student orientation...

K

STUDENT

ORIENTATION

HANDBOOK

Policies, Procedures & Advice for

Vancouver International College – Career Campus

Students

Students will receive a copy of this handbook, along with their program outline, on or before the first day of class.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. ADMISSIONS POLICY 6

2. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT POLICY 7

3. PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT POLICY 7

4. MEDICAL INSURANCE 8

5. ENGLISH-ONLY POLICY 8

6. ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY POLICY 8

7. TUITION & FEE REFUND POLICY 9

8. TUITION & FEE REFUND POLICY (cont’d) 10

9. TUITION & FEE REFUND QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE 11

10. ACCOMMODATION REFUND POLICY 11

11. COURSE STANDARDS & GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS 11

12. WORK EXPERIENCE POLICY 12

13. WORK EXPERIENCE POLICY (cont’d) 13

14. PRIVACY POLICY 14

15. STUDENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY 15

16. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT 15

17. NON-ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT 15

18. APPEALS POLICY 16

19. DISPUTE RESOLUTION POLICY 16

20. WITHDRAWAL POLICY 16

21. DISMISSAL POLICY 17

22. SAFETY POLICY 18

23. EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE & FIRE SAFETY TIPS 18

24. A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO LIVING IN CANADA 19

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Vancouver International College - Career Campus

Dear Student,

Welcome to Vancouver International College - Career Campus (VIC-CC)!

This Student Orientation Handbook is full of important policies and procedures. We know they are long and may take a while for you to review, but in the meantime, we want you to know the basics of this important information, so we have put the following symbol on most pages:

This provides a shorter explanation of what the longer information on the page means to you, our VIC-CC student!

You will also see boxes like this:

These boxes contain important information that you must agree with and acknowledge – it helps you have a successful experience at VIC-CC.

Please remember: if you have any questions, at any time, you can ask a Vancouver International College - Career Campus staff member - They will be happy to help you!

Sincerely,

VIC-CC Instructors, Coordinators and Staff

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DID YOU KNOW?!

This box will contain the most important, basic information you should know at VIC-CC.

STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

I UNDERSTAND …

VIC–CC MISSION STATEMENT

Vancouver International College - Career Campus is a private educational institution dedicated to offering quality programs that are at the cutting edge of

their field. Our programs provide consistent intellectual standards with a deliberate concern for the academic and professional needs of our students.

EDUCATING TOMORROW'S GLOBAL PROFESSIONALS

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DID YOU KNOW?!

VIC-CC provides quality programs and our goal is for students to know we truly care for their education and professional needs.

VIC-CC STUDENT ORIENTATION HANDBOOK

1. ADMISSIONS POLICY Vancouver International College - Career Campus (VIC-CC) is dedicated to providing accurate information and advice to our

students to ensure they make informed decisions about their programs. Our admission criteria are well publicized on our

website, in student orientation packages, and at the front desk of each campus.

Students are provided with the following policies before entering into any contract: Program Outline, Admissions Policy,

Tuition & Refund Policy, Withdrawal Policy, Dismissal Policy, Attendance Policy, Dispute Resolution/Grade Appeal Policy, Prior

Learning Assessment Policy, Language Proficiency Assessment Policy, and Work Experience Policy (if applicable).

Admissions criteria are applied consistently by our knowledgeable admissions staff members, entrance exam invigilators and

interviewers. Our entry assessment tools and admission requirements ensure students have the required language

competencies (see Language Proficiency Assessment Policy), and the basic knowledge, skills and abilities to achieve program

outcomes. Admission requirements may not be waived by either the student or VIC-CC and all changes to the admission

requirements shall be communicated clearly and in writing to all parties concerned.

All Students:

To Attend VIC-CC, Students Must Provide Proof Of One Of Following Entrance Requirements:

A Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12); Or Equivalent, From A School Where English Is The Language Of Instruction & Administration (TESOL-Adv. & AGBE Students Must Have Minimum English 12 Score Of 70%); OR

Completion Of An Undergraduate Degree From A School Where English Is The Language Of Instruction; OR Be 18 Years Of Age Or Older On The Program Start Date AND Pass The VIC-CC Entrance Exam

International Students:

To Attend VIC-CC, All International Students Must Pass The VIC-CC Entrance Interview And Provide Proof Of One Of The Following Language Proficiency Requirements:

A Recognized International English Language Equivalency Test Score, (For TESOL, An English Linguistics Degree Or Equivalent May Also Be Accepted); OR

A Pass On Our Entrance Exam; OR Meet One Of The Following English Language Proficiency Requirements: Program TOEFL CBT TOEFL IBT TOEIC IELTS Completed

VIC Level TESOL Advanced 213 79-80 850 6.5 -

Advanced Global Business Expertise 197 71 750 6.0 VIC Level 7

Global Business Expertise 173 61 650 5.5 VIC Level 5 Interpreting & Translation 173 61 650 5.5 VIC Level 5 TESOL 173 61 650 5.5 VIC Level 5 CSP, ACSP 153 53 550 5.4 VIC Level 4

Should a student fail the Entrance Exam or Entrance Interview, he/she may not retake it again until a period of three weeks has passed. This three-week period may only be waived at the Director’s discretion.

