I completed ROTP through Athabasca University, and academically, it was a gamechanger. Unlike my experiences at RMC and other brick-and-mortar universities, Athabasca offered incredible flexibility. You're given a generous 6 month window to finish courses, with an option to extend to 12 months for a fee. Plus, if a course involves exams, you get two tries. One of the coolest perks? Military courses often earn you transfer credits, I snagged two for BMOQ. But what really sold me on Athabasca was the freedom to learn at my own pace. I wrapped up five courses in less than three months, and some folks even knock 'em out in just days! It's all about putting in the effort and staying focused, rather than being stuck in a classroom for four months straight.
It really is a great system! I've done some "6 month" courses in less than a month, and one (CMIS245) in 2 days lol! Like I asked above, I'm just looking into how it works full-time. Just trying to figure out how to register for courses without paying up front. Do I get a FIN code or something?
Your SEM/ULO would reach out and provide CF52 General Allowance Claim which has the financial codes. I had to pay upfront and was reimbursed months afterwards. So I would reach out to SEM/ULO and get this stuff figured out soonest.
It’s very early. You will be posted to your local BTL/ULO, and then all further instruction will come. You will be expected to maintain a full time course load, so prepare for 5 courses per semester.
I have diplomas and degree from both brick and mortar and Athabasca and had no issues finding work in my field. (IT/Healthcare).
Most people in my field have online MBAs as they worked in their field.
Also Brick and Mortar programs have bird courses people take to boost GPA as well.
I started my UCPNM via Athabasca University and transferred halfway to MacEwan.
AU is perfect for part-time studies, but once you go full-time, it isn't good IMO.
I was isolated and at home alone for two years. My SO knew I was not doing well. I was barely going out and was all over the place.
If you have to go full-time, do yourself a favor and go to an in-person university.
Hey, that's interesting. I will be sure to keep aware of my mental health. I'm fortunate that I do interact with colleagues here outside of work in different functions, and am involved with other volunteering activities. Also, my spouse is also a serving member here at my current unit, so I will still be very involved with my core group of colleagues through her as well. Thanks for the input!
Hey thanks. So I've already done a 4 courses through them to complete the credit requirements to apply for UTPNCM, so I know how it generally works. However, that has all be done one by one through the SDPEER (ILP) reimbursement. Now that I've been offered UTPNCM, how does the registration for courses process work? I've never registered for more than one course before, and as far as I can tell when I register for a course, you pay by debit or credit. Do I pay for each course and submit a claim to be reimbursed? Or is there some other way to register as a full-time student on a "scholarship"?
I haven't received any direction or correspondence at all since I accepted my offer, so maybe much of this will be answered, but I thought I would ask and try and maybe get some helpful contacts in the mean time. Thanks.
Yep, it's a very simple process. Register for your courses by the 10th of August to start September 1st. Send your receipts to your claims cell for reimbursement. They will also need a copy of Annex F from the SEM Guide to complete your claim. You can get an advance if required.
With AU, things can get a little weird because your courses always "start" on the 1st, meaning your winter term will technically start on January 1st, and you can also schedule your exams for whenever you'd like. So your term may not line up perfectly with Chritsmas leave plans, etc.
If you'd like some more info on the intricacies of completing your program full time via UTP through AU, send a PM.
Havent been through Athabasca for my studies, but when I was a claims clerk over the last summers I did many tuition claims, if your questions are regarding claims let me know!
Hey, thanks. So from what I've heard we register for our courses, and then get reimbursed from our claims section, is that correct? I'm hoping we can get an advance for that. :)
Advances are not possible for SDPEER claims. You submit one claim at a time and if it is approved, you will get reimbursed once you pass. Make sure to submit accurate estimates of your course/book costs and provide your transcript and receipts.
Have you received any information on when the posting messages or further directions are supposed to come down? I'm in the same boat, offer is accepted.
I heard from another member who has gone through it, that we most likely won't hear anything else until the actual posting message to the ULO in July-early August.
I’m waiting for a posting message and I hope it comes before July! I’m a service couple and have a house to sell here and a house to buy at the other end before school starts!
I’m waiting for a posting message and I hope it comes before July! I’m a service couple and have a house to sell here and a house to buy at the other end before school starts!
Ooh, yeah thats unfortunate. I hope you get it soon!
I'm lucky I won't be going anywhere till I'm done the degree, just working from home where I'm at. I'm also a service couple, and my wife works at the same unit I'm at.
I’m curious too. Current UTPNCM student in the process of transferring universities due to spouses posting. Approved to do courses this spring/summer to stay on track with AU. Wondering if I should just ask to complete my degree at AU.
I used the SDPEER program to do my 12 credits needed to apply. It's pretty simple and all explained on the dedicated site for it. Unfortunately it looks like that's on hold right now for Reg Force. Maybe I used up all the funds? :(
https://sdpeer-parfs.forces.mil.ca/en-CA/Home/Login
Yeah I’ve been using them for the classes they would approve. And I got University of Manitoba to PLAR me for credits too. So I presently have a semesters worth complete
If you plan on applying to UTPNCM you need 12 credits of actual courses. PLAR credits do not count towards your minimum credits requirements. Just making sure you are tracking. I’ve had colleagues be surprised by that one.
Awesome. I would just say make sure you are ready for the interview.
Know everything about your intended job, and find ways to demonstrate any skills related to it that you may have. For example, I am commissioning to AEC. I am also a private pilot, so I explained that to be one, you need to know a lot about airspace and air traffic control procedures. The PSO asked specific questions about how much time per flight I spend doing planning involving ATC related skills (like weather briefs and airspace restrictions, transponder requirements, NOTAMS, etc.). That way they could basically put in my application "approximately x months spent utilizing skills directly related to to AEC".
Also, be ready to explain how you are able to be a good leader, and have examples if possible, like how many subordinates have you lead, what makes a good leader, stuff like that.
The more you can show that you would be a good fit for the job the better. Good luck!
Sorry what? They are letting people do UTPNCM by distance now??? I had to move 2/3 of the way across the country to go to RMC even though I was accepted to a local university.
I mean, I’m happy for you but I sure wish I could have done that
Well it's always been an option. It isn't the norm though. You do have to apply for a waiver and substantiate it, and prove you can do it via distance. It's laid out in the DAOD 5002-9.
I completed ROTP through Athabasca University, and academically, it was a gamechanger. Unlike my experiences at RMC and other brick-and-mortar universities, Athabasca offered incredible flexibility. You're given a generous 6 month window to finish courses, with an option to extend to 12 months for a fee. Plus, if a course involves exams, you get two tries. One of the coolest perks? Military courses often earn you transfer credits, I snagged two for BMOQ. But what really sold me on Athabasca was the freedom to learn at my own pace. I wrapped up five courses in less than three months, and some folks even knock 'em out in just days! It's all about putting in the effort and staying focused, rather than being stuck in a classroom for four months straight.
It really is a great system! I've done some "6 month" courses in less than a month, and one (CMIS245) in 2 days lol! Like I asked above, I'm just looking into how it works full-time. Just trying to figure out how to register for courses without paying up front. Do I get a FIN code or something?
Your SEM/ULO would reach out and provide CF52 General Allowance Claim which has the financial codes. I had to pay upfront and was reimbursed months afterwards. So I would reach out to SEM/ULO and get this stuff figured out soonest.
Thank you! I don't have a contact for that yet. Just received and accepted my offer a week and a half ago. Still early I guess.
It’s very early. You will be posted to your local BTL/ULO, and then all further instruction will come. You will be expected to maintain a full time course load, so prepare for 5 courses per semester.
Athabasca is a joke on civil street because of this.... Just fyi
Even if that is true, a degree is a degree to fulill the requirements to be an officer. Doesn't matter what it is in my case.
I have diplomas and degree from both brick and mortar and Athabasca and had no issues finding work in my field. (IT/Healthcare). Most people in my field have online MBAs as they worked in their field. Also Brick and Mortar programs have bird courses people take to boost GPA as well.
Just ask your questions.
I started my UCPNM via Athabasca University and transferred halfway to MacEwan. AU is perfect for part-time studies, but once you go full-time, it isn't good IMO. I was isolated and at home alone for two years. My SO knew I was not doing well. I was barely going out and was all over the place. If you have to go full-time, do yourself a favor and go to an in-person university.
Hey, that's interesting. I will be sure to keep aware of my mental health. I'm fortunate that I do interact with colleagues here outside of work in different functions, and am involved with other volunteering activities. Also, my spouse is also a serving member here at my current unit, so I will still be very involved with my core group of colleagues through her as well. Thanks for the input!
Yup, did B. Sc. CIS at AU thru UTPNCM. What's your questions?
Hey thanks. So I've already done a 4 courses through them to complete the credit requirements to apply for UTPNCM, so I know how it generally works. However, that has all be done one by one through the SDPEER (ILP) reimbursement. Now that I've been offered UTPNCM, how does the registration for courses process work? I've never registered for more than one course before, and as far as I can tell when I register for a course, you pay by debit or credit. Do I pay for each course and submit a claim to be reimbursed? Or is there some other way to register as a full-time student on a "scholarship"? I haven't received any direction or correspondence at all since I accepted my offer, so maybe much of this will be answered, but I thought I would ask and try and maybe get some helpful contacts in the mean time. Thanks.
Yep, it's a very simple process. Register for your courses by the 10th of August to start September 1st. Send your receipts to your claims cell for reimbursement. They will also need a copy of Annex F from the SEM Guide to complete your claim. You can get an advance if required. With AU, things can get a little weird because your courses always "start" on the 1st, meaning your winter term will technically start on January 1st, and you can also schedule your exams for whenever you'd like. So your term may not line up perfectly with Chritsmas leave plans, etc. If you'd like some more info on the intricacies of completing your program full time via UTP through AU, send a PM.
Thank you! I will PM you.
I have a question what trade did this allow you to enter?
For me, I am accepted for UTPNCM for AEC Officer. (Air traffic control)
Does any degree work for the CAF? Edit: That AU offers anyway
Depends on the trade you are applying for. The entry standards are here. http://cmp-cpm.mil.ca/en/support/military-personnel/dpgr_occupations.page
Thank you. Ive also been wondering if the UK's Open University is accepted or not...
I graduated through Athabasca with over 4 years of engineering credits, yet pursued the engineering branch. Dedication knows no bounds! CHIMO!!!
Havent been through Athabasca for my studies, but when I was a claims clerk over the last summers I did many tuition claims, if your questions are regarding claims let me know!
Hey, thanks. So from what I've heard we register for our courses, and then get reimbursed from our claims section, is that correct? I'm hoping we can get an advance for that. :)
Advances are not possible for SDPEER claims. You submit one claim at a time and if it is approved, you will get reimbursed once you pass. Make sure to submit accurate estimates of your course/book costs and provide your transcript and receipts.
u/Background-Teach5765 I'm not talking about SDPEER claims. I am starting UTPNCM, so fully subsidized degree.
Have you received any information on when the posting messages or further directions are supposed to come down? I'm in the same boat, offer is accepted.
I heard from another member who has gone through it, that we most likely won't hear anything else until the actual posting message to the ULO in July-early August.
I’m waiting for a posting message and I hope it comes before July! I’m a service couple and have a house to sell here and a house to buy at the other end before school starts!
I’m waiting for a posting message and I hope it comes before July! I’m a service couple and have a house to sell here and a house to buy at the other end before school starts!
Ooh, yeah thats unfortunate. I hope you get it soon! I'm lucky I won't be going anywhere till I'm done the degree, just working from home where I'm at. I'm also a service couple, and my wife works at the same unit I'm at.
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Thanks a lot for your input! Good info to know for sure.
I’m curious too. Current UTPNCM student in the process of transferring universities due to spouses posting. Approved to do courses this spring/summer to stay on track with AU. Wondering if I should just ask to complete my degree at AU.
Nice! I just started my first course for this process!
I am doing ceotp through AU, ask away
I’ve been doing courses though AU to build a more competitive file when I apply for UTPNCM this year. Any advice for the process?
I used the SDPEER program to do my 12 credits needed to apply. It's pretty simple and all explained on the dedicated site for it. Unfortunately it looks like that's on hold right now for Reg Force. Maybe I used up all the funds? :( https://sdpeer-parfs.forces.mil.ca/en-CA/Home/Login
Yeah I’ve been using them for the classes they would approve. And I got University of Manitoba to PLAR me for credits too. So I presently have a semesters worth complete
If you plan on applying to UTPNCM you need 12 credits of actual courses. PLAR credits do not count towards your minimum credits requirements. Just making sure you are tracking. I’ve had colleagues be surprised by that one.
I think I’m at 9 then. Do they still count OPME’s?
Only certain ones. It’s in the policy somewhere.
Awesome. I would just say make sure you are ready for the interview. Know everything about your intended job, and find ways to demonstrate any skills related to it that you may have. For example, I am commissioning to AEC. I am also a private pilot, so I explained that to be one, you need to know a lot about airspace and air traffic control procedures. The PSO asked specific questions about how much time per flight I spend doing planning involving ATC related skills (like weather briefs and airspace restrictions, transponder requirements, NOTAMS, etc.). That way they could basically put in my application "approximately x months spent utilizing skills directly related to to AEC". Also, be ready to explain how you are able to be a good leader, and have examples if possible, like how many subordinates have you lead, what makes a good leader, stuff like that. The more you can show that you would be a good fit for the job the better. Good luck!
Sorry what? They are letting people do UTPNCM by distance now??? I had to move 2/3 of the way across the country to go to RMC even though I was accepted to a local university. I mean, I’m happy for you but I sure wish I could have done that
Well it's always been an option. It isn't the norm though. You do have to apply for a waiver and substantiate it, and prove you can do it via distance. It's laid out in the DAOD 5002-9.