SELC Language College Policies

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

Before entering into any kind of an agreement with SELC Language College, students take the following steps:

• After receiving evidence that the prospective student meets all the admission criteria, the Registrar Office prepares a Letter of Acceptance. These are forwarded to the student for review.
• If necessary and available, the prospective student can discuss and agree on financial arrangements for payment of tuition and other fees with their marketer.
• The Student Enrolment Contract is prepared before the student’s program begins and signed after reviewing their rights and responsibilities. A PDF copy of the contract is placed in the student’s file.

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

Students are expected to uphold the program requirements that they voluntarily agreed to upon enrolling in any SELC Language College programs.

In order to ensure that class attendance requirements are maintained, SELC Language College has a strict attendance policy. A student must maintain an 80% level of attendance during the course of their studies. Failure to maintain an 80% level of attendance will result in students not being eligible for their certificate of completion. Students that maintain a level of attendance lower than 80% but above 60% can only receive a certificate of enrollment. If a student’s level of attendance drops below 60%, they will NOT graduate from the program and they will NOT receive any certificates.

Please note that students must contact the school, either by email or by phone, to let us know if they are going to miss school due to illness. Any absence exceeding 2 consecutive days requires a doctor’s note to justify the absence. SELC Language College reserves the right to ask for a doctor’s note even if a student has missed less than two consecutive days but has displayed a pattern of absences and/or lateness. Proof of a positive COVID result is also acceptable for an excused absence.

NB: All students are permitted to request time off for religious holidays. These requests must be submitted to the Administrative Coordinator four weeks prior to the holiday or the request for time off will not be accepted. Acceptable forms of documentation verifying illness are:

1. A note from a clinic.  Vancouver has an excellent network of walk in health care clinics where you can see a physician seven days a week without an appointment. 
2. The minimum form of documentation we will accept is an Official Prescription Receipt from a pharmacist, recommending medication for your illness.   
3. If you come to school, and it is clear to your instructor that you are not well enough to be in class, you can be excused from class on your instructor’s recommendation. 

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

Students will be allowed to enter the classroom within 5 minutes of the class start time and attendance will not be affected.

After 5 minutes, the student will be considered late and will not be able to enter the classroom until after the 1st break.

Three (3) lates will be considered as one day of absence.

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

Students requesting a leave of absence MUST:

• Complete the Leave of Absence Request Form
• Provide documentation showing that they have a personal or medical issue.

*If approved, the student will be considered absent for their time away.

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

Students that require a longer period of absence may apply for a Program Interruption (PI). PI is a period of break granted to a student at a specific point during the student’s education at SELC Language College and is reserved for an authorized and specific reason. This leave can only be taken once during the entire duration of the program and up to a maximum of 150 days. Students will need:

• to complete Program Interruption and Return to Study Forms
• the Campus Director’s authorization prior to planning the leave
• to provide supporting documents for personal or medical reasons (medical reasons or pregnancy, family emergency, death or serious illness of a family member, any other type of leave which SELC Language College deems acceptable).

While on a Program Interruption

• Students are still classified as enrolled in their program and are classified as current students.
• Students are responsible for ensuring and planning for permit extensions (Study Permit) that may be necessary while taking an authorized leave.
• Any costs associated with these extensions are the sole responsibility of the student.

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

SELC Language College expects students to meet and adhere to a code of conduct while completing a program of study. The list below outlines the code of conduct that all students are expected to follow. This list is not exhaustive, and students should request clarification from the Administrative Coordinator if they have any questions. “Student” is defined as including prospective students as well as those currently registered or enrolled in any SELC Language College programs or activity. The Code of Conduct students are expected to follow includes:

• Attend school in accordance with the Attendance Policy.
• Treat all students and staff with respect.
• Refrain from any disruptive or offensive classroom behavior. This includes any jokes or comments that refer in a degrading manner to race, ethnicity, sexuality or religious orientation.
• Refrain from cheating or plagiarism in completing class assignments.
• Treat school property with respect.
• Refrain from bringing weapons of any kind (i.e. knives, guns) to school.
• Complete all assignments and examinations on the scheduled completion dates.
• Refrain from bringing any alcohol or any prohibited mood-altering substances to the school.
• Any other conduct which is determined to be detrimental or damaging to the other students, staff members or the school.

Any of the following, if substantiated, will result in immediate dismissal without a warning letter or probationary period and be reported to the authorities as well as IRCC:

• Sexual assault.
• Physical assault or other violent acts committed on or off campus against any student.
• Verbal abuse or threats.
• Vandalism of school property.
• Theft.

Without limitation, a student may be dismissed/expelled from a program after review by the Principal for one of the following reasons:

• Failing or not completing all core courses (determined by program) in which the student is registered;
• Failing the payment after receiving two (2) financial warning letters.

Students who do not meet the expected code of conduct will be subject to the procedures outlined below which may include immediate dismissal from the school depending on the severity of the misconduct. Concerns related to a student’s conduct shall be referred to the Principal to process in accordance with this Policy.

Procedure:

• All concerns relating to student misconduct shall be directed to the Campus Director. Concerns may be brought by staff, students or the public.
• The Campus Director will arrange to meet with the student to discuss the concern(s) within 5 school days of receiving the complaint. If the alleged conduct is of such a serious nature that an immediate dismissal may be warranted the Campus Director will meet with the student as soon as practicable.
• Following the meeting with the student, the Campus Director will conduct whatever further enquiry or investigation is necessary to determine whether the concerns are substantiated.
• Any necessary inquiries or investigations shall be completed within 5 school days of the initial meeting with the student.
• The Campus Director will meet with the student and do one of the following:
• Determine that the concern(s) were not substantiated;
• Determine that the concern(s) were substantiated, in whole or in part, and either:
• Give the student a warning setting out the consequences of further misconduct;
• Set a probationary period with appropriate conditions; or
• Recommend that the student be dismissed from the Institution.
• The Campus Director will prepare a written summary of the determination. A copy shall be given to the student, a copy will be placed in the school’s Student File, and the original will be placed in the student file.
• If the student is issued a warning or placed on probation, the Campus Director and the student both sign the written warning or probationary conditions and the student is given a copy. The original document is placed in the student’s file.
• If the recommendation is to dismiss the student, the Campus Director of the school will meet with the student to dismiss him/her/they from studying at the school. The Administrative Coordinator of the school will deliver to the student a letter of dismissal and a calculation of refund due or tuition owing, depending on the status of the student’s financial account with the school.
• If a refund is due to the student, the Campus Director will ensure that a cheque is forwarded to the student within 30 days of the dismissal.
• If the student owes tuition or other fees to the school, the Campus Director will undertake the collection of the amount owing.

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

SELC Language College is committed to a harassment free environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. The school has zero tolerance for bullying or harassment of any kind. Harassment is any inappropriate conduct or comment by a person toward another individual that the person knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause that person to be humiliated or intimidated. Examples of harassment harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following: verbal aggression; insults based on race, religion, sexuality, disability, or physique; conduct or comments of a sexual nature that are unwelcome or offensive; vandalizing personal property; the spreading of malicious rumors; cyber bulling. A student who believes that he, she or they have been subjected to harassment while on the premises or during activities or events hosted by SELC Language College is encouraged to first clearly and firmly make known to the alleged harasser that the harassment is objectionable and must stop. Where this cannot be done, or is unsuccessful, the student should report the alleged harassment to their instructor, who will then provide all the incident details to the Campus Director. The Campus Director will investigate and deal with all complaints or incidents of harassment in a fair and timely manner. Information about a complaint will not be disclosed except to the extent necessary to protect students, to investigate the complaint, to take corrective action or as otherwise required by law. A copy of all documentation relating to the incident will be kept in the school’s Dispute Resolution Binder.

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

SELC Language College is committed to the prevention of and appropriate response to sexual misconduct. Sexual misconduct refers to a spectrum of non-consensual sexual contact and behaviour including the following:

A Complaint of sexual misconduct is different than a Report of sexual misconduct. A person may choose to disclose or complain of sexual misconduct without making a formal report. A Report is a formal notification of an incident of sexual misconduct to someone at the institution accompanied by a request for action.

