Vanier College, Quebec's second English language CEGEP, opened its doors in September, 1970. Since its inception, Vanier has earned an excellent reputation in Montreal's academic and professional communities. Vanier graduates successfully compete in the most demanding university programs and our technology graduates are recognized as valuable employees by industry. Vanier's students come from all sectors of the Montreal and surrounding region and reflect Quebec's multicultural diversity. Vanier is large: 5,500 students in 8 pre-university and 14 applied technology full-time day programs; 2,000 in Adult Education or evening courses. The College is divided into three administrative units or Faculties reflecting the College's academic programs: Faculty of Science and General Studies, Faculty of Social Science, Commerce, Arts and Letters and Faculty of Applied Technologies. Each Faculty has an administrative office with its Faculty Dean responsible for the academic function. The three Deans report to the Academic Dean who in turn reports to the Director General and the Board of Directors. College programs are of two types: The Pre-university programs (two-year) for students intending to continue studies at a university; and the Applied Technology (Career) programs (three-year) for students preparing to enter the labour market upon graduating or students seeking a more practical preparation prior to entering university. CEGEP means College d'enseignement general et professionel, and refers to the two fundamental components of the curriculum: the elements of the general education component common to all programs (English, French, Humanities, Physical Education, Complementaries) and the specialization component in both the pre-university and technology sectors. COLLEGE SERVICES College services are available to all full-time day students: Academic Advising Academic Advisors help students with a wide range of academic concerns. Students depend on the Advisors' knowledge of CEGEP diploma requirements and university entrance prerequisites, and frequently seek their counsel on such related matters as academic standing, course load, program transfers and summer school. Advisors are on hand for consultation at Registration. During the school year individual appointments may be made, or students may wish to attend special drop-in days on a first come, first served basis. Advisors also arrange visits to the campus by university representatives. Quebec and Ontario universities are regularly scheduled, with representatives coming from some American and Maritime institutions as well. Application forms for various universities are to be found in the Advising office. CLEO (Centre de Langue ecrite et Orale) The "Centre de Langue Ecrite et orale" offers tutorial assistance, reference materials, and computer programs to students of all levels who wish to improve their knowledge of French. Casual conversation, newspapers, magazines, computerized grammar exercises, books, tout se fait en francais chez CLEO. Computer Facilities A knowledge of computers and their wide range of applications is becoming increasingly important. Vanier College has strived to provide up-to-date computer resources so that all Programs requiring computers have dedicated computer facilities. Thus Architectural Technology, Building Systems Engineering Technology, Industrial Electronics, Digital Systems, Commerce and Business Administration, Communications: Art, Media, Theatre, Modern Languages, Office Systems and Computer Science Technology have their own computer laboratories to support and enhance learning. In addition, Computer Science has practice and instructional laboratories for complementary courses in the field and there are four general-purpose computer laboratories, located in the Information Technology (IT) Centre, available for other courses and for personal use. Finally, Chemistry, Physics, Respiratory and Anaesthesia Technology, Natural Science Technology, and Early Childhood Education have developed the use of computers in dedicated applications within their regular laboratories. Counselling Centre The goal of the Counselling Centre is to offer students the opportunity to develop more satisfying ways of living. This may be achieved by learning more effective ways to resolve problems, make decisions, increase self-understanding, or improve interpersonal relationships.Professionally qualified counsellors offer a wide variety of services, including personal counselling; vocational testing and counselling; workshops on topics ranging from career planning to stress management; referrals to other services; peer training program; class presentations and faculty liaison. Appointments are strictly confidential and are free of charge. Financial Aid The Quebec government offers a complete program of loans and bursaries for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, who are full-time students and who lack the financial resources to cover the cost of their own education. The Financial Aid Office, located in the Student Development and Orientation Centre, also takes care of internal bursaries, Travail-Quebec Return-to-School programs, foreign students and university entrance scholarships. The deadline for applying for Financial Aid is June 30th for first year students. Health Resource Centre The Health Resource Centre offers the college community a variety of services, some of which include confidential health counselling and consultation and information and referrals to community health and social agencies. Health education programs about such topics as: Nutrition and Fitness, Alcohol and Drug Abuse, Sexuality and Sexually Transmitted Diseases are an