Red River College Welcome Brochure 48w63

i n t e r n at i o n a L e d u C at i o n

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION

WELCOME!

Red River

College Live, Work and Study in the heart of Canada

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION International Student Services We offer a range of services for international students. Our goal is to help ensure your studies are successful and your time enjoyable while at Red River College. Be sure to check our webpage links.

WELCOME TO International Education

CONTENTS: • Visa Process • Living in Winnipeg • Monthly Bus • Manitoba Health Benefits • RRCSA Student Benefits Plan (Mandatory Supplemental Health and Dental Coverage) • Financial Information • Refunds • Change of Status • Orientation/First Day of Program • Timetables • Books and Supplies • Student Photo ID • E-Mail • WebAdvisor (Student Online Access) • Locker Rentals • Parking and Carpooling • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) • Credit Transfers • Student Employment Services • Co-operative Education Programs • Diversity and Intercultural Services

: In-Person: • Notre Dame Campus Room D210, Building D 2055 Notre Dame Avenue Phone: 204-632-2143

• Language Training Centre 3rd Floor Via Rail Station Building 123 Main Street Phone: 204-945-8387

• Roblin Centre - Exchange District Campus Student Service Centre Room P104, 160 Princess Street Phone: 204-949-8465

E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.rrc.ca/international

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PLEASE REVIEW THIS IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL STUDENT INFORMATION We hope that you will enjoy your time at the College and believe familiarizing yourself with the following information will help make your experience an even more positive one. Please plan to arrive at least two weeks before the start of your program. Early arrival is particularly important for students that are required to take language or entrance testing or to complete other program prerequisites before the start of classes. Academic program students are also required to attend the mandatory “LINKS” seminar for International Students which is usually scheduled during the week prior to the start of classes. Please International Education to confirm you have received Study Permit approval, confirm arrival date and arrange an appointment time to finalize your ission. If we have not received this confirmation from you one month prior to the start date of your program your ission may be cancelled. The International Education website has many links to useful information such as the “International Student Handbook” to help you with pre-arrival preparations or links to work options while you are a student. www.rrc.ca/international

VISA PROCESS

MONTHLY BUS

While general information is provided below, it is a student’s responsibility to the corresponding Canadian Visa Office to obtain and complete all the necessary documentation.

If you plan to use the bus every day, we recommend that you purchase a monthly bus , rather than pay a fee each time you get on a bus. Full-time students at RRC full-time qualify for a 20% discount on monthly bus es if purchased at one of the student stores located at our Notre Dame Campus and Roblin Centre – Exchange District Campus.

Depending on your country of origin and the type and duration of study, you may require a: • Temporary Resident Visa • Study Permit • Study Permit and Temporary Resident Visa For studies up to six months you will not require a Study Permit. You may enter Canada and study on a Visitor Visa. For studies longer than six months you will require a Study Permit. If you are coming to Canada for a short program of study and you think you may want to continue studies beyond the six months, it is best to apply for a Study Permit before you come to Canada. Please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website www.cic.gc.ca for detailed information on how to apply to study in Canada. Make sure to carry a copy of your “Letter of Acceptance” from Red River College, your port and any other approved visa documentation with you. When you first arrive in Canada at a Port-of-Entry (i.e. by air – Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver or Winnipeg) you will be required to show your documents to a Canada Border Services Officer who will review your documents and issue a “Study Permit” document. Red River College will require a copy of documentation that authorizes you to study in Canada (i.e. visa, study permit, port, etc.)

The bus will cost approximately $67.75 per month (student rate). Bus route information is available at www.winnipegtransit.com. Be sure to save your expired bus es and receipts as you may claim them as an expense at tax time.

MANITOBA HEALTH BENEFITS International students with Study Permits issued for a minimum of six months will qualify for coverage under the Manitoba Health Benefits plan. You should complete the registration form as soon as you arrive in Manitoba. When you come to finalize your ission with us, you may complete the registration form and we will fax it to the Manitoba Health Benefits Branch on your behalf. You will receive an identification card in the mail direct from the Manitoba Health Benefits Branch. This is basic coverage that covers doctors’ visits, hospitalization, diagnostic tests and surgery. International students who are studying in Manitoba for a period of time that is less than six months are not eligible for Manitoba Health Benefits. Ineligible students will be able to purchase equivalent basic health care coverage as a part of their registration process at Red River College. Please visit the International Office for assistance.

