Student Statement of Rights
RHODES WELLNESS COLLEGE (the “College”) is certified with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) 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 have the right to be treated professionally by Rhodes Wellness College. Additionally, the College will endeavour to treat every individual with respect and fairness.
You have the right to a student enrolment contract that includes the following information:
- The amount of tuition and any additional fees for your program
- The College’s refund policy
- If your program includes a work experience, the requirements to participate in the work experience and the geographic area where it will be conducted
- Whether the program was approved by PTIB or does not require approval.
Make sure you read your enrollment contract before signing. The College will provide you with a signed copy after you have signed your enrollment contract.
You have the right to access the College’s Dispute Resolution Process and to be protected against retaliation for making a complaint due to the College’s Non-Relation Policy.
You have the right to make a claim to PTIB for a tuition refund if:
- The College loses its PTIB certification before you completed an approved program
- You were factually misled about a significant aspect of your approved program.
In order to receive a refund via PTIB’s Claim process, you must file the claim within one year of completing, being dismissed or withdrawing from your program.
For more information about PTIB and how to be an informed student, go to: http://www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/students/be-an-informed-student.
Academic Integrity Policy
All incidences of academic dishonesty and violations of academic integrity will be disciplined. Students will receive an automatic fail on any submission of work (assignment, presentation, exam, etc.) that includes academic dishonesty and be required to meet with the Director of Education. Further disciplinary actions can include suspension of studies and expulsion.
Such acts cannot be listed exhaustively but examples include:
- Plagiarism – Submission of the work of another person for credit, or failure to properly cite references for any work which is not original to the student; copying the work of others, allowing another student to copy from the student.
- Unauthorized use of notes or materials in exams, including communicating to other students.
- Forging or altering assignments.
- Un-permitted collaboration, giving or receiving aid on a take home exam, or other academic assignment under circumstances in which a reasonable person should have known that such aid was not permitted· Allowing others to copy or use work that is not their own.
Academic Probation Policy
Where a student fails to demonstrate skills or academic competency in one or more courses, such that there is a reasonable risk the student may not meet the grading standard or threshold required to successfully pass the course, Rhodes Wellness College may place the student on academic probation.
Academic probation is a formal written warning from Rhodes Wellness College establishing minimum criteria that the student must achieve in order to continue studies beyond the semester in which academic probation is delivered.
Additional Courses or Auditing Courses
Students and alumni are welcome to take additional course outside of their program for enrichment. To receive a grade for the course, the course tuition will be pro-rated for the length of the course. To audit the course for no grade, the course tuition will be pro-rated for the length of the course and reduced by 50%.
Admission Policy
Rhodes Wellness College (the “College”) is committed to enrolling students who meet program admission criteria and who are likely to succeed in achieving their education and career goals. For admission to the College, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Reach the age of majority (19 years old in British Columbia) or provide to the College the written consent from the applicant’s parental/guardian consent.
- Personal Statement on why you would like to pursue an education with Rhodes Wellness College and what you hope you to achieve upon graduation.
- Three character references.
- Personal resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
- Successfully complete an Admissions Interview.
- Demonstrate spoken and written proficiency in the English language consistent with the proficiency of a high school graduate, as evidenced by a written personal statement and the Admissions interview (see also the Language Proficiency Assessment Policy).
- A minimum of 12 months prior sobriety** is required to be verified during the Admissions interview. The College’s representative may require the applicant to provide a letter to the College confirming the applicant’s sobriety from a counselor.
- Possess a valid study permit/student visa if not a resident or citizen of Canada, and if studying in a full-time program that is longer than six months and provided either exclusively in-person or in a Blended (in-person/synchronous online) format.
If an applicant does not meet our minimum admission requirements, the requirements cannot be waived by either the College or the applicant.
**Please see our Sobriety Policy for more details.
Assignment Completion Policy
Late assignments will have 5% per day deducted from the final assignment mark (e.g. If an assignment is out of 10 marks, and it is handed in late by one day, there will be 0.5 mark deducted from the total mark given by the instructor). Extensions may be granted at the discretion of the instructor and a request for an extension must be submitted to the instructor with notice (it cannot be submitted on the day that the assignment is due). An assignment will be considered late if it is handed in past the time established by the instructor, or if no time is established, then 5pm on the day it is due.
All assignments and components of a course worth 20% or more of the total grade must be successfully submitted and completed in each course at Rhodes Wellness College. Students, who are unable to complete the course requirements due to medical or personal circumstances, are responsible for making alternative arrangements with their instructor or the Director of Education and provide supporting evidence that may be requested by Rhodes Wellness College.
Attendance & Illness Policy
- In order to pass each course, and to receive a certificate or diploma from Rhodes Wellness College, a student must attend a minimum of 80% of their enrolled classes, calculated by instruction unit (per class) and in aggregate (cumulative). Attendance is measured and calculated in 5 minute increments.
