COVID-19 updates from VCC's Student Service team
Watch an American Sign Language (ASL) version of this message
Dear VCC student,
Over the past few weeks, we have seen the COVID-19 pandemic change how we learn, work, play, and live. Our collective response to these unexpected challenges has brought to light the strength, resilience, and heart of our college community. As we navigate through this, please know that VCC’s Student Service team is here to support you.
With information changing fast and coming from many sources, please bookmark VCC's new COVID-19 information site and check back frequently for the latest updates on student services, resources, and frequently asked questions.
Emergency funding
Information on relevant and helpful government and community funding can be found by visiting the resources page on VCC's COVID-19 information site. For information on VCC's Indigenous emergency assistance fund, please contact indigenous@vcc.ca.
International students
For international students, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has stated that the transition of Canadian post-secondary programs to online studies will not impact visas, study permits, or post-graduate work permits. If you have questions, please contact VCC International student support.
Studying from abroad
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is now allowing international students with study permits for programs starting in May or June to complete up to 50 per cent of their program online from abroad, before travelling to Canada.
Campus and technology access
Need access to the Internet or a computer? VCC’s computer labs are available:
Downtown campus
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learning Centre
Please bring VCC or government-issued ID and a letter from your program confirming your active student status. The computer lab can be accessed from the Dunsmuir St. entrance only, and by signing in with Security.
Broadway campus
Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Building B, room 2231
The computer lab in Building B can be accessed from the 7th Ave. entrance.
Libraries and tutoring
VCC's librarians are available! Chat online with them using AskAway, or get personalized help in English, Business, Math, Life Sciences, and Sciences from our Learning Centre tutors using Zoom. You can book your sessions via WCOnline.
Get tips on resume writing, practice one-to-one interview skills, and explore careers online using Career Guidance.
Disability services and interpreting
As our classes shift to online and alternative delivery modes, VCC’s Disability Services and Registered Sign Language Interpreting teams are available to ensure your new learning environment and materials are accessible. Please get in touch by emailing disabilityservices@vcc.ca or interpreting@vcc.ca.
Dispute resolution
If you have any concerns that you are being treated unfairly, have a specific complaint, or would like to appeal a grade, the Arbiter of Student Issues at VCC is an impartial, neutral, and confidential resource for you. The office provides information on student rights and responsibilities, and assistance with college policies and procedures. Please contact the Arbiter by emailing tmarks@vcc.ca or calling 604.871.7000 ext. 7040.
Your health and well-being
VCC's Student Service team cares about your health and well-being. It is very normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious at this time, with the heightened stressors that surround us. If this is your experience, VCC counsellors are just a call away. Check out your health and dental plan and student savings card at SUVCC's Green Shield Canada.
Very soon, LinkedIn Learning will also be available to VCC students, which includes many wonderful webinars on self care. Watch for a special announcement and stay up to date by checking your myVCC student portal.
Student loans
Effective March 30, 2020, all British Columbia (StudentAid BC) and national (NSLSC) student loan borrowers will temporarily have their repayments suspended.
Renters
The Government of B.C. is introducing a new temporary rental supplement, halting evictions, and freezing rents.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
For eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19, the Government of Canada is offering temporary income support.
B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers
The Government of B.C. will provide a one-time payment to people who lost income because of COVID-19.
Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)
Post-secondary students hired through SWPP may now access more flexible start dates and duration of placements. Students may also be permitted to work from home, and post-secondary institutions may access a wage subsidy.
Canada Summer Jobs Program
Up to 70,000 summer jobs will be created for youth between the ages of 15 and 30, thanks to more flexible hiring policies and increased wage subsidies.
We’re here for you
If you have any other questions or concerns, please connect with our Student Service Centre team by calling 604.871.7000, option 2. Please stay safe, take care of yourself, those you love, and those you don't know – we are all in this together.
Sincerely,
Jane Shin, MEd MD
Associate Vice President, Student Success
Vancouver Community College