A student making a Complaint will be provided with resolution options and, if appropriate, accommodation, and will not be required or pressured to make a Report. The process for making aComplaint about sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:

If a student wishes to make a complaint about sexual misconduct, he/she/they should contact the Campus Director or any other member of the SELC community. 

​SELC Language College Campus Director:  Joseph Ramos (joseph.r@SELCedu.com)

The process for responding to a Complaint of sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:

The process for making a Report of sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:

The process for responding to a Report of sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:

All information related to a Complaint or Report is confidential and will not be shared without the written consent of the parties, subject to the following exceptions:

This institution is certified by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU). Certified institutions must comply with regulatory requirements, including the requirement to have a Sexual Misconduct policy. For more information about PTIRU, go to www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca. 

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

SELC Language College provide an opportunity for students to resolve disputes of a serious nature and grades appeals in a fair and equitable manner. Only grades received on midterm or final assessments may be appealed. Grades received for assignments or weekly quizzes may not be appealed.  

Procedure for Student Disputes

Procedure for Grade Appeal:

The policy applies to all SELC Language College and SELC College students who are currently enrolled or were enrolled within the previous year. If the student is or was enrolled in an approved program, is dissatisfied with the determination, and has been misled by the institution regarding any significant aspect of that program, he or she may file a complaint with the Private Training Institutions Branch (www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca). 

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

The Institute will seek to apply its policy of graduated discipline consistently, and in accordance with its “Discipline Policy”. A student is considered to have withdrawn from his/her program of study if the student:

1. has advised the Institute that he/she has withdrawn from the program by compled the Institute’s Withdrawal and Transfer Form; and/or
2. has not complied with the Institute’s Academic Standards Policy and/or has not attended for four consecutive weeks for any reason, including absences for reason of sickness, accident, leave of absence, etc.

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

PTIB Institution Number: 3959

SELC Language College collects students’ personal information for the following reasons:

• To maintain student records as required by PTIB.
• To maintain student records as required by SABC (accredited schools).
• To keep students/graduates informed of activities at the school.
• To issue T2202As in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency.

Students’ personal information is not used for any other purpose.

For all career training programs:

• For Class A programs, SELC Language College retains the full student file for a period of eight (8) years following the student’s withdrawal, dismissal or graduation. After eight years, the full student record is destroyed using a secure destruction method.

• For Class B and Class C programs, SELC Language College retains the full student for a period of three (3) years following the student’s withdrawal, dismissal or graduation. After three years, the full student record is destroyed using a secure destruction method.

For Class A, Class B and Class C programs, SELC Language College uploads a copy of the students’ contract, transcripts and credential (if any) to an approved third-party vendor. These records are retained for a period of twenty-five (25) years by the third-party vendor.

Procedure for student access to the information on file:

• Students wishing to access the information in the student file must make the request in writing.
• The Campus Director will meet with the student to review the file and will provide copies of any document the student requests.
• The student will pay $0.25 per page for the documents copied for him/her/they.

Procedure for authorizing release of information:

• If a student wishes to authorize a third party to access information in his/her/their student file, he/she/they must do so in writing. The school will not release information to any person other than people authorized by the student   to access information unless required to do so by legislation, a subpoena, court order or if release of information is necessary as part of an ongoing police investigation.

OFFICIAL DOCUMENT REQUESTS

All official document requests (graduation certificates, transcripts, letters of attendance) can be made either through the Front Desk or by email to info@selcedu.com

All official documents can take up to two weeks to process.  SELC Language College cannot guarantee that documents will be ready in less time than that.

Each student will receive ONE official graduation certificate and ONE official transcript upon graduation. If a student loses these documents and needs a replacement, he/she/they should contact admin at: info@selcedu.com. Please find the below list of Administrative Fees regarding the price of replacement copies.

A student will receive an email once the documents are ready. The documents can either be picked up at SELC Language College or sent to the address that the student has provided.

SELC Language College will not issue graduation certificates to a student who has not completed his/her/their program.  Thus, if a student is dismissed from SELC Language College, the student is not eligible for a graduation certificate.

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

SELC Language college is certified with the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training.

