FAQ

Activating Your Western Identity

Trying to Access your Course?

Have you previously completed an AQ, Braille or IBEC Certificate course, taken an undergraduate or graduate course with Western or previously applied to the University?

Multifactor Authentication (DUO)

Western uses Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to access many services including Student Center and Office 365 (including email).  MFA is an authentication method in which a user is granted access only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence to prove their identity. Duo Security is being used to secure MFA enabled services at Western University.

In order to access these services you will be required to set up DUO, click here for more information or copy and paste this URL https://mfa.uwo.ca/ into your browser.

Finding Your Course Online

* You will not have access to your course on the online learning platform OWL Brighstpace before the official start date.

Following is an overview on navigating through OWL.

Log into OWL Brightspace with your Western Identity user ID and password. Once logged in, you will be on the OWL landing page below.

Your course will activate online on its start date, at which time it will appear across the top with the course code. You will see your course listed under My Courses.

When you click on your course, you will see a variety of tiles on the left hand side. Please access each of these tiles to view information for your course.

Ensure to access your course syllabus within the Lessons tab to access important information including Western’s policies (i.e. medical and plagiarism), evaluation and rubrics, assignment and discussion expectations, etc.

Web Browser

The course site works best with Google Chrome as your web browser.  Please note: ASPirE courses are not designed to be accessed from a phone. A tablet, laptop or desktop will be required.

Depending on the web browser you are using, you may need to change your security settings to enable mixed or unsafe content and/or always allow pop ups in order to be able to view links within the course.

Instructor Contact

If you have any problems, questions or concerns, email your instructor from your Western Email Account. Your instructor will provide their contact information at the start of the course.

Evaluations & Expectations

Modules are 5-weeks in length. They include online learning where you will be participating in the discussion forums and completing module tasks. The remaining hours are allocated to readings. 

Western IBEC courses are asynchronous. Our online courses are NOT “live”. All participation in the Discussion Forums is through posting. You can be online at any time of the day/night; however you MUST be online regularly and consistently to be successful in the module. Doing so will be crucial for you to remain on top of the course and to complete all the expectations in the required timeframe. You must participate in and successfully complete EACH component of the course in order to pass.

Transfers, Withdrawals and Deferrals

Program and Subject Transfers

1. To request a transfer to a different IBEC program or subject, notify the Program Coordinator, in writing, by sending an email to ibwestern@uwo.ca. Transfer requests cannot be approved via telephone.
2. Requests to change program or subject must be received in writing at least 7 calendar days prior to the start of Module 1. Requests for program and/or subject changes received after the start of Module 1 cannot be accommodated.
3. Candidates wishing to enroll in additional subjects in Modules 2 and 3 may do so, with a subsequent payment, at the current course rate, for the additional two (2) modules.

Withdrawal 

1. Withdrawal requests should be submitted in writing to the program coordinator a minimum of 14 calendar days prior to the start of the program. 
2. Withdrawal requests received a minimum of 14 calendar days prior to the program start date will receive a full refund of tuition paid, minus a $50-dollar non-refundable withdrawal fee. 
3. For withdrawals received within 13 calendar days prior to the program start date:

• Candidates who pay module-by-module, will not receive a refund for module 1. 
• Candidates who paid for the program in full, will receive a refund of the tuition amount for modules 2, 3, and 4, minus the $50-dollar non-refundable withdrawal fee. 

Note: non-participation in a module does not presume formal withdrawal

Deferrals: 

1. A candidate wishing to defer a module, or the entire program must submit a formal written request to the program coordinator at ibwestern@uwo.ca  at least 14 calendar days before the module or program start date.
2. Deferment requests are subject to approval, based on the circumstances surrounding the request and availability of future programs.

1. If the program is not completed within the stated timeframe, the candidate will be required to reapply and submit payment for the entire program. A grade of WDN will be applied to all incomplete Program work.
2. Tuition fees may increase during the deferral period at the discretion of the program.
3. Candidates requesting deferral will be required to cover the cost of the increase from their original tuition deposit.
4. Refunds will not be issued for deferred modules; instead, the paid tuition will be applied to future enrollment within the allotted deferment period. 

Payments

1. Acceptable payment methods include Visa or Mastercard. Only payments made through Western’s IB application portal are accepted.  Western’s IB program cannot process credit card payments for candidates.
2. There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of $100.

Tuition Payment Options: Candidates have two payment options:

1. Pay the entire program fee in full before the start date of the program.
2. Pay in four equal installments. Each installment is due one week before the start of each module. To register for a module, all installments must be paid by their respective deadlines.
3. Candidates enrolled in a program that is cancelled, will be notified by email and will be offered a deferral to another session or receive a full refund of the program fees minus the $100 non-refundable application fee.