Additional Program Requirements:

TESOL for Children, TESOL for Middle School, TESOL for Adults, and TESOL for Test Preparation Prerequisites: VIC-CC TESOL, TESOL-Advanced, or any proven equivalent teacher training program certification.

Advanced Global Business Expertise: A current resume, 2 years of post-secondary education and 1 year of work experience is recommended.

For TESOL for Children and TESOL for Middle School; a police record check (Schedule F) must be obtained prior to practicum, and in Toronto, a vaccination form must be completed before starting TESOL for Children.

For TESOL Advanced: All TESOL Advanced candidates are required to take a separate “TESOL-Advanced-specific” interview. To apply to TESL Canada for TESL Canada certification, students must have a bachelor's degree (proven equivalency from foreign countries) and meet the language requirements set by TESL Canada.

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DID YOU KNOW?!

To enter any VIC-CC program, you must meet the admissions requirements on this page.

DID YOU KNOW?!

If you have a TESL/TESOL Certificate, you can check if it is equivalent to our TESOL program, and use it to meet the prerequisite for other VIC-CC TESOL programs.


2. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY ASSESSMENT POLICY Instruction at Vancouver International College - Career Campus(VIC-CC) is conducted in English. Students whose first language is not

English are required to undergo a Language Proficiency Assessment prior to enrolment in order to ensure they have the language

abilities necessary to successfully complete the program of their choice. Language proficiency requirements are admission

requirements and may not be waived by either the institution or the student. Proof of the minimum English language requirement

shall not be older than two (2) years. Students must receive a passing mark on the VIC-CC entrance exam OR provide one of the

following test scores/levels, or any other recognized international English language equivalency test score:

ADVANCED GLOBAL BUSINESS EXPERTISE:

TOEFL CBT 197, TOEFL IBT 71, TOEIC 750, IELTS 6.0 or completed KGIC Level 5 A current resume and a minimum 2-years’ post-secondary education and 1-year work experience is recommended.

GLOBAL BUSINESS EXPERTISE:

TOEFL CBT 173, TOEFL IBT 61, TOEIC 650, IELTS 5.5, or completed KGIC Level 4

INTERPRETING & TRANSLATION:

TOEFL CBT 173, TOEFL IBT 61, TOEIC 650, IELTS 5.5, or completed KGIC Level 4

TESOL, TESOL FOR CHILDREN, TESOL FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL, TESOL FOR ADULTS, TESOL FOR TEST PREPARATION:

TOEFL CBT 173, TOEFL IBT 61, TOEIC 650, IELTS 5.5, completed KGIC Level 4, secondary school graduation from a school in Canada, completion of an undergraduate degree from a university where English is the language of instruction & administration, OR, any recognized English Linguistics degree or equivalent.

TESOL ADVANCED:

TOEFL CBT 213, TOEFL IBT 79-80, TOEIC 850, IELTS 6.5, Secondary school graduation from a school in Canada, with a minimum English Grade 12 score of 70%, completion of an undergraduate degree from a university where English is the language of instruction & administration.

All Students Whose First Language Is Not English Must Pass An Entrance Interview.

3. PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT POLICY Vancouver International College - Career Campus (VIC-CC) Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) reviews a student’s prior education and

training to determine if the student has prior training that is equivalent to a VIC-CC Prerequisite Program. Currently, the only prerequisite

program that VIC-CC is accepting a PLA for, is the program;

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

All students wanting to take TESOL-C, TESOL-M, TESOL-Adults, or TESOL-Test Preparation, must complete TESOL or apply for a PLA for a

VIC-CC TESOL equivalent. If you have previously completed TESL training courses such as, CELTA, DELTA, TEFL or TESL, or completed an

undergraduate degree in a related field at a post-secondary institution, you may suGBEit your official transcript and certification to have

your past course work assessed to determine if it is accepted by VIC-CC as equivalent:

Transcript or Certificate Assessment:

Previous grades must be 60% or better.

All relevant courses must have been completed within the past 2-5 years. Course credit hours match those of VIC-CC TESOL Program (4 weeks - 106 hours).

Course curriculum must be an 80% match to the VIC-CC TESOL program.

Detailed learning outcomes from your previous institution must be included.

When suGBEitting foreign documentation for transfer credit evaluation, please provide transcripts and the detailed course outlines

translated to English by an official translator. A list of official translators can be found through the Association of Translators &

Interpreters of British Columbia.

