Certificate in Dialogue and Civic Engagement

Frequently asked questions about this program

Q: Can I be exempt from any of the courses in the Certificate in Dialogue and Civic Engagement?

A: No. We do not offer course exemptions or transfer credit from other institutions.

Q: I’ve taken dialogue and civic engagement courses before. Can I apply those courses to the certificate?

A: Yes. You may apply to the certificate program at any time, but for the courses you’ve taken to qualify, you must have completed all assignments (some assignments are optional for non-certificate students). If you are not sure whether or not you want to complete the certificate, it is best to complete all assignments to keep this option open.

Q: What do I need to do to graduate?

A: To receive the Certificate in Dialogue and Civic Engagement, successfully complete all courses and workshops, as well as your practicum project.

Q: Are scholarships or other financial aid available?

A: Yes. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available for certificate students. Contact us for details.

Because this program is part-time, it does not currently qualify for BC student loans, but you may try to obtain funding through other sources, like your personal banking institution.

Frequently asked questions about SFU Continuing Studies

Q: Where do your courses take place?

A: Simon Fraser University has three campuses: in Burnaby, Vancouver, and Surrey. While undergraduate and graduate courses take place at all three campuses, we offer SFU Continuing Studies courses primarily at the Vancouver and Surrey campuses as well as the Surrey City Centre Library.

Please check course or program pages to find out where classes meet.

SFU Continuing Studies also offers distance and online courses, which are available to students anywhere in the world.

Q: When do your courses start?

A: While undergraduate and graduate courses start at the beginning of each semester (January, May, and September), SFU Continuing Studies programs begin throughout the year. Please check course or program pages for start dates.

Q: Do I need to apply for admission if I want to take SFU Continuing Studies courses?

A: You do not have to apply for admission to register for most Continuing Studies courses, but there are application procedures for our certificate and diploma programs. Visit the certificate or diploma program pages for details.

Q: Is there a different fee structure for international students?

A: Although undergraduate and graduate programs have different fee structures for international students, fees for Continuing Studies courses and programs are the same for domestic and international students.

Q: Can I apply for a student visa for SFU Continuing Studies programs?

A: Student visas are normally available for full-time programs only. The only Continuing Studies programs that issue letters of acceptance, which are required to apply for a student visa, are the English Language and Culture Program and the Interpretation and Translation Program. Please contact these program areas for more information on student visas.

The visa procedure for undergraduate and graduate students is available on the Student Services website.

Q: How do I find out about your free public events?

A: Click on the public lectures and events link on the sidebar.

Q: Do you have a course about ... ?

A: Please search our website for courses and programs that might interest you. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, we probably don't yet offer a course or program in that area. Please contact us at csreg@sfu.ca or 778-782-8000 if you have questions.

Q: How do I request a transcript?

A: Go to our online form to request a transcript of courses you have completed through SFU Continuing Studies.

Q: Can I access my grades online?

A: Once you have an account, you can review your courses, schedule, and grades online. Instructions for accessing your grades are available in our online guide.

Q: Will I receive an income-tax receipt for my tuition?

A: If your tuition fees exceed $100 in one calendar year, you may claim them as a tax credit. The payment receipt that we'll email you after you register is your official tax receipt. If you need a duplicate receipt, contact csreg@sfu.ca.

Q: What is your policy on course cancellations and instructor substitutions?

A: We reserve the right to substitute instructors or cancel courses without liability. In the event of a cancellation, we will make every effort to give registered students adequate notice. To make this process easier, when you register for courses, please provide full contact information, including your home and business telephone numbers, email address(es), and a fax number.

Q: What is your policy on program withdrawals and tuition refunds?

A: It varies by program, so be sure to contact your program area administrator for details.

Q: When I complete my program, what will my alumni status be?

A: Graduates of SFU certificate and diploma programs become SFU alumni, complete with all of our alumni benefits.