Course
PSE-EML
Engaging the Modern Learner: Learner Development
The Serving Students in Higher Education (SSHE) program is winding down and will officially close at the end of 2026.
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This six-week, fully online course centers on the most important aspect of post-secondary education: the learner. You'll explore the student journey—before, during and after their time at your institution—and examine how post-secondary professionals support student success and the development of 21st century skills.
Through inquiry-based and reflective learning, you'll develop a student persona to better understand individual needs, experiences, goals, and motivations. You'll also assess the diversity of your institution's student population, with attention to equity and the inclusion of underrepresented groups.
By the end of the course, you'll review the student lifecycle at your institution, identify barriers and opportunities, and create an action plan to improve one aspect of the student experience.
Key topics:
- The 21st Century Learner
- The Post-Secondary Student Lifecycle
- The Diverse Post-Secondary Community
- Optimizing Student Experience to Enable Conditions for Learning
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:
- Identify ways to support students' development of 21st century skills throughout their post-secondary journey.
- Develop a student persona that reflects their context, motivations, and lived experiences to better support their learning needs.
- Propose a plan to improve one aspect of the student lifecycle at your post-secondary institution, aligned with your role and influence.
| Course Outline Download the course outline in PDF format for additional details including learning outcomes and module descriptions. |
Applies Towards the Following Certificate of Completion
- Serving Students in Higher Education: Mandatory Course
OSAP Micro-Credential Funding
This course is eligible for OSAP Micro-Credential Funding. Please contact the UofT's Registrar's Office for more information.
Recommendations
Upon successful completion of all three courses, you will be issued a digital Certificate of Completion from OISE Continuing and Professional Learning at the University of Toronto.
Course can be applied towards
Serving Students in Higher Education Program: Required Courses
Full Course Details
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DEADLINE TO REGISTER: September 17, 2026 at 11:59 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
Late Registration:
Late registration beyond this deadline may be available, if space permits. You are advised to register early, as courses sometimes fill up before the posted registration deadline.
Course Format:
This course will run for 6 weeks, fully online, in a blend of asynchronous and optional synchronous sessions. The course will be led by a facilitator and paced into modules, where you will complete various tasks, discussions and assignments according to specific deadlines.
Withdrawal Policy:
A request for withdrawal received by the registration deadline will receive a full refund. A request made after the registration deadline will only be eligible for a refund (less an administrative fee) if it meets the specific criteria outlined under the “Policies & Guidelines” section of our website. You are encouraged to familiarize yourself with our policies and guidelines prior to registering for any course or program. More information can be found on our website under Policies & Guidelines > Withdrawals and Transfer Policy.
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