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DID YOU KNOW?!

If English is NOT your first language, you must meet the "Language Proficiency Assessment" requirements on this page.


4. MEDICAL INSURANCE

To Attend VIC-CC, All Students Must Provide Proof of Valid Medical Insurance.


I AGREE AND UNDERSTAND THAT IF I DO NOT HAVE MEDICAL INSURANCE, I SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND

SCHOOL.

5. ENGLISH-ONLY POLICY

English-Only Rules Apply to All VIC-CC, KGIC and Affiliated Campuses.

1 Warning = 1-day suspension & an assignment* 2 Warnings = 1-day suspension & an assignment 3 Warnings = 1-week suspension, loss of practicum & possible expulsion


I AGREE TO SPEAK ENGLISH ONLY AT ALL TIMES WHILE ON CAMPUS.

I UNDERSTAND THAT BETWEEN 9:00AM & 3:30PM, ONLY ENGLISH CAN BE READ, TYPED, WRITTEN OR SPOKEN, INCLUDING ON THE COMPUTERS.

*If a student is absent twice or receives 1-2 English-Only Warnings, he/she will be suspended from class for one day.

For this suspension, the student must arrive 10 minutes before class start time to receive an assignment provided by the school, to

be completed by the end of the regular school day.

6. ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY POLICY

ABSENCES:

1 Absence = Verbal Warning

2 Absences = 1 Day Suspension & Assignment*

3 Absences = 1 Week Suspension & Assignment*

4 Absences = Expulsion (refund according to PTIB Guidelines).

LATES:

"Late" Arrival = After 9am / after teacher starts class

1 LATE ARRIVAL = HALF-DAY (1/2) ABSENT

2 LATE ARRIVALS = 1 DAY ABSENT

COURSE INTERRUPTIONS:

Students must not take holidays during programs at VIC-CC. Students cannot postpone original end dates. If students are sick or need to miss class for personal/medical emergencies, they must inform their instructors as soon as possible and a decision will be made at the instructor’s discretion.

Note: All Other Cases Are At The Discretion Of The Instructor.


I AGREE TO ATTEND ALL OF MY CLASSES REGULARLY AND ON TIME.

I MUST CALL THE SCHOOL BEFORE 9:00AM IF I’M SICK AND WILL BE LATE/ABSENT. WHEN I CALL IN SICK, I

WILL LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH STAFF OR ON VOICEMAIL. I SHALL CLEARLY STATE MY: NAME, PROGRAM,

INSTRUCTOR’S NAME, & ANY OTHER RELEVANT DETAILS

IF I’M SICK MORE THAN ONCE, I MUST BRING A DOCTOR’S NOTE FOR MY ABSENCE TO BE EXCUSED.

I AGREE TO NOT TAKE ANY HOLIDAYS DURING MY PROGRAM. IF I DO TAKE A HOLIDAY, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO POSTPONE MY ORIGINAL END DATE AND I WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND.

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7. TUITION & FEE REFUND POLICY

WRITTEN NOTICE

a) To initiate a refund, written notice must be provided:

1. By a student to the institution when the student withdraws, or

2. By the institution to the student where the institution dismisses a student.

3. The written notice of withdrawal or dismissal may be delivered in any manner provided that a receipt or other verification

is available that indicates the date on which the notice is delivered.

4. The notice of withdrawal or dismissal is deemed to be effective from the date it is delivered.

REFUND ENTITLEMENT

a) Refund entitlement is calculated on the total tuition fees due under the contract, less the applicable non-refundable application

or registration fee. Where total tuition fees have not yet been collected, the institution is not responsible for refunding more

than has been collected to date and a student may be required to make up for monies due under the contract.

b) If the institution has received fees in excess of the amount it is entitled to under the student contract, the excess amount must

be refunded.

REFUND POLICY FOR STUDENTS:

1. If the institution receives tuition from the student, or a person on behalf of the student, the institution will refund the student,

or the person who paid on behalf of the student, the tuition that was paid in relation to the program in which the student is

enrolled if:

(a) the institution receives a notice of withdrawal from the student no later than seven days after the effective contract date

and before the contract start date;

(b) the student, or the student’s parent or legal guardian, signs the student enrolment contract seven days or less before the

contract start date and the institution receives a notice of withdrawal from the student between the date the student, or the

student’s parent or legal guardian, signed the student enrolment contract and the contract start date; or

(c) the student does not attend a work experience component and the institution does not provide all of the hours of instruction

of the work experience component within 30 days of the contract end date.

2. The institution will refund the tuition for the program and all related fees paid by the student or a person on behalf of the student

enrolled in the program if the student is enrolled in the program without having met the admission requirements and did not

misrepresent his or her knowledge or skills when applying for admission.

3. If a student does not attend any of the first 30% of the hours of instruction to be provided during the contract term, the

institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition paid under the student enrolment contract unless the program is provided

solely through distance education.

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4. Unless the program is provided solely through distance education, if the institution receives a notice of withdrawal from

a student:

(a) more than seven days after the effective contract date and

i. at least 30 days before the contract start date, the institution may retain up to 10% of the tuition

due under the student enrolment contract, to a maximum of $1,000.

ii. less than 30 days before the contract start date, the institution may retain up to 20% of the tuition

due under the student enrolment contract, to a maximum of $1,300.

(b) after the contract start date

i. but before 11% of the hours of instruction to be provided during the contract term have been provided,

the institution may retain up to 30% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract.

ii. and after 10% but before 30% of the hours of instruction to be provided during the contract term have

been provided, the institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract.

5. Unless the program is provided solely through distance education, if the institution provides a notice of dismissal to a student

and the date the institution delivers the notice to the student is:

(a) before 11% of the hours of instruction to be provided during the contract term have been provided, the institution may retain

up to 30% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract.

(b) after 10% but before 30% of the hours of instruction to be provided during the contract term have been provided, the institution

may retain up to 50% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract.

6. If the institution provides the program solely through distance education and the institution receives a student’s notice of withdrawal

or the institution delivers a notice of dismissal to the student and:

(a) the student has completed and received an evaluation of his or her performance for up to 30% of the hours of instruction to be

provided during the contract term, the institution may retain up to 30% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract, or

(b) the student has completed and received an evaluation of his or her performance for more than 30% but less than 50% of the

program, the institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition due under the student enrolment contract.

OTHER REFUND POLICY REQUIREMENTS

a) Where a student is deemed not to have met the institutional and/or program specific minimum requirements for admission, the

institution must refund all fees paid under the contract, less the applicable non-refundable application or registration fee.

b) Where a student withdraws or is dismissed from their program, they are entitled to 100% refund of any as-yet to be received

consumables that have been pre-paid.

c) Where an institution provides technical equipment to a student, without cost to the student, and the student withdraws or is

dismissed, the institution may charge the student for the equipment or use of equipment on a cost recovery basis, unless the

student returns the equipment unopened or as issued within fourteen (14) calendar days.

d) Refunds owing to students must be paid within thirty (30) calendar days of the institution receiving written notification of

withdrawal and all required supporting documentation, or within thirty (30) calendar days of an institution's written notice of

dismissal.

e) Where the delivery of the program of study is through home study or distance education, refunds must be based on the percent

of the program of study completed at the rates outlined above.

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DID YOU KNOW?!

The longer you stay in a VIC-CC program, the less refund you will get if you withdraw.


8. TUITION & FEE REFUND QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

REASON TIME REFUND

Student auth. denied On or before the first day 100% less $150 (reg. fee) Withdrawal Less than 7 days after contract is made & before program starts 100% less 5% to max of $250

Withdrawal 30 days or more before start of program 100% less 10% to max of $1000

Withdrawal Less than 30 days before start of program 100% less 20% to max. of $1300

Withdrawal/Dismissal Under 10% of program’s duration 70%

Withdrawal/Dismissal After 10% (10% or more) and before 30% of program’s duration 50%

Withdrawal/Dismissal After 30% (30% or more) of program’s duration 0%

9. ACCOMMODATION REFUND POLICY

CANCELLATION PERIOD REFUND

Cancel 30 days or more before moving into Homestay 100% of Homestay fees* Cancel less than 30 days before moving into Homestay 100% of Homestay fees less 1st month’s fee*

Cancel 30 days or more before vacating Homestay 100% of remaining Homestay rent*

Cancel less than 30 days before vacating Homestay 100% of remaining Homestay rent less 1 month’s rent*

*Homestay Fees for package prices are non-refundable. *Placement Fee is non-refundable.

10. COURSE STANDARDS & GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Admission to a VIC-CC program does not guarantee graduation. Students must achieve an average of 70% overall for the entire in-class session of a program in order to graduate and receive a certificate/diploma. Should a student fail to do so, VIC-CC reserves the right to withhold the student’s certificate/diploma, as well as any practicum privileges. VIC-CC ensures that our grading system is easily understandable and that students receive timely and accurate feedback on their learning progress. There are meaningful written assessments/evaluations at regular intervals throughout each KGIBC- CTC program, and at least once prior to the withdrawal date at which students are still eligible for a partial tuition fee refund. Should a student disagree with their academic grades, he/she may refer to the Dispute Resolution/Grade Appeal Policy.


I UNDERSTAND THAT I NEED TO ACHIEVE AN AVERAGE OF 70% OVERALL.

SHOULD I FAIL TO DO SO, VIC-CC RESERVES THE RIGHT TO WITHHOLD MY CERTIFICATE OR

DIPLOMA, AS WELL AS ANY PRACTICUM PRIVILEGES.

I UNDERSTAND THAT ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAM DOES NOT GUARANTEE GRADUATION.

SHOULD I DISAGREE WITH MY INSTRUCTORS’ PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT OF MY ACADEMIC GRADES AND

BEHAVIOUR; I HAVE THE RIGHT TO REQUEST A MEETING WITH COLLEGE MANAGEMENT.

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11. WORK EXPERIENCE POLICY

CO-OP & PRACTICUM WORK EXPERIENCE:

"Practicum" means a type of work experience component that consists of not more than 20% of the hours of instruction of an approved

program of instruction and for which a student is not paid.

Some of our VIC-CC practicums can be comprised of a combination of on-site studies and practicum. Since each practicum schedule is

unique and tailored to the respective program of study – please speak to your Practicum Liaison for a detailed schedule of your specific

program or refer to your Program Outline.

"Cooperative Placement" means a type of work experience component that consists of not more than 50% of the hours of instruction of

an approved program of instruction and for which a student is paid.

Practicum and Co-op work experiences are provided to VIC-CC students who have satisfactorily completed all academic requirements

up to the point of the practicum or co-op work experience. Practicums and Co-op work experiences allow VIC-CC students to develop

and practice the skills necessary to have success in their future careers. The practicum or co-op is to be completed by the student at the

designated time in the program sequence as provided in the Program Outline.

The practicum is an integral part of the following program(s) at VIC-CC:

TESOL with practicum (4 weeks in-class + 4 week practicum)

TESOL for Children with practicum (4 weeks in-class + 4 week practicum)

TESOL for Middle School with practicum (4 weeks in-class + 4 week practicum)

TESOL for Adults with practicum (4 weeks in-class + 4 week practicum)

TESOL for Test Preparation with practicum (4 weeks in-class + 2 week practicum)

TESOL Advanced with practicum (4 weeks in-class + 20 hour practicum)

Global Business Expertise with practicum (24 weeks in-class + 4 week practicum)

Global Business Expertise with practicum (20 weeks in-class + 4 week practicum)

Global Business Expertise with practicum (16 weeks in-class + 4 week practicum) *Please Note: The number of practicum hours within the 4-week period will vary from program to program.

The co-op work experience is an integral part of the following program(s) at VIC-CC:

Advanced Global Business Expertise (26 weeks in class + 24 weeks co-op work experience)

The practicum and co-op are an essential component of the programs’ requirements: The policies and procedures covering Punctuality and Attendance, English-Only in class, and Non-Academic Misconduct

equally apply to the practicum and co-op.

A copy of the practicum or co-op evaluation, which includes attendance, will be kept in the student record.

For Global Business Expertise programs, the practicum placement is provided by a third party placement service

provider. Students are required to pay an additional fee of $450 to the placement service provider for their assistance.

(The placement provider’s fee is subject to change).

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For the Advanced Global Business Expertise program, students search for a co-op placement of their own choosing

with the support and assistance of the Co-op Liaison. If a student would like, for a fee, to enlist a third party placement

service provider, the Co-op Liaison will direct the student to an appropriate provider. For this optional service, students

would pay an additional fee of $850 to the placement service provider for their assistance.

(The placement provider’s fee is subject to change).

During the co-op or practicum, students are supervised by both their instructor and an appropriately qualified

individual from the host employer. The practicum or co-op is clearly connected to learning outcomes. Practicum and

co-op work experiences are held in appropriate facilities, which are reviewed at least once annually by the Co-op

Liaison or the Program Coordinator, and are within a reasonable distance from VIC-CC.

Students shall only receive their applicable program Certificate or Diploma upon successful completion of their co-op

work or practicum, and after fulfilling all academic and work requirements, as stipulated by the Program Coordinator

and instructors, as well as the Co-op Liaison, where applicable.

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I UNDERSTAND THAT THE PRACTICUM IS AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF MY ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

AND THAT THE ABOVE CLAUSES COVERING PUNCTUALITY & ATTENDANCE, ENGLISH- ONLY, NON-

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT AND COURSE INTERRUPTIONS, EQUALLY APPLY TO THE PRACTICUM TERM.

I UNDERSTAND THAT I SHALL ONLY RECEIVE MY DIPLOMA UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF MY PRACTICUM/CO-OP, AND AFTER FULFILLING ALL GRADE AND PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS AS STIPULATED BY THE PROGRAM COORDINATORS/INSTRUCTORS.

III. STUDENT /CUSTOMER INFORMATION


12. PRIVACY POLICY

I.The Personal Information Protection Act (the “Act”) governs the way private sector organizations in British Columbia collect, use, disclose and secure personal information. Personal information means all information about an identifiable individual, but does not include business contact information such as the name, position, business telephone, e-mail, and fax numbers of an individual.

At VIC-CC, we are committed to respecting your right to privacy. We acknowledge the sensitivity of personal information which may be provided to us in the course of our business. We recognize our responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality and security of your personal information in our custody and control. Ensuring the accuracy of your personal information is our joint responsibility. We conduct our business in compliance with the terms of the Act. This Policy outlines in general terms the principles the Company applies in protecting the personal information of current, past and prospective students and customers that comes within our custody or control.

We collect student/customer personal information for the following purposes: to provide education and training services; to provide career counselling and program selection services; to assist students in securing funding for education and training programs; to facilitate student career placement opportunities; and to maintain financial and business records related to the provision of these services. We limit the collection of personal information to that which is necessary for identified purposes and as permitted by law. Examples of personal information we may collect in order to provide these services to students or prospective students include: name, home address and telephone; identification verification numbers such as birth date, social insurance, driver’s license, etc.; marital and family status; income sources; citizenship or immigration status; educational history; transcripts of marks; diplomas; attendance records; all video images; medical status where relevant to a course or placement; financial records relating to tuition payment, educational funding and student loans; employment history, post-graduation employment and references. We do not use or disclose personal information for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of the individual or as required or permitted by law.

We recognize VIC-CC’s obligation to protect personal information in our custody or control by means of security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information. These may include taking appropriate and reasonable steps on a technological, contractual, administrative or physical security basis to protect personal information against risks such as loss or theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, modification or destruction.

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the fulfillment of the purposes for which it was collected, or as required or permitted by law.

We take steps to ensure that personal information is as accurate, complete and up-to-date as necessary for the purposes for which it is used. However, accuracy is a joint responsibility. Students and customers are encouraged to update their personal information as necessary. The Act permits individuals to access their personal information under our custody or control, and information on how their personal information is being used or disclosed by us, including the names of the individuals and organizations to which their personal information has been disclosed by us. We will respond to all such requests in compliance with the Act. The law permits individuals to request correction to errors or omissions in their personal information in our custody or control. VIC-CC will respond to all such requests in compliance with the Act.

VII. CONTACTING US

If you have any questions regarding this Policy, or if you wish to request access to, or correction of, your personal information in our custody or control, please contact the Managing Director at the West Pender Street, Vancouver campus. If you have a concern with respect to our handling of your personal information, we invite you to contact the Managing Director in writing, setting out the reasons for your concerns. If, after the Managing Director has reviewed and responded to your concerns, you remain dissatisfied, you may wish to contact the:

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner P.O. Box 9038 Station Provincial Government Victoria, B.C. Tel: (250) 387-5629 Fax: (250) 387-1696

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II. PRIVACY COMMITMENT

IV. SECURITY

V. RETENTION

VI. ACCURACY, ACCESS AND QUESTIONS

DID YOU KNOW?!

VIC-CC respects your privacy and keep any info we collect confidential.


13. STUDENT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY Creating and sharing knowledge is an important part of language education.

Vancouver International College - Career Campus (VIC-CC) enables and encourages the activities of learning, teaching,

discussion, research, and development. In any learning environment such as this, it is important to consider Intellectual Property

Rights. Examples of Intellectual Property include:

creations inventions literary works

artistic works

designs symbols names images

You own your Intellectual Property and all rights to it, unless otherwise qualified by law or written agreements. Intellectual

Property is protected in laws such as copyrights, trademarks and patents. These laws allow people to earn recognition or financial

benefit from what they invent or create. The information that VIC-CC receives from students is collected for the purpose of

admissions, registration, academic programs, student activities, and graduation, and for the purpose of statistical reporting to

government agencies. For more information on the type of information VIC-CC collects, please see our Privacy Policy in the VIC-

CC Orientation package.

In terms of Intellectual Property of Students, VIC-CC is determined to:

establish standards that determine the rights and obligations of VIC-CC

respects students’ privacy and intellectual property rights

ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations

promote student recognition

encourage and assist research and growth in language development and learning

14. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT VIC-CC reserves the right to penalize, suspend or dismiss a student for academic misconduct which includes but is not

limited to:

CHEATING which may include, but is not limited to: 1) mid-term exams 2) final exams

PLAGIARISM which is intellectual theft and includes but is not limited to: 1) projects 2) lesson plans 3) writing assignments

4) presentations.

SUGBEITTING THE SAME (or substantially the same) essay, presentation or assignment that has been written by someone

else, or has been suGBEitted by the same student more than once or at another campus

SUGBEITTING FALSE RECORDS/INFORMATION either in written or oral form, or failing to provide relevant information

when requested,

FALSIFYING OR SUGBEITTING FALSE DOCUMENTS transcripts, or other academic credentials.

15. NON-ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT VIC-CC reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any student for non-academic misconduct which includes, but is not limited to,

the following: behaviour that is generally considered to threaten or cause harm or injury to a person; behaviour that is

generally considered to threaten or cause damage to VIC-CC property or the property of others; conduct that disrupts the

educational activities, services or events provided by VIC-CC for students or members of the community; behaviour or conduct

that is otherwise unlawful.

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DID YOU KNOW?!

VIC-CC respects your property and the things you create at VIC-CC.


16. APPEALS POLICY

VIC-CC students have the right to appeal mid-term and final grades. In the event of an appeal:

1. The student shall be asked to provide justification for their appeal, if necessary in writing, and shall first discuss the details

of their appeal with their instructor.

2. Both parties shall make a sincere effort to resolve the matter amicably and transparently.

3. If the student and instructor cannot reach a mutually acceptable compromise, the student shall suGBEit their appeal in

writing to a VIC-CC senior administrator or director.

4. The senior administrator or director shall gather all necessary documentation from instructor/student, and shall either

ask another instructor to re-assess the student’s grade or, should this be the most logical route, proceed to a personal re-

assessment.

5. The senior administrator or director shall notify both the instructor and student in writing of their decision within

five working days of the formal complaint.

6. The decision of the senior administrator or director shall be considered final by all parties concerned.

17. DISPUTE RESOLUTION POLICY VIC-CC is committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all students. In the event of a dispute, the following steps will be taken. Note that at all times, documentation of any student disputes, grade appeals or dismissal information will be kept in the student’s file. As well, a file of all written complaints received by the institution will be maintained (this is maintained by senior administrators and available to the Managing Director or President as needed). At any point during this process, the student making the complaint may be represented by an agent or a lawyer.

1. The student must express the details of the dispute in writing.

2. A senior administrator or program coordinator will review the student’s complaint and try to resolve the dispute with the

student within 10 days of the formal complaint.

3. If a consensus is reached, the senior administrator or program coordinator shall provide a written record of the decision

4. If a consensus cannot be reached, the student has the right to seek third party arbitration.

5. The decision of the Arbitrator will be final, and will be provided to both parties in writing.

18. WITHDRAWAL POLICY If a student decides to withdraw from a program, he/she must provide a dated, written, notice of withdrawal to the Admissions

department at VIC-CC. Refunds are calculated according to VIC-CC’s Refund Policy and the date on which the written notice of

withdrawal is received will be used to determine any refund owing. An international student whose application for a study permit

has been denied is entitled to a refund under the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) Private Training Regulation Part 4

Division 5.36, if a copy of the denial letter is provided to VIC-CC prior to the program start date.

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DID YOU KNOW?!

If you think your grades are unfair, there are steps you can follow to try to change them.

DID YOU KNOW?!

If you have a problem, there are steps we follow to help you.

DID YOU KNOW?!

We want you to be happy in your program, but if you are not, or if there are important reasons you need to withdraw, there are rules you need to follow.


19. DISMISSAL POLICY

1. Considering the gravity of this measure, the College shall act with the utmost circumspection and due

consideration of extenuating circumstances in dismissing any student.

2. Prime reasons for dismissal shall be the student’s failure to abide by our Attendance and Punctuality Policy, English

Only Policy or the Non-Academic Misconduct Policy.

3. Unless circumstances warrant immediate dismissal (see Article 8 below), dismissal shall follow a three-step process of:

I. First Written Warning,

II. Second and Final Written Warning

III. Dismissal from the College.

4. Instructors are strongly advised to precede the first written warning with an unmistakable verbal warning.

5. Instructors and coordinators shall be allowed reasonable leeway to exercise their best professional judgment in

applying this dismissal policy. They shall confer with colleagues and management when any situation can be

considered borderline.

6. Dismissal of co-op or practicum students who have been fired by their host organization for due cause shall be

subject to a joint decision by College management and the Practicum/Co-op Liaison. In case of disagreement, the

decision of College management shall prevail.

7. Immediate dismissal shall only be considered in a situation of evident physical risk to instructor and/or other

students. In this particular case, the instructor shall notify College management and administration without delay

and suGBEit a written report within 2 working days.

8. At any point in the dismissal process, the student shall have the right to invoke the College Dispute Resolution

Policy. In this instance, the Dismissal Policy shall be suspended and the Dispute Resolution Policy shall be allowed to

follow its normal course, up to and including third-party arbitration.

9. Changes in the Dismissal Policy shall be clearly communicated to all staff and students on campus. Changes in the

Dismissal Policy shall be effective immediately, though not retroactively.

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DID YOU KNOW?!

