Policies

Insignia College is committed to ensuring its learning environment promotes students’ fair and respectful treatment. Insignia College considers harassment, bullying, discrimination and any other unfair and disrespectful behavior to be serious violations of an individual’s rights.

Insignia College prohibits this behavior while students are on the Insignia College campus and participating in Insignia College activities:

 Harassment includes unwelcome comments and actions which may concern race, color, ancestry, origin, beliefs, religion, status, gender, disability, age and sexuality.

 Bullying includes intentional intimidation to force compliance or assert dominance.

 Discrimination includes decisions and actions based on factors irrelevant to the matter, and include race, color, ancestry, origin, beliefs, religion, status, gender, disability, age and sexuality.

Student Services should be approached with a concern about a prohibited activity.

Insignia College will take the necessary steps to identify and eliminate harassment, bullying and discrimination to create an inclusive culture that fosters fairness and respectfulness.

Insignia College does not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, origin, beliefs, religion, status, gender, disability, age and sexuality.

Insignia College does not condone sexual harassment by anyone associated with Insignia College. Individuals have the right to work and learn in an environment free from discrimination, including sexual harassment. Any individual found to have engaged in this conduct is subject to immediate termination or expulsion.

Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to these offensive behaviors:

1. Using unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors as an employment or academic term and condition, and

2. Creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment using sexually:
 endeared terms, jokes, vulgar, profane and demeaning language,
 suggestive behavior,
 suggestive visual objects, pictures, cartoons and posters, and
 coercive physical conduct such as assault, touch, impediment or restraint.

Insignia College encourages healthy fraternization; however, Insignia College faculty must not engage in offensive conduct. Insignia College faculty may not meet one-on-one and unsupervised with students privately or in social places, subject to termination, subject to termination.

Insignia College faculty may not conduct personal relationships with Insignia College students while those students are enrolled in Insignia College, subject to termination.

Insignia College prohibits a faculty from retaliating against students who bring sexual harassment charges or assist in investigating charges, subject to termination.

 Students must attend classes regularly and punctually. Student attendance and punctuality is closely monitored, and is given to employers based on signing the “Information Disclosure to Potential Employers and Practicum Hosts” form.

 Students absent more than thirty three (33) percent of any course receive an F Grade and are placed on a thirty (30) day probation. If students’ attendance does not improve by the end of probation, students are terminated and the College’s Refund Policy is enforced.

 Students absent in excess of ten (10) consecutive class days without cause are terminated.

 Students must contact Insignia College if they expect to be late or absent.

 Students must submit a doctor’s note if they are absent due to illness for more than three (3) consecutive days.

 Students may not enter the classroom until the break if they are late.

 The Instructor will not repeat material missed.

 Insignia College will designate lateness unauthorized if students fail to notify Insignia College.

 Students must arrive for class ten (10) minutes prior to the class start time.

Leave of Absence

If students are going to be absent for more than three (3) consecutive days due to a family emergency or a serious illness, they must notify Student Services. Requests are reviewed individually. Students will only receive one (1) leave of absence per module. Students are responsible for fulfilling the program requirements before graduating. Insignia College does not guarantee the module a student needs to graduate will be available.

Insignia College reserves the right to discipline, suspend or dismiss any student whose conduct is detrimental to other students, staff, instructors or to the college. Following is a list of actions that may constitute disciplinary steps being taken and/or dismissal from Insignia College:

1. Cheating and plagiarism
2. Behavior endangering student, faculty, or staff
3. Disruption of academic activities
4. Misuse and disregard of the Electronic Mail / Internet Agreement Policy
5. Student conduct, which would be considered disruptive, includes the following:

• disorderly conduct, including physical or verbal abuse of any person, abusive, indecent, vulgar or profane language, obscene actions
• conduct which otherwise interferes with another student’s ability to learn
• conduct which is disrespectful of the rights and privileges of another person
• conduct which endangers staff or other student’s health
• conduct which endangers the operations of the college
• conduct which includes falsifying information, or supplying false information, or failing to supply accurate information in order to obtain admission to any college course or program, or in order to obtain any college document such as a receipt, transcript etc.
• impersonating a student or applicant at an assessment or examination
• using, possessing or selling fireworks, firearms, knives or other offensive weapons on college property
• aiding, abetting, or acting as an accomplice in the commission of any of the foregoing

6. Damage to property, theft and assaults on individuals
7. Misuse of the computer system
8. Violation of BC Liquor regulations and drug related offences
9. Unlawful entry into college buildings
10. Sexual harassment

Insignia College takes pride in the products and services that it offers. Insignia College is determined and committed to providing students with quality, professional training and expects the same level of determination and commitment from its students to succeed. If students should fail to adhere to the rules and regulations established by Insignia College, the following disciplinary procedures will be implemented.

Step 1 – Written Warning

If an Insignia College staff member feels that a student’s behavior requires disciplinary action, a meeting will be scheduled between the student and a college representative to discuss the inappropriate behavior. At this meeting, a copy of the warning will be given to the student and a copy will be kept in the student’s file. The written warning will indicate the date of the offence and clearly identify the unacceptable behavior. In addition, the warning will list ways the student can correct his/her behavior and advise the student of the consequences if the unacceptable behavior continues.

Step 2 – Written Reprimand with Probation

If the student’s unacceptable behavior continues after the written warning received in Step 1, the student will be required to meet with the Director of Academics. At this meeting, the Director of Academics will officially place the student on probation and provide the student with a written copy of the reprimand, including the terms of probation. A copy will be given to the student and will also remain as a permanent record in the student’s file.

Step 3 – Dismissal

If the student violates the terms and conditions established in Step 2, the student will be expelled from his/her studies at Insignia College and Insignia College’s refund policy will be strictly enforced.

Note: Insignia College reserves the right to review each situation on a case-by-case basis and may terminate the student at the discretion of the Director of Academics.

Grading

Insignia College uses a letter grade and Grade Point Average (GPA) to evaluate academic performance. Students are given a letter grade for each module completed. Grading is based on classroom performance, assignments, attendance, projects and examinations. Students may review grades by request, however, students must record their grades.

Students receiving financial assistance are required to maintain at each module end, a GPA of at least 2.0. Students who do not attain this average or more are placed on academic probation and may lose their funding. Students must meet the Director of Academics to resolve academic probation.

Pass (P)

A Pass grade is given to students who complete courses designated by a Pass or Fail grade. A Pass grade counts toward graduation, but is not factored into GPA.

Withdrawal (W)

Students who withdraw before thirty three (33) percent of the course has elapsed receive a Withdrawal grade, which is not factored into GPA.

Fail (F)

Students who do not complete the required course components or who receive a cumulative score of less than fifty (50) percent receive a Fail grade. Under certain circumstances, students may repeat a Fail grade. Students who withdraw beyond thirty three (33) percent of a course or who do not complete the required assignments receive a Fail grade.

Incomplete (I)

An Incomplete grade is not factored into GPA and does not remain on the transcript provided assignments are satisfactorily completed within thirty (30) days after the end of the course. Should an Incomplete grade be left unresolved past thirty (30) days, it will automatically become a Fail grade and remain on the transcript.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

GPA is computed by assigning a numerical value to the letter grades as above. The number of credit units is multiplied by the numerical value for each grade in each course completed, and then added together to determine total grade units. The total number of grade units is then divided by the number of completed credit units to determine GPA.

Grade Appeal Process

Students may appeal a final grade if they believe faculty has applied inappropriate evaluation criteria and or faculty has misinterpreted students’ work. This is the procedure to appeal a grade.

Step 1: Students may discuss with faculty:
• An oversight or a grading mistake.
• The student’s reason to request a grade change.
• The grade determination criteria.
• Changing the grade to an Incomplete or another grade.
• Other mutually acceptable solutions.

Step 2:
If students feel the faculty resolution is unsatisfactory, students may approach the Director of Academics within five (5) days. The Director of Academics must respond with a resolution within ten (10) days.

Step 3:
If students feel the Director of Academics’ resolution is not satisfactory, students may request to appeal using Insignia College’s Dispute Resolution policy.

Tuition

Tuition is the amount students pay for a program.

Tuition includes programs, courses, instruction, lessons and lectures.

Tuition does not include the:
 administrative fee,
 application fee,
 assessment fee, and or
 fee charged for textbooks and or other course materials including equipment and uniforms.

These fees are tuition, and, if charged, are identified as such in the student enrolment contract:
 Coop fees or any other fee relating to a work experience,
 Fees for courses offered by a third party (ie, WHMIS, Foodsafe, First Aid),
 Exam fees,
 IT services, and
 Fees for the use of a lab or a clinic.

Insignia College is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), which lists the tuition and the fee for each approved program on its website.

Insignia College levies applicable provincial and federal taxes as applicable.

Tax

Students’ tuition is eligible for tax credits.

Insignia College provides students with a T2202A Tax Receipt, which includes the program length by February 28th of the following year.

If tuition spans more than one (1) taxation year, Insignia College issues students with a T2202A for each attendance year and or tuition in the year.

Administrative Fee

The Administrative Fee may include the:
 Non Sufficient Funds (NSF) fee, and or
 a copy of students’ transcript and or students’ record of fee.

The Administrative Fee may not include the:
 coop fee, and or
 payments to the Student Tuition Protection Fund (STPF) per student.

Tuition and Fee Refund

When a refund is due, Insignia College provides it to students within thirty (30) days of:
 receiving students’ withdrawal notice,
 receiving a copy of students’ study permit refusal,
 providing students with a dismissal notice, or
 students were admitted to an approved program without meeting the admission requirements.
If a refund is due and students have paid for, but not received textbooks and or other course materials including equipment and uniforms, Insignia College refunds the fee charged for these items.
The refund is a percentage of the tuition less the non-refundable fee.
Circumstances and Tuition Refund Entitlement
These are the Circumstances and the Tuition Refund Entitlement for which tuition must be refunded.
Circumstance 1
 Students are enrolled in an approved program:
 without having met the admission requirements, and
 with having misrepresented their knowledge or skills when applying.

Tuition Refund Entitlement
 a one hundred (100) percent tuition refund
Circumstance 2
 Students, other than distance education students do not attend the first thirty (30) percent of a program.

Tuition Refund Entitlement
 Insignia College may retain up to fifty (50) percent of tuition.

Circumstance 3
 Insignia College does not provide all the program’s work experience hours within thirty (30) days of the contract end date, and
 students do not attend the work experience.
 However, the refund is not required if Insignia College offers a work experience component and students do not attend or if students fail to meet the criteria to complete the work experience program, for example, by failing a class.

Tuition Refund Entitlement
 a one hundred (100) percent tuition refund.
Circumstance 4
Students submit a withdrawal notice, or international students submit a study refusal permit:
 Scenario A –
No later than seven (7) days after students and Insignia College signed the enrolment contract, and
 before the program start date.
Tuition Refund Entitlement
 a one hundred (100) percent tuition refund.
 Scenario B –
 Between the dates the contract was signed and the program start date when that period is less than seven (7) days.
Tuition Refund Entitlement
 a one hundred (100) percent tuition refund.
 Scenario C –
 More than seven (7) days after students and Insignia College signed the enrolment contract, and at least thirty (30) days before the program start date.
Tuition Refund Entitlement
 Insignia College may retain up to ten (10) percent of the tuition to a maximum $1,000.00.

 Scenario D –
 More than seven (7) days after students and Insignia College signed the enrolment contract, and
 less than thirty (30) days before the program start date.
Tuition Refund Entitlement
 Insignia College may retain up to twenty (20) percent of the tuition to a maximum $1,300.00.
 Scenario E –
 After the contract start date and up to and including ten (10) percent of instruction hours Insignia College has provided.
Tuition Refund Entitlement
 Insignia College may retain up to thirty (30) percent of the tuition.
 Scenario F –
 After the contract start date and after more than ten (10) percent but less than thirty (30) percent of instruction hours Insignia College has provided.
Tuition Refund Entitlement
 Insignia College may retain up to fifty (50) percent of the tuition.

Circumstance 5
Insignia College issues a dismissal notice to students:
 Scenario A –
 Up to and including ten (10) percent of instruction hours Insignia College has provided.
Tuition Refund Entitlement
 Insignia College may retain up to thirty (30) percent of the tuition.
 Scenario B –
 More than ten (10) percent but less than thirty (30) percent of the instruction hours Insignia College has provided.
Tuition Refund Entitlement
 Insignia College may retain up to fifty (50) percent of the tuition.

1. The Practicum or work experience is a required part of the Veterinary Assistant Program in which students obtain skills relevant to the program’s learning objectives. The Practicum allows students to gain experience in their study areas, complete the last stage of the learning process and provide opportunities for networking.

2. These are the requirements for students’ Practicum participation:

 Pass all required program courses.
 Attain a minimum of 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).
 Satisfy all financial Insignia College obligations.

Additional Practicum requirements may include English language proficiency and a clear criminal record check. Students are responsible for all costs. Other student responsibilities include:

 Students must schedule their Practicum. Resume and Practicum request form must completed and handed in six (6) weeks prior to the Practicum.
 Students must network, research, choose and propose a facility or organization to fulfill their Practicum.
 Students must research facilities and network with individuals to gain Practicum placements.
 If students fail to provide the resume and completed Practicum request form, students may forfeit their Practicum or it may be delayed.
 Students are expected to behave and dress in a responsible and professional manner.
 Students are expected to hand in the Practicum journal.

3. The Practicum must be in a veterinary hospital, veterinary clinic or a facility that provides animal care and meets the Practicum Host Agreement requirements.

Insignia College provides general liability insurance coverage during the Practicum, and WorkSafe BC coverage through the Ministry of Advanced Education. Insignia College is available to students and the host to monitor and evaluate.

The Practicum is not always available in students’ preferred geographic region. When assisting with student placements, Insignia College attempts to assign placements with preferences. Placements are final.

4. Insignia College, students and Hosts enter into the Host Practicum Agreement detailing their responsibilities and students’ activities. The Agreement is given to students before the Practicum start date.

5. Hosts should provide students with opportunities to gain practical experience in these areas:
 Assisting with physical exams and in patient care.
 Preparing treatment area and equipment.
 Sanitizing, bathing and grooming, and nail trimming.
 Scheduling appointments, surgeries, dental and diagnostic tests.
 Filing procedures.
 Updating patient files.
 Communicating with clients by phone and in person.
 Carrying out daily transactions and duties in reception

Hosts must follow these steps to ensure students complete the Practicum:
 Complete, sign and send the Practicum Host Agreement to Insignia College.
 When students have completed the first fifty (50) hours, complete, sign and send the Mid Term Practicum Evaluation to Insignia College.
 When students have completed the one hundred (100) hours, complete, sign and send the Attendance Record and the Final Practicum Evaluation to Insignia College.

6. Insignia College will provide one written Practicum evaluation to students.

7. Insignia College will monitor students during the Practicum by reviewing:
 every week, students’ attendance, and
 every month, students are meeting the program learning objectives.

Insignia College is committed to ensuring that each student is afforded a learning environment that has been developed on the principles of equal and equitable access, respect for individual differences, and academic integrity. These principles set the foundation for a student’s academic experiences at Insignia College and related learning environments, and facilitate an interdependent relationship among the students, Insignia College, its representatives and the community.

This policy reflects the principles set out in the Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act. Insignia College will provide educational accommodations to students who provided disability documentation to the satisfaction of the Disability Resource Centre, to the extent that the accommodation does not cause undue hardship to Insignia College or lower the performance standards of any given program.

The provision of educational accommodations is based on a balance of rights and shared responsibilities, and, as such, this policy reflects the responsibilities and obligations of students with disabilities, course instructors, staff, and practicum supervisors for the provision of educational accommodations and the ongoing development of an accessible learning environment.

 Insignia College staff shall not deny to any person its services or facilities nor discriminate against any person with respect to those services or facilities because of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, ancestry or place of origin of that person, subject to the provisions of The Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Act.

 This policy relates in particular to students with physical and mental disabilities as reflective of and defined in from time to time the Provincial Human Rights legislation.

 All students are entitled to an environment of learning, research and work that accommodates students with disabilities. It is recognized that there is an obligation on Insignia College to provide services and facilities to students unless a bona fide and reasonable justification exists for the absence of the accommodation requested.

 The requirement of accommodation does not demand the sacrificing of educational standards and there are often several alternatives that can accommodate differences in order to provide equality of access to Insignia College’s services and facilities. It is acknowledged that generally Insignia College must provide accommodation to the point of undue hardship.

 Where an academic standard is imposed but challenged by a student with a disability, Insignia College should be able to provide objective evidence of the need for the standard or an explanation of the standard as a bona fide and reasonable requirement and the standard must be imposed in good faith.

The Role of the Student with a Disability

In determining the appropriate accommodation, the student with a disability will be expected to take some responsibility in the process. This includes to:
 make reasonable efforts to provide appropriate disability documentation;
 discuss and explore the accommodation options that will facilitate access to service or facilities of the College; and or
 explore and access alternative services or programs that may provide assistance.

With respect to a student with a disability, the student will be strongly encouraged to contact the Director of Academics to discuss the disability’s appropriate assessment and documentation. The sensitivity of confidentiality issues is recognized as is the value of the student’s experience and knowledge with respect to the disability and its impact on learning. The student’s co-operation is an important component in determining the appropriate accommodation.

It is anticipated that this policy will guide Insignia College’s community in the sharing of information and opinions, creating an open environment at Insignia College that reflects the changing accommodation needs and issues facing persons with disabilities.

Insignia College welcomes applications from Canadian and International students. All new students must apply for admission to the College. Admission requirements will not be waived and differ from program to program.

Admission Process

All students must submit a completed application for admission. After evaluation, applicants receive notification of program specific interviews and expected admission documents per program based on the application received.

A Student Number is assigned to each student upon receiving the application and the application fee. It identifies the student in the database system used to manage the student and then appears in official communications from the College and the final transcript.

Each time an applicant applies to the College for admission or readmission, an application fee is required, is non-refundable, is not applicable to tuition fees, and must accompany the admission application.

All documents submitted in support of an admission application become Insignia College’s property and will not be returned.

Misrepresentation, document falsification or withholding requested application information can result in registration and acceptance cancellation and or dismissal.

These official supporting documents must be submitted with a non-refundable application fee before an application is considered:

1. Official Transcripts

2. Secondary school transcripts showing all courses taken and achieved grades.

3. Proof of Citizenship or Student Permit

4. Permanent Residents are required to provide proof of immigration status as well as the “Landed On” date. Those born outside Canada are required to provide proof of citizenship. International students must provide a Study Permit for their intended program’s duration.

5. Change of Name: changes of name for reasons other than marriage must be substantiated by official certification.

6. Translation: official translations, certified by an educational or embassy official, or made by a certified translator, are required for records that are not in English.

Acceptance

Students who do not register within one year of their acceptance will be required to reapply. Students who are admitted to the College and register, and then subsequently withdraw before classes officially begin, must also reapply.

Document Retention

Documents submitted to support an admission application will be retained for one year from the acceptance date. After this time, the application form, transcripts and other related application materials will be destroyed. Irreplaceable documents will be returned to the applicant only if requested before one year.

Admission into a Program of Study

Students are asked to select a program at the time of application, but are permitted to change their program during the course of their studies. Students are required to meet the new program’s admission requirements before acceptance into the new program.

Insignia College’s goal is to enhance all students’ exam process and to ensure all students have a fair, quiet and undisturbed exam period. To that end, the exam policy will be strictly enforced during all quizzes, midterms and final exams.

 Students who are late for a test or an exam will not be permitted into the classroom. If you are late, please do not disrupt the class, but report directly to the Director of Academics.

 Students should take bathroom breaks prior to the exam. Only students with registered medical conditions will be allowed to leave the exam room for a bathroom break during an exam or quiz. Should students choose to leave the exam room for other reasons, students must turn in their exam paper and other materials, and reentry will not be permitted until all candidates have completed the exam.

 Students must leave their personal effects in their bags, which must be left outside the exam room until they complete their exams.

 Students must turn off their cell phones and leave them in their bags during exams.

 Students who possess or use material, notes, publications or any other assistive information, means and devices during an exam will automatically receive a zero exam grade and be immediately dismissed from the course, program and Insignia College.

 Students who communicate in any way, pass and or receive notes or any other material and or give assistance to other students inside or outside the exam room of any kind, for any reason and under any circumstances during an exam inside or outside the exam room will automatically receive a zero exam grade and be immediately dismissed from the course, program and Insignia College.

 Students who leave completed or partially completed answer scripts available and exposed to other students will automatically receive a zero exam grade and be immediately dismissed from the course, program and Insignia College.

 Students who write notes on their exams and or write and leave notes with their exams for the examiner are subject to automatically receive a zero exam grade and be immediately dismissed from the course, program and Insignia College.

 Students must write exams in black ink.

 Only student exam answers written on the provided exam material will be marked. Marks are awarded for formulae and calculations written on the supplied answer paper to which the examiner will refer. The examiner may not award full marks even if the answer is correct if the student does not show the formulae and calculations. Students may lose marks if they do not clearly mark rough work.

 Students whose handwriting is difficult to read, must print.

 Students may not discuss exams with exam supervisors before, during or after the exam. If students believe there is an error or omission, students must state their assumptions in their exam booklets.

 Insignia College retains ownership of exam materials, including the answers. Students who do not return all material, whether used or unused to the exam supervisor, and do leave in and or remove exam material from the exam room are subject to automatically receive a zero exam grade and be immediately dismissed from the course, program and Insignia College.

 Students who act in an inappropriate manner and disturb other students will be asked to vacate the exam room and the Insignia College building and campus, and are subject to automatically receive a zero exam grade and be immediately dismissed from the course, program and Insignia College

Cheating

Cheating includes and is not limited to students having in their possession or using material, notes, publications, dictionaries, calculators, translators and any other assistance during an examination, which has not been specifically authorized by the instructor.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s or source’s words and or ideas as if they were one’s own. It ranges from an entire assignment which is not the student’s own work to specific passages within an assignment taken from a source without acknowledgement. Students are required to turn in original work only.

Students found to be in violation of the Insignia College’s Cheating and Plagiarism Policy will receive a zero grade for the test or assignment and or will receive a Fail (F) Grade for the module, at the discretion of the instructor. Students may appeal allegations of cheating and plagiarism by following the Insignia College’s Dispute Resolution Policy.

Insignia College is committed to providing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. A major component of risk management is to ensure that all employees are familiar with all hazardous materials that they are using or that are in use in their areas of work, per Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).

Employees must have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all hazardous materials on the premises and these must be available at the point of use. In addition, each person working with the materials must have WHMIS training.

Insignia College prescribes to an on-line WHMIS training service and all students in health care related programs are enrolled. Instructors may ask for and receive training in this program.

New chemicals brought into Insignia College must be purchased on a Purchase Order (PO) and adhere to the specific requirements of this procedure and MSDS sheets will then be added to the MSDS binders located in program study areas.

English is Insignia College’s language of instruction. Irrespective of citizenship status or country of origin where the student uses another language, Insignia College requires a language proficiency assessment. Depending on the study program, a student may be required to provide an approved language test score and or be asked to take the Insignia College English exam before admission is granted. The College reserves the right to use discretion in determining adequate language proficiency levels to ensure success.

Students who are late for a test or an exam will not be permitted into the classroom. The policy for an unexcused missed quiz or exam will apply.

This is the grading system:

 If the student misses an exam or quiz, or fails to submit an assignment on time, calls in their absence that morning, and provides a doctor’s note for the missed date, the student will be permitted to take the exam and hand in assignments without deductions or penalties. The maximum amount of excused exams or quizzes is 1 per program duration. The maximum amount of excused assignments is 2 per program duration, e.g. 1 assignment + 1 quiz = 2 excused or 2 assignments = 2 excused or any combination thereof.

If the student misses an exam or quiz, and fails to submit an assignment and does not provide a doctor’s note, these conditions apply:

 Exam maximum mark is 70% of the full allocation of grade, e.g. exam = 91%, then the final exam mark = 63.7%, exam = 69%, then the final exam mark = 48.3%.

 Quiz or Assignment is 65% of full allocation of grade, e.g. assignment grade is 70%, then the actual grade received is 45.5%.

 Exam or quiz MUST be taken on the new scheduled date (typically, the first school day unless other arrangements are made) and assignments must be handed in immediately upon return to campus. If missed, the student will receive a zero grade.

 If the student misses a practical or clinical exam, the above policies are in effect. In addition, there will be a $150.00 administration fee to cover costs to re-stage the exam and instructor time to administer the exam.

 Due to scheduling difficulties, clinical and practical labs may not be repeated. Labs are learning opportunities, and as with missed lectures, material will not be repeated due to tardiness or absence. If time permits, an instructor may review specific skills with the student, but the repeat of an entire day’s lab is not possible. If the lab was graded, this policy apples:

 In case a student submits a doctor’s note, the lab is not counted for grades, and is considered one of a student’s 2 possible excused assignments (see above).

 If a student misses a lab and does not provide a doctor’s note, the lab grade will be 0%.

1. Introduction

Regular Day courses that are given in accordance with this policy are henceforth referred to as online courses. Online Courses refer to courses which are web-dependent and immersive. Implicit concepts in online course design include: teacher presence, social presence and cognitive presence. Although the class must physically meet during the practice modules, all other course components and content appears online. Subsequent class management vis-à-vis time interactions, student groups and assessment activities and venues are at the discretion of the teacher, provided he or she complies with the online course policy. As a general rule, courses that rely on an online learning environment as opposed to physical class presence more than 50% of the time are considered online courses and must follow this policy.

2. Courseware

Insignia College uses Moodle course software. All online courses must use this platform to maintain a consistent look and feel among online course offerings. This serves both the purpose of facilitating the administration and management of the online course initiative and in decreasing the learning curve for the student body.

3. Administration

3.1 Teachers who offer online courses are bound by Insignia College’s policies.
3.2 The start and end dates which define the period during which an online course must be completed are the same as those defined by Insignia College’s academic calendar. Exceptions may be approved using the policy process.
3.3 Courses that are offered online are scheduled according to normal scheduling procedures.
The College does not require students to register for online courses unless a student is admitted to a program that identifies online courses are a required part of the program.

4. Training

Teachers who intend to give online courses for the first time are advised to consult with the Director of Academics, with a view to reviewing online course development and or resources. Teachers are encouraged to take an online course on the subject of pedagogy and or educational technology either externally or as offered through Insignia College prior to delivery.

5. Online Course Design General Guidelines

To guarantee adherence to the objectives and standards defined for each course, to recognize the priority placed on student success, and to understand the special conditions imposed by the nature of online courses, these guidelines must be observed:

5.1 Course Outlines: In addition to the terms of Insignia College’s Policy, online course outlines must clearly specify this information:

1. Online Criteria

 A requirement that the student possesses basic computer skills and have personal access to computers, including the necessary hardware and software required, if any, to complete the course.

2. Contact Information

 A telephone number, email address and office number that the student may use to contact the teacher during the stated office hours.
 Office hours during which the student may communicate with the teacher in person.
 A schedule of virtual office hours during which time the student may communicate with the teacher in real time using electronic means.

3. Live Time Meeting Requirements

 The date for the first orientation meeting must be conducted in live-time.
 The last day of the course must be conducted in live-time.
 Other live-time meetings for the whole class, if any.
 Group activities requiring live-time meetings, if any.

4. Assessment Scheme and Participation Requirements

The evaluation scheme must clearly state:
 The specific schedule of dates by which evaluation items are due.
 The required electronic format for items to be submitted for evaluation.
 The penalty for work submitted late.
 The timing for formative feedback on work submitted for evaluation.
 The format and frequency of electronic communications that constitutes evidence of participation in the course on behalf of the student, including a communication schedule that requires each student to make regular contact while taking the course.
 How and where to access the evaluation grid and rubrics for each assignment on Moodle.
 That if the course has an examination component, at least forty percent (40%) of the material submitted for evaluation purposes must be completed in an invigilated environment which allows the teacher to know the examined student’s identity. This course component must be passed for the student to complete the course.

5. Technical Requirement and Students’ Support

 Students who require technical support should address their request to the teacher who may provide the necessary help relating to course requirements, or forward the request to the director of Academics.
 Specify a list of all course software and educational technologies and the context in which they will be used.

6. Webography

 Provide a list of web references for students that pertain to the course and/or how to use the specified educational technologies and software.

7. Netiquette

Specify your expectation of students’ online conduct in terms of:
 Use of photographs, icons and emoticons.
 Creating an online profile.
 Use of language.
 Email etiquette.
 Consequences of failure to observe etiquette.

5.2 Online courses must ensure that students have the opportunities to acquire the same set of skills specified in the course description.

5.3 Courses must be implemented so that students with disabilities registered in the course can complete all course requirements.

5.4 To allow students to judge their performance in the course before being subjected to summative evaluation components, courses must offer a significant amount of self-testing opportunities. Courses must be designed to ensure that the teachers monitor each student’s progress and that critical feedback is given to students, especially those identified as at risk of failure.

5.5 All emails and documents submitted in the online course must be archived for at least 6 months.

6. Evaluation

Online courses are subject to the same evaluation policy as courses offered in the traditional manner. The evaluation may be modified to reflect the delivery method.

7. Policy Revision

This policy, once implemented, will be reviewed after a period of 2 academic years, in order to benefit from the experiences acquired and to stay current with pedagogical and technological innovation.

Insignia College complies with the requirements of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), and upholds the importance of conducting its operations in a transparent manner.
FIPPA has two purposes.
1. Access: to provide the public with a right of access to information in the custody or under the control of institutions.
2. Privacy: to protect the privacy of individuals’ personal information held by institutions and to provide a right of access by individuals to their own personal information.

The “information” refers to records within Insignia College’s custody and can include records in all formats and media – records containing personal information relating to individual faculty, staff and students, as well as records relating to Insignia College’s business operations and administration of academic programs, services and areas. Insignia College records may be the subject of an access to information request and may be required to be disclosed to requester.

Definitions:
“Record” means any record of information however recorded, whether in printed form, on film, by electronic means or otherwise.
“Personal information” is information about an identifiable individual.
Information about individuals acting in their business or professional capacity such as name and title, work address (including office location), work telephone number and Insignia College e-mail address is NOT personal information.

Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

Insignia College will only collect, use and disclose personal information with the informed consent of individuals, unless such information is required or authorized by law.
FIPPA prescribes the use of students’ personal information as necessary to accomplish Insignia College’s academic, pedagogical and operational activities. Personal information includes, but is not limited to, student numbers, education or health history, a students’ own grades and professors’ evaluative comments on a student’s learning.

Security
Security is designed to provide for the efficient and effective management of Insignia College’s records. Staff is responsible for the orderly and efficient creation, use, maintenance, retention and disposal of records according to legal, fiscal and statutory requirements, and administrative or operational needs. These records are and remain Insignia College’s property.

E-mail Communications
E-mail is an Insignia College record. Insignia College records are those records within Insignia College’s custody or control. They include records relating to Insignia College’s operation and administration and records containing information relating to individual faculty, staff and students.
An e-mail sent to oneself as a “memo to file” is considered an Insignia College record if it documents Insignia College business.

Reporting Privacy Breaches
If a privacy breach, that is, unauthorized use of records is suspected or confirmed, immediately report it to the Director of Academics.

How long must Insignia College retain personal information?
Personal information must be retained for a period of at least one year from its last use unless the affected individual consents to a shorter period. Personal information cannot be destroyed prior to this time and may be subject to longer retention periods under Insignia College’s retention schedules or legal statutes.

Secure Disposal of Sensitive Information
Records in all formats and media containing sensitive information such as, but not limited to, records containing personal information of individual staff and students, as well as records relating to Insignia College’s business operations and administration of academic programs, services and areas must be securely collected and shredded for disposal.
When disposing of personal information, Insignia College is required to use “reasonable steps” to ensure information cannot be reconstructed or retrieved. A disposal form must be submitted to the Director of Academics for approval, identifying which information is to be destroyed.

Documents must be shredded in a paper cross shredder.

Electronic media such floppy disks, CDs, USB keys, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and hard drives must be wiped clean using an overwrite or be physically destroyed.

Insignia College is committed to embracing a diverse population of students of diverse faith. The Religious Observance Policy is designed to communicate the College’s official policy and to provide guidance to students regarding supporting requests for religious observance while maintaining its commitment to its academic mission.

Absence for Religious Holy Days
Insignia College respects the religious beliefs of all members of the community, affirms their rights to observe significant religious holy days, and will make reasonable accommodations, upon request, for such observances. If students’ religious observance is in conflict with the academic experience, the student is welcome to inform his or her instructor about school functions that will be affected. It is the student’s responsibility to make the necessary arrangements mutually agreed upon with the instructor(s).

Instances and Absences

Class Absence
Excused absence is permissible from a scheduled academic class due to a religious conflict that falls on the same day as the class itself. Missing a class due to travel associated with a particular holiday does not constitute an excused absence and faculty do not have to consider such requests for accommodations.

