Office Administration – Executive

Algonquin College’s Office Administration – Executive program (Perth Campus) teaches office administration skills, ranging from executive office procedures to using word processing, accounting, website design, database management, and desktop publishing software. Emphasis is placed on the development of soft skills related to the current work environment, including team dynamics, project management, customer service, working under pressure, and demonstrating initiative.

Mobile Learning This is a Mobile Learning Program.

As a student in this program you will require a mobile computing device, for example a laptop or tablet computer. Review the Mobile Learning requirements >>

Ontario College Diploma
45 Weeks

Program Code: 0210A04FPT
Academic Year: 2012/2013

Our Program

This two-year Ontario College Diploma program delivered in a compressed format over 45 weeks provides students with the theoretical and practical skills required to work as administrative assistants in the public or private sector.

Students acquire knowledge and skills in the formatting and preparation of office documentation utilizing a variety of business computer applications, executive office procedures, customer service, Canadian business and legal concepts, bookkeeping practices and project management.

The curriculum covers courses in keyboarding, communications, manual and automated accounting, spreadsheet and database applications, office procedures and word processing. Emphasis is placed on the practical demands of the job: interacting in the workforce, meeting deadlines, working under pressure, accepting responsibility and demonstrating initiative. Students participate in office environment simulations where they deal with realistic problems and solutions. In the third level of the program, students complete a two-week work experience component.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Enjoy working in an office environment.
  • Like using computer and technology applications and enjoy a hands-on approach to learning.
  • Possess good communication (written, verbal, technology) and interpersonal abilities.
  • Are well-organized, pay attention to detail and can work effectively under time constraints.
  • Are able to sit for extended periods of time.

Your Career

Graduates may find employment in any administrative field within the private and public sectors (corporations, government and associations). Graduates usually find employment as administrative assistants in financial, legal, business or personnel administration. With further experience, they may progress to positions as administrative officers, senior executive assistants or office managers.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Level: 01 Hours
ENL9212 Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. Communications I Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments. 45.0
GEN9400 Essential to learners as they take their place in college, community, family and working life is the ability to be lifelong learners. Students develop and enhance their awareness of self as a learner and study learning, motivation and problem-solving theories. Important throughout are attitudes which help learners to deal with a complex, changing world. Teaching/learning methods include classroom discussion and exercises; reflective journals to monitor, evaluate and guide the student's development, as well as lectures. College and Career Success Essential to learners as they take their place in college, community, family and working life is the ability to be lifelong learners. Students develop and enhance their awareness of self as a learner and study learning, motivation and problem-solving theories. Important throughout are attitudes which help learners to deal with a complex, changing world. Teaching/learning methods include classroom discussion and exercises; reflective journals to monitor, evaluate and guide the student's development, as well as lectures. 45.0
MAT9002 Fundamental mathematical skills are important to be successful when working in a business or office environment. Students review basic mathematical calculations and apply these skills to solving and understanding related business problems. Students learn to calculate fractions, decimals, percentages and word problems including banking, payroll deductions, simple interest and trade discounts. Introduction to Business Mathematics Fundamental mathematical skills are important to be successful when working in a business or office environment. Students review basic mathematical calculations and apply these skills to solving and understanding related business problems. Students learn to calculate fractions, decimals, percentages and word problems including banking, payroll deductions, simple interest and trade discounts. 45.0
OFF9154 Keyboarding is an essential skill in today's office environment. Emphasis is placed on proper keyboarding technique and students develop proofreading skills in the formatting of basic business documents. Timed production, that meets acceptable business standards, is a course requirement. Students develop keyboarding speed and accuracy to a minimum rate of 25 words per minute and a production rate of 15 words per minute when working on assigned projects. Document Production I Keyboarding is an essential skill in today's office environment. Emphasis is placed on proper keyboarding technique and students develop proofreading skills in the formatting of basic business documents. Timed production, that meets acceptable business standards, is a course requirement. Students develop keyboarding speed and accuracy to a minimum rate of 25 words per minute and a production rate of 15 words per minute when working on assigned projects. 90.0
OFF9156 The ability to effectively use a computer system and word processing software to manage and produce a variety of documents is expected of today's office worker. Through hands-on activities, students develop computer operation skills with the use of automated tools in the creation, manipulation and format of documents. Topics include file management, automated writing tools, document report formatting, mail merge and web page design. Emphasis is on basic and intermediate text editing features following correct business formats. Computer Applications - Text Editing The ability to effectively use a computer system and word processing software to manage and produce a variety of documents is expected of today's office worker. Through hands-on activities, students develop computer operation skills with the use of automated tools in the creation, manipulation and format of documents. Topics include file management, automated writing tools, document report formatting, mail merge and web page design. Emphasis is on basic and intermediate text editing features following correct business formats. 75.0
OFF9164 In today's office environment the administrative assistant knows how to perform a variety of duties to ensure the smooth flow of information. Topics explored include support staff responsibilities, office ergonomics, time management, postal and courier services, front-line reception and public relations, records management, handling banking transactions, reference sources, researching tools and techniques and the use of computerized office tools. Research projects, discussions, online activities, and simulated on-the-job situations are used to help students develop the skills and attitude expected of an office professional. Administrative Procedures In today's office environment the administrative assistant knows how to perform a variety of duties to ensure the smooth flow of information. Topics explored include support staff responsibilities, office ergonomics, time management, postal and courier services, front-line reception and public relations, records management, handling banking transactions, reference sources, researching tools and techniques and the use of computerized office tools. Research projects, discussions, online activities, and simulated on-the-job situations are used to help students develop the skills and attitude expected of an office professional. 75.0
Level: 02 Hours
ACC9301 Accounting is used to communicate financial information to help make business decisions, raise capital and to satisfy legal/governmental regulations. An understanding of what accounting information is, the accounting cycle, recording transactions, payroll concepts and procedures, employer's tax responsibilities, and the preparation and analysis of financial statements is emphasized. Through simulated business situations, students are evaluated on their ability to accurately record financial information and complete the accounting cycle. Accounting I Accounting is used to communicate financial information to help make business decisions, raise capital and to satisfy legal/governmental regulations. An understanding of what accounting information is, the accounting cycle, recording transactions, payroll concepts and procedures, employer's tax responsibilities, and the preparation and analysis of financial statements is emphasized. Through simulated business situations, students are evaluated on their ability to accurately record financial information and complete the accounting cycle. 60.0
OFF9155 Students enhance their keyboarding speed and accuracy to a minimum rate of 40 words per minute and a production rate of 25 words per minute when working on assigned projects. Further development of formatting skills is achieved by producing a variety of documents, such as tables, letters, memoranda, business reports including outlines and charts using current word processing software. Timed production that meets acceptable business standards is a course requirement.

Prerequisites: OFF9154 and OFF9156 		Document Production II Students enhance their keyboarding speed and accuracy to a minimum rate of 40 words per minute and a production rate of 25 words per minute when working on assigned projects. Further development of formatting skills is achieved by producing a variety of documents, such as tables, letters, memoranda, business reports including outlines and charts using current word processing software. Timed production that meets acceptable business standards is a course requirement.

Prerequisites: OFF9154 and OFF9156 		75.0
OFF9163 Students develop an understanding of the design considerations for layout of desktop published documents and are introduced to the sophisticated features used in desktop publishing through computerized software packages. Through instruction, exercises and group work, students develop critical-thinking, decision-making and design skills to produce professional looking documents. Students also learn to organize, illustrate and professionally deliver ideas through the use of presentation software. Students produce a portfolio that demonstrates the concepts learned.

Prerequisites: OFF9156 		Computer Applications - Desktop Publishing Students develop an understanding of the design considerations for layout of desktop published documents and are introduced to the sophisticated features used in desktop publishing through computerized software packages. Through instruction, exercises and group work, students develop critical-thinking, decision-making and design skills to produce professional looking documents. Students also learn to organize, illustrate and professionally deliver ideas through the use of presentation software. Students produce a portfolio that demonstrates the concepts learned.

Prerequisites: OFF9156 		60.0
OFF9173 Students further enhance their knowledge of administrative procedures by developing skills in arranging and participating in meetings, making travel arrangements, protecting and preparing documents for distribution and transcribing documents. Students are introduced to the principles of project management and the use of project management software, and apply this knowledge to the planning, coordinating and implementation of an event. This course further develops the ability to complete documents in acceptable business format with emphasis on proofreading, speed and accuracy.

