Dear students,
Welcome to our Winter 2021 Semester!
Key dates
Last Day to Register or add/drop/change classes:
Monday, January 18, 2021 at 5:00 pm (Pacific Time)
Note: Classes will be held on Tuesday, February 16 and Friday, March 19 (PD Day cancelled and Limitless delayed until the Spring Semester)
A Warm Welcome
With the Fall semester in progress, Columbia College would like to wish you the warmest welcome, as new and continuing students. We welcome all High School students, our Science students to in-person Chemistry labs, and our new and continuing University Transfer and Associate Degree students to our Winter 2021 online classes. Given the continuation of the global pandemic, the College is making every effort to ensure that your learning experience, whether in-person or online, is exemplary, and that you have an unprecedented level of support. Columbia College remains committed to high quality teaching and learning in both an online and select in-person environment.
Support for our Students
We are continuing to support those students who need our help, whether financially or academically, or through extra advice and counselling. Whether you are a new or continuing student, you are encouraged to take the time to review helpful advice for New Students here or Continuing Students here. If you have any questions, please email Student Services at ssa@columbiacollege.ca
Reaching out to your Classmates
For those of you in Vancouver, or studying from afar, please know that Columbia College is your home away from home. Student Services has planned activities for you to get involved in and meet your fellow students. Please visit our events calendar on our website on an ongoing basis to check for exciting events to help you meet new friends and classmates. I also urge you to make an effort to form study groups and converse with your fellow students outside of class. Hopefully, things will return to normal soon; but in the meantime I am positive that if you reach out to your fellow classmates, they will be happy, and so will you.
Academic Integrity Policies
Columbia College values academic integrity. Please visit the College Policies section on our website and click on Plagiarism Policy and Procedure, and Academic Misconduct Policy. The College trusts that all students will honour these policies, stay in good academic standing, and be proud of your accomplishments.
Our Commitment
We continue to monitor public health guidance, consult with local public health authorities, and provide further updates as the situation evolves. We also continue to work closely with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training and with other post-secondary institutions within BC to ensure our plans are aligned with health and safety guidelines and WorkSafeBC.
Again, please refer to to ensure the health and safety of our community which include:
- Assess yourself daily for COVID-19 symptoms
- Stay home if you are ill
- If you have been exposed to someone or have symptoms of COVID-19, complete the BC self-assessment tool
- Stay physically distant as much as possible
- Wear a mask when in public areas
You can find information about staying healthy, including advice on identifying COVID-19 symptoms and safety practices such as handwashing here.
Detailed information regarding Columbia College’s response to COVID-19 can also be found on our website.
COVID-19 has demonstrated that notwithstanding a difficult situation, Columbia College can continue to help our students to embrace learning and their dream of a pathway to university and ultimately career success.
Best,
Robin Hemmingsen
Principal, Columbia College
Addendum for: University Transfer and Associate Degree Students
As you know, as an international student, you are eligible for a post-graduate work permit (PGWPP) if 50% of your college program is studied in a country other than Canada and 50% studied in Canada.
This means that it is necessary for you to complete the last 10 courses of your Associate Degree while living in Canada, if you plan to apply for a PGWPP after completing your Associate Degree. If you plan to complete your Associate Degree, and then continue on to complete the last 2 years of a 4 year university degree while living in Canada, it is not necessary for you to complete your last 10 courses of your Associate Degree while living in Canada.
The 50% rule has put in place to enable you to engage in Canadian culture and life, first-hand, even though your courses will be online.
