Case Study: University of Guelph achieves 125% growth in online enrolment and seamless remote course delivery with D2L Brightspace

University of Guelph - Customer Case Study

The University of Guelph, serving over 36,000 learners, faced the sudden need to deliver all undergraduate, graduate and non‑degree courses remotely when COVID‑19 hit. The main challenge was scaling engaging, accessible online experiences for a diverse student body — including international students with limited remote‑learning experience — while helping faculty rapidly transform their teaching strategies.

Leveraging a 20‑year partnership with D2L, the university used the Brightspace platform, the Pulse mobile app and OpenEd’s instructional design, resources and one‑to‑one support to redesign courses, pilot competency‑based projects, and train faculty. The result was stronger online offerings, widespread faculty adoption of new teaching approaches and a 125% increase in enrollment for some fully online non‑degree programs, improving access and flexibility for students.

University of Guelph

Natalie Green

Associate Director, Distance and Continuing Education, Open Learning and Educational Support