Graduation Transitions Program and Post-Secondary Institutions GUIDE 2015-2016 CHANGING DESTINY by CHANGING MINDS CONTENTS

graduation transitions program AND Post-Secondary institutions GUIDE 2015-2016 CHANGING DESTINY BY CHANGING MINDS CONTENTS

Post-Secondary Information Guide 02

Graduation Requirements 03

Language Proficiency Index (LPI) 04

What is the Graduation Transitions Program? 05

Application and Admission Procedures Summary 2015-16 06

Disability Services at Post-Secondary Institutions 08

Psychological-Educational Assessments and Post-Secondary Education 09

Self-Advocacy 10

Post-Secondary Checklist for Students with a Learning Disability 11

Further Education Institutions 12

Volunteer and Travel Programs 20

General Information on Scholarships, Awards 22 and Financial Aid

Canadian Bursaries for Students with Disabilities 24

This booklet contains important information for your son or daughter’s final year at Fraser Academy. All information is accurate as of September 2015.

For those students wanting to attend post-secondary institutions, the program options are practically limitless. As each student has unique needs, preferences and circumstances, finding a good fit is the result of teamwork (student, plus his or her family, teachers and counsellors).

Please note that each institution has its own application opening and deadline dates, as well as documentation requirements. Check each individual school online for the most up-to-date information.

There are also many options for those students taking a year off, including volunteering, working or travelling in Canada or another country. The Transitions Team can help students work on their resume or interviewing skills, and offer information about GAP and other programs.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Sincerely,

Hannah McCormack Counsellor; Team Lead Post-Secondary Planning

Key Post-Secondary Grade 12 Planning Dates

Ongoing Meetings with the Post-Secondary Planning Counsellor; calendar updated with upcoming post-secondary events, fairs and information sessions.

Oct. 8, 2015 Grade 12 Parent and Student Information Session Night.

Work Experience Week. Grade 12 students complete Feb. 15-19, 2016 one week (minimum 30 hrs) of work experience in their graduating year. Placements are organized by the students and their parents under the supervision of the Post-Secondary Planning Counsellor.

Language Proficiency Index (LPI) Test for students with less April 2016 than 80% in English applying to post-secondary schools in BC. Fraser Academy suggests all students potentially going to post-secondary in BC to write the test.

Grade 12 Graduation Presentation, which includes the May 16-27, 2016 completion of a Graduation Transitions Plan outlining career and life plans (e-portfolio with transition plan questions, an updated resume, completed work experience forms and more).

02 © Fraser Academy G raduation Requirements

Most students leave Fraser Academy with more than the 80 credits required by the Ministry of Education to graduate. Please refer to the Fraser Academy course selection guide for additional information or arrange a meeting with the Transitions Team or Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning.

Specific Graduation Requirements

English 10 4 credits

English 11 OR Communications 11 4 credits

English 12 OR Communications 12 4 credits

Social Studies 10 4 credits

Social Studies 11 4 credits

Any Math 10 4 credits

Any Math 11 4 credits

Science 10 4 credits

Science 11 OR Science 12 4 credits

Fine Art OR Applied Skill 10, 11 or 12 4 credits

Physical Education 10 4 credits

Planning 10 4 credits

Graduation Transitions Program 4 credits

Elective Courses

Total elective course credits taken between Grades 10-12 28 credits

TOTAL 80 CREDITS

The Language Proficiency Index (LPI) Test is a standardized test for students applying to BC colleges or universities. It provides general information about a student’s competency in the English language. If a student achieves an 80% or higher in an English 12 course, the LPI test is not necessary. However, for those students who fall below this average, the LPI mark will be used for entrance and English placement. Fraser Academy suggests that all students potentially going to post-secondary in BC write the test.

