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.
• Wear a mask in common areas effective November 24.
• 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

Most Winter 2021 courses will continue to be delivered fully or partially online – See the full Fall 2020/Winter 2021 Program Delivery Modes here . Delivery mode will vary by program or course, depending on the degree of learning that requires the use of specific equipment, tools, or facilities that cannot be replicated in an online environment. BCIT will continue to adapt as needed to ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. As decisions are made, program areas will be communicating with students to provide specific information for those courses that will include some component of face-to-face learning.

Registration for Winter 2021 Part-time Studies is now open online.

For general information, assistance with Part-time Studies registration, payments, or Program Advising appointment booking, contact Student Information and Enrolment Services.

We remain committed to our mandate to meet learner and industry needs through applied polytechnic education. The necessary safeguards and adjustments are in place for Fall 2020 and Winter 2021 terms 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 assume that most learning will be via online delivery. Where there are exceptions and changes, program areas will provide an update to accepted students prior to the fee deadline.

By combining teaching, learning, and service delivery methods in adaptive and meaningful ways, we will ensure that our students’ academic progress can continue, and that the necessary learning supports will be in place.

Our teaching environments will look different from previous years, but the quality of instruction, and commitment of our faculty and staff will remain as strong as ever. Students’ valuable learning experiences will continue.

Our student services staff will offer advice, care, and support as needed to optimize on-campus and off-campus learning experiences.

Faculty and managers are evaluating program and course delivery structure to ensure that learning can be successful with substantially online delivery. This may involve changes to the timing, sequencing, and structure of courses, as well as assignments and other graded assessments within courses. This will vary by program and course, and will be communicated directly to students by their program area.

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.

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.

Per the BC Provincial Health Officer’s updated COVID-19 response Orders announced on November 24, masks are required to be worn by all British Columbians, 12 years and older, in all indoor public settings.

BCIT students, faculty, staff, and visitors are required to wear a mask 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 2m may not be possible.

People who are not able to wear a mask for medical or other reasons are exempt and asked to be especially careful to maintain a safe distance from others.

One reusable, non-medical mask is available to all staff, faculty, and students at no cost. Masks are available at Safety, Security and Emergency Management at all campus locations. Students attending campus will be able to receive one mask per person on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, disposable masks are available to many staff and students on campus as part of program-specific Safety Plans.

If you notice that someone isn’t following COVID-19 safety protocols, please engage with respect and give them a gentle reminder of the protocols that keep us all safe. If you are in a common area, you can contact the Safety, Security and Emergency Management team. For classrooms, let your instructor know. You can also report a safety concern by contacting covidinfo@bcit.ca

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.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced that if your in-class courses are being moved to an online-only format because of COVID-19, your eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program won’t be affected.

Please visit BCIT International Student and Education Services’ COVID-19 FAQ page for frequent updates on resources and support available to BCIT international students. 

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. 

Faculty, staff, and students should maintain and disinfect their own electronic equipment, including keyboards, phones, printers/scanners, and in-office personal items on desks and cabinets.

Departments are encouraged to purchase disinfecting wipes for this purpose. Clorox and Lysol wipes are safe for use on most keyboards (for Mac users check operating manual) and computer mice. Please work with your Manager/Supervisor to arrange for cleaning product. Commercial grade cleaning product can also be supplied and refilled through submitting a Facilities work request (or ext 8777).

BCIT asks that horizontal surfaces such as desks remain clutter-free to ensure adequate cleaning and disinfecting can occur. Surfaces clear of papers, binders, and work-related matter will receive proper cleaning.

For offices/classrooms that have reported as open:

Daily Cleaning/Sanitization:

• Light switches
• Door handles
• Door frame high touch points

Weekly Cleaning:

• Uncluttered Desks and Horizontal Surfaces
• Chairs/Armrests
• Waste Receptacles
• Floors
• Baseboards

BCIT will be introducing door hangers at all our campuses in the coming weeks that denote the last date and time a room was cleaned. In the meantime, Facilities and Campus Development (FCD) has posted signage in classrooms and labs on the Burnaby Campus noting the last date and time the space was cleaned.

For areas requiring specific cleaning, please file a work request with the area and timeframe required. Custodial services will prioritize your space accordingly. A work request can be filed by calling 604-432-8777, emailing BCITfixit@bcit.ca, or going to facilitiesrequest.bcit.ca

BCIT has maintained enhanced cleaning protocols and procedures on all campuses since March 2020, to comply with BC Centre for Disease Control and WorkSafe BC regulations.

To support physical distancing of all building occupants by reducing corridor traffic, lockers will not be available during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Further to BCIT’s recent transition to primarily online delivery to protect our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, BCIT has been providing an opportunity for those students wishing to retrieve belongings from their lockers in an orderly manner that respects physical distancing and safe work practices. If your locker’s lock was provided by BCIT and/or contains BCIT property, please advise Security and leave the locker secured.

If you are not feeling well, have been recently exposed, or are experiencing symptoms of what could be COVID-19, please arrange to schedule your locker clean out at a later date. If you are unable to retrieve your belongings during the available dates please contact Lockers@bcit.ca.

BCIT implemented this new locker clean-out process due to requests from students wishing to come onto campus to collect items from their lockers. This process is optional however it is intended to provide a safe option for students who wish to empty their lockers on campus. The annual locker clean-out that usually takes place over the summer has been cancelled.

When you return to campus, you will be required to empty your locker.

To provide students sufficient time to access their belongings in support of physical distancing and the health and safety of our BCIT community, the previously scheduled 2020 annual locker clean-out which routinely occurs during the summer has been cancelled.

To accommodate students wishing to access their lockers while many campus buildings are secured, we are limiting access to ensure physical distancing and safe work practices.

You may visit the Security Office on your campus during the days and times listed below to coordinate access to your locker to remove belongings and your lock:

Burnaby Campus: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm seven days a week
Aerospace Campus: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm seven days a week
Annacis Island Campus: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday
Marine Campus: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday
CARI Campus: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday

When you arrive on campus, you may be required to wait in line until Security staff are available to assist. You will be asked to provide photo identification (BCIT Student ID or Drivers Licence/ BC ID Card) to Security. You will then then be escorted to your locker as staffing permits. To support students during this process, a temporary parking permit can be obtained from Security. This temporary parking permit is only available when you sign in for your locker clean out appointment at the Security Office. The temporary permit is valid in a Staff or Student lot commencing from the time the permit is issued.

Each locker user must make arrangements to remove their contents from the locker following the procedures described above.

During this time, you may appoint a family member or close friend to retrieve your belongings, provided that they have either the combination or key to your lock. They must follow the same steps as students. If you are a returning student alternatively you may wish to leave your belongings in your locker until you have an opportunity to do so.

To retrieve items from a locker in Recreation Services (SE16/gym), you will need to email BCIT_Recreation@bcit.ca to coordinate a clean-out date and time.

If you have a toolbox in your locker that needs to be returned to your program area, or if you have a project or other items that you need to retrieve from your classroom, you will need to contact your Instructor directly. In some cases, arrangements have already been made. For example, the Automotive department has installed designated drop boxes within Buildings NE24 and NE28.

Please email Lockers@bcit.ca