Before you enroll at a certified private training institution, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

You must file the claim within one year of completing, being dismissed or withdrawing from your program.

For more information about PTIRU and how to be an informed student, go to:

http://www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/students/be-an-informed-student.

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

SELC Language College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to all students, including those with disabilities. In addition, it is committed to addressing the physical, systemic, technological, and attitudinal barriers that can limit the inclusion of students with disabilities.

PTIRU Institution Number: 3959

All courses at SELC Language College are expected to meet standards for quality of learning and teaching effectiveness. Online and distance education courses meet the same high standards for engagement and instructor-led learning experiences.   

Digital Learning works with you to conceptualize, propose, design, launch, and evaluate your online course or program to meet these guidelines. In order to achieve the above outcomes, students are required to always have their cameras on while in class. 

SELC Language College takes the quality of your education seriously and recognizes and follows the best practices below to obtain the learning objectives of online learning. 

• Active engagement of a qualified instructor who has significant expertise in the subject of the course. 
• Frequent instructor guided activity to support student learning. 
• Recorded lectures for the benefit of the student for review purposes (note: recordings will only be available for the duration of the module the lecture was recorded in, afterwards are deleted). 
• Supports and provides information about how to be a successful online student. 
• Communicates and models acceptable online etiquette. 
• Implements frequent activities that require students to engage with peers. 
• Communicates and models effective interaction norms. 

**All government regulators and/or college affiliates, including but not limited to CITT, PTIRU, SABC and IRCC require regular attendance reporting. Online attendance is determined by our camera on policies. 

SELC Language College is committed to providing a healthy and safe working and learning environments for all employees and students. The policy applies to all SELC Language College employees and students.

Included in Health and Safety policy are the following areas of preparedness:
• Fire Safety
• Earthquake Safety
• Inclement Weather
• Extreme Heat
• Gas Leak
• Power Outage
• Medical / Mental Health Emergencies
• Critical Incidents
• Active Shooter
• Lockdown
• Hold-and-Secure
• Bomb Threat
• Hazard Specific
• Protests and Demonstrations
• Public Health Emergencies

Procedure for Fire Safety
• The Floor Warden ensures that adequate fire suppression equipment is available as needed throughout the campus and is inspected by a qualified inspector at least annually.
• The Floor Warden or designated alternate ensures that all employees receive training in the operation of the fire suppression equipment and in the school fire evacuation procedures.
• Admin staff are responsible for preparing/posting emergency exit instructions route maps in each classroom at the campus with the exit from that room specifically noted in a colored highlight.
• In the event of a fire emergency, admin staff will dial 9-1-1, advising the fire department of the school’s location, providing details of the type of fire (if known) and location of the fire.
• The Floor Warden or designated alternate will advise all employees to evacuate the campus and be the last person to leave the campus after first checking all rooms including washrooms.
• Instructors will direct their students to walk out of the classroom single file, close the classroom door when all students have exited and then escort them to the corner of Water Street and Cambie Street, ensuring that they have access to the class list via mobile phone, tablet or laptop. At the designated safe area, instructors will check the students present against the list of students in attendance that day and will immediately advise the admin staff if anyone is missing.
• The Floor Warden or designated alternate will act as a liaison between fire officials and students/employees during the emergency. If necessary, the Floor Warden or designated alternate will authorize school closure.
• No student or employee will re-enter the campus until the fire officials have authorized re-entry.

Procedure for Earthquake Safety
The Floor Warden ensures that adequate precautions are taken throughout the campus to ensure that injury due to falling or unstable items during an earthquake is limited. This may include securing file cabinets to walls and providing lipped shelving for books or binders that are located at or above head-level.
• The Floor Warden ensures that all employees receive training in the school earthquake evacuation procedures.
• Admin staff are responsible for preparing and posting emergency instructions and exit route maps in each classroom at the campus with the exit from that room specifically noted in a colored highlight.
• In the event of an earthquake emergency, all staff and students will take cover and remain under cover until the shaking stops.
• When it is deemed safe to do so, the Floor Warden or designated alternate will advise all employees to evacuate the campus and be the last person to leave the campus after first checking all rooms including washrooms.
• Instructors will direct their students to walk out of the classroom single file, close the classroom door when all students have exited and then escort them to the corner of Water Street and Cambie Street, ensuring that they have access to the class list via mobile phone, tablet or laptop. At the designated safe area, instructors will check the students present against the list of students in attendance that day and will immediately advise the admin staff if anyone is missing.
• The Floor Warden or designated alternate will act as a liaison between rescue officials and students/employees during the emergency and will authorize school closure if necessary.
• No student or employee will re-enter the campus until the Floor Warden or designated alternate has authorized re-entry.

