The Explorations Program at Vanier College has been helping students succeed in their college studies for over 15 years. This is both an integrative and a transitional program for high school graduates and college students whose preparation for certain Cégep programs may not be complete, or who require additional support in order to ease the transition to Cégep and to maximize their chances of success. The Explorations program is designed to provide students with the skills needed to succeed in their studies at Cégep and beyond. Each profile is carefully planned to meet a specific student need. They combine a mix of program, general studies, prerequisite, and study-skills courses.

Explorations 2 "Passages"

SRAM CODE: 081.01 B1 + letter of intent indicating that the student requests this profile, and the program they eventually wish to transfer into.

This profile is intended for high school graduates whose academic record indicates a need for additional academic support. It is designed to teach students the necessary academic skills to succeed in college studies, strengthen their oral and written communication skills and develop their self-confidence and motivation. Students are encouraged to explore the available resources and to build a strong support network at Vanier College, as well as to choose a program that best suits their interests and abilities.

Students take between 5 and 7 courses, including four compulsory courses: College Preparation, which is linked to a Social Science introductory course (Anthropology, History, Geography, Psychology, or Sociology), English, and Science of Survival. Students may complete their course load with General Studies courses: Humanities, French and Physical Education. Math and Science prerequisites are not taken in this program but successful students may be eligible to transfer to Explorations 3 to do those courses.

Explorations 3 "Transition"

SRAM CODE: 081.01 B3 + letter of intent indicating that the student requests this profile, the program they eventually wish to transfer into, and the required prerequisite(s).

Students who have already attended Cégep and who need to take prerequisites to prepare for a different program may apply for Explorations 3 “Transition.” This is one semester of full-time study including the chosen Math and/or Science prerequisite courses. Students complete their course load with General Studies courses: English, Humanities, French and Physical Education.

NOTE: This profile is primarily for students who have not taken the prerequisites, not for students who have previously failed the prerequisite course, or who have a weak grade. Students who repeat a prerequisite taken in high school or Cégep must pay a portion of the course not subsidized by the government.

Explorations 5 "Access to Science/Careers and Technical Programs"

SRAM CODE: 081.01 B1 + letter of intent indicating that the student requests this profile, the program they eventually wish to transfer into, and the required prerequisite(s).

This profile is for high school graduates who wish to pursue a DEC in the Science or Careers and Technology programs, but who lack one or more of the program prerequisites (Math 436, Physical Science 436). In the Winter semester, students requiring Math 536, Chemistry 534, or Physics 534 should also apply to Explorations 5.

Students usually take a full load of seven courses, including two compulsory courses: College Preparation and English, as well as the prerequisite Math and Science courses. Students complete their course load with General Studies courses: Humanities, French and Physical Education.

Students who are successful in Explorations 5 may ask to remain in the Explorations program (Explorations 3) for an additional semester to complete additional prerequisite(s). If the student has attained all the necessary pre-requisites for their chosen program, but that program does not accept new students in the Winter semester, they may transfer into Explorations 7 and register for General Studies courses.

NOTE: This profile is primarily for students who have not taken the prerequisites, not for students who have previously failed the prerequisite course, or who have a weak grade. Students who repeat a prerequisite taken in high school or Cégep must pay a portion of the course not subsidized by the government.

Explorations 6 "Pathways to Science"

SRAM CODE: 081.01 B1 + letter of intent indicating that the student requests this profile, the program they eventually wish to transfer into, and the required prerequisite(s).

This profile is only offered in the Fall semester and is designed for high school graduates who wish to pursue a DEC in the Science or Careers and Technology programs, but who lack one or more of the prerequisites (Math 536, Chemistry 534, Physics 534).

Students may take a full load of seven courses, including two compulsory courses: College Preparation and English, as well as the prerequisite courses Math 536, and/or Chemistry 534, and/or Physics 534.

Acceptance into the science program will depend upon the grade requirements set by the science and math departments. If students do not attain these grades or if they discover they do not wish to pursue the sciences, they will be assisted in selecting a new program.

NOTE: This profile is primarily for students who have not taken the prerequisites, not for students who have previously failed the prerequisite course, or who have a weak grade. Students who repeat a prerequisite taken in high school or Cégep must pay a portion of the course not subsidized by the government.

Explorations 7 "Winter Semester"

SRAM CODE: 081.01 B3 + letter of intent indicating that the student requests this program and the program they eventually wish to transfer into.

This profile is for students whose program of choice is not available until the fall semester and who are not missing any necessary prerequisites. Students must take a full-time course load of between four and seven courses consisting of General Studies and complementary courses to prepare for their eventual program of study

Applying to the Explorations Program

Students can apply directly to Explorations through the SRAM application system. A letter of intent is required explaining the reason for choosing the Explorations program, a summary of missing prerequisite(s), and indicating the proposed future DEC program. This letter of intent is written on-line as part of the application form.


For More Information Concerning These Programs:

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Please note: A limited number of places are available in each of these profile. Applicants are not guaranteed admission.