KPU Turf Diploma Program To Move Forward

June 17, 2020
KPU Turf Diploma Update

The Fall 2020 direction for KPU's Turf Management Diploma is now resolved. 

In our last turf industry report February 21, we were in the process of a Program Review, which has been put on hold until the Fall 2020 semester.  Present Turf Diploma students will continue with their education under the new delivery format. Applications are now being accepted for enrollment into the new Turf Management Diploma program, with Fall 2020 timetables and registration available over the next month. 

In response to the controlled learning environments in which we are all required to operate in, post-secondary institutions have been planning modified education with a clear preference for online delivery modes as much as possible.  After much careful consideration, KPU's fall delivery plan was developed with the need to keep health and safety foremost.  All lecture material will be presented online, maximizing self-paced participation.  Classes will be scheduled, but not necessarily attended at those specific times, as live sessions will be taped.  Lab work will be adjusted to maximize online content delivery, with face to face delivery scheduled only where it is otherwise impossible to achieve the learning outcomes of a course.  Instructors will reduce this essential personal contact from the usual 13 Lab sessions down to 0-4 Labs per term.  Physical distancing, PPE, sanitation and maximum class size precautions will be part of the new Lab format.  Potential Turf Diploma students will need access to a computer and Internet and be potentially available to attend several Lab sessions.  KPU recognizes that Remote Learning may be new for many students so Fall 2020 offerings will be "slow and steady" with developing new skills and the offerings will feature IT support as needed. 

This new format may continue into the Spring 2021 term, pending the need to continue controlled learning environments.  Many of you have voiced of turf staff who want a Turf Diploma education but need to continue to work, so now is a great time to dive in.  KPU Turf Management Diploma information can be found at https://www.kpu.ca/hort/turf.  Potential turf students are also free to contact me anytime. 

Stan Kazymerchyk
KPU Turf Management Instructor
stan.kazymerchyk@kpu.ca
604-345-7125