Procedure for Inclement Weather
• In the event of inclement weather (extreme cold, snow or flooding), SELC Language College may decide to close the campus and reschedule in person classes to online.
• SELC Language College typically follows the same inclement weather policies as public post-secondary institutions, as well as that of the local school district.
• Decisions about campus closure are made in the early morning, in some instances, the night before.
• The campus director will notify instructors of campus closures by 6:00am.
• Instructors will then inform their students that in person classes will be moved to online. Students will be provided with a link to join the class if there is not already one in place.
• Please be aware that morning classes being cancelled does not always necessitate that afternoon and evening classes will also be cancelled. Please follow-up with the campus by 11:00am for updates.

Procedure for Extreme Heat
• If a heat warning has been issued, take additional steps to stay safe. Prepare your home, be aware of the coolest part of your residence and focus on keeping that one location cool. Be aware of cooling spaces and centres in your community (libraries, community centres, shopping malls, movie theatres, religious centres, parks and other shaded green spaces).
• The following website is a valuable resource.
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/preparedbc/know-your-hazards/severe-weather/extreme-heat
• All SELC Language College locations have air conditioning.
• In the event that SELC Language College decides to close the campus and reschedule in person classes to online, students will be notified by their instructor. Students will be provided with a link to join the class if there is not already one in place.

Procedure for Gas Leak
While natural gas leaks are extremely rare, it is important to keep safety in mind. In the event that you smell a potential gas leak:
• Stop what you are doing.
o Do not use your cellphone or landline, don’t smoke, light matches or operate electronic switches or create any other source of ignition
• Go outside
o The Floor Warden or designated alternative will advise all employees and staff to evacuate the campus and be the last person to leave the campus after checking all rooms including washrooms.
o As you exit, leave the door open behind you as well as any windows that may already be open.
o Instructors will direct their students to walk out of the classroom single file and escort them to the corner of Water Street and Cambie Street, ensuring that they have access to the class list via cell phone.
o At the designated safe area, instructors will check the students present against the list of students in attendance that day and will immediately advise the admis staff if anyone is missing.
• Once outside, call:
o 9-1-1, or
o FortisBC emergency line (1-800-663-99-1-1)
o The building/property manager
• The Floor Warden or designated alternate will act as a liaison between first responders and students/employees during the emergency. If necessary, the Floor Warden or designated alternate will authorize school closure.
• No student or employee will re-enter the campus until the first responders have authorized re-entry.

Procedure for Power Outage
While most power outages last minutes or hours, some can last days or even weeks. In the event of a power loss:
• Check to make sure students and staff are safe.
• Check circuit breakers and fuses to make certain that the outage is not being caused by issues in your facility. If yes, contact the building/property manager.
• If it’s a BC Hydro outage:
o Call 1-800-BCHydro (1-800-224-9376), or
o Visit their website at www.bchydro.com/outages
• Computers, electrical equipment and appliances should be turned off. A power restoration could cause a surge that would result in damage to electronics.
• Carefully exit the impacted area.
• Follow emergency lighting to the exits.
• Carefully use the stairs (emergency lighting, flashlights or cell phone lights), elevators will be unavailable.
• Staff and students are to meet at the designated safe area, at the corner of Water Street and Cambie Street.
• If the outage is not temporary, a decision may be made to move classes online and have staff work from home.

Procedure for Medical/ Mental Health Emergencies
• If personnel trained in first aid are not available, call 9-1-1.
• Provide the following information:
o Nature of the medical emergency.
o Location of the emergency (address and room number).
o Your name and phone number from which you are calling.
• Follow directions as per 9-1-1.
• For medical emergencies, do not move the victim unless absolutely necessary.
• For mental health emergencies, relocate the individual to a private setting (office, empty classroom).