- Any student whose attendance falls below 90%, may receive an initial attendance warning via email by the instructor.
- Any student whose attendance falls below 85% may receive an official written attendance warning which will remind the student that they need to maintain attendance of a minimum 80% to pass the course.
- Students who miss class due to documented reasons, and due to illness, family or personal emergency, may submit a request in writing to the Education or Student Services Advisor or the Director of Education asking for further leniency to the minimum 80% attendance rule, up to a maximum of 5% of class. Any time away from class is marked as an absence, regardless of whether the student received an approved leniency.
- Any request must be accompanied with sufficient and credible evidence in support of this request and must be made within 5 business days of the student returning to school, if the student returns while the course is still in session, or within 5 business days of the completion of the course if the student does not return to the class prior to its completion.
- The request will be reviewed by the Education or Student Services Advisor or the Director of Education to determine whether an additional 5% leniency will be granted. The student will be advised in writing within 5 business days of receipt of their request with the determination.
- Regardless of the reason for the absence, the student must make arrangements with their instructor(s) and/or the Education or Student Services Advisor, to ensure that the student meets the class learning objectives and meets all class requirements. This can be achieved through make-up assignments, presentations, additional homework, additional individual instruction, or similar methods to ensure the class learning objectives are met.
- Due to the experiential learning style that Rhodes Wellness College incorporates, the student will not be able to pass a course they are enrolled in where their final attendance for the course, including any approved leniency, is below 75%. Under exceptional and rare circumstances, the Director of Education or President may at their sole discretion provide additional or alternate “make-up” time to satisfy the minimum 75% attendance needed to pass a course. Make-up time may include make-up assignments, presentations, additional homework, additional individual instruction, or similar methods.
- When a student repeats a course that they did not pass due to attendance reasons, and subsequently passes the course, their attendance associated with the time they failed the course will not be utilized in any aggregate (cumulative) attendance calculation, and only their attendance for the course retaken that resulted in a pass will count towards aggregate (cumulative) attendance.
- Students who fail two or more courses due to attendance, where reasons do not include those cited in clause “4” above, may be placed automatically on Academic Probation and be required to meet Rhodes Wellness College’s Education or Student Services Advisor and/or the Director of Education to review the reasons behind the student’s attendance and to formulate a plan that will help the student meet the College’s required attendance rate.
- Students who are on Academic Probation due to attendance reasons must then meet the College’s attendance policy requirements for the subsequent two courses in order to be removed from Academic Probation. Students who do not meet the College’s attendance requirements over the subsequent two courses will be subject to dismissal.
- Students who have previously been on Academic Probation due to attendance reasons and subsequently fail a course due to attendance reasons, will once again be placed on Academic Probation and will be required to meet the College’s attendance policy requirements for the subsequent three courses in order to be removed from Academic Probation. Students who do not meet the College’s attendance requirements over the subsequent three courses will be subject to dismissal.
- Anytime a student is placed on Academic Probation due to attendance reasons, communication will be delivered to the student in writing and a record of the same will be placed in the student’s file.
- Rhodes Wellness College will follow its Code of Conduct and Dismissal Policy when dismissing a student due to attendance reasons. Students may also follow Rhodes Wellness College’s Dispute Resolution Policy if they disagree with any outcome in relation to the College’s Attendance Policy.
- Students who are dismissed from Rhodes Wellness College due to attendance reasons will be withdrawn and must reapply for admissions to gain readmittance to the College and will not be eligible to reapply until a minimum of six months has passed since their dismissal.
- Regardless of attendance rules outlined herein, Rhodes Wellness College students often participate in group lessons and projects and therefore, for the instructor to plan appropriately for any class, they should be notified of any absence.
- For any potential sustained absence, students must contact the Education or Student Services Advisor to make appropriate arrangements that may include either withdrawal from the course and/or a request for a Leave of Absence. Please see Rhodes Wellness College’s Leave of Absence Policy for details.
- When a student obtains funding from an individual entity, body, or agency whose minimum standard for attendance or for justifying and documenting an absence differs from those of Rhodes Wellness College, in those cases, the student must meet both Rhodes Wellness College’s attendance requirements and those stipulated by the funding body.
Camera & Headphone Policy
Your camera must be turned on and you must be visible on screen to be marked as present during class. This ensures that you are attentive in class. It is also essential for ensuring confidentiality (i.e. no one else is observing the class or listening to the discussions). There is a lot of personal information shared during class discussions and having your camera on helps to create a safer online environment for everyone involved.
If you are off camera for more than 5 minutes, your instructor/TA will private message you to check in and request that you turn your camera on. If your camera remains off and/or you are unresponsive, you will be marked as absent for the time that your camera remains off.
While we track attendance closely and we require you to be on camera during class, please do not attend class online while you are driving. Your safety is of utmost importance. If you need to be in transit during class, please communicate your need to be out of class to your instructor and/or TA.
If you are attending class in a shared space and there are other people present, you are required to wear headphones.
