FIRST SEMESTER BEGINS SEPT 2ND, 2025. 
LAST DAY OF CLASSES DEC.12TH , 2025  
FIRST DAY 2ND SEMESTER JAN 5TH, 2026 
FEBRUARY BREAK FEB 23RD-27TH, 2026  (NO CLASSES) 

LAST DAY OF CLASSES APR. 24TH, 2026 
 
FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF IMPORTANT DATES, CONSULT THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR. 

Note: 

Both the face-to-face and distance programs have assignment schedules for each course for you to follow. Each course assignment schedule clearly outlines the timelines and due dates for the assignments, projects, and quizzes in each course.  

All of the textbooks for the Administrative Assistant program are only sold at the Holland College Summerside Waterfront Campus Bookstore. Some textbooks are available as hard copies or eBooks.  
 
E-text books (marked *) can be purchased through the link provided in the Welcome Letter module in the Administrative Assistant 25-26 course in SAM. 

All of the textbooks for the Administrative Assistant program are only sold at the Holland College Summerside Waterfront Campus Bookstore. Some textbooks are available as hard copies or eBooks. 
 
E-text books (marked *) can be purchased through the link provided in the Welcome Letter module in the Administrative Assistant 25 – 26 course in SAM. 

IMPORTANT!  FYI: Sage 50, Windows-based accounting software, cannot be installed directly on a Mac. To use Sage 50 on a Mac, you will have to install a virtual machine with Windows or use Boot Camp to create a Windows partition on your Mac so students can complete that portion of the Office Finance course. You MUST have a strong internet connection, a working printer/scanner, a working headset, a microphone, and a webcam.      

Student Hardware and Software Needs for Face-To-Face and Distance Learning (current as of May 2025) 

Requirements for September 2nd, 2025: 

Note: These are general requirements for students to participate in blended and distance courses. Some programs may have higher or different requirements and prospective students should consult their program information. 

1. A desktop or laptop computer. Either a Windows-based PC with Windows 10 or a Mac with macOS Catalina 10.15 or higher. Processor: Intel i3 minimum with i5 or higher recommended. RAM: 4 Gb minimum with 8Gb or higher recommended. Storage: 10 Gb storage minimum with SSD disk recommended. Regarding storage – some programs may have higher storage requirements. 
2. Speakers/headphones/earbuds with a microphone for listening to audio or videos presented in courses. Note: Your laptop may have a built-in microphone and speakers, but we recommend an external set for the best quality of experience during synchronous activities. 
3. A built-in or external webcam for interacting in course activities that require video feedback from students. 
4. Google Chrome is the only browser that SAM (the College’s LMS) completely supports. 
5. Microsoft Office 365. Students have free access to install the suite on their computers. A browser-based version is available. 
6. Adobe Reader DC. 
7. An Internet connection with a minimum download speed of 10Mb/s and an upload speed of 1Mb/s is recommended. A wired connection to your home router is typically preferable to a wireless connection as it provides better stability and performance. 
8. Internet Connectivity 
   1. To test your internet speed, go to https://www.speedtest.net/ and click the “go” button. A test will take place that measures the speed at which you can upload or download data from the internet from your current location. It is normal for the upload speed to be much lower than the download speed. If necessary, consider asking others in your household to limit their use of devices/internet when you are involved in a ‘virtual’ class session. 
   2. The router in your house might send out more than one signal. Many routers broadcast a 
   3. 2.4Ghz and a 5Ghz signal simultaneously. Connecting to the 5Ghz band is best. If you have an ethernet cable and your computer is situated near your router or modem, you might be able to use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for the best connectivity. For more information or help with this, email sam@hollandcollege.com.