Procedure for Critical Incidents
SELC Language College is committed to ensuring a safe and secure learning and working environment. Part of this commitment involves being prepared to handle critical incidents appropriately and efficiently.

College emergencies vary greatly, in terms of the likelihood of occurring as well as the potential consequences. The nature of the emergency combined with the risk to student and staff safety will determine the appropriate response. College lockdown and hold-and-secure are two strategies that may be used to mitigate risk.

A lockdown is conducted when it is determined that the safest response to a threat to physical safety is to have students and staff remain in a secure location until either the emergency is resolved, or circumstances change, and direction is given to evacuate and relocate.

Emergencies are dynamic in nature. The exact location or the seriousness of the threat may not be confirmed and may move or change without warning. Having students and staff remain in a secure area mitigates risk by reducing their exposure to danger. Evacuations conducted in the absence of reliable information may result in a loss of student supervision and unnecessarily expose students to danger.

Critical Incident Reporting
• Critical incidents should be reported as soon as possible to the campus director or a college staff member.
• Police, fire and medical emergencies should be reported immediately by dialing 9-1-1.
• As much information as possible should be collected about the incident to assist with providing a timely and appropriate response.
o Primary response: an immediate response is required, including evacuation, relocation, lockdown, hold-and-secure, and calling for police, fire, ambulance or paramedics.
o Secondary response: for students or staff affected by the incident, either as victims or witnesses, and who may benefit from access to resources and support services.

Procedure for Active Shooter
An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearms and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly. Because active shooter situations are often over within 10 to 15 minutes, before law enforcement arrives on the scene, individuals must be prepared both mentally and physically to deal with an active shooter situation.

How to Respond to an Active Shooter
1. Evacuate
• If there is an accessible escape path, attempt to evacuate the premises. Be sure to:
o Have an escape route and plan in mind
o Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow
o Leave your belongings behind
o Help others escape, if possible
o Prevent individuals from entering an area where the active shooter may be
o Keep your hands visible
o Do not attempt to move wounded people
o Call 9-1-1 when you are safe
o Follow the instructions of any police officers
2. Hide out
• If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the active shooter is less likely to find you.
• Your hiding place should:
o Be out of the active shooter’s view
o Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction (i.e., an office with a closed and locked door)
o Not trap you or restrict your options for movement
• To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding place:
o Lock the door
o Block the door with heavy furniture
• If the active shooter is nearby:
o Lock the door
o Silence your cell phone
o Turn off lights
o Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
o Hide behind large items (i.e., cabinets, desks)
o Remain quiet
• If evacuation and hiding out are not possible:
o Remain calm
o Dial 9-1-1, if possible, to alert police to the active shooter’s location
o If you cannot speak, leave the line open and allow the dispatcher to listen
3. Take action against the active shooter
• As a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:
o Acting as aggressively as possible against him/her/they
o Throwing items and improvising weapons
o Yelling
o Committing to your actions

Encounters with Police
Law enforcement’s purpose is to stop the active shooter as soon as possible. Officers will proceed directly to the area in which the last shots were heard.

Police officers entering a college that has reported an active shooter will critically evaluate everyone they encounter as a potential threat. Therefore, for their safety, students and staff should be trained to respond in the following manner if they meet with police in the building during a lockdown.
• Stop moving immediately
• Remain calm
• Put down any items in your hands (purses, backpacks, jackets)
• Place your hands where they can be seen
• Follow directions quickly and precisely

The first officers to arrive on scene are tasked to end the incident, and they will not stop to help the injured. Know that rescue teams will enter after the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured once it is safe to do so.

Once you have reached a safe location, you will be held in that area by the police until the situation is under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until the police have instructed you to do so.

