Policies

If under the age of 19, a parent or legal guardian must sign the contract. Language proficiency requirements are admission requirements.

Student need to demonstrate that prior to enrollment they have the language abilities if applicable to successfully complete the program of their choice.

1. English Skills Upgrading: New Link College placement test is used to determine language proficiency. The placement test scores are used to place students at an appropriate level.

2. CELPIP Test Preparation: IELTS score of 4 or School Placement test.

3. Test Preparation for IELTS: Prospective students can provide an official IELTS test transcript or equivalent (minimum IELTS 2). Alternatively, an official IELTS practice test is used to determine proficiency and course placement.

4. Preparation for Secondary Provincial exams: IELTS 5; alternatively, students may be currently enrolled in a regular school where English is the language of instruction (min grade 9).

5. Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) Preparation: Students are currently enrolled a regular school where English is the language of instruction. An Official SSAT practice test maybe used to determine proficiency.

6. Preparation for SAT Examinations: SAT score of 1200 (student may be required to complete a practice test); alternatively, student may be currently enrolled in a regular school where English is the language of instruction (min grade 9).

7. Hospitality Management with Co-Op: Grade 12 or equivalent; or mature student with English language proficiency with a proof of a minimum score of 5.5 in IELTS or equivalent. If applicant does not have proof of English language proficiency, he/she has to pass New Link College ESL adult program. Student is required to bring his/her own laptop or tablet when program starts.

8. Preparation for English and Academic Proficiency Examinations for the LPI: An official IELTS practice test is used to determine proficiency and course placement (minimum 3). Alternatively, the student may be currently enrolled in a regular school where English is the language of instruction (min grade 10).
A diagnostic test maybe used to determine the entry level of the student.

Refund Policy (Approved Programs)

The refund policy as outlined in PTIB Policy Manual 3.2.2 applies to this contract.

Definitions:

Student – in this policy, a person who is or was registered in a course or program at the College.

The person on behalf of the student – in this policy, a parent or legal guardian of a student in case the student is a minor.

Tuition – the total of the fees a student must pay in respect of a program. Tuition does not include related fees: Administrative fees; Application fees; Assessment fees; Fees charged for textbooks or other course materials (including equipment and uniforms)

Administrative fees – may include Non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees; Copy of transcript or student record fees. Administrative fees may not include an institution’s payment to the Fund.

1. Before program start date, institution receives a notice of withdrawal

A. The college will refund the student or the person who paid on behalf of the student (a parent or legal guardian of a student in case the student is a minor) 100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fees (related fees include: administrative fees, application fees, assessment fees, and fees charged for textbooks or other course materials) that was paid in relation to the program in which the student is enrolled if:

• the institution receives a notice of withdrawal from the student or (the student’s parent or legal guardian in case the student is a minor) no later than seven days after the enrolment contract is signed,
• and before the program start date.

B. The college may retain up to 10% of tuition, to a maximum of $1,000 if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student at least 30 days before the later of:

a) The program start date in the most recent letter of acceptance

b) the program start date in the enrolment contract.

C. The college may retain up to 20% of tuition, to a maximum of $1,300 if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student

• More than seven days after the student and the college signed the enrolment contract, and
• Less than 30 days before the later of:

a) The program start date in the most recent letter of acceptance

b) The program start date in the enrolment contract.

2. After program start date, institution receives a notice of withdrawal

– applies to all approved programs, other than distance-education-only program

A. The college may retain up to 30% of tuition if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student after the program start date, and up to and including 10% of instruction hours have been provided.

B. The college may retain up to 50% of tuition if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student after the program start date, and after more than 10% but before 30% of instruction hours have been provided.

C. The college may retain up to 30% of tuition if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student if up to and including 10% of instruction hours have been provided.

D. The college may retain up to 50% of tuition if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student if more than 10% but less than 30% of the instruction hours have been provided. 

3. The college receives a refusal of study permit from an international student,

other than a student in a distance-education-only program:

100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fees will be refunded 

• Before 30% of instruction hours would have been provided, had the student started the program on the later of the following:

a) The program start date in the most recent letter of acceptance

b) The program start date in the enrolment contract

• Student has not requested additional letter(s) of acceptance.

