Overview
A student graduating from the Office Administration - General program will graduate with a one-year certificate, opening the door to a variety of entry-level employment opportunities in both private and public work sectors.
Students will gain knowledge in the following areas:
Technical skills
- Introductory level Office 365/2019 cloud-based computer application skills including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint etc.
- Outlook 365 - students become proficient in producing professional email communications, creating folders to stay organized, use of Outlook calendar to book appointments and schedule meetings.
- Students will be required to achieve a keyboarding speed of 40-50 GWPM.
- Students learn to share and edit documents in a cloud-based environment. Using MS Teams, collaboration software students learn how to book, attend and chair virtual meetings.
Soft skills
- Customer relationships are built on the use of effective and consistent communication as well as the ability to uphold and maintain confidentiality. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively are skills that are highly valued.
- Employers seek office administrators that are highly organized, forward-thinking and have the ability to problem-solve.
Program Details
Program Highlights
The role of an office administrator has changed and continues to evolve leading to variety of rewarding careers.
The Office Administration - General Program prepares graduates for current and future office trends. Experienced faculty prepare students to work in dynamic business environments. Students become extremely computer literate through instructional scaffolding. Faculty provide a supportive and professional environment that allows students to build on their current level of knowledge, which leads to mastery of the skills required in a business office.
Students graduate from the program appreciating the value of being an office administrator and become advocates of the profession during their career.
Program Outline
2023-2024
This course introduces students to the principles and concepts of bookkeeping. Students learn a systematic approach toward completion of the accounting cycle for both a service and merchandising operation. Additional topics include internal controls of a petty cash fund, the preparation of a bank reconciliation, month end / year end preparations and entries. Through a case study, students learn all aspects of the accounting cycle from recording the daily transactions for a business through to producing financial statements.
COMM 34 provides instruction and practice in college and workplace communication skills with an emphasis on the development of strategies to organize and express ideas in a clear and professional manner suitable to a variety of audiences. Course work also provides opportunities for the development of writing, grammar, research, citation, analytical, reading, and listening skills.
Office procedure skills are essential to support the daily operations of an office environment. The course introduces students to the use of office technology, electronic record keeping, and web-based tools. Students develop professional conduct skills through the use of emails, business presentations, and personal time management.
Effective use of a spreadsheet program is essential to working in an office environment. This course introduces students to basic spreadsheet operations. In computer labs, students perform general computation tasks using spreadsheet software to produce business documents within established deadlines.
Word processing skills are essential to working in an office environment. This course introduces students to the basics of keyboarding and word processing skills and applications. In computer labs students produce basic business documents in a timed setting.
Entering a new environment presents challenges as we transition to a new set of values and expectations within a new organizational culture. This course is designed to examine the process of adjustment and to equip students with strategies for making successful transitions.
This course is designed to provide students with systematic knowledge and skills in computerized accounting and office administration. Students are taught in a hands-on environment to journalize accounts receivable, accounts payable, sales, inventory and payroll transactions, prepare bank reconciliations and calculate payroll.
Prerequisite(s): ACCT26
Office procedure skills are essential to support the daily operations of an office environment. This course develops previously learned skills acquired in OFAD 2 Office Procedures I particularly office technology and communication. Further skills taught and practiced include minute taking, scheduling, records management, travel, and finance.
Prerequisite(s): OFAD2 + OFAD90 + OFAD122
Word processing skills are essential to working in an office environment. This course develops intermediate word processing skills and applications building on the skills learned in Introduction to Word Processing. In computer labs students practice producing complex business documents in a timed setting.
Prerequisite(s): OFAD122 + OFAD2 + OFAD90
Effective management of information is an integral part of working in an office environment. Information can come in a variety of forms. This course introduces students to basic database operations, from designing tables and queries to creating forms and reports. In computer labs, students perform general tasks using database software to produce business documents within established deadlines.
Communication skills, including the appropriate use of social media in a business setting, are essential to working in an office environment. Building on general communication skills learned in the first semester of the office administration programs, students practice producing documents for a business setting including minute-taking. In preparation to seek employment in their field, students learn the essentials of resume writing, cover letters, networking and interviewing.
Prerequisite(s): COMM110 OR COMM34
N/A
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at the C or U level
- Grade 11 Math
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program - free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.
Other Requirements
Technical Requirements
Students will be working in computer labs during their regular scheduled classes. In order to attend virtual classes or complete homework outside of on-campus delivery, students will be required to have the following technical equipment at home:
- Windows Personal Computer (laptop or PC) (Mac computers are not compatible with all software applications)
- Webcam and microphone
- Printer
- USB – 16 GB minimum
- 2nd computer monitor, external keyboard and mouse
Placement
The student work placement is designed to provide an opportunity for the student to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to an office. This is considered to be one of the most valuable experiences that the student will have during their time at SLC. Students build relationships, deal with clients, and this can often lead to career opportunities upon graduation.
Students are expected to complete a 2-week placement and are prepared by faculty to help secure their own community placement in order to increase their networking and communication skills. All placements are reviewed and approved by faculty. Some placement agencies may require a student to submit a resume and participate in an interview prior to confirmation of placement.
Students will be required to complete a variety of placement training modules, Student Declaration/Oath of Confidentiality and may be required to complete a series of immunizations and/or CPIC - Vulnerable Sector screening, depending on the placement agency's requirements.
Students will be supervised by a faculty member while on placement and faculty will be in communication with the placement agency throughout the student's placement. The placement agency will complete and submit a final placement evaluation on the last day of placement.
A SLC Student Placement Facilitator will notify the placement agency of any specific requirements prior to securing a placement and will provide placement agencies with the required placement documentation.
Some of the most valuable placements in the Kingston community include St. Lawrence College, Queen's University, a variety of government institutions, non-profit organizations, real estate and insurance offices etc.
Questions:
Fees
2023-2024
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Career Opportunities
Graduates from the Office Administration - General program find challenging entry-level positions in local business offices, non-profit organizations, government institutions, insurance and real estate offices etc.
Testimonials
Other Information
Programs at St. Lawrence 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. Program delivery can be run weekdays, weekends or evenings. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided a St. Lawrence College email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Melinda Vanzanten
MVanzanten@sl.on.ca
613.544.5400, ext.1946
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.