Jocelyne Morin
Did you know the University offers an Army Officer Degree Program (AODP)?
Each year, the University of Ottawa in collaboration with the Department of National Defence, welcomes approximately 10 military officers without a university diploma to study here. Given their professional background, most officers register in the Faculty of Social Sciences for a bachelor’s degree with concentration in political science.
“To ensure candidates can obtain their bachelor’s degree in 12 months, we accept those who already have the equivalent of at least 12 university courses,” says Stéphane Drouin, academic advisor and program co-ordinator.
The possibility of getting a diploma, however, guarantees nothing; officers must still successfully complete the assigned course load. This is no easy feat when one has spent the last 20 years in a military organization working, training, and being deployed on missions.
“It’s hard to hit the books again and completely change your routine,” explains Major Robin Boivin, student since September. “But I can’t afford to waste time, I have one year to complete the program. I put my heart into it, because I chose to come here and I want to do well.”
The myriad of honorary citations, prizes and medals these student-officers receive at convocation is a tangible indication they are not here simply to succeed, they are here to excel. And to achieve this, in addition to making individual efforts, they help and encourage one another.
“These officers are very devoted,” adds Mr. Drouin. “When they come to study, they give everything they have; they’re very serious and they do extremely well. They’re quite a credit to the Faculty and the Forces.”
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Even though the military personnel are not readily recognizable at first – since they don’t wear their uniform except on Remembrance Day –, they quickly become a source of motivation and inspiration for others by actively participating and sharing their vast experience.
“At our age, we don’t fear ridicule,” reveals Major Boivin. “By participating, I can further investigate certain issues, which allows me to learn and understand a lot more. Also, as military personnel, we have a certain life experience, and I think that our participation benefits others.”
Many people benefit from their participation in the program: professors, students, National Defence and other military personnel they introduce to the program. Even children benefit.
“My studies have a positive impact on my children,” adds Major Boivin. “When they see me studying or doing research for a project, they remember that. The next time we ask them to do their homework, they don’t complain as much. It creates a kind of ripple effect. They’re thinking: ‘If dad does his homework, I should do mine too.’”