integral part of the services. Language Laboratories The language laboratories offer excellent facilities for the intensive practice of linguistic skills for students studying French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. One laboratory houses a library of audio and 'video tapes specially prepared for language instruction. The other one, the Language Centre, is a thirty-position computer lab for individual practice of language software. Classes are also scheduled in the laboratories. The Learning Centre The Learning Centre helps students enhance their learning experience through the improvement of their reading, writing and study skills. They can also pick up tips on oral presentations as well as how to better cope with exams. Our peer tutoring program helps English as a Second Language students. Handouts containing practical suggestions for more effective study habits are available. With its paperback collection, newspapers, and magazines, the Learning Centre encourages a greater interest in literacy. Excellent writers are invited to submit their works for our publications. Our contests, in public speaking and creative writing for example, generate an excitement for leaming and literacy. Students relax in the Centre between their classes, work ingroups in our conference rooms, or use our computers in our well-equipped computer lab. Students volunteer as TLC Assistants where they improve their communication and computer skills and meet new friends. Students with excellent English skills may sign up as peer tutors where they work one-on-one with a student for whom English is not their mother tongue. Library and Information Technology Centre The primary aim of the Centre is to instruct students in the use of information technology. How? Firstly, to maintain and regularly update a completely automated academic library of 100,000 books, 200 non-print materials (videos, CD-ROMS, CDs, computer programs), 2000 government documents, 800 journals and magazines, CD-Rom periodical indexes (searching 2500 journals); secondly, to meet the student and faculty computer needs by providing the appropriate educational software for the Centre's 150 computers; and finally, to provide the assistance, instruction and personal guidance so that all students can graduate with competence and confidence in library research methods and information technology. Parents are welcome to become Library and Information Technology Centre members and use the services and facilities. Pastoral Care Outside of all denominational lines Pastoral Care deals with the person, not with affiliations. Since care is the operative word, we encourage, in the Vanier community, an out-reach of caring for each other - students, faculty and staff -both here and in the wider community. Pastoral care is a small sanctuary in the busy market place at Vanier, a place where the student is truly welcome. Peer Tutoring Service The Student Development and Orientation Centre matches students requiring academic assistance with qualified Vanier student tutors. A partial subsidy by Vanier ensures that these tutoring rates are very inexpensive. Resource Centres Many departments/programs such as Science, Mathematics, Physics, Social Science, Women's Studies, English, and Science Plus have resource areas where extra help, additional reading materials, quiet study space, tutorial software and study guides are available. Services for the Disabled Services for the disabled at Vanier are provided through the Student Development and Orientation Centre. The main objective is to provide access to the same opportunities as those for the non-disabled. There is a very broad range of accommodations to assist disabled students to succeed at Vanier. Examples include: relocating classes; modifying schedules; providing note takers; tutors, readers, assistance with registration; and making recommendations for technological equipment. Most importantly, each student has the opportimity to meet with the coordinator to work out his/her own special needs or concerns. Sports Complex Superbly equipped and modern, Vanier's Sports Complex features a triple gymnasium, an indoor pool, a dance studio, racquetball courts, a gymnastics/wrestling area, a Physio room, and a fitness centre. This is an ideal facility for Physical Education course instruction, intramural activities, intercollegiate games and individual fitness training. We offer such programs as Free Swim, Fitness Centre memberships for students and staff, and a new selection of recreation courses in badminton, golf and floor hockey offered through Continuing Education. CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES We believe that important leaming also takes place outside the classroom, particularly through cocurricular activities. These activities are designed to train students in skill development plus provide valuable experience. The Vanier College Student Association (V.C.S.A.) The Vanier College Student Association is the official voice for student rights and concerns. As a legally incorporated body, the Association is responsible for the allocation of funds for clubs and special events. Life Skills Training Life Skills Training is a service offered by the Student Development and Orientation Centre. Students learn practical skills through workshop presentations and "hands-on" experience in such areas as decision-making, time management and communication skills. Student Participation Student Participation is encouraged in the College's formal decision-making processes. Student representatives serve on our Board of Directors, Academic Council, student grievance committees and other ad hoc committees. We believe that student