Program Length
- 15 Weeks
Credential
- Certificate
Are you gearing up for university studies and feeling a bit uncertain about whether you have all the skills you’ll need to be successful? We’ve got you covered with VIU’s Foundations for Success program.
This 15-week program will help you get ready for university studies, boost your confidence, and set you up for academic success. The program takes students through six extended learning courses, and includes courses on writing, strategies for online learning, presentation, and communication skills training. These academic and career preparation courses give you the foundational blocks to succeed academically.
Students have the option to take one or all of the courses in the program, which can be taken before you begin university studies, or after you have begun your academic program at VIU.
The Foundations for Success Certificate Program
Foundations for Success (FNFS) courses are meant to complement existing academic courses and programs at VIU. These courses augment current Adult Basic Education and University offerings by presenting six transitional elective courses designed to promote student success. Students may take one or all of these courses, but only a maximum of 6 academic credits may be used towards a credential at VIU.
| Foundations for Success |
|---|
| FNFS 100 - (Writing for Success) |
| FNFS 101 - (Reading, Speaking, and Presentation Skills) |
| FNFS 102 - (Finding Careers that Fit: Exploring Meaningful Education and Career Paths) |
| FNFS 103 - (Succeeding Online: Tools and Technologies for Learning) |
| FNFS 104 - (Learning Strategies for Success in Math, Science, and Engineering) |
| FNFS 105 - (Learning Strategies for Success in Health and Life Sciences) |
Minimum of 17 years of age; must meet applicable Foundations course prerequisites.
Recommendations for Admission
The Foundation program is recommended for mature students who are returning to education or students in transition from high school into post-secondary studies who wish to improve their academic skills.
Notes on Admission
Limitation of academic credit should be discussed with an advisor as part of the consultation process on admission. Credit that can be used towards degree completion at VIU is limited to 6 credits.
The program is not intended to connect to a career directly. Rather, the research shows that adult students with adequate preparation and support tend to have higher degree and professional program completion. The Foundations for Success courses represent a pathway to the academic success that a career can be built on.
Domestic Fees
Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees
When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.
When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.
Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.
| Fees - per course | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition (3 credits x $166.40 per credit) | 499.20 |
| Student Activity fee (4 months x $19.97 per month) | 79.88 |
| Student Services fee (4 months x $22.05 per month) | 88.20 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (4 months x $27.60 per month) | 110.40 |
| Total | 777.68 |
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.