Information to Provide to Pollice or 9-1-1
• Location of the active shooter
• Number of shooters, if more than one
• Physical description of shooter/s
• Number and type of weapons held by the shooter/s
• Number of potential victims at the location

Procedure for Lockdown
Actions taken to conceal students in a secure location in response to a threat of violence inside the college. A lockdown may be initiated for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, the following:
• A violent, or potentially violent, incident inside the college
• An unauthorized visitor with unknown intent

Initiating Lockdown
The campus director or designated alternate will normally be responsible for deciding when lockdown or hold-and-secure will be initiated; however, if neither is not immediately available, any staff person with training should be given the authority initiate a lockdown. Speed in initiating a lockdown is essential to minimize the risk of injury. Once the decision is made, the person in charge will use the most expedient means to initiate the lockdown.

What to do During a Lockdown
• If you are in a classroom, room or office, stay there, secure the door and windows and await further instructions.
• If the door does not lock, barricade the door with furniture.
• If you are in a hallway, go into the closest room not already secured and lock or barricade the door and windows.
• Close curtains or blinds where possible. Stay away from windows and doors.
• Turn off lights.
• Turn off any source of noise (i.e., radios, televisions)
• Stay low and quiet.
• Cell phones should be put on silent or vibrate. Do not make nonessential calls.
• Follow instructions from college staff or emergency personnel only.
• If the fire alarm is activated, if safe remain where you are and await further instructions from college staff or emergency personnel.
• Always follow instructions from police to avoid harm and ensure the best possible response. For their own safety, emergency personnel must initially consider all individuals as potential threats.

Terminating Lockdown
Terminating a lockdown shall be communicated to each classroom individually by the campus director, designated alternate and/or the law enforcement.

Encounters with Police
Police officers entering a college that has reported a dangerous person will critically evaluate everyone they encounter as a potential threat. Therefore, for their safety, students and staff should be trained to respond in the following manner if they meet with police in the building during a lockdown.
• Stop moving immediately
• Remain calm
• Put down any items in your hands (purses, backpacks, jackets)
• Place your hands where they can be seen
• Follow directions quickly and precisely

The first officers to arrive on scene are tasked to end the incident, and they may not stop to help the injured. Know that rescue teams will enter after the initial officers. These rescue teams will treat and remove the injured once it is safe to do so.

Once you have reached a safe location, you will be held in that area by the police until the situation is under control and all witnesses have been identified and questioned. Do not leave the area until the police have instructed you to do so.

Procedure for Hold-and-Secure
Actions taken to control access and egress to the college in response to a safety concern external to the college. A hold-and-secure may be initiated for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, the following:
• A fight outside the college
• An animal threat
• A police action in the neighbourhood
• A hazardous substance release outside the college

Initiating Hold-and-Secure
The campus director or designated alternate will normally be responsible for deciding when lockdown or hold-and-secure will be initiated; however, if neither is not immediately available, any staff person with training should be given the authority initiate a hold-and-secure. Once the decision is made, the person in charge will use the most expedient means to initiate the hold-and-secure.

Hold-and-secure is characterized by restricting students to remain in the classroom, or in the building, but not necessarily to cease other activity. Students and staff outside the building are to re-enter immediately.

Exterior building doors are secured. Staff are assigned to prevent students and staff from exiting the building and allow students and staff to enter the building. Depending on the reason for initiating a hold-and-secure, it may be appropriate to close window blinds and turn off lights

Terminating Hold-and-Secure
The campus director or designated alternate will consult with the lead emergency response agency prior to terminating the hold-and-secure if it was initiated in response to a call from police or fire. Terminating hold-and-secure may be done by means of a general announcement (cell phone, email, Teams).

Procedure for Bomb Threat
All threats are taken seriously and handled as if an actual explosive device is on campus. If you receive a bomb threat (phone, text, email, letter), contact the police immediately (9-1-1).

If the threat is received by telephone, try to stay calm and gather as much information as possible. If possible, have another staff member call 9-1-1 while the caller is still on the line.