Different schools have different LPI requirements. UBC requires a minimum of 30/40 on the essay section or an overall score of 5, whereas Langara College requires 26/40 and Capilano University requires 24/40, both overall scores of 4. Fraser Academy will host a sitting of the LPI in April 2016. Students will be eligible for extended time and receive most of the accommodations for the test that they receive for exams (except reading comprehension). The usual time slot is 2.5 hours but students with double or unlimited time can have up to 5 hours maximum.

04 © Fraser Academy W hat is the Graduation Transitions Program?

The Graduation Transitions Program is toward the Dogwood Diploma. Successful designed to help students make a successful completion of the program is required to transition to life after high school. It is an graduate. opportunity for students to reflect on their knowledge and abilities and plan for life after Students begin Graduation Transitions in high school by collecting evidence of their Health & Career Education 7-9. In Planning 10, achievements. Students are expected to plan they work on their education and career goals, and prepare their education, career and life health and finances. In Grade 11, career and goals with the help of staff or their parents personality assessments are done as well as as needed. The program is worth 4 credits an interview project.

“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Chinese Proverb

What do students need to do in Grade 12?

Career and Life

Students need to explore personal and career goals in Grades 10-12. They will create a Transition e-Portfolio that includes the framework for a two-year plan for after graduation plus other requirements and present it at the Grade 12 Graduation Presentation in May 2016.

Community Connections

Students need to participate in a minimum of 30 hours of unpaid work experience during Work Experience Week in February 2016. Students need to find a placement before December 13, 2015.

Transitions Classes

All Grade 12 students will have mandatory transitions classes once a month to keep track of their progress. Meetings will include PowerPoint lessons, group discussion, and speakers.

Personal Health

Students need to complete 150 minutes of exercise per week (tracked by Athletics Department). If they are not enrolled in PE 12: Sport and Recreation or Health and Fitness, students need to do this on their own time and record it via the form handed out at the start of the year.

The Transitions Team has “getting Eastern schools to know you” sessions with Grade may require interim 12s to get an idea of what their transcripts for students plans are shaping up to be. with high enough grade averages seeking early The students receive information admission. on application openings and deadlines. Admin will send interim transcripts to schools for Students wanting to apply to post- students with averages secondary institutions outside of 75% and above. Canada begin the application process.

GAP program application should begin right away.

Sep Oct - Nov Dec - Jan

The post-secondary application process for Canadian institutions begins. The Transitions Team is available to help with applications (parents need to provide credit card information for application fees).

Regular application deadlines for most universities are around mid to late Feb.

Schools like BCIT, Langara, Capilano, VCC and Douglas have ongoing semester admission (they are often first come, first served, so apply early for September 2016 admission).

Online portal for most BC post-secondary applications: https://applybc.ca. Online portal for most Alberta schools: www.applyalberta.ca. Online portal for Ontario schools: www.ouac.on.ca.

06 © Fraser Academy Students may receive confirmation of conditional acceptance to certain institutions at this time. Please advise the Transitions Team of acceptances.

Students can self-report grades for early admission for certain universities.

Students applying to post-secondary institutions in BC take the Language Proficiency Index Test in April.

Final marks sent out to post-secondary institutions through the PSI form. Final Post-secondary offers of admission are institutions review secured. student applications.

Feb - Apr Early Mar Mar - Apr May Summer

Students may begin to hear back about “conditional acceptances” awaiting their final Grade 12 marks and graduation status.

Students fill out the Ministry PSI (Post-Secondary Information) form via the Student Secure Web. The PSI form ensures that final transcripts are sent to designated post-secondary institutions within Canada. Transcripts with interim marks for courses not yet completed will be sent in May by the Ministry of Education to all designated post- secondary institutions.

Most public post-secondary institutions in Canada and the US are required to provide services to individuals with learning or other disabilities. In BC, post-secondary institutions are bound by Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development guidelines.

As part of these guidelines:

Students Must Identify Themselves

Students must self-identify that they have a learning disability at the time of their initial application and will often need to book an intake appointment no later than three months prior to the start of their classes with an institution’s Disability Resource Centre to ensure ongoing academic accommodations.