LIVING IN WINNIPEG

RRCSA STUDENT BENEFITS PLAN

Red River College has a student residence located inside the Paterson Global Foods Institute (just two blocks away from the Roblin Centre – Exchange District Campus). Our residence is a great place for Red River College students to live. We invite you to visit the Campus information page for pictures, prices and instructions on how to apply http://blogs.rrc.ca/housing/.

Mandatory Supplemental Health and Dental Coverage The Student Health and Dental Plan is supplemental health care insurance that provides additional benefits for services not covered by the Manitoba Health Benefits plan. It will help you maintain a basic level of health while studying at RRC, and ensure that preventable medical emergencies don’t interrupt the completion of your academic program.

In addition to our student residence there are a variety of alternate accommodations available throughout Winnipeg. If you are arriving from outside of Canada, we recommend homestay as an excellent option.

Full-time students are automatically enrolled in the health and dental plan for 12 months of coverage. Plan fees are mandatory in order to offer coverage to all students at affordable rates.

For information on the various accommodation options, please visit our International Education page www.rrc.ca/international and select Future Students > Accommodation Guide.

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Family Add-On To purchase family coverage for your spouse and/or dependents, a family add-on form must be submitted to the RRCSA Student Benefits Plan Office, Room FM662055 Notre Dame Avenue or the Students’ Association Office Room P110-160 Princess Street with payment no later than 30 calendar days after the start date of your program. E-mail: [email protected] www.gallivan.ca

FINANCIAL INFORMATION All school fees including mandatory health and dental coverage are charged at the time of registration. Your registration will occur when you have confirmed that you have received Study Permit approval and/or confirmed your arrival date. Please International Education staff [email protected] with your confirmation and arrival date. We will arrange an appointment time for you to finalize your ission. Fees are charged each term and are due by the first day of classes. For an estimate of the annual costs associated with your program see Estimate of International Student Fees at www.rrc.ca/international It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of the amount owing and to ensure payment is made on time. Students may check their fee assessment online through their WebAdvisor after program registration has occurred or you may ask at the International Education Office. Methods of Payment You may want to arrange for payment prior to leaving home or immediately upon arrival. Funds will be applied to your student as a credit until the exact amount is determined after program registration has occurred. Some Visa offices may request you pay 50% of your program fees in advance.

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Bank Transfer – Electronic Wire Transfer Fees can be transferred electronically to: Royal Bank of Canada / Main Branch 220 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3C 0A5 For : Red River College Financial Institution 003, Transit (Branch) Number 00007, 154-895-7 Swift Code: ROYCCAT2 Please include your full name and Student ID Number in the comments field and send a copy of the transfer receipt to the International Education Office by email [email protected] or by fax 1-204-632-5269. By Mail – Money Orders, Bank Drafts or cheques in Canadian Dollars made payable to Red River College can be sent by mail to International Education. In-Person - Financial services are available at both Student Service Centres (Notre Dame Campus or Roblin Centre - Exchange District Campus) or at the Language Training Centre (cash, credit card, money order, bank draft, cheque). When paying by credit card, the credit card must be yours or you must present written authorization from the card holder stating you have permission to use their card. Late Fees - If your fees are outstanding the day after payment was due, you will be subject to a late payment fee in addition to all other amounts owing to the College.

Program Options Intensive English for International Students

If your remains outstanding your will be labeled ‘Not in Good Standing’, and your marks, certificate/diploma, and future registrations will be withheld until your financial obligation has been met in full. If you fail to pay your within the specified deadline your registration will be cancelled and your may be forwarded to a collection agency.

CHANGE OF STATUS

REFUNDS & CHANGE OF STATUS POLICY

Students ed in academic programs who have been approved as provincial nominees are required to pay international student fees until receiving official Permanent Resident status from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

