Distance Studies

Distance Studies courses are available for both Western students and students enrolled at other Canadian universities through letter of permission from their home university.

For information or help with applying to Western for either full-time or part-time studies, please visit Welcome to Western.

If you are interested in taking courses at Western on a Letter of Permission from another university, click here to learn about Visiting Students.

To order your textbooks, visit the Bookstore’s website. 

To learn more about courses available with eCampus Ontario, visit the eCAMPUS ONTARIOwebsite

Contacting Distance Studies

If you require more information on Distance Studies in general, course materials, and assignment distribution, you can either contact Student Central, or Distance Studies directly at 519-661-2100 or contact@uwo.ca

If you have questions about your Email/Personal Computer account or about OWL, please contact the WTS Helpdesk.

Course Offering and Registration

Course Listing:

For a current listing of scheduled Distance Courses in the Session in which you are interested in enrolling, refer to the appropriate Academic Timetable.  Filter by Course Delivery type to see a complete listing of online courses offered.

Note: Students may not take more than 2.5 Distance Studies credits during the Spring/Summer Session and 3.0 credits during the Fall/Winter Session.  Students wishing to take more courses by distance must contact their home faculty Academic Counselling Office to request special permission (which could potentially be denied).

Courses Cancelled Due to Low Enrolment

When courses are cancelled because minimum enrolment has not been met, the full amount paid for those courses will be refunded.  No interest is paid on refunded tuition.

OWL Login/Accessing your Courses

Courses, assignments, and discussion are all available online through OWL. 

Activating your Email/Computer Account

Students who are new to Western can activate their Western Identity by visiting the Western Technology Services website.  You will need your student number and Access Code to activate your account.  Click here if you do not know your Access Code.

Computer Requirements

You should be using a current browser on a PC or Mac-based system.  OWL has a mobile interface that will work from most smartphones and tablets but some functionality may not be available on these mobile devices.

Note: Students should be prepared to use a remote proctoring software tool for assessments, mid-terms and finals.  This includes having access to a computer with the minimum specifications outlined on Western’s Remote Proctoring website.

Where Is My Course?

To access OWL, please visit the OWL website.

After logging in you should see a tab at the top for your course. If you do not see a tab try looking under the More Sites tab.

Getting Help

If you encounter difficulties accessing your course or using the tools inside OWL, please contact the WTS Customer Support Centre. For hours and contact information visit the WTS Helpdesk page.

Examinations

Students should be prepared to use a remote proctoring software tool for assessments, mid-terms and finals.  This includes having access to a computer with the minimum specifications outlined on Western’s Remote Proctoring website.

Examinations are prescheduled at 9am, 2pm and 7pm.  You should be prepared to write an exam at any of these times. You must write your tests and final exams on the day and at the hour specified.

No student will be allowed to write an examination without either a Western ONECard student ID or another piece of government-issued photo identification.