Students Must Provide Recent Documentation

Students must provide documentation of their learning disability (psychological-educational assessment or other supporting documentation that is no more than 3-5 years old, depending on the institution).

08 © Fraser Academy P sychological-Educational Assessments and Post-Secondary Education

The Ministry of Advanced Education and post- It is highly recommended that students and their secondary colleges and universities have different parents make an appointment with the disability requirements in their psych-ed test from secondary advisor of the institution they plan to attend 3-6 schools in BC. Every institution has its own mandate, months before they enter school so that if further and some are stricter than others in what they will documentation is required, there is time to collect it. and will not accept. If you do get a new assessment done, we have been advised it should contain the following to meet post-secondary standards: If your son or daughter’s assessment will be older than three years when they are entering Intelligence tests a new institution, he or she will Achievement tests likely need a new one to receive accommodations. However, DSM4 Codes some schools will accept older Ability-achievement discrepancies clearly laid out assessments. You should check Memory tests with the Post-Secondary Planning Counsellor or the specific institution Administration of the assessment by a Registered Psychologist before getting a new assessment done.

If you take this list to your psychologist, he or she will understand what is needed.

If you don’t remember when your son or daughter’s last assessment was done, we should have that information in our school files.

Also, if upon entering post-secondary school your child is having problems getting certain accommodations, you should speak to your psychologist, who can phone the institution or write a letter on your child’s behalf.

Students need to self-advocate The importance of self-advocacy for students with disabilities Students will need to self-advocate to get their needs met at post-secondary Becoming a self-advocate in high school institutions. Their post-secondary will help students succeed in college. At the educational files are off-limits to parents or college level, they will be responsible for Fraser staff unless students sign a document identifying and requesting support services. with the institution allowing you or us to Parents aren’t automatically involved with intervene. This should be decided at the their children’s college education, and most beginning of the school year, and is a colleges prefer working directly with the student’s choice. student.

As a “self-advocate” you communicate your needs with logical and positive language. To be an effective self-advocate, you must understand your disability, know how it impacts your learning, and become comfortable with describing your disability and academic-related needs to others.

From www.educationquest.org/swd.asp

What is a self-advocate?

Make choices based on their preferences, beliefs and abilities.

Take control and make decisions that impact the Self-advocates quality of their lives.

Take risks and assume responsibility for their actions.

Advocate on behalf of themselves and others.

10 © Fraser Academy P ost-Secondary Checklist for Students with a Learning Disability

Student self-identifies as having Book an intake interview with the a learning disability during the school’s Disability Resource Centre (if application process. required) at least 3 months before the start date of class.

Documentation required: Visit the Counselling Office/Academic recent educational psychological Advising Office at the institution assessment (no more than to ensure that course selection is 3-4 years old) and other appropriate for the level of disability supporting documentation (i.e. fewer courses per term is (doctor’s letter, occupational recommended). therapy assessment, etc.).

Please visit your chosen institution’s website to fully explore their Disability Resource Centre (sometimes called Access and Diversity Centre). This information is usually located under “Student Services.” The DRC (Disability Resource Centre) is an important part of your ongoing education.

It is the responsibility of students to ensure they fully explore ALL aspects of a chosen institution in terms of information and requirements. As always, the Post-Secondary Planning Counsellor is able to help!

BC Universities (Public) Universities are mainly degree-granting institutions, although there are some vocational diploma programs at certain ones. Smaller institutions are marked with an asterisk.

British Columbia Institute of Technology www.bcit.ca

Simon Fraser University www.sfu.ca

University of British Columbia www.ubc.ca

University of British Columbia – Okanagan www.ubc.ca/okanagan

Capilano University * www.capilanou.ca

Emily Carr University * www.ecuad.ca

Fairleigh Dickinson University * www.fdu.edu

Kwantlen Polytechnic University * www.kwantlen.bc.ca

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology * www.nvit.bc.ca

Quest University * www.questu.ca

Royal Roads University * www.royalroads.ca

Thompson Rivers University * www.tru.ca

Trinity Western University * www.twu.ca

University of the Fraser Valley * www.ufv.ca

University of Northern British Columbia * www.unbc.ca

University of Victoria * www.uvic.ca

Vancouver Island University * www.viu.ca

Compare all BC Institutions at www.educationplanner.ca/index.cfm.

12 © Fraser Academy BC Community Colleges Colleges offer university transfer programs and a variety of technical and vocational diploma programs. Students enter college studies at the level appropriate to their achievement in high school. Colleges have small class sizes and can be an ideal steppingstone for students at Fraser Academy.

Camosun College www.camosun.bc.ca

College of New Caledonia www.cnc.bc.ca

College of the Rockies www.cotr.bc.ca

Columbia College (private) www.columbia-college.org

Douglas College www.douglas.bc.ca

Langara College www.langara.bc.ca

North Island College www.nic.bc.ca

Northern Lights College www.nlc.bc.ca

Northwest Community College www.nwcc.bc.ca

Okanagan College www.okanagan.bc.ca

Selkirk College www.selkirk.bc.ca

Vancouver Community College www.vcc.bc.ca

Academy of Learning DuBrulle International Culinary and Hotel Institute

BC Helicopters John Casablanca Hair Academy

Blanche MacDonald Centre Nimbus School of Recording Arts

CDI College of Business and Technology Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy

Centre for Digital Imaging and Sound Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts

Corpus Christi Liberal Arts College Rhodes Wellness College (on UBC campus)

VanARTS (Vancouver Institute of Media Arts) Sprott-Shaw Community College

Vancouver College of Counsellor Training Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage

Vancouver Film School Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts

There are thousands of programs across As in BC, all provinces have Canada. For an extensive list please visit www.uwaterloo.ca/canu. community colleges and private training institutes that offer For a good comparison application, please see www.globecampus.ca/navigator. smaller class sizes and reduced tuition, as well as university Institution summaries can be found at www.univcan.ca/canadian-universities/our- transfer programs. universities/

Large Campuses YT University of Alberta University of Calgary NWT NU

Small Colleges and Universities Concordia University College (2,000 students) Mount Royal University (10,000 students) The King’s University College (700 students) University of Lethbridge, Alberta BC AB (8,000 students) Northern Alberta Institute of Technology MB (27,000 students) SK Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (47,000 students)

Large Campuses University of Saskatchewan University of Regina Large Campuses Small Colleges and Universities University of Manitoba First Nations University of Small Colleges and Universities Canada (750 students) Brandon University (3,200 students) Luther College @ University of Saskatchewan (600 students) Canadian Mennonite University (600 students) St. Thomas More College (1,500 students) University of Winnipeg (10,000 students)

Brock University Queen’s University University of Waterloo Carleton University Ryerson University University of Western Ontario Guelph University University of Ottawa University of Windsor McMaster University University of Toronto York University

Small Colleges and Universities

Algoma University (1,000 students) St. Paul’s University (1,000 students) Bresica University College for Women St. Jerome’s @ University of Waterloo @ University of Western Ontario (700 students) (1,000 students) Trent in Peterborough (7,500 students) Huron University College @ University University of Ontario Institute of of Western Ontario (1,500 students) Technology (7,000 students) King’s University College @ University University of St. Michael’s College @ of Western Ontario (3,000 students) University of Toronto (5,000 students) Lakehead University (8,500 students) University of Trinity College @ University Laurentian University (8,500 students) of Toronto (2,000 students) Nipissing University (4,500 students) Wilfred Laurier University (14,000 students) Ontario College of Art and Design (4,000 students) Redeemer University College (900 students)

Large Campuses Memorial University NL

QC Small Colleges and Universities PEI University of PEI (4,000 students) ON NB NS

