Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management Background Information Form (BIF)

Greetings and thank you for your interest in the Diploma in Turfgrass Management (DTM) Program at the University of Guelph.

The DTM program is an intensive course that combines both academic and experiential approaches to education and preparation for a successful career as a manager in the turfgrass industry. Our curriculum combines technical, scientific, and business-related areas of study through in-class lectures, hands-on labs, outdoor workshops, and field trips. Over the course of its tenure, the DTM program has become recognized as Canada’s premiere post-secondary turfgrass education program. It is my goal to maintain this reputation and continue growing our success by hiring instructors and admitting students who best personify the following core values: Passion, Integrity, Commitment, Leadership and Aspiration.

Please be sure to keep these core values in mind when describing yourself in the background information form and resume. Please note that industry knowledge, understanding and experience will be considered assets to all applicants, but are not required for program admittance.

I sincerely look forward to reviewing your application.

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 at uoguelph.ca/programs/turfgrass-management/.

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 academic performance (high school and/or other post-secondary grades) and the applicant's overall suitability and fit for the DTM program (as illustrated in the BIF answers and resume i.e., leadership, work experience, knowledge, passion, aspirations, references, etc.

Diploma in Turfgrass Management (DTM) | University of Guelph

Background Information Form - Fall 2025

All responses must be in the applicant's own words. Answer all questions without any assistance from others. Answers should be written in complete sentences and limited to the space allocated on the form. Proofread your answers carefully with attention to spelling and grammar.

We strongly recommend copy-and-pasting the questions below and crafting your responses in a word processing document if you intend to complete the form in more than one sitting. You cannot save your responses and come back to revise the form later.

For admission consideration, it is recommended that your Background Information Form be submitted by March 1, 2025. Applications submitted after this date will be considered based on space.

If you have difficulty in completing and submitting the form, or if you wish to update and resubmit, please e-mail dtmpc@uoguelph.ca and cshaw12@uoguelph.ca. We will provide you with a solution or a PDF version of the form that you can complete and e-mail to us.

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 could include current or former employer(s), guidance counsellor, coach or teacher. Including an employer reference is strongly recommended. Do not include references that are friends or family members.

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. Why do you wish to join the Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management program at the University of Guelph?

2. Why do you wish to pursue a career as a turfgrass manager? What inspirations, mentorship, and guidance led you to this career goal?

3. Describe yourself as a student. For example: Are you a keen participant in class? Are you outgoing? Do you find yourself asking questions or engaging in class discussions? Are you a leader? Or would you describe yourself as being quiet and introverted?

4. Briefly describe any skills, knowledge and experiences you possess that are related to turfgrass management or will translate well to a career in turfgrass management.

5. What are your aspirations with respect to your future career as a turfgrass manager?

6. How did you find out about the DTM program? Please list any and all information that helped you to identify the University of Guelph as your choice for pursuing this educational pathway.

RESUME

Copy-and-paste your resume here: