Information for Students

Your safety is our first priority. As BCIT campuses gradually re-open, we will carefully assess any activity or study that requires students to return to specific on-campus programs is compliant with safe work protocols as determined by Public Health, the BCCDC, and WorkSafeBC.

If you are a student in a program that has been approved to return to campus, follow the safety guidelines below. Your actions are critical to protecting not only your health but also that of your classmates, instructors, and the community.

Safety Guidelines

Before you return to campus

1.      Complete the COVID-19 and pandemic online course

This mandatory 30-minute self-registration online course, “Student Awareness on COVID-19 and Pandemic Exposure Control Plan” will provide critical information to help protect your health while reducing risk to others while you are on campus. You are required to take this course once, prior to returning to campus. To access the course:

a.      Login to the BCIT Learning Hub at learn.bcit.ca

b.      The course will be listed in your My Courses listing

2.       Health screening

The BC COVID-19 Self-Assessment Tool can be used to help assess symptoms and determine if you need further assessment or testing for COVID-19. Use the tool before attending campus.

When you’re on campus

When you are on campus, be vigilant about following the safety rules below. Remember, you are protecting yourself and others. If you feel sick, notify your instructor(s) and do not come to campus.

Safety rules:

• Do not come to campus if you are sick or exhibit any of the symptoms of COVID-19, a cold, or the flu.
• Do not come to campus if you are self-isolating.
• Maintain physical distance (2 metres) at all times.
• Recommended to wear a disposable 3-ply face mask.
• Do not touch your face unless your hands have just been sanitized.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Wash your hands both before and after class, before and after using the washroom, and often throughout the day.
• Use the washroom one person at a time.
• Pay attention to and follow directional and informational signage.
• Do not share items such as tools, computers, or equipment unless they can be properly disinfected between use.
• Clean all tools or equipment you have used, as instructed.
• Follow all specific posted safety guidelines when using on-campus facilities including labs, shops, and recreation facilities.
• Avoid large gatherings in common areas.

Student orientation

The COVID-19 Student Orientation [PDF] contains information for students returning to BCIT programming and campuses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This information outlines safety guidelines which are consistent with those of BC’s Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafe BC, as well as a link to the Pandemic Exposure online course.

Questions or concerns?

If you have any concerns or questions regarding your health and safety at BCIT, report to your instructor and to ssemohs@bcit.ca

More information

Find more information about health and safety at BCIT:

Health and Safety at BCIT

BCIT International is committed to guiding and supporting international students at BCIT. For assistance, please contact isc_info@bcit.ca and our dedicated staff will help navigate you through the available resources.

Please follow the links below to find useful information about the admissions process for new international students, updated travel and immigration measures, medical insurance updates, and more.

New students

Find out about updates relevant to newly admitted international students.

Returning students

Learn about updates that may pertain to you if you are a current or returning international student.

Travel and self-isolation

International students planning to travel to Canada must submit a Travel & Self-Isolation Plan to BCIT.

In addition to the information shared here, you may find our COVID-19 FAQ for International Students page helpful.

The Institute is required to adhere to Provincial and Federal government requirements with respect to arriving international students, including measures for:

• Pre-arrival planning and communication with students/co-arriving family members on legal requirements to quarantine or self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival
• Transportation upon arrival to quarantine location (including avoidance of public transit)
• Quarantine supports (e.g. location options; resources for food/medical care; social/mental health supports)
• Regular and robust monitoring during 14-day period for COVID-19 symptoms, wellbeing and compliance
• The process for care should a student develop COVID-19 symptoms
• Contingency for additional supports if a student should become ill during quarantine

As well, the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training requires post-secondary institutions to provide weekly reporting that includes:

• Number of new international student arrivals;
• Number of students in quarantine
• Any incidents of international students in quarantine who have tested positive for COVID-19 during the quarantine period
• Number of students cleared to attend classes at the end of self-isolation period

Through spring and summer 2021 most courses will continue to be delivered fully or partially online – See the full list of current Program Delivery Modes here.

In line with the BC Public Health Officer guidelines, BCIT is transitioning substantial programming back to on-campus delivery for the fall 2021 term. We remain committed to supporting you and your education, and to creating exceptional applied learning experiences. Please refer to your course or program webpage for information on anticipated delivery mode for the fall term.

The current tables reflect delivery modes for spring/summer 2021 under the prevailing COVID-related health and safety orders. Many of these will change under the planned return to campus activity in the fall. Program areas are working actively to compile this information and the webpage will be updated as quickly as possible. Student will be able to access this information prior to fee payment deadlines.

Similar to our full-time program delivery, there will be a substantial return to in person classes for BCIT Part-time Studies courses starting in Fall 2021. Program areas may offer some Part-time Studies classes in an online or blended format.

Building on BCIT’s success of safely returning activity to campus in a graduated manner, we will continue to take guidelines from the Provincial Health Officer and work closely with WorkSafe BC, Occupational Health and Safety, and BC Centre of Disease to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, faculty, and staff.

We remain committed to our mandate to meet learner and industry needs through applied polytechnic education. The necessary safeguards and adjustments are in place to allow the continuation of experiential learning wherever possible. Our Occupational Health and Safety team continues to assess classrooms, labs, and shops, to ensure we practice safe operating procedures in accordance with public health and safety guidelines as well as WorkSafeBC standards for post-secondary institutions.

Students should anticipate a significant level of on-campus activity and plan accordingly.. Where there are exceptions or changes, program areas will provide an update to accepted students prior to the fee deadline.

BCIT is working closely with our industry partners to determine where students can safely complete work placement components of their program. The ability to do so is largely dependent upon the organization that is hosting the student placements.

Where it is not possible for students to complete that training in an industry setting, program areas are developing alternate plans for students to achieve the required learning outcomes.

Program areas are working to develop technology requirement lists for students as it varies by program. Most programs and courses will require you to have access to a personal computer with video and microphone but some of our specialized programs will require additional technology. Visit the Technology requirements page to see the recommended technology requirements for your program.

Tuition is vital to maintaining the academic and operational continuity of BCIT, as well as upholding the quality of our programs and providing the range of supports our students require. BCIT’s commitment to providing quality learning experiences and services has not changed. As we adapt to current circumstances and offer new modes of delivery, we have also transitioned our comprehensive student services and supports to be made available remotely. Tuition rates will remain consistent as work to ensure the safety of all students, faculty, and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contact Student Information and Enrolment Services for general information, part-time studies registration, payments, or Program Advising appointment booking.

• Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Contact Healthlink 811, BCIT Student Health Services – 604-432-8608 (call before attending), or Primary care physician
• Follow the BC Centre for Disease Control self-isolating protocols

• If you are on campus please avoid others and return home immediately
• Inform your Program Head, Chief Instructor, or instructor

Submit a confidential report through Early Assist or by emailing early_assist@bcit.ca

• Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Contact Healthlink 811, BCIT Student Health Services – 604-432-8608 (call before attending), or Primary care physician
• Follow the BC Centre for Disease Control self-isolating protocols
• If you are on campus please avoid others and return home immediately. If you are experiencing serious symptoms please contact 811, BCIT Student Health Services, or your primary care physician. In the case of an emergency please contact 911.
• Inform your Program Head, Chief Instructor, or instructor
• Submit a confidential report through Early Assist or by emailing early_assist@bcit.ca

• Follow all guidelines that are provided by the public health authority. This will include self-isolating and possible contact tracing though the health authority.
• If you are on campus please avoid others and return home immediately.
• Inform your Program Head, Chief Instructor, or instructor
• Submit a confidential report through Early Assist or by emailing early_assist@bcit.ca

• Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Contact Healthlink 811, BCIT Student Health Services – 604-432-8608 (call before attending), or Primary care physician
• Follow the BC Centre for Disease Control self-isolating protocols
• If you are currently on campus and around others, please avoid others and return to a home environment. Isolate off campus if possible.
• Contact Student Housing at housing@bcit.ca
• Submit a confidential report through Early Assist or by emailing early_assist@bcit.ca

• Ensure you are aware of up-to-date information about COVID-19
• Inform your Program Head, Chief Instructor, or instructor
• Submit a confidential report through Early Assist or by emailing early_assist@bcit.ca

The COVID-19 Student Orientation [PDF] contains information for students returning to BCIT programming and campuses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This information outlines safety guidelines which are consistent with those of BC’s Provincial Health Officer and WorkSafe BC, as well as a link to a mandatory “Pandemic Exposure” online course.

BCIT students, faculty, staff, and visitors are recommended to wear a face mask in all classrooms, labs, and shops, as well as in all common areas on campus. This includes spaces shared by other people, such as study areas, meeting rooms, open offices, cubicles, and stairwells, as well as anywhere physical distancing of 2 metres may not be possible.

As a general rule, when you can’t consistently maintain the recommended physical distance —a minimum of two metres — everyone involved must wear a disposable 3-ply face mask. In these situations, a cloth mask or a face shield on its own is not acceptable.

Students who are needing to be on campus for a short period of time during the day (three hours or less) should plan to eat before or after attending campus and ensure that they wash their hands before and after eating.

Students who will be on campus for longer periods (more than three hours) and require breaks for eating should plan that they will remain at their workstation for breaks, if allowable from a safety standpoint, or that there will be a separate classroom area scheduled for break times and eating. Students should not plan to use BCIT common areas for eating during breaks as most seating has been removed for the purposes of maintaining appropriate distancing and cleaning protocols.

Food services across BCIT campuses have limited operations. See Closures and Cancellations for the latest update.

BCIT recognizes the challenges many students are facing in these uncertain times, and is committed to minimizing any impact on services and supports available to students. Please visit BCIT Student Services for a full listing of offerings including Academic and Learning Services, Health Services, Recreation Services, Student Life, and more.

In order to enable physical distancing and continue to support students without requiring a trip to campus, Student Health Services and Counselling & Student Development are offering phone or virtual appointments to BCIT students. Please call 604-432-8608 to book an appointment with a physician, nurse, or counsellor, and to inquire about whether an in-person appointment is necessary or available prior to visiting in person.

Please contact Accessibility Services or contact your Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist directly to review questions regarding your accommodations, or to discuss new barriers you are managing due to the transition to online content. We can determine if a virtual or phone appointment is required. For more information, see the Accessibility Services updates and FAQs.

For all questions about financial aid eligibility, please contact Student Financial Aid & Awards.

Per the BC Ministry of Health guidelines, anyone who travels outside of Canada is required to self-isolate for 14 days before returning to a BCIT campus.

If you are returning to Canada and are unable to self-isolate outside of your Student Housing accommodation please contact Carmen Cottini at ccottini@bcit.ca or 604-432-8606 before returning to your suite so that we can support you in isolation.

Student Housing has increased cleaning frequency in suites, and has implemented new guidelines for resident health and wellbeing. If you are a resident, please continue to read all communication you receive from Student Housing. If you need to self-isolate in your suite, please contact Carmen Cottini at ccottini@bcit.ca or 604-432-8606 for assistance in self-isolating effectively.

Yes, applications are still open for many programs. We understand that this is a stressful time for our applicants as they prepare for their future studies at BCIT. Please visit Admission during COVID-19 to learn how BCIT Admissions is supporting applicants and to answer admissions related questions.

The Centre for Workplace Education is working closely with employers to respond to all temporary office closures and the need to work remotely or self-isolate.