voices should be heard. Athletics Vanier's Athletic Department offers a wide range of programs for our students. Everything from team and individual sports at the Intramural and Intercollegiate level, tournaments, sports clubs, instructional clinics and open use of the pool, is offered. At the intercollegiate level, as a member of FASCQ, Vanier offers the highest calibre of competition in a wide range of sports to our students. At the same time, an extensive intramural program is offered where the emphasis is on enjoyment and fun rather than fulfilling a competitive need. Information regarding the above can be found in the administrative office at the Sports Complex. COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is compulsory attendance required? Although attendance is not a strict requirement in all courses, there are those courses that have a grade penalty attached to absences. Students quickly realize that the accelerated pace of CEGEP learning dictates that missed classes will result in poor grades or failures. Can Technology graduates go to university? A significant number of our technology graduates continue their studies after CEGEP, through full and part-time university study. Graduates have proven that the combination of practical training plus theoretical knowledge gives them a competitive advantage in the labour market. Depending on their program of choice, students may have to take specific prerequisites for university programs. Do Cegep teachers get a chance to know their students? Vanier teachers do take the time to get to know their students. If a student requests extra help the teacher may arrange an individual appointment time outside of class hours. Many Vanier teachers spend their free time in organizing extra-curricular activities for their students. Is there a code of discipline at CEGEP? A Code of Discipline exists at Vanier. Students are expected to behave in a responsible and mature way in order to maintain an environment in which leaming can be effected through mutual cooperation. There is a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY in effect at the college to ensure that a consistent and acceptable manner of conduct and safety conducive to a leaming environment is maintained within the college. The following disruptive behaviours will not be tolerated in any degree on campus: Unauthorized Use of Alcohol/Illegal Drugs Violence Possession of Weapons Verbal Abuse or Intimidation Gambling In order to cause an immediate cessation of any of these behaviours, a person or persons engaging in any of these infractions will face immediate suspension until a Discipline Committee hearing can be convened; this could lead to expulsion from the college. This policy applies to all members of the Vanier community. The College reserves the right to report infractions to the police but may also act independently of police action. Why is my child's schedule of classes different every day? Unlike high school, the schedule is not pre-set within a regular 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. day. Classes may be scheduled from 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Students have the responsibility of selecting courses and time slots to build their own schedule. We have incorporated a universal break of I 1/2 hours into each week to allow all students to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Free time between classes can be filled by using the Library, student services, all club activities, etc. My child is sick and must miss classes? What can I do? What can my child do? The student should speak to the teacher upon his/her return to the college to get the materials missed. For those courses with a compulsory attendance requirement, appropriate medical documentation should be provided to the teacher to explain the absence.Illness that will involve a prolonged absence from school should be reported to the Registrar's office or Faculty Deans's office as soon as possible. COLLEGE POLICIES Access to Students' Academic Records Under the Access to Information Act, the College can, upon request of the parent, provide a copy of a student's schedule or transcript of grades only for students under 18 years of age. All academic files are confidential for students 18 years of age and older.All students receive an official transcript of grades at the end of each semester. Information sent to the student will be addressed to the student. Class Cancellation Class cancellations are posted at 8:00 a.m. and as they are received during the day. Students can phone 744-7500 after 8:00 a.m. for cancellation information. Listings are posted in the College at Information (2nd floor F wing), Student Development and Orientation Centre (C207), and the New Building - I st Floor. And on the Vanier College Internet Site http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca Class Length Classes are most commonly I 1/2 hours in length twice a week for a total of three (3) hours with ten minutes allowed at the end of class for movement to the next class. Math and Science courses usually meet three times per week for a total of five (5) hours per course per week (one class being a laboratory experience). Technology courses vary in number of class hours. Course Outlines All students receive a formal course outline at the beginning of each semester for each course they have chosen. Each course outline must include the specific items as required in the college policy, including among other items, a detailed statement of course objectives and the method of evaluation of the students' attainment of these objectives. Deadlines Application for new admissions: March I for entrance