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BCIT REFERENCE GUIDE your pocket guide to resources and services
Contents What is the BCIT Reference Guide? ............................................. 2 Frequently Asked Questions ......................................................... 2 Academics ............................................................................................ 4 Knowing Your Program ............................................................................. 4 Program Advising ...................................................................................... 5 Educational Support ................................................................................. 5
Student Services ................................................................................ 7 Student Association Services .................................................................... 7 BCIT Student Services................................................................................ 8 Transportation ........................................................................................ 10
Problem Solving ...............................................................................11 Student Rights and Responsibilities .........................................13 Academic Issues ...................................................................................... 14 Non-Academic Issues .............................................................................. 15
Student Governance and Leadership .......................................17 Governance ............................................................................................. 17 Leadership Opportunities ....................................................................... 18
Supporting Diversity ......................................................................20 Financial Aid .....................................................................................21 BCIT and Your Finances ........................................................................... 21 Funding Opportunities ............................................................................ 22 SA Funding and Awards .......................................................................... 22
Shopping on Campus ......................................................................23 Satellite Campuses ..........................................................................24 Contacts .............................................................................................. 26
What is the BCIT Reference Guide? The BCIT Reference Guide is a resource created by the BCIT Student Association that aims to provide easy-to-read information about the various aspects of life at BCIT. What is the BCIT Student Association? The BCIT Student Association (SA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that is directed by a team of elected student executives. The SA’s mission is to be an advocate for students and provide services that are student-centred, responsive, and pro-active in supporting and enhancing the quality of student life. The SA also runs several retail outlets on campus and is responsible for clubs, events, the student health and dental plan, and a multitude of other programs, services, and campaigns. Where is the Student Association located? The SA offices are in building SE2 of BCIT’s Burnaby campus. The SA administrative and executive offices are located on the third floor, and the Uconnect Resource Centre, is located just off of the Great Hall on the second floor. Expansion plans began in October 2012 to add additional student-centred spaces on both the second and third floors. You can reach the SA by phone at 604.432.8600 or online at www.bcitsa.ca.
Frequently Asked Questions Q: How do I know if I’m covered under the Student Health and Dental Plan? A: All students in designated full time programs of 16 weeks or longer are automatically enrolled in the Student Health and Dental Plan. Students can check their registration fees through their myBCIT account to confirm when coverage begins and ends, or contact the Health Plan Coordinator in the Uconnect Resource Centre at 604.456.8056 / healthplan@bcitsa.ca for more information. Students 2
are responsible for obtaining basic medical coverage such as a BC Care Card (MSP) or comparable basic coverage from their country or province of origin. Q: As an international student, am I eligible for coverage under the Student Health and Dental Plan? A: Yes, as an international student you are covered under the plan as long as you meet the eligibility criteria listed above. If you don’t have basic medical coverage, you can purchase Student Guard through the International Student Centre and/or sign up for MSP within three months of moving to BC. Q: Who can I talk to about financial aid? A: The Student Financial Aid and Awards department, located in SW1 Room 2303, provides students with information on the various types of financial assistance available. Q: I don’t agree with a grade I received – is there anything I can do? A: The SA Advocate is available to provide information about the academic appeals process, and discuss the options available to you. Typically, however, the first step to take would be to contact your instructor and request a meeting to review the grade in question. Contact the Advocate at 604.456.1161 / advocate@bcitsa.ca. Q: Where can I find out about volunteer opportunities? A: Come by the Uconnect Resource Centre in SE2 Room 286 – there are ongoing volunteer opportunities available to students on campus throughout the year. The Uconnect also maintains a volunteer board with volunteer opportunities available in the greater community and an online volunteer registration form accessible via www.bcitsa.ca. Q: Where can I find the most up to date information about upcoming events that the SA is putting on? 3
A: Visit the SA webpage at www.bcitsa.ca or Facebook at www.facebook.com/bcitsa for all the info you could ever want or hope to know about the goings on at the SA. Q: I’m thinking about running for an elected position in student government – where can I find information about how the elections process works? A: Every year in March, all the relevant information about elections is posted on the SA website, in addition to printed materials (nomination forms, available positions, etc.) that are made available at the SA main office located in SE2. Alternately, contact the VP Student Affairs at vpstudentaffairs@bcitsa.ca to learn more about how student elections work at BCIT. Q: I’ve heard talk about a program called Peak Leadership but don’t know any specifics – where can I find out more information? A: Peak is an extracurricular program that provides students the opportunity to gain leadership and professional development skills. Peak participants choose from a variety of sessions to attend, commit to a minimum of 15 hours of volunteer work throughout the school year, and complete a self-reflection activity. Applications are due in September and the program runs through April. For more information come to the Uconnect or visit the SA website at www.bcitsa.ca.
