Everything
You Wanted to Know About
Willis College - Cobourg
(Frequently Asked Questions about our full time Diploma Programs)
The short answer is YES!
All private career colleges operating in Ontario must be registered and have their programs approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The act that governs private career colleges is called the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. This act ensures that private career colleges meet certain standards for the programs they offer as well as advertising, refund policies, and instructor qualifications.
Willis College - Cobourg Campus is registered with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Unlike public universities and colleges of applied arts and technology which receive funding from the government, career colleges are private organizations and are not funded by the government.
What career fields do you cover?
Our speciality is full-time diploma programs, but we also offer specific course certificates and upgrading in fields such as:
Can you describe a typical student at your College?
Our current student population ranges in age from 19 to 50 plus. However our College will often appeal to anyone, and especially people who need:
How does your campus differ from other private and public colleges?
We believe that adults do better in a smaller size class. Our goal is to limit classes to 6 to 15 students. Adults need to question, debate, and participate. Most of our students require two very specific things :
How long does it take to get a Diploma at your College?
It varies by program. Our shortest time is 22 weeks and the longest is 52 weeks.
Is there a minimum number of hours per week?
Yes, the minimum number of hours in class is 20 hours per week.
How long have you been in business?
We have been in operation in this campus for about 18 years. Willis College is actually a successor to Trillium College and the former Toronto College of Business.
Does OSAP recognize the College?
Yes, our College can arrange for you to apply for an OSAP loan to finance your education. We prefer to have our Financial Aid Officer take you through the process. If you make a mistake or misinterpret a question it can take months to correct. Also, any loan carries responsibilities with it and we take time to fully explain both the process and the responsibilities.
What options are available to finance my investment in education
All of the financing options can be explained in a meeting with the Registrar, where we will fully explain both the process and the resposibilities. Alternatively, we have a detailed discussion of the financial options on the Financial page of our website.
Does the Canada Revenue Agency recognize Willis?
Yes! The College will issue students with CRA Form T2202A (Education Credit). This credit is reported on your income tax filing for the previous fiscal year. Recognized educational institutions use this form to certify a student's eligibilty for tuition, education, and textbook amounts. Students may use it to show a transfer to a designated person, apply the credit to previous returns, or carry the credit forward.
Is there a screening or selection process
Yes! Each student applicant must go through a screening interview with the College Registrar and sometimes the lead instructor of the program. We specifically want to meet with you to identify your goals and aspirations, and discuss how our program may help you get there. During that meeting we want you to:
Where can I find out the total cost of the program and a breakdown of these costs?
The total cost of the program will be explained by the Registrar during the screening process or check online at the Province of Ontario web site : www.serviceontario.ca
Are there any prerequisite skills to start the course - e.g. computer skills?
Yes! Some programs have legal, physical, or educational requirements but these are covered by the Registrar during the initial interview.
What is the teaching/learning format?
We offer a variety of learning formats, but most are lecture led. Some are self paced but the instructor is there to help you if you hit a "road block". Many programs have a high "hands-on" component as well as field placements or practicum. All of this will be explained in your interview with the Registrar.
Why do you use the module based system?
Several reasons; with the module system you study one topic at a time. You will have tests to make sure that you have mastered the topic, a dynamic review, and then write the exam when it is fresh in your mind. Then it's on to the next topic. One exam at a time goes a long way to remove cramming and panic with five or more exams scheduled close together. The other advantage is that you have many times at which you can enter the program. More start dates means that you don't have to wait for the traditional September start date. Most of our students have given a great deal of thought to returning to College and when the decision has been made, they are eager to commence.
Do you track past graduates?
We do indeed. Firstly, we have an exit interview with each graduate. We want to know their opinion on specific modules and the overall experience. Secondly, we keep track of of their employment within their field of study. Thirdly, we keep in touch so that we can predict and plot trends in business that past graduates feel would be useful for current candidates.
What is your student employment success rate?
Some of our programs have close to a 100% success rate - that is, almost all graduates who wish to be employed have received a job offer or have secured employment in their field.
We have a dedicated employment coordinator who will explain your prospects based on your choice of program. In addition, we will work with you throughout your time at Willis to help you find the job you want.
Can I talk to current students?
Unfortunately we cannot refer you to specific students. The Privacy Act prevents us from releasing that information, but at the time of your interview you may have an opportunity to meet students, and at their discretion, discuss some aspects of College life.
