Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management Background Information Form (BIF)

Thank you for your interest in the Diploma in Turfgrass Management (DTM) program at the University of Guelph.

The DTM program combines academic study with extensive hands-on learning to develop the technical knowledge, critical thinking, and practical skills required for a successful career in the turfgrass industry. Through lectures, discussions, laboratories, field experiences, and industry-focused learning opportunities, students gain expertise in the scientific, technical, and business aspects of turfgrass management.

Over the years, the DTM program has earned a reputation as Canada's leading post-secondary turfgrass education program. We are committed to maintaining that standard by attracting dedicated students and industry professionals who embody our core values of Passion, Integrity, Commitment, Leadership, and Aspiration.

As part of the admission process, we consider a range of factors, including your industry experience, professional accomplishments, knowledge of the field, maturity, and employer references. When completing the Background Information Form (BIF), we encourage you to reflect on how your experiences, goals, and personal values align with both the turfgrass profession and the values of our program.

I look forward to reviewing your application and learning more about your interest in the turfgrass industry.

Cam Shaw, Manager
Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management
EC Bovey Building, Rm 1105
University of Guelph
Guelph, ON N1G 2W1

Application Instructions

Admission information can be found on the DTM webpage.

In addition to submitting your application through the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), you must submit the following documents to complete your application:

Transcript(s)
Background Information Form (BIF) & Resume (below)

Admission decisions are based on a combination of academic grades and evaluation of the BIF. Experience in the turfgrass industry will be considered an asset.

Diploma in Turfgrass Management (DTM) | University of Guelph

Background Information Form - Fall 2027

The BIF must be completed using your own words. Please ensure your answers are professional, written in complete sentences, and fit within the space provided on the form.

Important: Responses entered into the form are not saved automatically. If you plan to complete the BIF over multiple sessions, we strongly recommend drafting your responses in a word processor and saving your work before copying and pasting your answers into the form.

The application and BIF deadline for first and equal consideration is February 1, 2027. Applications received after this date will be considered based on space available.

APPLICANT INFORMATION

OUAC # (if applicable)

U of G ID # (if applicable)

First Name

Last Name

Address

Country

Street

City

Region

Postal Code

E-mail Address

Phone

REFERENCES

References from family members, guidance counsellors, and teachers will be accepted. However, references from employers within the turfgrass industry are considered the most relevant and carry significant weight in the admission review process. If your only employer is a family member, please indicate this beside their name on the form.

Reference #1

Name

Position

Address

City and Province

Phone

E-mail Address

Reference #2

Name

Position

Address

City and Province

Phone

E-mail Address

QUESTIONS

1. What are your long-term career goals in the turfgrass industry, and how do you believe the DTM program will help you achieve them? What experiences, individuals, or opportunities influenced your decision to pursue a career in turfgrass management and apply to the DTM program?

2. Briefly describe your turfgrass industry work experience, skills, industry knowledge, and any relevant certifications, training, or professional experiences related to turfgrass management. In your response, explain the strengths, qualities, or contributions you believe your listed industry references would highlight when describing you as a student, employee, or industry professional.

If you do not have any turfgrass industry work experience, please leave this section blank and proceed to Question 3.

3. If you do not have turfgrass industry work experience, please describe the steps you plan to take to develop your industry knowledge, skills, and exposure prior to entering the DTM program. In your response, discuss any planned employment, volunteer opportunities, networking activities, independent learning, certifications, or other experiences that will help prepare you for success in the turfgrass industry.

If you completed Question 2, please leave this section blank and proceed to Question 4.

4. Describe yourself as a student. How do you typically engage in your learning environment, both inside and outside the classroom? In your response, you may wish to discuss your participation in class, willingness to ask questions and contribute to discussions, learning style, personal strengths, and involvement in extracurricular, volunteer, leadership, or other activities.

5. In a hypothetical situation, there is one remaining space in the DTM program and the admission committee is choosing between you and another applicant with similar experience, qualifications, and references. What final message would you share with the committee to help them understand your motivation, character, and potential for success in the program and the turfgrass industry?

6. How did you find out about the DTM program? Please identify all the touch points and sources of information which led you to apply to the University of Guelph’s Diploma in Turfgrass Management program.

RESUME

Copy-and-paste your resume here: