Learning Continues at Selkirk

Is Selkirk College open? Did you close as a result of COVID-19?

The BC Government defines post-secondary education as an essential service so we are here, open and operating, but just differently. 

How is Selkirk College delivering courses?

With strict adherence to public health and safety guidelines, we have cautiously started to welcome students back to our campuses using a range of delivery models that are in-person where feasible and safe to do so, and online where required.

The breadth of educational options at Selkirk College means that delivery models will look different depending on the program. Limiting the number of students and staff on campus is the best way to adhere to physical distancing guidelines. 

I was admitted to the fall 2020 term. Is it going ahead?

Careful scheduling of classes for the Fall Semester using blended delivery is currently under way. 

Will I be required to be on or near campus?

Yes, please ensure your plans for fall 2020 include residing in the Selkirk College region - the West Kootenay and Boundary.

Students should expect theory components to be delivered off-campus while programs with experiential components can expect in-person activities. More specific program plans will be provided through the summer. 

What type of programs/courses are running this spring?

This spring, Selkirk College is offering in-person education in shops spaces, health labs and practicum placements. This will continue through the summer. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of students and employees through adherance to health and safety guidelines.

What type of learning can I expect?

Selkirk College faculty and instructors are designing program learning and evaluation to meet the program and course learning outcomes. Using our online learning management system Moodle, students will be able to access course materials online. Faculty and instructors will either instruct online, remotely, hybrid/blended, and in-person.  

Course and program outcomes will meet transfer requirements and workplace and professional competency requirements.

With safety considerations, how will education be delivered at Selkirk College?

Due to COVID-19, we are planning for a mix in the delivery of courses. Terminology students can expect to hear about includes:

• Online – Where students will be provided with content, activities, and evaluation that students can access at flexible times, with due dates for specific activities and evaluations. Students will be able to contact and engage with their instructors and fellow students on our learning management system, Moodle. 
• Remote – With a schedule (synchronous) where students will be expected to attend classes aided by remote technology such as Zoom. Instructors will provide lectures and other learning activities in real time.
• In-person – Where students will attend scheduled on-campus and off-campus applied learning activities related to their program. Examples of these activities include studios, shops, labs, field work, practicum and others.
• Hybrid/Blended – Where students will learn with a range of scheduled remote learning, online asynchronously and in-person instruction.

What does online delivery mean?  

Online course delivery will not be on a weekly schedule. Instead, learning will be provided with content, activities, and evaluation that students can access according to their own schedule, with due dates for assignments. Students will be able to contact their instructors and engage fellow students in Moodle discussion forums. If some specific activities and evaluations are scheduled, students will be informed.

What does remote delivery mean?  

Course delivery will be scheduled with instruction delivered using computer aided technology e.g. Zoom. Students will join classes remotely and participate in lecture and discussion groups. Evaluation will be either delivered remotely or in-person.

What does in-person instruction mean? 

Parts of courses may include in-person activities and evaluation. In-person activities will be scheduled. Example of in-person activities includes – labs (e.g. science, computer), studio, shop, practicum/clinical, field work. Your course instructors will provide more information on in-person components. In-person activities will include safe workplace procedures and strict adherence to public health and safety guidelines.

What does the term blended/hybrid mean?

Course work may include a mix of the above learning methods. Course delivery will be summarized in course outlines or other documentation provided by the instructor.

How do I know it is safe to participate in in-person or hands-on activity? 

Safety of students and employees remains the main priority. The transition to the new normal at Selkirk College is being guided by the Provincial Health Officer’s core guidelines, practice standards that are being developed for the post-secondary sector by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training and health and safety guidelines from WorkSafe BC.

Why isn’t all learning online?

The college has programs that require access to specialized equipment that is on-campus and/or in-person instruction in labs, clinics and shops. This learning cannot be duplicated online.

How will you protect students and employees who come on campus? 

Selkirk College is following guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafe BC to ensure the safety and well being of students and employees while also meeting standards established by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

Actions include physical distancing, personal protection equipment, modification to learning and workplaces with signage, linage and plexiglass barriers in addition to smaller class sizes and enhanced sanitization.

Is there a possibility plans could change?

COVID-19 has created a lot of uncertainty to every aspect of our lives. Depending on circumstances, we may need to make adjustments through the months ahead as we receive new and modified information. Our goal is to keep people safe while delivering the best possible educational experience for everyone.

Program Specific Details

How can I find out about program/course details? 

Program details will be updated on selkirk.ca where you can also find specific contacts listed for your area of interest.

Who can I contact with specific questions about my program?

Your school chair or enrolment officer will provide more specific details. Please remember that planning for fall delivery is underway.

School Chair Contacts:

• Kate Tait - Academic Upgrading and Development
• Gordon Rein - Business
• Brendan Wilson - Environment and Geomatics
• Martin Keyserlingk - Hospitality and Tourism
• Tammie Clarke - Health and Human Services
• Robert Schwarzer - Industry Trades Training
• Daryl Jolly - School of the Arts
• Shana Rablah - Selkirk International
• Tracy Punchard - University arts and Sciences

Can I still access academic advising and other student services?

Yes! Our student services staff are committed to provide you with the support you need to complete or prepare for your semester. Learn more...

Applying to Selkirk College

Is Selkirk still admitting students?

Selkirk College have our Enrolment Services team working remotely and continuing to evaluate applications for the fall and winter 2020 semesters. Admission processes have been altered to ensure applicants experience as little disruption as possible. All previous methods of applying to Selkirk College programs remain in effect. 

We are working closely with new applicants to ensure you are accepted and registered in the correct program and courses. If you are experiencing challenges completing your admission requirements or registering please send your concern to admissions@selkirk.ca and we will connect with you and continue to support your needs.

Will I receive my acceptance letter to my program in the mail?

This process has not changed. Your letter of acceptance will be sent to the email address identified on your application. Our Admission team will connect with you by alternate means if required, to ensure you receive your notification as soon as possible.

When are program acceptance decisions made?

For secondary school applicants, to the fall 2020 semester, we will issue letters of “conditional” acceptance as soon as we receive and process your application and program seat availability is confirmed. Confirmation usually happens within 2 working days and will be sent to the email provided on your application. This letter will identify the next steps for you to be fully accepted to your program and provide direct contact information of the Enrolment Officer you will be working with to assist you through the admission and registration processes. If you apply to a program that has a competitive admissions process, all applications will be evaluated after the application deadline and you will be contacted shortly after an admissions decision has been made.

I am unable to attend the fall term, can I defer my admission offer?

Yes, an applicant who has been accepted into a program and paid their seat deposit may request a deferral of their program start date up to 12 months from the accepted program start date. Deferral for more than 12 months requires the applicant to reapply.

Required documents

I was/will be unable to submit my documents before the deadline, due to the current situation. What can I do?

Enrolment Services will work with you to ensure we have the information needed to evaluate your application for admission. You can also scan and email us official and unofficial documents to review. If we require additional information or official copies, we will contact you via phone or email and identify any outstanding requirements. Please contact us at admissions@selkirk.ca for more information.

I am unable to report my secondary school grades, due to the current situation. What can I do?

Enrolment Services will work with you to ensure we have the information needed to evaluate your application for admission. Please send any questions to admissions@selkirk.ca

How is Selkirk College receiving admission documents?

As our Enrolment Services staff are working remotely, we are processing mailed documents only twice per week. Instead of mailing admission requirements, you can scan and email your Enrolment Officer copies of your official and unofficial documents for review.

High school courses, exams

What happens if I can’t take my secondary school final exams?

We are aware of final exams being cancelled in many regions and the uncertainty in completing the high school year. We are working with the local School Districts to clarify the transition of students from high school to College. The recent changes will not impact your application to Selkirk College. Please continue to work with you High school Counsellor or call one of our College Counsellors to setup an appointment to discuss your attendance at Selkirk this coming fall. Counselling Services can be contacted at 1-888-953-1133 ext. 21273 or review their services at selkirk.ca

What if I am unable to finish a high school course that is required for the program I wish to take at Selkirk in fall 2020?

There are several options available to you. Firstly, we encourage you to complete as much of the current high school year as possible. Other options include taking a distance education course through Adult Upgrading at Selkirk College or through your School District over the summer months. Please apply for fall 2020 as soon as possible and our Enrolment Services staff will evaluate your application fairly given the current circumstances and help to clarify your options.

Will Selkirk College consider final grades from an online course, if my high school course is not completed?

Yes, if the course learning outcomes meet the outcomes of the required course for the program you apply to and an official grade is identified on your transcript. We recommend you apply before completing the course so we can secured your seat by conditionally accepting you into the program expecting you will successfully complete the course. 

International students

What if the English assessment test is no longer being offered in my area? How can I meet the English Language Requirement?

We have recently approved the acceptance of test scores from Duolingo, an online English proficiency evaluation tool. Duolingo information can be found at: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/ 

Apply for your desired program and once you have completed this online evaluation forward the scores to our Enrolment Services team at internationaladmissions@selkirk.ca. Please send any questions to the same email address and we will be glad to assist you in finding the answers to make your educational journey a reality.

I was accepted into the spring 2020 term.  Is it going ahead?

