Distance learning

Coquitlam College does not offer any courses which qualify as distance learning. All courses offered have in-class components. It is impossible to take a Coquitlam College course from off campus.

From IRCC:

Distance learning can be considered online learning. Students who complete a program of study exclusively by distance learning (outside or within Canada) are not eligible for a post-graduation work permit.

Officers should use the following guidelines to assess an applicant’s post-graduation work permit eligibility when the applicant has taken distance learning in Canada at an eligible DLI:

• If more than 50% of the program of study’s total courses are completed by distance learning, the program may reasonably be considered a distance-learning program, and the applicant is ineligible for a post-graduation work permit.
• If less than 50% of the program of study’s total courses are completed by distance learning, a post-graduation work permit may be issued. The validity should be based on the length of the program, as confirmed by the eligible DLI, including credits earned from both in-class and distance-learning courses.

See more information at this page:

IRCC/Study-Canada/Work after graduation/How much of online studies count toward a PGWP?

Can I work off campus?

If you are a Coquitlam College Associate of Arts Degree student, you are eligible to work off campus if your study permit contains the conditions allowing you to do so, you are studying full-time (minimum: 9 credits/semester) and you have a social insurance number (SIN).

How many hours can I work off campus?

1. During regular school terms/semesters

You can work up to 20 hours per week. You can work more than 1 job to make up these hours as long as you continue to meet the conditions of your study permit.

D. During scheduled breaks in the school year

You can work full-time if you’re on a scheduled break, such as winter and summer holidays, or a fall or spring reading week. You’re free to work overtime or work 2 part-time jobs that add up to a higher than usual number of hours.

You must be a full-time student both before and after the break to work full-time.

You can’t work during a break that comes before you start your very first school semester.

Get a social insurance number to work in Canada

A SIN is a 9-digit number that the Government of Canada gives you. You need one to work in Canada.

To apply for a SIN to work off campus, you must have 1 of these conditions printed on your study permit:

• may work 20 hours per week off campus or full-time during regular breaks if meeting criteria outlined in paragraph 186(v) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
• may accept employment on or off campus if meeting eligibility criteria, per paragraph R186(f), (v) or (w) and must cease working if no longer meeting these criteria.

Medical Insurance

Ensure that you have appropriate medical insurance for your time in Canada:

• All students must have medical insurance for the duration of their stay in Canada which includes coverage during possible mandatory quarantine period.
• The College advises students to discuss with their private insurance provider of any potential changes to their medical insurance or to their coverage while outside Canada.
• For students travelling to Canada, medical insurance coverage must include coverage for the quarantine period if arriving prior to the first day of classes.

British Columbia Medical Insurance (MSP)/GuardMe Medical Insurance:

• The BC Medical Services Plan (MSP) is the provincial government program that
  provides basic medical benefits.
• Everyone living in British Columbia (BC) for more than six months is required to
  enroll in MSP, except students with existing coverage from another Canadian
  province or territory.
• You should apply for MSP immediately upon your arrival in British Columbia.
• As there is a three-month waiting period before MSP coverage will start, you must
  ensure you have basic health insurance for those first three months in British
  Columbia.
• You can contact the Coquitlam College main office to inquire about
  GuardMe medical insurance for your first semester of study.

Health Resources for Students

Click to see the Coquitlam College Communicable Disease Plan

• 8-1-1 is a provincial health information and advice line that can assist with connecting you to a health care professional.  If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to COVID-19 or showing symptoms, please contact your health care provider or dial 8-1-1 as soon as possible.
• Here2Talk, a new mental-health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students.
• To download the Thrive Health app, click here 
• Currently, people in Canada who are experiencing mental health distress can obtain assistance through Talk Suicide Canada by dialing toll-free 1-833-456-4566.
• For mental health and suicide prevention support, call or text 9-8-8 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

• If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (e.g., cough, fever, difficulty breathing), follow these instructions:

I think I have COVID-19!

• Stay home if you have symptoms & notify your instructors by email.
• Most people with mild symptoms will recover on their own at home.
• If your symptoms are worsening to a point where you cannot manage at home, go to your
nearest hospital emergency department, and/or call 9-1-1.

Post-secondary COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines

Coquitlam College follows guidelines and protocols established in accordance to WorkSafeBC guidelines as well as guidelines provided to post-secondary institutions by our Provincial Health Officer and the local health authority as outlined in the COVID-19 Go-Forward Guidelines for B.C.’s Post-Secondary Sector document.

Please click here for the official Coquitlam College COVID-19 Safety and Readiness Plan.
Please click the following link for the official Coquitlam College Outbreak Response Plan
Please click here for the Terms of Reference for the Coquitlam College Self-Isolation Confirmation Team (SICT).

The following Appendices can also be accessed in relation to our Safety Plan when required:

Appendix A: Protocols for confirmed cases of COVID-19
Appendix B: Summary of School-based Prevention Measures
Appendix C: Daily health check

Brookmere Secondary COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines

Specifically for Brookmere Secondary, a division of Coquitlam College, for information on the health and safety guidelines that Coquitlam College has set in accordance to WorkSafeBC guidelines, please view our document entitled Brookmere Secondary Health and Safety Guidelines document.

The following Appendices can also be accessed in relation to our High School when required:

Appendix A: Protocols for confirmed cases of COVID-19
Appendix B: Summary of School-based Prevention Measures
Appendix C: Daily health check

Additional document: BCCDC COVID-19 Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools Health & Safety Checklist

The Province of BC’s Guidelines for return to classes:

COVID-19 Post-Secondary 2021-2022 Return to Campus Guidelines

There is no place for discrimination of any kind on the Coquitlam College campus:
Since its inception, Coquitlam College has welcomed students from all nations with the goal of offering excellent educational opportunities within an atmosphere of scholarly integrity and cultural sensitivity. We acknowledge the importance of treating every member of our community with dignity and respect, and every person should feel welcomed and supported during their studies, without discrimination of any kind. Every one of us is responsible for treating our peers, fellow students, faculty and staff with dignity and respect. Our core values are further demonstrated by not tolerating discrimination resulting from misplaced perception that a person may be a carrier of a communicable disease based on their perceived disability, race, ancestry, place of origin or otherwise.

Educate Yourself about Racism & Discrimination
All of us have a responsibility to educate ourselves about the impact of racism and how we can combat racism. Find at the following link further information and resources.