You will be eligible for a refund based on the percentage of time attended. Withdrawals before the Start of Classes: Applicants will forfeit the $100 application fee and tuition deposit ($300 academic programs/$950 Intensive English for International Students (IEIS) program). All other fees paid will be refunded. Applicants who are denied Study Permits will forfeit the $100 application fee only if the “Letter of Refusal” from the Canadian Embassy or Consulate is submitted. Withdrawals after the Start of Classes: If the student decides to withdraw from their program, which includes not returning for an term, they are responsible for submitting a completed a “Program Withdrawal Form for Full-Time Programs”. The effective withdrawal date will be the date the form is received by the Student Service Centre or the Registrar’s Office, and will determine any eligibility for refund. Students are responsible for all applicable fees up to the date the form has been received by the College. The “Withdrawal Form for Full-time Programs” is available online https://go.rrc.ca/studentinfo/Forms • Withdrawal within the first 7% (the first week) of the term will receive 100% refund less the nonrefundable deposit ($300 academic programs/$950 Intensive English for International Students (IEIS) program). • Withdrawal between 7% - 25% of the term (i.e. usually within the first month) will receive 50% refund for tuition, technology, lab and material fees; 0% refund for students association, software, endowment or student service fees. • Withdrawal after the first 25% of the term will not receive a refund. • Student health & dental fees are 100% refundable up to 30 days from the start of the program. Refunds will be processed in the same manner as the original payment method. Cash and debit payment refunds will be made by cheque. Cheques will be mailed to the last recorded address. Refund cheques are payable to the applicant or third party on consent of the applicant, and may be sent to the originating education agent or appropriate Canada Immigration authority for pick-up.

Students changing their status to Permanent Resident will be eligible to have their tuition adjusted for any future of study remaining in their program. Students are required to submit a copy of their landing document to initiate any fee adjustment and change of status.

ORIENTATION/FIRST DAY OF PROGRAM All students are required to attend the mandatory orientation and/or first day of classes of the first semester. If you are unable to arrive in Winnipeg on time to attend please International Education by e-mail [email protected] or by telephone 1-204-632-2143. Failure to attend the orientation/first day of program without notifying our office may result in the immediate cancellation of your registration and your seat may be offered to the next student on our wait list. Some academic programs have their own program orientation prior to the first day of classes. Please view the International website www.rrc.ca/international for program specific Registration information listed by campus/program.

TIMETABLES Timetables are available from your instructor on the first day of classes or online through your WebAdvisor . Most class hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; however, some classes may be scheduled at a later time. Please note that some programs may include evening and weekend time commitments. www.rrc.ca/webadvisor

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES Approximate costs for books and supplies are available on your program’s webpage at www.rrc.ca. Booklists, books and supplies are available at the bookstore of whichever campus you will be attending. Books may be purchased one term at a time and are normally available approximately two weeks prior to your class start date. To avoid waiting in long line-ups, we recommended that you obtain your books and supplies prior to the class start date. • Bookstore (Notre Dame Campus) Room DM11 (lower level), 2055 Notre Dame Avenue • Bookstore (Exchange District Campus) Room P109, 160 Princess Street You may also purchase books online at: www.rrc.ca/books

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STUDENT PHOTO ID Student photo ID cards are mandatory for identification purposes, accessing Red River College services such as gyms and computer labs, entering campuses after hours, borrowing materials from the Library/Learning Commons, and writing exams. Student photo ID cards may be obtained from either Student Service Centre (Notre Dame Campus or Roblin Centre - Exchange District Campus). To avoid long line ups we encourage you to obtain your Student photo ID during the month prior to your class start date. Please bring a current piece of photo ID (i.e. port or Manitoba Driver’s License). Student photo ID cards for Language Training Centre students are available at a cost of $20. Replacement Student photo ID cards are available at a cost of $20. www.rrc.ca/photoid

E-MAIL The College is reducing the number of hardcopy (paper) items mailed to students. It is the student’s responsibility to keep their email address on file current by updating your WebAdvisor of by ing the International Education Office by email [email protected]. Please refer to the “Student Computer Systems and s” brochure for more information on your college academic e-mail . www.rrc.ca/studentsystems www.rrc.ca/webadvisor

Notre Dame Campus and Stevenson Campus If a student requires parking between 6:00 a.m. and midnight, Monday to Friday, you must purchase parking. Parking is free on weekends and holidays. As parking space is limited and often sells out, we recommend you purchase multi-month es that cover the duration of your program. Parking applications and carpooling information can be found at www.rrc.ca/parking

RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process which documents and compares an individual’s prior learning gained from prior education, work and life experiences and personal study to the learning outcomes in College courses/programs. www.rrc.ca/rpl

CREDIT TRANSFERS Students seeking credit for course work completed elsewhere or in other programs at RRC please complete a “Course Credit/Grade Transfer Form” and submit with official transcripts and course descriptions after acceptance. You may be charged a fee before the evaluation is completed. Fees are for service and will be assessed whether or not credit is granted. Approval of academic credit will not necessarily translate into financial credit for current program fees.

