur online, in-person, or a combination of the two (hybrid). Some programming may be hyflex, where learners can choose to attend in-person or online.
With asynchronous programming, instructors and learners engage with the course content at different times. This structure enables learners to move through the material at their own pace according to their own schedule. Asynchronous programming typically occurs exclusively online.
What kinds of programming do you offer?
We offer a variety of programming in a range of formats—including workshops, UPrep courses, micro-credentials, and special interest courses—according to what best suits the subject matter and the needs of learners.
Workshops teach relevant skills and knowledge to facilitate learners' success in their academic careers, employability, and personal development. Workshops can vary in length but typically have the shortest duration of our programming. Workshops can be taken individually or as part of a series.
UPrep courses help new and existing students and other members of the community gain foundational knowledge in a range of fields. These courses support students’ entrance into and success in university programs and support learners beyond the university acquire relevant knowledge to support their professional and personal development.
Micro-credentials are specialized certifications that recognizes specific skills, learning outcomes, or competencies valued by industry and employers.
Special interest courses give learners the opportunity to gain knowledge and personally meaningful educational experiences offered through Mount Allison courses without admission to the university. These courses include a range of special interest topics geared for the public as well as a list of academic courses available to audit.
What payment system do you use?
We use Moneris, a safe and secure Canadian-based payment system, to process credit card information. Payment by credit card will enable you to immediately access programming.
If you cannot use a credit card, please contact us at extendedlearning@mta.ca to make alternate arrangements regarding payment. When registering for programming, select the “Pay by invoice” option. Once we receive confirmation of your payment through alternate channels, we will grant you access to the course. Please note that this option can take some time to process.
What is your refund policy?
A full refund is available before the start of the program. Once the program has begun, the return will be prorated based on percentage of completion, up to 50% (regardless of the reason). After the program is 50% completed, no refund will be issued.
Exceptions can be approved at the discretion of the Director of Extended Learning: please contact extendedlearning@mta.ca. You may inquire about fuller refund procedures from your instructor(s).