Missed Exam
Excused absence is permissible from an exam scheduled on a date and time in conflict with a religious holy day. Reasonable accommodations can be made to take the exam earlier or later than the date and time in conflict. If instructors require a make-up exam, they retain the right to determine the content of the exam, the conditions of its administration, with considerations given to equitable treatment. Missing an exam due to travel associated with a particular holiday does not constitute an excused absence and faculty do not have to consider such requests for accommodations.

Deadline Conflict
Reasonable accommodation is permissible for academic work that is due on a date and time in conflict with a religious holy day. In such cases work can be submitted earlier or later than the date in conflict. Missing a deadline due to travel associated with a particular holiday does not constitute an excused absence and faculty do not have to consider such requests for accommodations.

Process and Expectations
Students requesting absence from class, excuse from an exam day or accommodation with an academic deadline, should notify the faculty as soon as the conflict is identified. Out of respect for the academic process, students should notify faculty no later than three weeks into the academic term.

Working with Instructors
Make contact with instructors well in advance, ideally at the beginning of the academic term. Review the course syllabus and identify dates in potential conflict with the religious observance.
 Speak with instructors about and submit in writing the expected absent dates(s) and time(s). This should be done no later than three weeks into the program term.
 Discuss the personal, social, or cultural relevance of religious observance request.
 Discuss the need to be absent for all or part of the class.
 Present potential alternatives to be absent during a critical class session.
 Discuss the way to obtain missed information or materials due to the absence. Absence from class does not necessarily excuse the students from any information shared during the missed class or other class expectations.

Appeals
If a student feels that a reasonable accommodation is being denied, she or he should discuss the issue with the Director of Academics.

Insignia College is committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for all students, staff and visitors.
It is the responsibility of all to ensure:
 Health and safety is a key consideration.
 There is adherence to pertinent health and safety legislation.
 Health and safety rules, regulations, practices and internal procedures are followed.
 All hazards are reported immediately to ensure corrective action.
 Emergency kits are stocked with supplies.
 Incident reports are logged and maintained.

Safe procedures and practices are established and followed for their specific areas. Those with authority for a workplace, classroom or students, must ensure all are aware of and comply with requirements and procedures.

Any student who chooses to withdraw from their program must do so in writing to the College Director. It must be dated and signed, and the withdrawal reason must be clearly stated. The College’s refund policy will be strictly enforced.

The Withdrawal (W) grade will be recorded on the transcript. Any student withdrawing from their program without following proper procedures will be given a Fail (F) grade.

Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Director of Academics.

Our policy is designed based on the guidelines set by provincial health authorities and all staff and students must adhere to these Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) effective May 25th, 2020.
As the situation with Covid-19 continues to evolve day-to-day, our top priority during these challenging times continues to be health and safety. All the ground schools continue to be online and students coming to campus for flight training are required to follow COVID19 SOPs. Staff members reserve the right to deny permission to anyone seeking an entry who may pose any symptoms based on COVID19 Assessment form.
Insignia College will follow enhanced cleaning and sanitising procedures and provide ample access to hand sanitizers and soap at easily reachable areas throughout the campus.

We will follow the following, but not limited to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) listed below to ensure the safety of our Staff, Students and Visitors entering our premises:
1. Each person will be required to fill out COVID19 Assessment form each day prior to entry into our Delta campus.
2. Each person will be required to wash hands with soap after entry and before touching anything.
3. Each person will receive and is required to wear mask and gloves at all time when indoors and in airplane. Only exception to this rule is when you are outside and can maintain 2 meter distance.
4. Each airplane will be sanitized as per training by student after finishing every flight and will have a sanitized tag on the document bag of the airplane.
5. Each person is required to disinfect briefing room after use.

For latest news on COVID19, refer to Federal and Provincial government websites.

We wish you luck in the flight training and hope that you have a wonderful experience at Insignia College. If you have any questions or concerns and comments in regard to procedures at Insignia College for COVID19, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@insigniacollege.com
We will continue to monitor the situation and update more guidelines and procedures as required.

Insignia College is certified with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.

Before you enrol at a certified private training institution, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

You have the right to be treated fairly and respectfully by the institution.

You have the right to a student enrolment contract that includes the following information:

 amount of tuition and any additional fee for your program
 refund policy
 if your program includes a work experience, the requirements to participate in the work experience and the geographic area where it will be provided
 whether the program was approved by PTIB or does not require approval.

Make sure you read the contract before signing. The institution must provide you with a signed copy.

You have the right to access the institution’s dispute resolution process and to be protected against retaliation for making a complaint.

You have the right to make a claim to PTIB for a tuition refund if:

 your institution ceased to hold a certificate before you completed an approved program
 you were misled about a significant aspect of your approved program.
You must file the claim within one year of completing, being dismissed or withdrawing from your program.

For more information about PTIB and how to be an informed student, go to: http://www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/students/be-an-informed-student.