into the Fall semester; November I for entrance into the Winter semester Program Transfer Request: November I 0 for the Winter semester - Pre-university only; March 9 for the Fall semester - Pre-university and Applied Technologies Course Delete: September 19 for the Fall semester; February 13 for the Winter semester Withdrawal from the College: Dates as above for course deletes To officially withdraw from the College, students must see an Academic Advisor. Students forced to withdraw from the College due to illness or other exceptional circumstances, after the official deadline, may be granted IN's by the Registrar prior to the end of classes. Students who withdraw from the College must make full application through the Admissions Office to be considered for re-admission regardless of the length of time they have not been in attendance at the College. Grades Review Committee This policy was developed to enable the student to have his/her final grade reviewed by a committee of three faculty members named by the department responsible for the course. Application for a grades review is made through the Registrar's Office. Decisions of the Grades Review Committee are final. Grading System All grades are reported on a numeric scale from 0% to I 00%. The minimum passing grade is 60%. The categories briefly describe the relative value of these grades. 90 - 100 Mastery of the objectives is excellent. This category is reserved for those few students whose quality of work is outstanding. The likelihood of success in further related course work is excellent. 80 - 89 Mastery of the objectives is very good. Quality of work is very good. The likelihood of success in further related course work is very good. 65 - 79 Mastery of the objectives is good. This category is reserved for the majority of students whose quality of work is average. The likelihood of success in further related course work is good. 60 - 64 Mastery of the objectives is fair. Quality of work is barely adequate. The likelihood of success in further related course work is fair. 0 - 59 Mastery of the objectives is poor. Quality of work is inadequate. Student does not satisfy the attendance requirements indicated on the course plan. Failure. Credit not obtained. Giving Student an Indication of Standing in a Course Before Mid-Point of Semester This policy is designed to ensure that the student receives some indicator of the likelihood of success in a course before the mid-point of the semester. Teachers are to include arrangements for "some indicator of the likelihood of success" in the course outline which they distribute to students in the first week of classes. "Some indicator of the likelihood of success" is to be interpreted widely to include at least one of the following: *written tests marked and returned *work returned with teacher's comments attached *oral interview *any other means described clearly by the teacher in the course outline given to the student The phrase "some indicator of the likelihood of success" is not to be interpreted as a guarantee of success or failure in a course. It is the student who is ultimately responsible for success or failure in a course. Homework The rule of thumb is one (1) hour of study time for each hour of regular class time. Special assignments and exam preparation would require additional study time. Social Science students would do about 21 hours of regular study per week; Science students about 24 hours of regular study. Study time for Career students would vary by program according to the amount of practical or lab work required. Leaving a Message In a school of 5,500 students with irregular scheduling it is not possible to leave messages for your son or daughter. In case of EMERGENCIES, however, please call the Registrar's office. The staff will look up the student's schedule and send a security guard to call the student out of the scheduled class. Mark Updates This policy was developed to ensure complete and accurate student transcripts and to state clearly the responsibilities of the teachers and students in having marks updated. Teachers may update marks for five (5) days after the mark submission deadline. Students can request mark updates through the Registrar's Office up to 15 working days after receiving their official transcript. Missed Examinations Students will not be penalized for missing an examination due to medical reasons, if medical proof is provided. They have the right to an alternate exam or to work out another arrangement with the teacher. In cases where non-medical problems lead to missed examinations, the discretion of the teacher continues to be the determining factor in arriving at a solution. In the event of a complaint regarding the mark assigned when an exam has been missed, an appeal may be lodged with the Academic Complaints Committee. Semesters There are two semesters during the academic year - Fall and Winter. Each semester is 15 weeks in length plus an examination period of two (2) weeks. Students must be available for final exams scheduled in the examination period. A Summer semester of approximately eight (8) weeks provides students with the opportunity to accelerate their program or to catch up on failed courses. Standing and Advancement In order to stay in good standing at Vanier, a student in a pre-university program must pass at least four (4) courses each semester. In addition, science students may repeat their mathematics or science courses only once. Students in the technologies must pass more than 50% of their courses they are registered in and 50% of the professional courses for their program each semester. In addition, certain programs have specific courses that must be