What to do
Take notes on what the caller said and on your observations.
• Exact words of the person making the call
• Assumed gender of caller
• Assumed age
• How the threat was received (phone call, text, email)
• Time of call
• Date of call
• Length of call
• Caller’s voice
o Calm, angry, laughing, crying, slow, slurred, loud, soft, stutter, familiar, accent, disguised, distinguishing characteristics, electronically produced
• Background sounds
o Voices, music, street noise, traffic, vehicles, animals, machines, equipment
• Threat language
o Articulate, foul language, irrational, incoherent, agitated, taped, message read by threat maker
• Survey your immediate surroundings. If you see a suspicious object, do not touch it. Report it to the police

Questions to Ask
• Where is the bomb right now?
• When is the bomb going to explode?
• What does it look like?
• What kind of bomb is it?
• What will cause it to explode?
• Did you place the bomb?
• Why?
• What is your name?
• Let the caller say as much as possible without interruption

What to do After the Threat
Call the police immediately (9-1-1). Follow directions given by emergency personnel. They will advise if an evacuation is necessary.

Procedure for Hazard-Specific
Hazardous materials include controlled products and chemical, biological or physical agents that, for reason of a property that the agent possesses, are hazardous to the safety or health of a person exposed to it.

What to do in the Event of a Hazardous Material Release Inside the Building
• Evacuate the immediate area.
• Isolate area and prevent re-entry.
• Call 9-1-1 and follow 9-1-1 directions.
• Provide the following information about the spilled material to the operator.
o Location (street address, room number)
o Any injuries
o Chemical Name (if known)
o Quantity (if known)
• Do not hang up until the 9-1-1 operator directs you to do so.
• Wait for emergency personnel outside the main entrance of the building.

What to do in the Event of a Hazardous Material Release Outside the Building
The campus director or designated alternate will normally be responsible for deciding when a hold-and-secure will be initiated; however, if neither is not immediately available, any staff person with training should be given the authority initiate a hold-and-secure. Once the decision is made, the person in charge will use the most expedient means to initiate the hold-and-secure.

Hold-and-secure is characterized by restricting students to remain in the classroom, or in the building, but not necessarily to cease other activity. Students and staff outside the building are to re-enter immediately.

Exterior building doors are secured. Staff are assigned to prevent students and staff from exiting the building and allow students and staff to enter the building. Turn off the ventilation system and begin sealing all entrances with appropriate materials.

The campus director or designated alternate will consult with the lead emergency response agency prior to terminating the hold-and-secure if it was initiated in response to a call from police or fire. Terminating hold-and-secure may be done by means of a general announcement (PA system, cell phone, Teams).

Procedure for Protests and Demonstrations
The safety and security of students, staff and visitors to the campus is SELC Language College’s primary concern.

If a demonstration or protest is blocking access to the campus, we advise that you do the following:
• Report the incident to the campus director. If the campus director is not available, report the incident to another staff member.
• Look for another way to enter or exit the campus if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid provoking the protestors/demonstrators.

The campus director will:
• Monitor the situation.
• Work with all participants to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Place signage providing information to those entering and existing the campus.
• Contact authorities if deemed necessary.

Procedure for Public Health Emergencies
A pandemic is an outbreak of infectious disease that occurs over a wide geographical area and that is of high prevalence. A pandemic generally affects a significant proportion of the world’s population, usually over the course of several months.

Whether an epidemic is classified as a pandemic is based not on the severity of the disease, but rather on the speed and geographical area over which the disease has spread. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that pandemic status is reached when there is increased and sustained transmission of disease amongst the general population.

In the event of a pandemic, SELC Language College will adhere to the guidelines put forth the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Provincial Health Officer (PHO). Measure could include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Campus closures.
• Transition to online learning.
• Onsite protocols:
o Sign in sheets.
o Do not come onto the campus if unwell.
o Limiting the number of people in classrooms, offices and other areas.
o Maximum capacity numbers for each room are posted.
o Maintain physical distancing of two arm lengths (2 metres/ 6 feet) in all areas, including office space, classrooms, reception, labs, common areas.
o Do not shake hands, avoid physical contact.
o Take turns to enter stairwells, elevators, hallways and restrooms.
o Students and staff take staggered breaks.
o Keep all personal items with you.
o Personal items should not be shared (stationary items, eating and drinking utensils).
o Do not share food, drinks, clothing items, umbrellas).
o Masks in all areas.
o Enhanced cleaning and sanitization.
o Wipe down chairs and desktop prior to use.