We hope we won't need to dismiss you, but these are reasons why we might, and these are the steps we will follow before and after you are dismissed.


20. SAFETY POLICY

Vancouver International College - Career Campus (VIC-CC) is committed to providing a healthy and safe, working and

learning environment for all employees and students. The policy applies to all VIC-CC employees and students, and

should be posted on campus for all to see.

21. EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE & FIRE SAFETY TIPS

IN THE EVENT OF AN EARTHQUAKE:

1. Do not panic.

2. Move away from windows, shelves, or heavy objects that may fall.

3. Take cover under a desk or table, if available.

4. If no desk or table is available, move to an interior wall, doorway, or room corner (away from interior windows), kneel with back to wall, place head close to knees, clasp hands behind neck, cover side of head with arms.

5. Remain in this position until the shaking has stopped.

6. After the shaking has stopped and you have been given instructions to do so, evacuate the building in an orderly manner, following the evacuation route posted in your room.

(Excerpted from “School Earthquake Safety Guidebook,” B.C. Ministry of Education)

IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, THE FOLLOWING SAFETY PROCEDURES ARE

TO BE FOLLOWED BY ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF MEMBERS:

1. Each classroom has an “Emergency Exit Floor Plan” attached to the back of the door for easy reference. All students and staff are required to familiarize themselves with this floor plan and know where the nearest exit is located.

2. Instructors are responsible to ensure that class attendance has been taken at the beginning of class and record the names of students who arrive late. Students leaving early are responsible to ensure that they have informed their instructor when they are leaving.

3. Periodic Fire Drills will be conducted to familiarize all students and staff with the correct procedures to follow. Fire Drills will be announced in advance.

PROCEDURES – WHEN A FIRE BREAKS OUT

1. The person(s) discovering the fire is to verbally broadcast to all occupants that a fire exists.

2. Everyone is to exit the building in an orderly fashion through the nearest exit. Instructor will check to be sure no one is in the classroom and then close the door.

3. DO NOT RUN!

4. Staff members are to bring class attendance lists with them.

5. All students and staff are to meet in a designated area grouped by class.

6. Staff members are required to assemble their classes and take attendance as quickly as possible. The campus Administrator is to be notified of any absences.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS ANYONE TO RE-ENTER THE BUILDING UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT DECLARES THE BUILDING IS SAFE TO ENTER.

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22. A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO LIVING IN CANADA Canadian cities are safe to live in. Violent crime is not very likely to occur to a resident or student. However, thefts, pick-

pocketing, and small crimes do happen, just like in other big cities. This guide is designed to help you become familiar

with your new surroundings and help you be safe.

IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS

Keep your passport in a safe place and carry a photocopy with you.

Tell your roommate/host family where you are going and when you will be back.

Be alert, walk with confidence, and be aware of who/what is around you.

If you are being followed, change direction and go to the nearest store/restaurant/phone.

At night, walk on well-lit, busy streets and avoid isolated areas (parks, alleys). Walk with someone.

Don’t go out alone or accept rides from strangers.

Don’t use headphones when walking/jogging; it is difficult to hear an approaching car or stranger. Carry a whistle/personal safety device.

Fight to protect yourself, and scream/yell loudly if you’re attacked, but don’t argue/fight if robbed.

The most common crime is THEFT. Do not leave your purse/backpack/property unattended in public!

MONEY TIPS

Do not carry large amounts of cash, and do not show money in public.

Never give or loan money to a person who approaches you on the street.

Use bank/debit cards, but NEVER share your PIN # or let others see it.

When you buy something with a credit/debit card, make sure that you get a receipt and are charged correctly. Also make sure that your card is promptly returned to you. Never give your credit card information or copies of your card unless you are buying something.

Pay rent with a cheque – NEVER CASH - get a receipt promptly.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES

The public library is a place to study and meet friends and but please be aware of the following:

Loss and Theft of Belongings: Students often lose things at the library. Backpacks and purses are frequently stolen. Do not leave your belongings unattended, even for a moment.

Unprofessional Tutors: Students at the library may be approached by people who offer tutoring services. These people are not always real tutors; some are just trying to make money or want to meet people of the opposite gender. If you want to find a tutor, ask a VIC-CC Advisor.

911 POLICE

Call 911 if you are in trouble or see a crime. This connects you to the police, fire and ambulance. Interpreters are available – tell the operator your language. 911 is anonymous and free - you do not need coins if you call from a pay phone. If you are a victim of a crime, no matter how small, you should report it to the police.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Emergency: 911 (Calls Police, Fire, Ambulance Anywhere In Canada)

Non-Emergency Police:

Vancouver: 604-717-3321,

Victoria: 250-995-7654,

Toronto.: 416-808-2222

If you have any problems, your VIC-CC Advisor is happy to help you!

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