Do you have support if the course is difficult?
With exceptional instructors, a rigorous initial interview, lecture led classes, small class sizes, and frequent tests to make sure that the course content has been mastered, most of our students experience significant success. If you find a topic particularly challenging we recommend that you speak directly to the Campus Director. Help is always available.
Do you have a refund policy?
Yes! The refund policy is specified within the Career Colleges Act section 25-33 of Ontario Regulations 415/06. The total policy is made available to all students.
Is there job search assistance for students?
Yes! Firstly, we identify specific and general opportunities for you based on your education, skills, and previous job history. Secondly,we explain the hidden job market where the majority of jobs are generated. Thirdly, we will work with you to develop a polished resume, cover letter, and a sound plan to tackle the market. Fourthly, we have developed a list of questions that are asked in interviews for your field and will help you prepare with a mock interview.
We also announce job opportunities in class and have a job board with current postings. We will continue to e-mail you with job opportunities, even after you complete your studies. Our services and help continue after graduation. Use our job search coordinator, instructors, staff, and facilities including fax and e-mail.
I have special needs. How accessible is the college?
We are frequently called upon to retrain injured workers to return to the work force in occupations that recognize a need for new job duties. We work with business Joint Health and Safety Committees, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and students with special needs who require barrier-free access to the college. Some recent accommodations include adjustable study desks, ergonometric chairs, reserved free parking, and DragonŽ software for those who need a hands-free computer environment.
Willis College - Cobourg
(Frequently Asked Questions about our full time Diploma Programs)
- Is Willis similar to a Community College?
- Which career fields do your programs cover?
- Can you describe a typical student at your College?
- How does your campus differ from other private and public colleges?
- How long does it take to get a Diploma at your College?
- Is there a minimum number of hours per week?
- How long have you been in business?
- Does OSAP recognize the College?
- What other options are available to finance my investment in education?
- Does the Canada Revenue Agency recognize Willis?
- Is there a screening or selection process?
- Where can I find out the total cost of the program and a breakdown of these costs?
- Are there any prerequisite skills to start the course - e.g. computer skills?
- What is the teaching/learning format?
- Why do you use the module based system?
- Do you track past graduates?
- What is your student employment success rate?
- Can I talk to current students?
- Do you have support if the course is difficult?
- Do you have a refund policy?
- Is there job search assistance for students?
- I have special needs. How accessible is the College?
The short answer is YES!
All private career colleges operating in Ontario must be registered and have their programs approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The act that governs private career colleges is called the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. This act ensures that private career colleges meet certain standards for the programs they offer as well as advertising, refund policies, and instructor qualifications.
Willis College - Cobourg Campus is registered with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Unlike public universities and colleges of applied arts and technology which receive funding from the government, career colleges are private organizations and are not funded by the government.
What career fields do you cover?
Our speciality is full-time diploma programs, but we also offer specific course certificates and upgrading in fields such as:
- Law
- Business
- Health Services
- Human Services
Can you describe a typical student at your College?
Our current student population ranges in age from 19 to 50 plus. However our College will often appeal to anyone, and especially people who need:
- Specific job skills to join the work force.
- Education credentials to compete in the job market.
- Practical skills to add to their existing academic qualifications in order to become more competitive in the job market.
How does your campus differ from other private and public colleges?
We believe that adults do better in a smaller size class. Our goal is to limit classes to 6 to 15 students. Adults need to question, debate, and participate. Most of our students require two very specific things :
- Flexible, frequent start dates
- Regular, predictable class times
How long does it take to get a Diploma at your College?
It varies by program. Our shortest time is 22 weeks and the longest is 52 weeks.
Is there a minimum number of hours per week?
Yes, the minimum number of hours in class is 20 hours per week.
How long have you been in business?
We have been in operation in this campus for about 18 years. Willis College is actually a successor to Trillium College and the former Toronto College of Business.
Does OSAP recognize the College?
Yes, our College can arrange for you to apply for an OSAP loan to finance your education. We prefer to have our Financial Aid Officer take you through the process. If you make a mistake or misinterpret a question it can take months to correct. Also, any loan carries responsibilities with it and we take time to fully explain both the process and the responsibilities.
What options are available to finance my investment in education
All of the financing options can be explained in a meeting with the Registrar, where we will fully explain both the process and the resposibilities. Alternatively, we have a detailed discussion of the financial options on the Financial page of our website.