passed successfully in order to remain in good standing in those programs. Failure to pass the required courses will result in suspension from the College. Student cannot return to fulltime studies at Vanier for the following semester and must upgrade themselves through Continuing Education in order to be considered for re-admission. Two-year programs permit students to continue in full-time day attendance for a maximum of six (6) semesters, while three-year programs permit continuation for a maximum of eight (8)semesters. Academic Review Boards Students who are suspended under the Standing and Advancement policy may appeal the suspension through the Academic Review Boards. Appeals must demonstrate that there were exceptional circumstances to explain the poor academic performance and that these circumstances have been, or are being, modified so that there is a reasonable likelihood of success upon re-admission to the College. These appeals are addressed to the Academic Review Board of the Faculty responsible for the student's program, whose mandate it is to review such appeals, and to revise suspension decisions only in cases which clearly warrant reversal under the criteria as stated above. Professional Unsuitability Because the career student is being educated for a specific profession, academic performance is not the only criterion for evaluating a student's standing. Individual aptitude and capabilities may have to be considered in evaluating a students's suitability for a specific career.The Career Department/Program Committee is responsible for notifying students in writing as soon as possible of indications of unsuitability for that career. Following such notification, the student must follow remedial measures proposed by the Department/Program. Should this be unsuccessful, the Faculty Dean may, on the recommendation of the Department/Program, require the student to withdraw from the Program, provided that: the Department/Program documents that remedial steps have been attempted and that the student remains unsuitable for the career; this opinion is supported in writing by two professionals whose work has given them direct knowledge of the student's performance. The student must be informed of the right to appeal and be encouraged to use the Counselling and Academic Advising services of the College to make the appropriate transition to other studies. If a student has been removed from a program on the grounds of professional unsuitability, the student has the right to appeal. The Appeal Board will consist of one College representative, one professional provided at the request of the College, and one faculty representative whose expertise lies in the professional field. The faculty representative will be chosen by the Department/Program involved. CHOOSING A CAREER Choosing a career in today's increasingly competitive marketplace is not an easy task for CEGEP students. In order to help our students (from both pre-university and applied technology programs) make an informed choice, we offer: Career Counselling and Vocational Testing. Offered by Counselling Services, these services allow students to explore the full range of career possibilities. Career Reference Materials and Books. A comprehensive selection of resource materials are available for students in our Career and Education Information Library. THE VANIER COLLEGE PARENTS ASSOCIATION: A PARTNERSHIP WITH VANIER The Vanier College Parents Association is a fully accredited association and a member of the Quebec Federation des Associations de parents des Cegep. Initiated by a group of Vanier parents in November 1991 it meets monthly to maintain close ties with the College. The objectives include the following: -to represent parents interests at Vanier, to the Ministry of Education and the Federation of Parents -to address parents' concerns and enlist their support in maintaining high academic standards at Vanier -keep parents informed about College services for students -counsel and assist parents with their concerns Parent's Telephone Information Line - 744-7862 - Please leave a message. The Parent's Information Line is sponsored by the Vanier Parents Association. It is an easy and direct way to get information about the College.Your number will be noted and a member of the Parents Association will call you back to verify that you received the information you required. Reasons for Calling the Information Line: - information about program or course requirements *information about university or job requirements -information about College policy -information about events or activities at the College - a special personal problem with your son or daughter * -to alert the College about a concern or problem - interest in the Parents Association Please do not use the line to leave a message for your son or daughter. IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS AT VANIER Academic Advising 744-7556 Admissions/Registrar's 744-7100 Athletics/Sports Complex 744-7128 Counselling Centre 744-7885 Faculty of Applied Technologies 744-7554 Faculty of Science & General Studies 744-7946 Faculty of Social Science, Commerce, Arts & Letters 744-7571 Financial Aid Services 744-7883 General Information 744-7500 Health Resource Centre 744-7885 Information Technology Centres 744-7531,744-7585 Leaming Centre 744-7890 Library- General Information 744-7540 Pastoral Care 7447896 Peer Tutoring 744-7071 Services for the Disabled 744-7896 Student Development and Orientation Centre 744-7885 Student Recruitment & Communications 7447881 Vanier College Parents Association 744-7862 Vanier College Student Association 744-70 65 Vanier College's Web Site http://www.vaniercollege.qc.ca