Small Colleges and Universities Acadia University (3,000 students) Cape Breton University (3,200 students) Dalhousie University (13,000 students) Large Campuses Small Colleges and Universities Mount Allison University (2,300 students) Concordia University St. Thomas University Mt. St. Vincent’s (4,000 students) (2,400 students) McGill University St. Francis Xavier University (4,000 students) University of New Brunswick Small Colleges and Universities St. Mary’s University (7,000 students) (10,500 students) Bishops University (2,000 students) University of King’s College (1,200 students)

© Fraser Academy 17 Online Learning Thompson Rivers University – Open Learning (BC) and Athabasca University (AB) have online/distance education University programs. Other institutions may offer certain courses online as well.

18 © Fraser Academy US Colleges and Universities US schools usually require the SAT score or activities, extra-curricular activities and ACT score as part of the admissions process. academic rigor (i.e., AP and IB programs). These tests are given at private testing centres all through the year. These test sittings do book Recommended link: www.collegeboard. quickly so check out the dates and times at the org. The College Board is a non-profit SAT and ACT websites and register as soon as membership association of 4,200 schools. possible. However not every school requires SAT and ACT marks. For a list of schools which There are also two small colleges in the USA do not require these tests please see: www. (Landmark College in Vermont and Beacon fairtest.org/university/optional. College in Florida) specifically targeted to students with learning disabilities. For a US universities have very different standards list of colleges with programs for students and requirements than Canadian universities. with learning disabilities see: www.college- US colleges often employ the use of The scholarships.com/learning_disabilities.htm. Common Application: www.commonapp. org, although each school usually requires Fraser Academy recommends connecting supplemental information on leadership with a consultant on US applications www. potential and a well-rounded background. US optionssolutionsed.com. schools tend to place high value on enrichment

Students should aim to have their application in by November 1st of their Grade 12 year to American colleges. Some schools take applications as late as February 1st but US applications are lengthy and require a great deal of effort for students, parents and teachers.

Gap Programs/Volunteer Projects Most GAP programs aim to promote international understanding through voluntary exchanges for young people. Duration can be a few weeks to an entire year.

Benefits of abroad opportunities include:

Experience another culture

Develop career interests based upon concrete work experience

Have time to mature and reflect on the future

There are also a number www.lattitude.org* www.realgap.co.uk* of other websites on the www.canadaworldyouth.org Internet if you search projects-abroad.ca www.volunteerabroad.ca ‘Gap Year’ and the country www.swap.ca you are interested in. www.yci.org www.gapwork.com www.leapnow.org www.gobroadreach.com

20 © Fraser Academy Latitude Canada Global Volunteering Latitude Global Volunteering (formerly known truly engage with it. They seek to develop as Gap Activity Projects) is an international young people’s awareness and responsibilities youth development charity. Their mission is to towards themselves and others, and equip educate and develop young people worldwide them with vital life skills. They have 40 years’ by providing inclusive opportunities for them to experience, regional offices in Australia, New make a positive difference to the lives of others Zealand, the UK and Canada, and country through a distinctive, challenging, structured managers in South Africa, Ghana and Malawi. and supported international volunteering They have supported 30,000 young volunteers experience in a culture and community around the world. different from their own. Students can go to: UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Through global volunteering, they aim to give Australia, Argentina, China, Costa Rica, young people the opportunity to experience Ecuador, Fiji, Ghana, India/Tibet, Japan, the world beyond their community and to Poland, South Africa, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.

Entrance Scholarships Private Scholarships This major award is available to students who These awards are given by companies and are proceeding from Grade 12 to studies at a not-for-profit organizations for a variety post-secondary institution. These scholarships of reasons and in various amounts. Each are awarded by the specific institution to new opportunity has its own deadlines, eligibility admissions to that institution. They typically requirements, and application procedures. range from $1,000 to over $30,000. Each Some deadlines are as early as September of entrance scholarship winner is outstanding Grade 12, while others are as late as October in a variety of fields, including academics, following graduation. Most deadlines are in community service, athletics, fine arts and the spring (February to May). leadership.

Application processes and timelines vary There are websites containing for each post-secondary institution. In some cases, a university (e.g. UBC) will only accept search fields that allow one application from a Fraser Academy students to enter their personal student and the applicant must be nominated by the Head of School or designate. information and educational plans, and the search service Affiliation Scholarships will match them to scholarship Awards issued through the financial aid opportunities. offices of post-secondary institutions on behalf of independent donors. Typically, an affiliation scholarship is only valid at that particular institution, and it supports the donor’s mission or industry. Links to the financial aid sites for BC post-secondary institutions can be found at the following site: www.educationplanner.ca/moneymatters. cfm?page=45

22 © Fraser Academy The process is imperfect and takes some patience and persistence, but the payoff can be significant. Millions of dollars in scholarships remain unawarded yearly because students do not apply.

The following sites are recommended:

BC Scholarships www.bcscholarships.ca

Disability Awards www.disabilityawards.ca

Student Awards www.studentawards.com

Universities Canada www.univcan.ca

CanLearn www.canlearn.ca/eng/index.shtml

Student Loans www.canlearn.ca/eng/loans_grants/index.shtml

Canada Study Grant for the Accommodation of Students with Permanent Disabilities The Canada Study Grant for the Accommodation of Students with Permanent Disabilities can provide up to $8,000 per loan year to help pay for exceptional education-related costs associated with your disability. These costs may include tutors, oral or sign interpreters, attendant care for studies, specialized transportation (to and from school only), note takers, readers and braillers.

Students who apply for To be eligible for this grant, you must: financial aid may also be eligible for some bursaries Apply for and meet the eligibility criteria for assistance under the Canada Student Loans if they meet the necessary Program for full-time or part-time study. requirements. Have a permanent disability: a functional limitation caused by a physical or mental impairment that restricts the ability of a person to perform the daily activities necessary to participate fully in post- secondary studies or in the labour force.

Have need of exceptional education-related services or equipment that are required to perform the daily activities necessary to participate in studies at a post-secondary level.

To apply, you must first establish your financial need by applying and qualifying for a full-time or part-time Canada Student Loan. You must then complete and submit a separate application form for the Canada Study Grant for the Accommodation of Students with Permanent Disabilities.

24 © Fraser Academy Canada Access Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities This up-front grant is awarded to students with permanent disabilities who have demonstrated financial need.

It is intended to assist in covering the costs of accommodation, tuition, books, and other education-related expenses up to $2,000 per loan year.

To be considered for this Canada Access Grant, you must apply for and be eligible to receive a student loan through your Provincial or Territorial Student Assistance Office. There is no separate application for this grant, but you must provide proof of your permanent disability with your loan application.

This is a provincial bursary program designed permanent disabilities attending designated to assist students with disabilities with BC post-secondary institutions, and taking exceptional educational costs (e.g. additional post-secondary level course(s). transportation costs, specialized clothing, etc.), recognizing that on average, students You do not need to apply separately for with permanent disabilities incur higher this new funding. If you have provided costs to attend post-secondary studies in the necessary medical documentation comparison to the general student population. to qualify for the existing financial aid programs for students with disabilities, you This bursary program is available to part- will automatically receive this new bursary time students or full-time students with funding.

Program details for studies commencing on or after August 1, 2009

$800 Bursary Available if you qualify for a Canada student grant for persons with permanent disabilities and you are studying at a course load of 40% or greater.

$400 Bursary Available to any student that qualifies for Canada student grant for persons with permanent disabilities and you are studying at a course load of 20% to 39%.

The funds will be disbursed as a cheque mailed once per program year to your post- secondary institution.

For more information, contact StudentAid BC.

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