Academics Knowing Your Program It is important for students to understand the administrative structure of their academic programs in order to know whom best to contact with questions and for support when necessary. In addition to the Instructors who students typically interact with on the most regular basis, Program Heads and Chief Instructors provide administration for their respective 4
program areas. The Associate Deans oversee a group of program areas within a particular school at BCIT, and the Deans are the senior academic administrators for each of the six schools within BCIT – Business, Computing and Academic Studies, Construction and the Environment, Energy, Health Sciences and Transportation. Program Advising Program advising is available to students seeking direction about the many programs offered at BCIT. Whether a student is coming directly from secondary school, is looking to return to post-secondary to enhance the professional experience they already have, or is new to Canada and interested in learning about educational opportunities available at BCIT, Program Advising staff can help guide students about the various options available at BCIT. Program Advising is available in person at the Burnaby and Downtown campuses and can be contacted at 604.434.1610 / 1.866.434.1610 (toll free). Educational Support Audio/Visual BCIT provides access to a variety of audio/visual equipment and related services for instructional, academic, and administrative purposes. At the Burnaby campus, contact audio/visual services at 604-432-8780 / avserves@bcit.ca / SE12 Room 104 and at the Downtown Campus, contact avscs@bcit.ca / 604.412.7620 / Room 252 for more information. At the other satellite campuses, please contact support/administrative staff for site-specific services available or visit the BCIT audio/visual website at www.bcit.ca/avservices/. Computer Labs BCIT offers computer labs on a general use and restricted access basis. General use labs can be booked through the timetabling department, while restricted access labs are managed by IT services or departments. Specific computer lab locations at each campus can be found online under the Student Services tab of the BCIT home page. 5
CTRL P – Printing Services Ctrl P is a print shop operated by the SA at the Burnaby campus. Located on the second floor of SE2, Ctrl P offers a wide range of services offered at student friendly prices, including business card printing, colour printing, copying, coil and cerlox binding, laminating, scanning, and wide format printing. Hours of operation are as follows: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Bring in a USB drive or email your files directly to ctrlp@bcitsa.ca. Disability Resource Centre The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) is available to students with temporary or permanent disabilities. Some examples of assistance offered by the DRC are, exam accommodations, alternate format textbooks, and adaptive technology. Please contact the DRC for more information about accessing their services at 604.451.6963 / drc@bcit.ca / SW1 Room 2360. Library Services BCIT’s main library is located in building SE14 on the Burnaby campus. In addition, the Marine campus and Aerospace Technology campus both have specialized libraries. ehPod Located on the lower level of the main library at Burnaby campus, the ehPod provides students with 24-hour access to a computer lab and study space. Your BCIT ID Student Card grants you access 24/7 via the south side exterior door. Learning Commons The Learning Commons offers a wide array of services in support of your academic career at BCIT – from peer tutoring, to seminars, conversation groups, study space and a writing centre. The Learning Commons is located on the third floor of the Burnaby campus library. More information can be found online at www.bcit.ca/learningcommons. 6
MediaWorks MediaWorks is a self-service, no-charge production facility available to students and staff. MediaWorks offers free consultation with anything from video editing, to graphic facilitation, PowerPoint, Prezi, Photoshop, recording, digital conversion, and much more. Contact MediaWorks at 604.454.2220 / SE14 Room 131 for more information or to book an appointment. Study Rooms Study rooms are available for student use in the library and Gateway building (SW 1). Bookings must be made in person at the library service desk, and can be made up to one week in advance at charge of $1.00.
Student Services Student Association Services Uconnect Resource Centre The Uconnect serves as the hub for all SA related student services and programming. From the student health and dental plan, to the advocacy office, bursaries, student clubs, Peak Leadership, tutoring, volunteer opportunities, a monthly produce delivery and a host of other FREE programs and services, this is the place to go to get connected as a BCIT student. The Uconnect is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Questions about any of the programs or services run out of the Uconnect can be directed to 604.451.7087 / Uconnect@bcitsa.ca / SE2 Room 286 (next to the Great Hall). Student Agenda The SA produces a student agenda every year available to BCIT students free of charge. The agenda includes a day planner, calendar, and other useful information to help students stay organized. Pick up your agenda throughout the year at the Uconnect Resource Centre in SE2. Agendas
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are also available for delivery at satellite campuses or by contacting 604.456.1168 / outreach@bcitsa.ca. The Link newspaper The Link is a biweekly newspaper that is written for and by students. Articles focus on life and news at BCIT, student issues, entertainment, humour, culture, and many other topics, as well as a regular column written by your elected Student Executives. Newsstands can be found throughout all BCIT campuses. Students are encouraged to contact The Link if they would like to contribute an article or write a review for a movie, concert, or album. Contact the SA publications manager at publications@bcitsa.ca / 604.456.1167 for more information about how to get involved with The Link. Child Care Centre The SA is moving forward with plans to open a Child Care Centre in January 2013. The Child Care Centre will be located in SE41 and will have a total of 25 spots available for children between the ages of 30 months and five years. If you are interested in reserving a spot, please contact Uconnect@bcitsa.ca or visit www.bcitsa.ca for more information. BCIT Student Services Aboriginal Services Aboriginal Services provides a wide variety of services to Aboriginal students at BCIT. The Aboriginal Gathering Place on the Burnaby campus is a place where students can access peer mentorship, tutoring, study space, learn about scholarships and bursaries, and to connect with others. Aboriginal Services also puts on regular workshops, speaker series, and a monthly traditional sweat lodge ceremony, among a host of other services. Contact Aboriginal Services in the Gathering Place at 604.432.8474 / aboriginalservices@bcit.ca / SW1 Room 1521.
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Counselling and Student Development BCIT Counselling and Student Development offers students free counselling services, online resources for personal and career development, and workshops throughout the year. To make an appointment, contact Counselling and Student Development at 604.432.8608 / SE16 Room 128. Disability Resource Centre Refer to the Academics section of this guide under Educational Support. Housing/Residence On-campus housing is available at Burnaby campus to BCIT students enrolled in both long-term, full time programs and shorter-term (including apprenticeship) programs. Application information and additional off-campus housing resources can be found online at www.bcit.ca/housing, or by contacting the Housing office at 604.432.8677 / housing@bcit.ca / SW 11 Salish House. Recreation Services Burnaby’s main campus offers a full range of recreation facilities, instructional courses, intramural sports, and drop-in programs throughout the year. A wide variety of equipment rentals are also available to students. Contact Recreation Services for more information at 604.432.8612 / SE 16. The Aerospace Technology, Marine, and Great Northern Way campuses also have weight room facilities available to students. Hours of operation are as follows: Aerospace Technology campus: weekdays from 6:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Great Northern Way campus: weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Marine campus: weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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Student Health Services BCIT’s Student Health Services offers a range of medical services from acute to emergency care, immunizations, travel medicine, and more. Health Services offers convenient access to physicians and registered nurses. Immunization clinics are also offered routinely at all satellite campuses throughout the year. Clinic hours are Monday to Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (reduced summer hours in effect from June to August). Contact Student Health Services at 604.432.8608 / SE 16 Room 128. Student ID Card The BCIT ID Student Card serves as identification for all current students and provides access to a wide range of services at BCIT. The card allows students to reserve study space and meeting rooms, borrow library materials, utilize recreation and athletic equipment and services, and much more. Students are also eligible for a variety of discounts with their card – more information about participating companies that offer discounts can be found on the SA website at www.bcitsa.ca. Students can get an ID online at www.bcit.ca/card or in person at any BCIT campus. For more information contact 604.451.6890 / card@bcit.ca. Transportation Cycling All BCIT campuses have bike racks and/or lockers and shower/change facilities available to students and staff. The BCIT Bicycling Committee is an additional resource available to students and staff. Visit www.bcit.ca/cycling for more detailed information about cycling at BCIT. Parking Paid parking is available to students at all BCIT campuses. Vehicles must display a valid BCIT parking permit or ticket purchased from a parking ticket dispenser, be registered with E-permits or have purchased a parking space through the pay-by-phone system. E-permits allow 10
students to purchase weekly passes - visit www.bcit.ca/parking or contact the parking control coordinator at parking@bcit.ca for more information. U-Pass BC The U-Pass BC is a student transit program that provides discounted three-zone Translink passes for $30 per month. BCIT students enrolled in full-time studies programs automatically receive a U-Pass. Students can pick up their U-Pass in person at the Burnaby campus main library. Alternately, students studying at any of BCIT’s satellite campuses also have the choice to pick up their U-Pass at their respective campus. For specific information about eligibility, visit www.bcit.ca/u-pass.
Problem Solving Advocacy Office The SA provides advocacy services to students who are dealing with a conflict while at BCIT. The SA Advocate offers confidential, unbiased support to help students understand the many policies and procedures that they are both protected by and responsible to at BCIT. Whether it is an academic or non-academic issue, a complaint about an experience with a fellow student, staff member, faculty, course, or policy, the Advocate is available to help students navigate and problem solve. Contact the advocacy office at 604.456.1161 / advocate@bcitsa.ca / SE 2 Room 286 (Uconnect Resource Centre). Campus Mediation / Harassment & Discrimination BCIT has a responsibility to ensure a harassment free environment for both students and staff. Resources and information are available through the Campus Mediation Services/Harassment & Discrimination Advisor. If you are dealing with a difficult situation related to harassment or discrimination, don’t hesitate to contact the Advisor at 604.451.6721 / NW 5 Room 102. 11
Student Judicial Affairs The Office of Student Judicial Affairs exists to ensure that student rights and responsibilities are balanced with the expectations characteristic of the educational environment. Student Judicial Affairs can provide information about appeals and review processes, connect with your department to determine options for alternate resolution and refer you to other campus-based resources for support and assistance. Contact the Director of Student Judicial Affairs at 604.431.4972 / SW 1 Room 3314. Safety, Security & Emergency Management The BCIT Security operations office is staffed 24 hours per day and is prepared to respond to campus emergencies and security-related assistance needs. BCIT Security can be contacted at 604.451.6856 / SW 1 Room 1000. See below for a list of specific services. Safer Walk BCIT provides the Safer Walk program to accompany students, employees and visitors to their destination on campus, 24 hours a day. Contact the phone numbers listed below for each campus: Burnaby campus – 604.451.6856 Downtown campus – 604.412.7600 Aerospace Technology campus – 604.419.3704 Marine campus – 778.928.2330 (7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.), 778.928.2329 (7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.) Emergency Telephones BCIT provides a system for emergency communications for employees, students and visitors. Emergency and in-house telephones are available in parking lots, walkways, elevators, and other specific locations at the Burnaby, Downtown, Marine and Aerospace Technology campuses. Emergency telephones can be used to contact BCIT Security 12
Communications Centres to request a Safer Walk, first aid, to report suspicious activity, and to request assistance (i.e. for car problems, directions, etc.). The location of campus emergency and in-house telephones can be found online, at www.bcit.ca/safetyandsecurity/security. Lost and Found BCIT manages a lost and found service at the Burnaby, Downtown, Marine and Aerospace Technology campuses. Property turned in to lost and found is held for 15 days, and can be claimed by contacting the BCIT Security Communications Centres at the respective campuses.
Student Rights and Responsibilities Why Should You Care? Student rights and responsibilities are outlined as part of BCIT’s expectations around student conduct (non-academic - Policy 5102 and academic - Policy 5104). Disciplinary action resulting from violations of this policy may include suspension or expulsion. BCIT’s policies and procedures around student conduct also ensure all students have equal access to fair processes and unbiased decision making. These policies and procedures set the standard for conduct for both students and BCIT. Different departments may also have their own internal guidelines that help clarify pieces left out of the larger policies and procedures. Student should consult their program administration for more information on these guidelines as they can be just as important as the ones described in this section. If you need help interpreting any of BCIT’s policies and procedures, contact your program administration, the SA Advocate, or the BCIT Director of Student Judicial Affairs.
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Academic Issues Academic Misconduct Academic misconduct falls under BCIT Policy 5104 and constitutes a broad set of prohibited behaviours including cheating and plagiarism. The definitions under this policy are written quite broadly, which consequently leaves room for program administration to determine appropriate levels of sanctions for violations. Faculty and program administration do not have to be able to demonstrate 100% proof that academic misconduct has occurred in order to lay discipline; based on the information available to them as part of an investigation and what is believed to have most likely to occurred, a decision and accompanying sanctions can be taken. Consequences for violations are typically determined by Associate Deans, and can range from a reduction in marks or zero given for the assignment or exam in question, up to suspension or removal from the program. Students are responsible for their own work and can be held accountable for not properly protecting their work, regardless of intent, if such action results in an act of academic misconduct by another student. Additionally, in situations of group work, students can be held accountable if one member of a group is found to have violated the policy on academic misconduct. Appeals In cases of decisions related to academic misconduct, students have the right to appeal to a Decision Review Board. A Decision Review Board is made up of five unbiased faculty members, staff, and at least one student who review decisions related to grades and academic misconduct. For the fees, timeline and process associated with this step in the appeal process, please consult BCIT Policy 5104 and 5104 – PR 2. For grade-related decisions, there is a series of steps by which to make an appeal. Students should begin by requesting an informal review with their instructor, to go over the marking of the assignment, project, 14
exam, etc. If this step does not bring about a satisfactory resolution, the student can request a formal marks reassessment in writing through the office of the Associate Dean for their program area. For the fees and timelines associated with this step, please consult BCIT Policy 5104 and 5104 – PR1. If the formal marks reassessment yields an unsatisfactory resolution, students can apply for a Decision Review Board (outlined above) to hear their case. Students involved in a Decision Review Board are strongly encouraged to seek support from the SA Advocate, as the process can at times be complex and overwhelming. Non-Academic Issues Student Code of Conduct BCIT has behavioural standards for all students based on the expectation that community members will conduct themselves in a manner that is mutually respectful of the rights of each other, and grounded in civility. Consequences of Violations In cases of alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct policy, BCIT will undertake an investigation that aims to follow a fair, reasonable and consistent process. Formal steps will be taken after informal attempts (when practical) to address misconduct have not been successful. Students will have the opportunity to view any evidence or charges against them as well as the opportunity to respond. For any decisions including sanctions or discipline against a student, options for appeal and further review will be outlined in the written communication provided to the student. BCIT’s WiFi Network The WiFi network on campus belongs to BCIT, therefore students must treat it with the same level of respect as other BCIT property. Students must not use the WiFi network to download copyright protected material such as movies, MP3s, or other unlicensed software. This is 15
considered a violation of BCIT’s Code of Conduct policy, as well as federal laws. BCIT monitors usage tied to IP addresses assigned to students and will act appropriately when violations are detected. In order to avoid any issues associated with inappropriate use of BCIT WiFi, ensure that torrent software is disabled while using the WiFi at BCIT. Streaming videos is allowed, as copies are not being made. Student Complaints Students are entitled to file a complaint in writing or verbally under the Student Complaint Procedure. This process is available to students who wish to initiate a complaint regarding instruction, services, BCIT policy, practices, or procedures. Set reps, SA Chairs and the Advocate can help students navigate the procedure and may speak on behalf of complainants. The Advocacy page of the SA website (www.bcitsa -> What we do -> Advocacy) and the Student Judicial Affairs page of BCIT’s website (www.bcit.ca/judicial) both have detailed information about the Student Complaint Procedure. Electronic Devices in Class There is currently no policy at BCIT that specifically refers to the use of electronic devices in class. Instructors and program administration are therefore given the authority to determine what is appropriate for the learning environment. Instructors do have the authority to restrict the use of laptops, cellphones, or recorders in the class, and to apply consequences for violations. Even if the program does not have explicit restrictions in place, use of such devices may be restricted if it proves to be disruptive to the instructor or other students in the class. Students should speak with their instructors about what the guidelines are if they are unsure what is appropriate. Students may be entitled to accommodations to use electronic devices if it is due to a documented disability. Students requiring accommodations or use of adaptive technology should contact the Disability Resource Centre to learn about possible accommodations. For 16
more information about the Disability Resource Centre, refer to the Academics section of this guide under Educational Support. Freedom of Speech Students are entitled to free speech while studying at BCIT. This means students are free to criticise BCIT, their program, and even their instruction. Students must, however, be careful to not threaten BCIT or members of its community, or to disrupt its normal operations. Students may face sanctions if their comments seriously undermine BCIT’s mission or jeopardize its relationship with industry and/or the community. Students are responsible for comments made online, on the weekends, or any time they are off campus. Lates and Absenteeism Regular attendance in classes, labs, seminars, clinical placements, etc. is viewed as integral to academic success at BCIT. While no singular policy exists pertaining to lateness and absenteeism across BCIT, individual programs or departments have the ability to set specific requirements regarding attendance and participation. Any such expectations should be communicated in a course outline at the beginning of a course. All of BCIT’s policies and procedures can be found, in their entirety, on the BCIT website at www.bcit.ca/about/administration/policies.shtml. If you have questions about these policies, contact the SA Advocate or Director of Student Judicial Affairs.
