A diploma in ag communications

By Gary Sliworsky
Ag. Rep.

The Office of Open Learning and the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) are excited to offer a diploma in ag communications. This unique program is the first of its kind in Canada and is looking for individuals to fill the first class.
This 18-month, five-course program combines technical skills and applied theory in journalism and communications, with a focus on issues specific to the agri-food and environmental sectors. Graduates will be able to present and represent agriculture and food production in an understandable, balanced way.
The development of this new program was overseen by an advisory committee with representatives from media, the agri-food sector and academe. An international panel of instructors and coaches will lead students through a series of online distance learning components. These classes will be amplified by three on-campus sessions each approximately one-week long. By being web-based, the program looks forward to bringing together students and teaching professionals from all over the world.
“We’ve designed the program to be accessible and flexible, to fit the schedules of working professionals,” says Owen Roberts, the program’s academic coordinator.
Graduates will be prepared to immediately participate in media or agricultural organizations and industry as valuable, analytical, trained employees. They will find their selves to be well versed in agricultural production and issues, as well as equipped with strong communication skills, and up-to-date on the latest technology.
Support for this program has been provided by a number of industry partners including Ontario Pork, Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited, Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, GROWMARK Inc., and the Agricultural Adaptation Council.
Applications are being accepted now for the first year’s program which begins this September and already has an eager group ready to begin.
For more information or to enrol in this exciting opportunity, contact Owen Roberts (owen@uoguelph.ca) at 519-824-4120 Ext. 58278 or Lise Smedmor, the manager of program development in the Office of Open Learning, at 519-824-4120 Ext. 53412.