Prerequisites: OFF9154 and OFF9156 and OFF9164

Co-requisites: OFF9155 and OFF9163 		Executive Administration I Students further enhance their knowledge of administrative procedures by developing skills in arranging and participating in meetings, making travel arrangements, protecting and preparing documents for distribution and transcribing documents. Students are introduced to the principles of project management and the use of project management software, and apply this knowledge to the planning, coordinating and implementation of an event. This course further develops the ability to complete documents in acceptable business format with emphasis on proofreading, speed and accuracy.

Prerequisites: OFF9154 and OFF9156 and OFF9164

Co-requisites: OFF9155 and OFF9163 		90.0
OFF9179 Students learn the essential features of spreadsheet design using appropriate software. Through practical applications, proficiency is developed and assessed in preparing, manipulating and presenting numerical data to produce spreadsheets, financial statements, tables, invoices/receipts and charts. Statistical, logical, and financial functions are studied and applied.

Prerequisites: MAT9002 and OFF9156 		Computer Applications - Spreadsheet Students learn the essential features of spreadsheet design using appropriate software. Through practical applications, proficiency is developed and assessed in preparing, manipulating and presenting numerical data to produce spreadsheets, financial statements, tables, invoices/receipts and charts. Statistical, logical, and financial functions are studied and applied.

Prerequisites: MAT9002 and OFF9156 		60.0
Choose one from equivalencies: Hours
GED2210 Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology.

Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LFS9178 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or ENL7643 or GED1896 or GED5009 or PSI0003 		General Education Elective Students choose one course, from a group of general education electives, which meets one of the following five theme requirements: Arts in Society, Civic Life, Social and Cultural Understanding, Personal Understanding, and Science and Technology.

Equivalencies: ARC9001 or DSN2001 or ENV0002 or FAM1218 or FIN2300 or GED5002 or GED5004 or GED5005 or GED5006 or GED5200 or GED5300 or GED6022 or GEN1001 or GEN1957 or GEN2000 or GEN2003 or GEN2007 or GEN2009 or HIS0001 or HIS2000 or HOS2228 or LFS9178 or LIB1982 or MGT7330 or MVM8800 or PSI1702 or RAD2001 or SOC2003 or ENL7643 or GED1896 or GED5009 or PSI0003 		45.0
Level: 03 Hours
ACC9302 Students use computerized accounting software to create a set of books for a business; customize program settings; record financial data, including payroll and inventory; and perform year-end accounting procedures to complete the accounting cycle. Emphasis is on the use of specialized journals and the production of financial reports.

Prerequisites: ACC9301 and OFF9156 		Accounting II - Computer Applications Students use computerized accounting software to create a set of books for a business; customize program settings; record financial data, including payroll and inventory; and perform year-end accounting procedures to complete the accounting cycle. Emphasis is on the use of specialized journals and the production of financial reports.

Prerequisites: ACC9301 and OFF9156 		52.0
ENL9000 Students apply knowledge and skills to a variety of practical, vocation-oriented exercises. Students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication through lectures and independent learning, while practising business writing style and tone; creation of workplace and employment correspondence; preparation for oral presentations; design and delivery of business reports; and exploring other communication skills expected in a business environment.

Prerequisites: ENL9212 		Communication Skills for Business Students apply knowledge and skills to a variety of practical, vocation-oriented exercises. Students focus on meeting the requirements of effective communication through lectures and independent learning, while practising business writing style and tone; creation of workplace and employment correspondence; preparation for oral presentations; design and delivery of business reports; and exploring other communication skills expected in a business environment.

Prerequisites: ENL9212 		52.0
LAW9007 Since we are governed by law, it is important that as citizens we develop an understanding of the role law plays in our society. Students are introduced to the Canadian legal system and the influence it has over society, government and business. Areas of study include legal history and structure, players and process, ethics and responsibility. Topical discussions highlight current legal issues in society, business and government. Introduction to the Canadian Legal System Since we are governed by law, it is important that as citizens we develop an understanding of the role law plays in our society. Students are introduced to the Canadian legal system and the influence it has over society, government and business. Areas of study include legal history and structure, players and process, ethics and responsibility. Topical discussions highlight current legal issues in society, business and government. 52.0
LFS9180 This internship is offered to students who qualify. In association with appropriate participating employers, students apply principles and skills learned in the program to actual office situations. Students are responsible for completing a workplace activity log.