WEBADVISOR (Your Online ) Your WebAdvisor provides you with 24 hour access to your personal information registration and financial records. You can activate your by ing the International Educational Office or one of the Student Service Centres (Notre Dame Campus or Roblin Centre – Exchange District Campus). www.rrc.ca/webadvisor

www.rrc.ca/forms

What If I Don’t Have Internet Access? If you do not have Internet access at home, you can access the Internet from the Red River College Libraries (Notre Dame Campus or the Roblin Centre – Exchange District Campus) or at any branch of the Winnipeg Public Library.

www.rrc.ca/employmentservices Job Postings: https://jobcentral.rrc.ca

LOCKER RENTALS Locker rental permits may be purchased from the Print and Graphic Centre of the campus you will be attending. You will need to purchase your own lock. www.rrc.ca/lockers

PARKING AND CARPOOLING Roblin Centre – Exchange District Campus Please visit www.rrc.ca/parking for a listing of parking lots surrounding the Roblin Centre – Exchange District Campus.

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STUDENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES Employment Services will assist you with job-seeking strategies, resume and cover letter writing, interview preparation and access to current job postings on Red River College’s internal job posting site – JobCentral.

CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS International students ed in programs that have an internship/co-op component (paid or unpaid work experience) are required by the Federal Government to have a valid Co-op Work Permit and Social Insurance Number (SIN). Co-op Work Permit You are required to apply for a Co-op Work Permit through Citizenship and Immigration Canada if you are already in Canada or you can request the Co-op Work Permit to be issued at the same time as your Study Permit. There is no fee for this type of work permit as it can only be used for this specific purpose. It cannot be used for any other employment purpose.

International Education can assist you with this process if you arrive without a Co-op Work Permit. Please apply 8-12 weeks prior to your first internship or co-op employment. You are not permitted to begin your internship or co-op employment until after you have received your Co-op Work Permit. For information on Work Permits or to obtain able forms, go to Citizenship and Immigration Canada website at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/work.asp. Social Insurance Number (SIN) The Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a nine-digit number used in the istration of various Federal Government programs. You will require a SIN to work in Canada or to receive government benefits. An employer cannot pay you without a SIN. To apply for a SIN, you must complete an application form and provide an original document that proves your identity (port and Work Permit) and status in Canada. There is no fee for the SIN. You are required to apply in person at a Service Canada Centre. The Central Winnipeg Office is located at 111 – 393 Portage Avenue. For further information or a able application refer to www.servicecanada.gc.ca.

DIVERSITY AND INTERCULTURAL SERVICES The Diversity Centre provides services and programs to help international students be successful in their transition to the College and their integration into the Canadian labour force. The Centre is a gathering place for students to relax study, learn and meet other students. The Centre also offers free workshops and activities on essential College skills, Canadian culture and Canadian workplace culture. Be sure to the Centre’s e-mail distribution list for more information and to receive their monthly enewsletter. The Centre provides social activities at noon hour and field trips after class and on weekends. The Centre is located at the Notre Dame Campus beside the International Education Office Room D-208 and is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For students attending classes at the Roblin Centre – Exchange District Campus or Paterson Global Foods Institute, a second office is located directly across the street from the Roblin Centre in the Massey Building at 103-294 William Avenue. www.rrc.ca/diversity

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August 2014

www.rrc.ca/international red river CoLLeGe: faSt faCtS

WEB RESOURCES

• Manitoba’s largest institute of applied learning

Canadian Government – Study in Canada cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp

• More than 30,000 enrolments • More than 110 full-time programs • State-of-the-art equipment and research facilities • Instructors with proven industry experience • Intensive English classes in smaller-sized groups • 94% graduate employment rate • 93% graduate satisfaction rate • Nine campuses throughout Manitoba • Sponsored and accredited by the Government of Manitoba • Student residence in the heart of downtown Winnipeg

Province of Manitoba – International Education gov.mb.ca/ie Immigrate to Manitoba – Provincial Nominee Program immigratemanitoba.com Winnipeg Economic Development & Tourism Agency destinationwinnipeg.ca Red River College Campus Living rrc.ca/campusliving

InternatIonal educatIon D210-2055 Notre Dame Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada R3H 0J9 Telephone: 1.204.632.2143 Fax: 1.204.632.5269 For more information : [email protected] On the web: rrc.ca/international