August 27, 2008 - Seneca and the University of Toronto provide innovative pathway for students seeking a diploma and degree

Students now have the opportunity to begin their studies at Seneca College and complete them at the University of Toronto earning both a Liberal Arts diploma and a university BA degree in four years.

The three year pilot program between Seneca College and University of Toronto’s Woodsworth College, Faculty of Arts and Science, allows eligible students to spend their first two years at Seneca, while taking two or three University of Toronto courses. Students then complete their studies with a third and fourth year entirely at the University of Toronto.

"We have done a careful assessment and believe that Seneca students who have completed a diploma in liberal arts have already done university-level work and should be given credit for it,” said Glenn Loney, assistant dean and registrar for the Faculty of Arts and Science at U of T. “This program will allow them to transfer into some of U of T's related humanities and social science programs and get credit for their college work."

The program shortens the time it could take to earn a diploma and a BA separately. Alternatively, after completing the first two years at Seneca, students have the option of continuing their studies at the University of Toronto as partial load or part-time students – allowing for more flexible learning.

“This program provides students with a new pathway to earning a diploma and a university degree,” said Dr. Mark Moss, Chair of Liberal Arts. “The program is designed to provide a unique college and university experience. It offers small post-secondary classes and one-on-one academic counselling and support to provide a gradual transition from college to university,” explains Moss.

“We are very excited about our new partnership with the University of Toronto,” says Seneca President Dr. Rick Miner. “This agreement is an example of our commitment to expanding opportunities for students and providing new pathways to success.”

More students have chosen Seneca than any other college in Canada. With eight campuses across the Greater Toronto Area, Seneca provides internationally and nationally recognized polytechnic education, training, and academic pathways key to graduate career success in the global economy. Every Seneca diploma, certificate and degree program is developed to a high academic standard, in consultation with industry, integrated with information technology, combined with technical and transferable skills, and reinforced by opportunities for ongoing education and re-training.

For more information, please contact:
Seneca College Media Relations
416-491-5050 ext. 7018