Support for distance students
Angie Thomson (Social Work) balanced distance studies with newborn Morgan.
Supporting our distance students
The Faculty of Human and Social Development (HSD) is a proven leader in the delivery of distance and online learning programs. With over 30 years of experience and pioneering distance education models, our expertise ensures you get the support you need to succeed.
We’ve been successful because we’ve listened to our students and responded to increasing demands for flexible learning environments. One-third of our students study on campus and two-thirds of our students are taking their programs online. Our distance education models are working―our graduates are leaders in their communities
Kay Chauhan (Social Work student) says, "UVic really stands out in terms of the profs in the Social Work distance ed program. They’re extremely supportive. They understand that you have another life with family and work. If you couldn’t make the deadlines they were very understanding."
Multiple learning strategies
Our courses use one-on-one communication, small group discussion and classroom conferencing to bring students and instructors together. We provide the best tools for your learning environment regardless of your location or requirements. We use:
- asynchronous and synchronous models
- interactive print, audio and video materials
- on-site workshops and intensives
- list serves, interactive websites and e-learning
- course webCT
- audio and video streaming
- online learning systems: Blackboard, Moodle and Elluminate
Study where you live
Our online programs let you combine studies with work and family responsibilities. You'll study with people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and locations without leaving your community. Learn more about distance learning and what it’s like to study online.
Getting strength from community
Cinamon Holland chose UVic’s BSW (Bachelor of Social Work) program because she wants to give back to her community of Smithers, BC. Cinamon chose the online (distance) education program because she needs the strength and support of her community to help her reach her goal.
The ability to achieve her dream and stay in her community with her family and the people most important to her means the world to Cinamon. "Staying in my community while working on my social work degree is important to me because this is where I get my strength." Learn more about studying from where you live.
Distance, online, distributed, blended – what does it mean?
In HSD, we use the terms "distance" or "online learning" to describe courses that are delivered to students outside the face-to-face classroom environment.
"Distance education" is a general term that's used to define a number of program delivery options. While many students who register in "distance" or "online" courses don't come to campus, others are also registered in traditional campus-based programs.
Most distance courses include print or audio/visual content provided on a course website or web-classroom which is complemented and enriched by discussions and other learning activities. The specific content and approaches to learning will vary from course to course and program to program. In some cases real-time meetings through web-conferencing, chat or other media are used in campus-based and distance programs.
Distributed learning is another term for distance or online learning.
Blended learning is usually a combination of a face-to-face component of the program and distance delivery.
Contact us
Child and Youth Care
Child and Youth Care
General info: Phone 250-721-7979 or 250-721-6278
Advising:
- Undergraduate: Vicki Ziegler or Kathy Harrison, phone 250-721-7984
- Graduate: Sandra Curran or Shelley Henuset, phone 250-472-4857
Practicum coordinators:
- Miriam Curtis, phone 250-721-6475
- Michelle Koroll, phone 250-721-6371
Online (distance):
- Christine Shelton, program director, phone 250-721-7988
Health Information Science
Health Information Science
General Info:
Phone: (250) 721-8575
Email: his@uvic.ca
Shawna McNabb, graduate secretary, phone 250-721-6459
Indigenous Governance
Indigenous Governance
General Info
- Angela Polifroni, program manager, phone 250-721-6436
Nursing
Nursing
General Info: 250.721.7954
Email: nursing@uvic.ca
- Lori Klear, admissions liaison officer/student adviser, phone 250-472-4702
- Naomi Poeschek, administrative assistant, admissions/advising, undergraduate programs, phone 250-472-4361
Public Administration
Public Administration
General Info: 250-721-8055
Email: padm@uvic.ca
- Jim McDavid, graduate student adviser, phone 250-472-4293
- Heather Kirkham, undergraduate adviser, phone 250-721-8067
- Tara Ney, graduate student adviser, phone 250-721-8199
Public Health and Social Policy
Public Health and Social Policy
- Carmel Chamberlain, program assistant, phone 250-721-5377
- Joan Gillie, undergraduate and graduate advisor, phone 250-853-3845
Social Work
Social Work
General info:250-721-8036
Email: socw@uvic.ca
- Marian Simmonds, academic adviser, phone 250-721-8042
- Michelle Osborne, admissions coordinator and academic adviser (standard BSW student), phone 250-721-8047
- Carolynn Broeke, BSW admissions assistant, phone 250-472-4130
- Meg Thompson, master’s program adviser, 250-472-4674
Studies in Policy and Practice
Studies in Policy and Practice
General info:
- Doug Thompson, program assistant, phone 250-721-8204