Student Governance and Leadership Governance Elections Elections are held every spring to choose the new SA Student Executives. Students who would like to run for an SA elected position 17
can view the different positions and their mandates, and download the nomination package from the SA website at www.bcitsa.ca every year in March. Students can vote for all positions through their myBCIT accounts in April. Annual General Meeting Because the SA is a registered not-for-profit organization, an Annual General Meeting (AGM) is required every year. The SA holds its AGM in the fall. The exact date can be found online on the SA’s website. All students are welcome to attend, vote, and speak at the AGM. Transparency and Accountability In order to maintain transparency and accountability, all minutes from Council, Set/Class rep, and club presidents meetings are made available on the SA website. Additionally, the AGM minutes and Strategic Plan can also be found on the website along with the Annual Report which details the SA’s accomplishments during the last year, future plans, and its financial statements. Leadership Opportunities Class and Set Reps Class/set reps are students who are selected by their classmates to represent their particular set or class to the SA and BCIT. Class/set reps are an important part of the communication network at BCIT as they act as a conduit for information between the students in their set, the SA, and their program. Class/set reps attend regular monthly meetings with the Chair of their School and are empowered through specific BCIT policies to speak on behalf of classmates when issues arise. It is a volunteer position but meals are provided at the monthly meetings, awards are given annually to outstanding set reps from each School, and letters of reference from the SA are available upon request at the end of a student’s term as set rep.
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Clubs Clubs are a great way for students to develop leadership skills, build up their resume, network, and connect with peers at BCIT. There are over 30 clubs that hold social, networking, or professional events throughout the school year. Contact the Clubs Coordinator at 778.331.1328 / clubscoordinator@bcitsa.ca / SE 2 Room 286 (Uconnect Resource Centre) for more information. Peak Leadership Peak Leadership is an extracurricular program that runs from September to April and is designed to give BCIT students the opportunity to learn leadership and professional development skills. Peak Leadership is a free program available to all students and features sessions, volunteering, and self-reflection activities. More information can be found on the SA website or by dropping into the Uconnect Resource Centre in SE 2 Room 286. Peer Tutoring Peer tutors are students who maintain high academic standing in their programs and enjoy helping their peers. Tutors provide free drop-in sessions in the Library Learning Commons (www.bcit.ca/learningcommons) or paid one-on-one tutoring sessions through the Uconnect. Students interested in becoming peer tutors should contact the at 604.451.7087 / Uconnect@bcitsa.ca / SE 2 Room 286 (Uconnect Resource Centre) for more information. Volunteering There are lots of volunteer opportunities and ways to give back to the campus community as a student at BCIT. Come to the Uconnect Resource Centre to learn about ongoing volunteer opportunities available to students on campus throughout the year. Contact staff in the Uconnect Resource Centre at 604.451.7087 / Uconnect@bcitsa.ca / SE 2 Room 286 for more information.
