1970 - A major development in Canadian distance education occurred in 1970 with the establishment of Alberta's Athabasca University. Athabasca University received a mandate from the provincial government which redefined its operational model by allowing students to enter and withdraw from the university at any time and by establishing a policy of self-pacing and self-directed study. Not only did it receive full autonomy to operate within its own territorial jurisdiction in non-traditional education, but in 1972 an Alberta order-in-council granted it permanent status as an undergraduate degree-granting institution. Athabasca U, modelled on the British Open University, used tutors extensively but otherwise relied on print. Today over 30, 000 students are registered and the university now includes other media in its course materials including computer conferencing.