Prerequisites: ACC9301 and ENL9212 and MAT9002 and OFF9154 and OFF9155 and OFF9156 and OFF9163 and OFF9164 and OFF9173 and OFF9179 		Work Placement This internship is offered to students who qualify. In association with appropriate participating employers, students apply principles and skills learned in the program to actual office situations. Students are responsible for completing a workplace activity log.

Prerequisites: ACC9301 and ENL9212 and MAT9002 and OFF9154 and OFF9155 and OFF9156 and OFF9163 and OFF9164 and OFF9173 and OFF9179 		60.0
OFF9100 Students are introduced to the fundamentals of relational database design and develop an understanding of the importance of good table design and effective relationships. Students create and use tables to store information, queries to analyze and report needed information, forms to effectively present information for screen display and reports to professionally present information.

Prerequisites: OFF9156 		Computer Applications - Database Management Students are introduced to the fundamentals of relational database design and develop an understanding of the importance of good table design and effective relationships. Students create and use tables to store information, queries to analyze and report needed information, forms to effectively present information for screen display and reports to professionally present information.

Prerequisites: OFF9156 		39.0
OFF9177 Students enhance their administrative skills. Emphasis is placed on initiative, good judgment, speed and accuracy in the production of a variety of business documents from rough draft and voice files. Simulated office situations involving practical office activities further develop skills in effectiveness and efficiency using office technology. The importance of project planning and documentation, as well as Internet navigation and research skills are reinforced.

Prerequisites: OFF9155 and OFF9163 and OFF9173 and OFF9179

Co-requisites: OFF9100 		Executive Administration II Students enhance their administrative skills. Emphasis is placed on initiative, good judgment, speed and accuracy in the production of a variety of business documents from rough draft and voice files. Simulated office situations involving practical office activities further develop skills in effectiveness and efficiency using office technology. The importance of project planning and documentation, as well as Internet navigation and research skills are reinforced.

Prerequisites: OFF9155 and OFF9163 and OFF9173 and OFF9179

Co-requisites: OFF9100 		78.0

Fees & Expenses

Tuition Fees: $1,684.96 per term.

Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *

Student Activity/Sports Fee: $200.50 per term.

Student Commons/Auditorium Fee: $22 per term.

Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.

Health Service Fee: $20 per term.

Health Plan Fee: $117.02 paid once annually. **

A $40 graduation fee is payable in the final term.

A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.

International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $4,400 per term.

* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at algonquincollege.com/its/support/IT-Fee/index-it-fee.htm

** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the request. This request will have to be made annually.

Books and supplies cost approximately $1,900 for the program.

Admission Requirements 

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent. Applicants with an OSSD showing senior English and/or mathematics courses at the Basic Level, or with Workplace or Open courses, will be tested to determine their eligibility for admission; OR
  • Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
  • General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
  • Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing for which a fee of $40 (subject to change) will be charged.
Program Eligibility
  • English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English.

Application Information

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca A $95 fee applies.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar's Office
Algonquin College Heritage Institute
7 Craig Street
Perth, ON K7H 1X7
Telephone: 613-267-2859

Additional Information

This non-semestered Full-time day program is offered at the Perth and Pembroke Campuses. It is offered at the Woodroffe Campus as a two-year program. While the learning outcomes at the Woodroffe, Perth, Pembroke and Woodroffe Campuses are the same, the curriculum order and subject delivery are reflective of the local circumstances which affect program delivery.

Students must meet a words per-minute typing speed target in order to graduate. Applicants are encouraged to develop keyboarding skills prior to beginning the program.

The Perth Campus is an elearning environment; to ensure your success as a student, we recommend that you bring a current laptop computer to support your studies.

For more information, contact Monique Cochrane or Sandra Marchant, at 613-267-2859 ext. 5608.

Awards & Bursaries

3M Textbook Bursary is open to full-time students in the Office Administration – Executive program, who have demonstrated financial need and are registered in the final semester.

Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time