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Supporting Diversity Aboriginal Services Refer to the Student Services section of this guide under Outside the Classroom for information about Aboriginal Services at BCIT. Accessible Washroom Project The Accessible Washroom Project was created in response to concerns raised within the BCIT community that there was a lack of washrooms accessible to all members of the community. A committee of stakeholders from across BCIT and the SA worked on replacing the signage on existing single stalled washrooms on the Burnaby campus. The new signs, depicting a toilet without a gender-specific image, subtly remove the gender binary from the washroom signage to better accommodate individuals who identify as transgender, gender-variant, those with young children, with physical disabilities, or anyone with particular religious or personal needs for whom a shared washroom would not be appropriate. A map indicating the location of all the gender-neutral washrooms can be found on the SA website at www.bcitsa.ca under the What We Do tab or on the BCIT website at www.bcit.ca/about/burnaby.shtml. International Student Centre BCIT offers a wide variety of support services for international students. The International Student Centre can help orient you to BCIT by providing information on a variety of topics, from academic issues, to recreation and social events, awards, housing, employment and much more. The International Student Centre can be contacted at 604.432.8816 / isc_info@bcit.ca / SW1 Room 1186. Disability Resource Centre Refer to the Academics section of this guide under Educational Support.
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LGBTQ on Campus BCIT and the SA share a commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful community free of homophobia. The SA sponsors the student club, Technically Queer (TQ), which exists to provide support to LGBTQ students at BCIT. LGBTQ students and their allies are invited to participate; contact technicallyqueer@gmail.com. The SA also coordinates a series of campaigns that align with National Coming Out Day in October and International Day Against Homophobia Day in May, and offers a Queer Competency training each year for students and staff. If you or anyone you know has been the target of homophobic attitudes, behaviour or actions, please contact the SA Advocate at 604.456.1161 / advocate@bcitsa.ca or BCIT’s Campus Mediation Services Advisor at 604.451.6721.
Financial Aid BCIT and Your Finances Tuition and Fees Depending on the type of program students are enrolled in at BCIT (i.e. full time, part time, degree, apprenticeship training, international), different rates of tuition and fees apply. For specific information on the current rates, broken down by program, visit www.bcit.ca/admissions/fees or contact the Admissions and Registration Office at 604.434.1610. Student Association Fees The student activity fee serves as a membership fee and is included in the cost of tuition. The fees students pay to the SA are used to offset the cost of providing services and programming and represent approximately one third of the SA’s annual operating budget.
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Refunds Generally speaking, students in fulltime programs must withdraw within ten business days from the start of classes in order to be eligible for a tuition refund, although there may be some slight variation depending on the program. In exceptional situations, students may be eligible for a partial refund after the withdrawal date had passed. As course or program refunds vary by program, students should contact Student Information and Enrolment at 604.434.1610 / SW 1 first floor for more specific information. Funding Opportunities Student Financial Aid and Awards Student Financial Aid and Awards (SFAA) exist to help students plan financially for their academic career at BCIT. Staff can help students understand what types of financial assistance are available to them, both non-repayable and repayable, and how the various application processes work. Contact SFAA at the Burnaby campus at 604.432.8555 / finaid@bcit.ca / SW1 Room 2132. SA Funding and Awards Student Initiative Fund The Student Initiative Fund is a funding opportunity for professional development that is available to students each academic year. Students can apply every October, January and April and are eligible for up to $500 towards a maximum of 75 per cent of the cost of the initiative for which they are seeking funding. Applications can be found on the SA website (www.bcitsa.ca) or in person at the Uconnect Resource Centre in SE 2 Room 286. Laurie Jack Award Every year the SA selects two graduating students for this award who have contributed to and enhanced student life while at BCIT. Students must be nominated by a third party such as a staff member, faculty or 22
fellow student. Each recipient is awarded $500 in honour of Laurie Jack, former SA President. Distinguished Rep Awards Set/class reps from each School within BCIT are eligible for this award. $500 awards are given to reps that have gone above and beyond the duties of a set/class rep over the course of their term. Nominations can be made on behalf of reps by a staff member, faculty, or fellow student. Employment BCIT offers employment services to students through its web-based eJobs program. Students can post resumes, search job postings and received job alerts. Contact Student Employment Services at 604.432.8666 / employ@bcit.ca / SW 1 Room 1022.
