Legal Office Administration - Georgian College of Applied Arts and TechnologyParalegal and Legal Assistant Education in CanadaArts and Humanities Programs -- Community College Programs
PROGRAM WEBSITE Legal Office Administration - Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology's 2-year Diploma in Law and Security Administration program, which is 'endorsed by the Advisory Committee of the Justice & Public Safety Institute,' is primarily designed for individuals aspiring to a career, career advancement, and/or further education in the security and/or corrections fields. The Program aims to develop 'students to graduate levels that offer them the choice of building skill sets specializing in security or corrections,' and students will graduate with qualifications that exceed those required by 'security professionals in Ontario.' Students will also develop and refine a comprehensive set of skills that are 'expected of justice professionals,' including communication skills, via applied practice in written reports, interviews, negotiator techniques, and the application of cutting edge computer technology. During the second year, students will have the 'opportunity for a focused development of skills and abilities required in careers of Professional Protection and Security' or on those 'skills required to work effectively with offender populations in both institutional and community settings' through Public Protection and Corrections-focussed courses. A unique aspect of the Program is that the æcertification of required skills and authoritiesÆ for these aforementioned fields is part of the Professional Response Options and Solutions (PROS) course. The latter will focus on such major areas as CPR, Defibrillator, First Aid, and Firearms Permits and will equip 'students with responsible and legal Use of Force skills that will be required in pending government legislation.' Furthermore, 'formal recognition of' the 4-semester PROS 'course within the Security and Corrections industry provides the graduate with an enhanced profile in his or her chosen profession.' The Program will allow students will be able to apply what they have learned to real-world situations via 'an integrated field placement' that offers students exposure to their career of interest over two years of study.' To graduate from the Program, students must successfully complete 16 core courses, 6 elective courses, 4 general education courses, 2 communication courses, and 1 field placement; 'the passing weighted average for promotion through each semester, from year to' year and to graduate is 60%,' and students must earn a minimum of 50% or a letter grade of P (Pass) or S (Satisfactory) in each course in each semester.' Graduates of the Program may pursue various careers, career advancement, and/or further education in security, corrections, and related areas. Career-wise, graduates may apply for employment in government security agencies at the federal and provincial levels, private security firms, and numerous other employers. For example, graduates may assume positions in correctional and youth detention centres, entertainment industry (such as casinos and special events), high risk and task specific escorts (like money transfers and bodyguard work), municipal by-law enforcement, national and provincial government asset protection (such as government buildings and nuclear power plants), on board security roles (airplanes, trains, and transit systems, for example), and public and private security. Students should be aware that some positions will require further training and education, and those who possess a criminal record may find it difficult to attain employment in security, corrections, and related areas. Students may also advance their education and/or training in security or related areas, such as conservation enforcement, corrections, court and tribunal agents, criminal justice, criminology, investigation, police, and probation, at various institutes and colleges across Canada, often with advanced standing. In fact, the Georgian College has numerous articulation agreements of which students can take advantage. To be eligible for admission to the Program, 'applicants following the OSIS curriculum must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD -30 credits) at the general level, or equivalent. Applicants following the OSS curriculum must have an OSSD or equivalent.' Furthermore, OSIS applicants must 'a minimum of Grade 12 English at the general level,' with Grade 12 Mathematics recommended. OSS applicants are required to have successfully completed Grade 12 English (C) or (U) (ENG4C, ENG4U) with 'any Grade 12 College Mathematics (MAP 4C or MCT 4C, or any Grade 12 University Mathematics)' recommended. Prospective students who do not possess the aforementioned credentials and who will be 19 years of age or older by the commencement of classes may apply through "mature student status." The latter 'will be considered on an individual basis and acceptance will be determined by counseling, College Placement Testing (CPT), previous post-secondary education and evaluation of experience.' Mature applicants who have 'no documentation of Grade 12 education must supply, if requested, proof of age, such as a copy of an official birth certificate or driver's license.' All applicants 'are required to sign a waiver indicating they are physically and medically able to participate in strenuous physical activity.' A criminal record check may be requires, particularly for the field placement as many employers will not hire individuals with a criminal history. The College recommends that applicants possess basic computer literacy, keyboarding ability, and word processing skills.
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