Does the Canada Revenue Agency recognize Willis?
Yes! The College will issue students with CRA Form T2202A (Education Credit). This credit is reported on your income tax filing for the previous fiscal year. Recognized educational institutions use this form to certify a student's eligibilty for tuition, education, and textbook amounts. Students may use it to show a transfer to a designated person, apply the credit to previous returns, or carry the credit forward.
Is there a screening or selection process
Yes! Each student applicant must go through a screening interview with the College Registrar and sometimes the lead instructor of the program. We specifically want to meet with you to identify your goals and aspirations, and discuss how our program may help you get there. During that meeting we want you to:
- Tour our facility and see classrooms first hand
- Meet some of our staff and instructors
- Complete a skills assessment
- Discuss career opportunities and see our Job Board
- Learn about Diploma Programs that will work for you
- Have a look at the jobs our graduates are securing
- Receive specific schedules, outlines and tuition investment
- Have all financial assistance programs explained to you
Where can I find out the total cost of the program and a breakdown of these costs?
The total cost of the program will be explained by the Registrar during the screening process or check online at the Province of Ontario web site : www.serviceontario.ca
Are there any prerequisite skills to start the course - e.g. computer skills?
Yes! Some programs have legal, physical, or educational requirements but these are covered by the Registrar during the initial interview.
What is the teaching/learning format?
We offer a variety of learning formats, but most are lecture led. Some are self paced but the instructor is there to help you if you hit a "road block". Many programs have a high "hands-on" component as well as field placements or practicum. All of this will be explained in your interview with the Registrar.
Why do you use the module based system?
Several reasons; with the module system you study one topic at a time. You will have tests to make sure that you have mastered the topic, a dynamic review, and then write the exam when it is fresh in your mind. Then it's on to the next topic. One exam at a time goes a long way to remove cramming and panic with five or more exams scheduled close together. The other advantage is that you have many times at which you can enter the program. More start dates means that you don't have to wait for the traditional September start date. Most of our students have given a great deal of thought to returning to College and when the decision has been made, they are eager to commence.
Do you track past graduates?
We do indeed. Firstly, we have an exit interview with each graduate. We want to know their opinion on specific modules and the overall experience. Secondly, we keep track of of their employment within their field of study. Thirdly, we keep in touch so that we can predict and plot trends in business that past graduates feel would be useful for current candidates.
What is your student employment success rate?
Some of our programs have close to a 100% success rate - that is, almost all graduates who wish to be employed have received a job offer or have secured employment in their field.
We have a dedicated employment coordinator who will explain your prospects based on your choice of program. In addition, we will work with you throughout your time at Willis to help you find the job you want.
Can I talk to current students?
Unfortunately we cannot refer you to specific students. The Privacy Act prevents us from releasing that information, but at the time of your interview you may have an opportunity to meet students, and at their discretion, discuss some aspects of College life.
Do you have support if the course is difficult?
With exceptional instructors, a rigorous initial interview, lecture led classes, small class sizes, and frequent tests to make sure that the course content has been mastered, most of our students experience significant success. If you find a topic particularly challenging we recommend that you speak directly to the Campus Director. Help is always available.
Do you have a refund policy?
Yes! The refund policy is specified within the Career Colleges Act section 25-33 of Ontario Regulations 415/06. The total policy is made available to all students.
Is there job search assistance for students?
Yes! Firstly, we identify specific and general opportunities for you based on your education, skills, and previous job history. Secondly,we explain the hidden job market where the majority of jobs are generated. Thirdly, we will work with you to develop a polished resume, cover letter, and a sound plan to tackle the market. Fourthly, we have developed a list of questions that are asked in interviews for your field and will help you prepare with a mock interview.
We also announce job opportunities in class and have a job board with current postings. We will continue to e-mail you with job opportunities, even after you complete your studies. Our services and help continue after graduation. Use our job search coordinator, instructors, staff, and facilities including fax and e-mail.
I have special needs. How accessible is the college?
We are frequently called upon to retrain injured workers to return to the work force in occupations that recognize a need for new job duties. We work with business Joint Health and Safety Committees, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and students with special needs who require barrier-free access to the college. Some recent accommodations include adjustable study desks, ergonometric chairs, reserved free parking, and DragonŽ software for those who need a hands-free computer environment.