Most international students that applied to start programs in the spring 2020 term have been postponed to start in the fall 2020 term, 8 September 2020. You will have received direction from your program’s Enrolment Officer and will continue to receive updates if circumstances change. If you have any questions please connect with us at admissions@selkirk.ca

If my admission to Selkirk College was deferred from May 2020 to a September 2020 start, will my Study Permit be impacted?

Deferrals to September 2020 start were initiated as a result of the recent pandemic. Impacts on Study Permits and travel to Canada are governed by the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada and their website should be consulted for the most up-to-date information at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study...

Post-secondary/transfer students

How will Selkirk College evaluate my application for admission, if I am a post-secondary transfer student?

Once you apply to Selkirk College your Enrolment Officer will connect to request you contact all post secondary institutions you have attended and have them send us your transcripts. We are working with our post-secondary partners to ensure a process is in effect to ensure we receive your transcripts. Service disruptions will not impact your application to Selkirk College.

If I received a ‘P’ grade from my last institution will I receive transfer credit at Selkirk College?

Yes. If you received a ‘P’ grade from a BC institution in the January – April 2020 semester it will receive transfer credit at Selkirk College.

Will the ‘P’ grade satisfy a minimum grade requirement for a pre-requisite course?

All requests for transfer credit for a course that has a minimum grade requirement may be reviewed on a case by case bases by the program Chair to determine if transfer credit will be approved.

How is a ‘P’ grade calculated in my application if a competitive admission process is being used?

Our competitive admission process considers a number of criteria beyond GPA and course grades. The assessment of your application will not be jeopardized by a ‘P’ grade in any previously completed course.

Financial Aid

What is the deadline to apply for BC student loans?

The 2020/2021 applications for classes starting on or after August 1, 2020 will be available early July through StudentAid BC.

When can I apply for bursaries and scholarships?

SIDIT Bursaries open July 1st, see selkirk.ca/SIDIT for details.

Bursaries open September 15th, see selkirk.ca/bursaries for details.

Scholarships open February 15th, see selkirk.ca/scholarhships for details.

Current Students

When will final grades be enter for Winter 2020 courses?

Final grades will be entered into the records system by your instructor. The recent changes to your learning environment may cause some delays in grade entry but we expect most to be entered by 5th May.

Has the grading table for Winter 2020 courses changed?

No, grading has not changed. You may have learned that some institutions are offering ‘P’ (Pass) or ‘CRG’ (Credit Granted) grades instead of using the respective program grading table. As many processes within the post secondary education system rely on actual grades such as applying to transfer to another institutions, applying for awards /bursaries/scholarships, and for individual course transfer credit, it is important to our student’s success to retain the current grading tables.

Will requests for documents from Selkirk College be delayed?

The recently approved extension to the final withdrawal date may delay your grades being entered. Many documents are dependant on grade entry completion and the verification of specific information which must be confirmed before the document can be produced. Once grades are entered this procedure begins and transcripts, work visa letters, and program completion letters will begin to be processed. Documents are processed by the date the request is received, meaning the first request received will be processed first. Please make one request as repeated requests will not expedite your request.

Has the final withdrawal date changed?

In an effort to support students through the current situation and recent changes the final date to withdraw from Winter 2020 courses has been extended from 17 March to 15 May. Students wishing to withdraw by this date must complete the Winter 2020 Withdrawal Form at https://selkirk.ca/sites/default/files/Admissions/SC-Registrars-Winter20... and submit the completed form to records@selkirk.ca

Convocation?

Selkirk College cancelled the annual convocation ceremony that was scheduled for April 28 at the Castlegar Campus. To commemorate student success, Selkirk College is extending an invitation to all those who would have graduated to attend the 2021 in-person Convocation Ceremony. Learn more about current plans...

Find more information for Current Students...

Technology Needs for Learning

Can students access general purpose computer labs? 

General purpose computer labs at Selkirk College campuses are closed.

Will students be required to bring your own device?

Students will also have some access to general purpose computer labs and specialty computer labs. However, to support access to online and remote learning, it will be important that students have access to a computer and regular access to the internet.  A cell phone alone will not be sufficient.

What about specialty purpose computer labs?

Some programs have specialized computer hardware and software requirements.  Examples of these programs may include:  School of Environment and Geomatics - ADGIS, BGIS, IEP; School of the Arts - Digital Arts, Web Development, and Music. Computer requirements will be provided by the school chair of these programs.

 

Contact us

Since every student is unique, it's difficult to provide specific, detailed answers that apply to everyone. We invite you to reach out if you have questions that are not answered below.

• For questions about programs, applying, or if you want to schedule a call or zoom meeting with a student recruiter email hello@selkirk.ca
• For specific questions about your application, and the status of your application email your program enrolment officer
• For questions about student awards and financial aid, email financialaid@selkirk.ca