4.After the program start date, student withdraws or is dismissed from a distance-education-only program:

A. The college may retain up to 30% of the tuition if the student completed up to 30% of the program.

B. The college may retain up to 50% of the tuition if the student completed more than 30% but less than 50% of the program (based on evaluation provided to student).

5. Student does not attend – no-show:

The college may retain up to 50% of the tuition if a student (other than a distance-education-only student) does not attend the first 30% of the program.

When a refund is due, an institution must provide it to the student within 30 days of:

• Receiving a notice of withdrawal from a student
• Receiving a copy of refusal of a study permit
• Providing a student with a notice of dismissal
• Receiving an order from the registrar to issue a refund because the institution did not provide a work experience to a student or a student was admitted in an approved program without meeting the admission requirements.
• The program end date included in the enrolment contract, if an institution did not provide a work experience to a student within 30 days of the end date.
• The date on which the first 30% of the program would have been completed, if a student did not attend the first 30% of the program.

Refund Policy (Program not Approved)

The refund policy as outlined in PTIB Policy Manual 3.2.2 applies to this contract.

Definitions:

Student – in this policy, a person who is or was registered in a course or program at the College.

The person on behalf of the student – in this policy, a parent or legal guardian of a student in case the student is a minor.

Tuition – the total of the fees a student must pay in respect of a program. Tuition does not include related fees: Administrative fees; Application fees; Assessment fees; Fees charged for textbooks or other course materials (including equipment and uniforms)

Administrative fees – may include Non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees; Copy of transcript or student record fees. Administrative fees may not include an institution’s payment to the Fund.

1. Before program start date, institution receives a notice of withdrawal

A. The college will refund the student or the person who paid on behalf of the student (a parent or legal guardian of a student in case the student is a minor) 100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fees (related fees include: administrative fees, application fees, assessment fees, and fees charged for textbooks or other course materials) that was paid in relation to the program in which the student is enrolled if:

• the institution receives a notice of withdrawal from the student or (the student’s parent or legal guardian in case the student is a minor) no later than seven days after the enrolment contract is signed, 
• and before the program start date.

B. The college may retain up to 10% of tuition, to a maximum of $1,000 if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student at least 30 days before the later of:

• a) The program start date in the most recent letter of acceptance
• b) the program start date in the enrolment contract.

C. The college may retain up to 20% of tuition, to a maximum of $1,300 if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student

• Less than 30 days before the later of:
• More than seven days after the student and the college signed the enrolment contract, and
  • a) The program start date in the most recent letter of acceptance
  • b) The program start date in the enrolment contract.

2. After program start date, institution receives a notice of withdrawal – applies to all approved programs, other than distance-education-only program

1. The college may retain up to 30% of tuition if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student after the program start date, and up to and including 10% of instruction hours have been provided.
2. The college may retain up to 50% of tuition if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student after the program start date, and after more than 10% but before 30% of instruction hours have been provided.
3. The college may retain up to 30% of tuition if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student if up to and including 10% of instruction hours have been provided.
4. The college may retain up to 50% of tuition if the college receives a notice of withdrawal from a student or the person who paid on behalf of the student if more than 10% but less than 30% of the instruction hours have been provided. 

3. The college receives a refusal of study permit from an international student, other than a student in a distance-education-only program:

100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fees will be refunded 

• Before 30% of instruction hours would have been provided, had the student started the program on the later of the following:
  • a) The program start date in the most recent letter of acceptance
  • b) The program start date in the enrolment contract
• Student has not requested additional letter(s) of acceptance.

4. After the program start date, student withdraws or is dismissed from a distance-education-only program:

1. The college may retain up to 30% of the tuition if the student completed up to 30% of the program.
2. The college may retain up to 50% of the tuition if the student completed more than 30% but less than 50% of the program (based on evaluation provided to student).

5. Student does not attend – no-show:

• The college may retain up to 50% of the tuition if a student (other than a distance-education-only student) does not attend the first 30% of the program.

When a refund is due, an institution must provide it to the student within 30 days of:

• Receiving a notice of withdrawal from a student
• Receiving a copy of refusal of a study permit
• Providing a student with a notice of dismissal
• Receiving an order from the registrar to issue a refund because the institution did not provide a work experience to a student or a student was admitted in an approved program without meeting the admission requirements.
• The program end date included in the enrolment contract, if an institution did not provide a work experience to a student within 30 days of the end date.
• The date on which the first 30% of the program would have been completed, if a student did not attend the first 30% of the program.

SEXTUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY

“Sexual Misconduct” includes sexualized violence and refers to any sexual act or act targeting an individual’s sexuality, gender identity or gender expression, whether the act is physical or psychological in nature, that is committed, threatened, or attempted against an individual without that individual’s Consent. The following list sets out examples of Sexual Misconduct. The list is intended to help Members of the New Link Community understand the kinds of acts that will be considered Sexual Misconduct. The list is not exhaustive and other acts may constitute Sexual Misconduct under this Policy even if they do not appear in the list below. Sexual Misconduct includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• sexual assault
• sexual exploitation
• sexual harassment
• stalking
• indecent exposure
• voyeurism
• the distribution of a sexually explicit photograph or video of a person to one or more persons other than the person in the photograph or video without the consent of the person in the photograph or video and with the intent to distress the person in the photograph or video.
• the attempt to commit an act of sexual misconduct
• the threat to commit an act of sexual misconduct

Scope: 

This policy applies to sexual assault or misconduct that is alleged to have occurred on or off New Link property, including online courses, activities or college-sponsored academic, athletic, or social events.

Confidentiality:

The college recognizes that privacy and maintaining dignity and control of personal information is particularly important to those who have experienced sexual misconduct. Any personal information collected and maintained under this policy is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. 

• The college will make every reasonable effort to maintain the confidentiality of all persons involved in any process under this policy. The college may share a limited amount of information only where it is required by law or to ensure all procedures are conducted fairly. 
• The college cannot ensure confidentiality in the following circumstances: 

1. When a person is at imminent risk of self-harm or harming others.
2. When it is reasonable to believe that others in the college or wider community may be at risk of harm. 
3. Where there is a legal duty to report or disclose. 

Making a Complaint

• Complainant: When a report or complaint is made under this policy for initiating an investigation/adjudication, the person filing the complaint is referred to as the complainant.
• Respondent: When a report or complaint is made under this policy for initiating an investigation/adjudication, the person accused and whom the complaint is made against is referred to as the respondent.
• A person may disclose an incident or concern about sexual misconduct to a member of the college community to obtain support, guidance, information and/or referral.
• A person may disclose an incident of sexual violence to the police anytime.
• Students may report allegations to law enforcement by contacting their local Police Department. Students who wish to make a police report can seek assistance in doing so from faculty members, college employees, or counselling department.

Making a Report 

• Reports must be submitted in writing and should set out the relevant details with regards to the alleged Sexual Misconduct. 
• Individuals who wish to make a formal report on behalf of another person must first obtain written consent for them to act on that person’s behalf. A formal report made on behalf of a third party or one where a third party is affected will only proceed if appropriate, after consultation with the individual(s) involved. A formal report must be in writing and include the following: 

1. Complainant name(s) and contact information 
2. Respondent name(s) and contact information if known 
3. Description of the incident(s) including dates and time frames 
4. Witnesses name(s) and contact information if known 
5. Date and signature 

Students may submit a formal report to the onsite administrator or director.  When a matter falls within the scope of the Sexual Misconduct Policy, the Director will review the various options to the student. These options include: 

1. Request an alternate resolution process 
2. Request an investigation into the matter 
3. Access support services and/or temporary academic accommodations 
4. Take no action

When a student requests no action by the college, this request will be noted on file. Students must be aware that there may be situations where the college has a duty to proceed. This will be discussed with the student.

Responding to a Report or Complaint 

Once the report or complaint is submitted, the Director or investigator will make an assessment of the appropriate next steps in responding to the report or complaint. This will include:

• An initial review to determine if New Link College has the Jurisdiction to Investigate. 
• The college will offer guidance and access to support services to any person involved whether or not a formal investigation takes place. 
• According to the circumstances and the wishes of the individual, support services may include referral to counselling or support for reporting to the police. 
• Neither the college nor any of its employees can provide legal advice to a complainant or respondent. Support services do not include legal opinion or advice.

When a formal report is received that identifies another student as the respondent, the director or investigator will conduct interviews with the complainant and the respondent separately and may need to meet with each party several times during the course of the investigation. The complainant and respondent will have the opportunity to provide the investigator with information, documents, names of witnesses, and other submissions or evidence that they believe are relevant to the complaint.

A person affected by sexual misconduct may request temporary academic accommodations. The college will grant accommodation as appropriate to the person’s needs and circumstances. Temporary accommodation(s) will vary depending on learning objectives and program structure, and may include 

1. Extended time on assignments, alternate exam arrangements, modified group work activities, course deferral, 
2. Work from-home options, 
3. Alteration of the academic schedule of any student involved 
4. Temporary, non-disciplinary leave of absence for the respondent student; or 
5. Any other interim restrictions deemed appropriate by the College.

If a resolution on the matter is reached, a written record of the resolution will be prepared and signed by the parties. The parties will receive a copy of the record of resolution. The original record will be held in the student file. 

Alternate Resolution 

Alternate resolution is a voluntary and collaborative process used to resolve an issue without resorting to a formal investigation or as an alternative to completing an investigation. The goal of an alternate resolution is to promote reconciliation, settlement, or understanding among those involved. An alternate resolution process will only be used if all parties agree to participate in good faith.  A complainant may make a request for an alternate resolution by speaking with the director or investigator. When a request for an alternate resolution is received, the request and related information will be reviewed to determine if an alternate resolution is suitable and appropriate in the situation.  If an alternate resolution process is appropriate, agreement to participate will be sought by the director or investigator from those involved.

Remedies/Sanctions

When an investigation establishes that a student has violated the Sexual Misconduct Policy, sanctions up to and including suspension from the College may be imposed. Remedies and sanction options could look different depending on the status of the respondent. Examples of general remedies/sanctions include: 

1. Letter of apology
2. Mandated educational workshops or counselling
3. No contact order
4. Restrictions related to accessing buildings or parts of campus or certain activities

Examples of additional remedies/sanctions applicable to student respondents

1. Removal from a course or section of a course
2. Suspension from the college for a defined period 
3. Expulsion from the college permanently
4. Any other interim restrictions deemed appropriate by the College.

Additional sanctions/remedies applicable to employees

1. Change in work assignment
2. Suspension from work for a set time with or without pay
3. Dismissal from employment

DISPUTE RESOLUTION POLICY

This policy is to ensure a fair, reasonable, and effective Student Dispute Resolution Policy for handling students’ complaints. The policy applies to all students who are currently enrolled or were enrolled 30 days prior to the submitting their complaints.

1. This policy governs complaints from students respecting New Link College and any aspect of its operations.
2. A student who makes or is otherwise involved in a complaint will not be subject to any form of retaliation by the institution at any time.
3. The process by which the student complaint will be handled is as follows:

• Student complaints must be made in writing.
• A student complaint must be submitted to the director, who is responsible for making a determination in respect of a student complaint. Contact: Lindsay Li. Email: lindsay@newlinkcollege.com
• After receiving the complaint, the director will arrange to meet with the student to discuss the complaint and desired resolution within five school days of receiving the student’s written concern. The director will conduct enquiries and/or investigations necessary and appropriate to determine whether the student’s complaint are substantiated in whole or in part.
• If the student is dissatisfied with the determination of the director, the student must advise the SEA for reconsideration, but within five school days of being informed of the determination. The SEA will review the matter within five school days of receipt of the student’s appeal.

Contact: Isabelle Mei Ding. Email: dingmei@newlinkcollege.com

• The response should specify that the student will have five school days to appeal the decision.  A copy of the decision and all supporting materials shall be given to the student and a copy placed on file.
• A student complaint must be finally resolved within 30 days after the complaint is made.
• Written reasons for the decision and the reconsideration must be given to a student:

1. as soon as possible and no later than 30 days of making a complaint.
2. These standards apply to all approved programs.

• A student enrolled in an approved program must be advised that, if he or she is dissatisfied with the determination, and has been misled by the institution regarding any significant aspect of that program, they may file a complaint with the Private Training Institutions Branch (www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca).
• A student who makes or is otherwise involved in a complaint is protected from retaliation by the institution.
• The policy is provided to the student before the start date of the program.

4. A student who makes a complaint is authorized to be represented by an agent or a lawyer.

New Link College Policy: updated Jan. 2022
New Link College Other Policies and Procedures: Please get updated copy from New Link College campus.
New Link College Student Handbook: Please get latest copy from New Link College campus.