Shopping on Campus Professor Mugs Pub Come to the only pub on the Burnaby campus for fresh, delicious food and drinks served in a comfortable, friendly environment, complete with an outdoor patio and a lunch-to-go option. Pool tables, pinball, foosball and TVs showing all the hockey games, as well as the occasional live band or student run party means you will always be entertained. Check the SA website at www.bcitsa.ca for current menu, hours, and schedule of events. The Stand Convenience Stores This is not your standard 7-Eleven; the Stand is your one-stop shop on campus. If you are looking for your morning caffeine hit, a quick, easy lunch, or a sugary pick-me-up in the afternoon, make sure you visit one of the three Stand stores on the Burnaby campus, located in SE2, SE12 and NE1. Check the SA website at www.bcitsa.ca for current hours and specials.
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A wide variety of other food and beverage options exist on the Burnaby campus, including:
Tim Hortons (SE12) The Rix (SE2) Quiznos (SE2 - Great Hall) Triple O’s (SE2 - Great Hall, SE12) Coyote Jack’s (NE1) Library Coffee Pod (SE 14) Gateway Deli (SW 1)
Geared Up The SA’s Geared Up store offers a wide variety of goods from BCIT branded clothing and goods, to backpacks, office and school supplies. Geared Up, located on the first floor of SE2 on the Burnaby campus, is also an authorized Apple campus store providing discounts on Apple merchandise. Come check out the store or do your shopping online at the SA webpage at www.bcitsa.ca. BCIT Bookstore BCIT’s bookstore carries textbooks, general reference books, software, and stationary. On the Burnaby campus the bookstore is located in SE2 and at the Downtown Campus visit the second floor. Used books can be bought and sold through the Book Buy Back program – visit the bookstore for more details. Items at the bookstore can be purchased in person or online by following the links from www.bcit.ca/bookstore.
Satellite Campuses Services The SA Outreach Coordinator is your main point of contact for accessing services available to students at any of BCIT’s satellite campuses. The Health Plan Coordinator also visits each satellite campus at regular intervals each month to process forms and provide students with 24
information on the Student Health and Dental Plan. Contact the Outreach Coordinator at 604.456.1168 / outreach@bcitsa.ca and the Health and Dental Plan Coordinator at 604.456.8056 / healthplan@bcitsa.ca. Events The SA puts on a variety of events throughout the year for students at all four satellite campuses. Some of these events include: Aerospace Technology Campus
Wright Bros. Flying Extravaganza competition Slapshot hockey skills competition Chopper Challenge helicopter obstacle course Game days
Great Northern Way Campus
Great Northern Wing It chicken wing eating contest Slapshot hockey skills competition
Downtown Campus
Halloween/Santa/Valentine/Easter Bunny challenges Game days
Marine Campus
Float Your Boat race and competition Barbecue socials
Check out the SA website at www.bcitsa.ca and Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bcitsa for the most up-to-date events information.
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Contacts Academic Administration
Health Services 604.432.8608
School of Health Sciences 604.432.8682
Harassment & Discrimination 604.451.6721
School of Energy 604.432.8424
Housing 604.432.8677
School of Transportation 604.432.8277
Information and Enrolment 604.434.1610
School of Construction and the Environment 604.432.8497
Student Judicial Affairs 604.431.4972 BCIT Student Association
School of Business 604.432.8581 School of Computing and Academic Studies 604.412.7493 BCIT Services Aboriginal Services 604.432.8474 Counselling / Student Development 604.432.8608
Advocate 604.451.1161 Clubs Coordinator 778.331.1328 The Link newspaper 604.456.1167 Main Office 604.432.8600 Marketing/Communications Manager 604.340.5630
Disability Resource Centre 604.451.6953
Student Health Plan Coordinator 604.456.8056
Financial Aids & Awards 604.432.8555
Student Services Manager 604.432.8549
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Outreach Coordinator 604.456.1168 Uconnect Resource Centre 604.451.7087 Satellite Campuses Aerospace Technology Campus 604.419.3777 Great Northern Way Campus 604.456.8195 Marine Campus 604.453.4100 Downtown Campus 604.434.5734
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