Centre for Initiatives in Education
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
1516 Dunton Tower
Telephone: 613-520-2804
Fax: 613-520-2515
carleton.ca/esp
carleton.ca/iesp
General Information
The Enriched Support Program (ESP) is operated by the Centre for Initiatives in Education (CIE). The ESP is a program for students whose academic potential has not been realized in high school and who do not meet university admission requirements. The program gives these students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities within the context of university-level courses. ESP students attend three credits with regularly admitted students and are graded according to the same standards. ESP students also enrol in mandatory, content-related workshops designed to provide the academic support these students need to make the transition to university-level work. An Indigenous Enriched Support Program (IESP) within the ESP offers personalized support to Indigenous students.
All currently registered and prospective ESP students (see Student Classification, below) should contact the CIE for application and registration information.
Admission to the ESP
Students wishing to apply for admission to the ESP should contact the CIE directly. For details and an application form, visit: carleton.ca/esp
ESP Student Classification: ESP students fall under the Special Student designation at Carleton University. Special students are those who have not been admitted to a degree program but who are taking degree-credit courses to qualify for admission.
ESP Students
Under the Special Student designation, ESP students enrol in the same courses and meet the same course requirements as students in degree programs. ESP students choose their credits from a specific selection of ESP supported courses.
Registrarial services for ESP students are provided by the Centre for Initiatives in Education and the Registrar's Office. ESP students are also encouraged to consult the appropriate Faculty regulations for information about degree programs they intend to apply for upon successful completion of the ESP.
Proficiency in English
Since the instructional language of the University is English, applicants to the ESP must be able to understand and be understood in English, both written and oral. See section 4, English as a Second Language Requirements (ESLR), in the General Admissions Requirements and Procedures for the statement of policy governing English language requirements for non-native speakers.
Course Load
Normally, ESP students may enrol in a maximum of 3.0 credits per academic session (fall/winter) and no more than the equivalent of 1.5 credits (e.g. three half-credit courses) in any one term. Course selection is limited to ESP-designated courses, many of which emphasize reading and writing skills. For two of these courses, students also attend regular weekly small-group workshops, where they are given extra support and guidance in dealing with the course material. The workshops are designed to develop the skills and strategies necessary for university-level critical thinking, analysis, reading and writing.
ESP-Supported Courses
ESP students wishing to be admitted eventually to a degree program are advised to note the specific Faculty requirements for course selection and the admission requirements as they are listed in this Calendar. Individuals seeking admission who need further information should inquire at Admissions Services or the ESP Student Advisory Office.
Course Change and Course Withdrawal
Students must contact an ESP Advisor for assistance with course changes and withdrawals.
Deferred Final Examinations
Please consult the Academic Regulations of the University section of this Calendar.
Financial Assistance
ESP students interested in obtaining financial assistance are advised to contact the Student Awards Office at 613-520-3600.
Admission to a Degree Program upon Completion of ESP
ESP students are subject to the same admission requirements as Special Students. These requirements are outlined in the following section of this Calendar: General Admission Requirements and Procedures, 17. Special Studies (Non-Degree).