Disability Statement
Rhodes Wellness College believes that to the greatest extent possible, students with disabilities should be encouraged and assisted to enroll and participate in the studies of their choice. While there may be physical, mental, or emotional disabilities that can affect how an individual engages with the experiential academic programs the College offers, this often does not take away from any student’s ability to make meaningful contributions in the industries the College provides instruction in. The College is committed to helping individuals earn the education they need to make the significant contributions they wish to make in these industries and through its Student Assistance Policy, the College will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to help these individuals wherever possible.
Dismissal and Code of Conduct Policy
Rhodes Wellness College expects each student to adhere to the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct governs behaviour towards students, staff members, and clients. If needed, a student should request clarification about the Code of Conduct from the Senior Educational Administrator or another Senior Administrative member of the college.
Rhodes Wellness College expects each student to:
- Attend school in accordance with the Attendance Policy.
- Treat every student, client and each staff member with respect.
- Dress professionally, appropriate for the program you are enrolled in.
- Treat school property with respect.
- Complete all assignments and examinations on time.
- The institution prohibits:
- disruptive or offensive classroom behavior;
- bringing a weapon of any kind (i.e. knives, guns, etc.) to school;
- bringing to the College or to a College event held elsewhere an alcoholic beverage, marijuana or any mood-altering substances prohibited by law;
- arriving on campus or a College event held elsewhere under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, marijuana or any mood-altering substances prohibited by law;
- making sexual, disparaging, or otherwise inappropriate remarks concerning another student, client, or staff member’s appearance, gender, ethnicity, race, religion or sexual orientation.
- abusive behavior toward another student, client or staff member, including bullying or any other form of intimidation. Abusive behavior includes, but is not limited to, physical, emotional or verbal abuse; and
- any other conduct determined by the College to be damaging or otherwise detrimental to another student or staff member of the College.
- Students must not become involved in sexual relationships with other students, clients, and staff members for the duration of their program.
- Note that this rule exists to maintain the safety, trust and integrity of group dynamics during experiential lessons and exercises. This rule is also fundamental to the development of strong ethical and professional boundaries.
- Note that students involved in sexual relationships with other students who are NOT in their current course may face schedule adjustments or program completion delays if such a relationship impacts their ability to comply with this rule.
- Each class may collectively create additional rules of conduct for their class.
The College will immediately dismiss a student without a warning letter or probationary period if the student commits any of the following:
- Sexual assault or harassment against another student, client, or staff member.
- Physical assault, or any other violent acts committed or threatened against another student, client or staff member.
- Vandalism of College property.
- Theft of property belonging to another student, to a staff member or to the College.
If a student, client or staff member has a concern about another person’s conduct within the College, the individual should refer that concern to the Senior Educational Administrator in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Policy.
If a student is found to be in contravention of the Code of Conduct outlined herein, Rhodes Wellness College may discipline a student for behaviour that is determined to contravene the Code of Conduct. Discipline can include, but is not limited to, suspension and potentially dismissal from the college.
The process by which a student may be subject to discipline is as follows:
a) The Director of Education, President, or another Director (“Senior Administration”) will gather all information pertaining to any incident(s) in question where the Code of Conduct has potentially been contravened. To assist with this, the students will be asked for input and will be required to have a discussion by phone, Zoom, or in-person with the Director conducting the investigation.
b) The student must agree to meet with Senior Administration in order to maintain enrollment in the college and to help work together with the Senior Administrator to rectify issues. In the meeting, the Senior Administrator will share how the student’s behaviour has breached the Code of Conduct and will listen to the student to hear their opinions on the activities or behaviour in question.
c) The Senior Administrator will gather additional information from faculty, administration involved, email, potentially other students, and other sources to obtain a fair understanding of what occurred.
d) The Senior Administrator will collaborate with the Director of Education and/or the President. In serious cases, the Director of Education and/or the President will be directly involved. The Senior Administrator, either accompanied by the Director of Education and/or The President, as deemed appropriate by the college, will meet with the students to explain the outcome of their findings including any potential discipline. In all cases where a student will be suspended or dismissed, the Director of Education and/or the President will be present either as participant or direct facilitator of the meeting where outcomes are explained and action/discipline is shared. In cases that do not involve a suspension or a dismissal, discipline decisions may be communicated only in writing, rather than verbally, followed by in writing.
e) Regardless, in every situation where discipline is applied, the student will be provided a written explanation of such discipline, which will include the determination of the action, date(s) that apply, and if applicable, the date on which the student may re-apply to return as a student of Rhodes Wellness College. This written explanation and determination will be provided to the student no later than 5 business days following notification of their dismissal
f) In cases where the safety of other students, staff, faculty, or the public is in danger, the college may move to apply action immediately prior to or without holding an information gathering meeting with the student.
g) If the student disagrees with their dismissal, they have the right to lodge a complaint via Rhodes Wellness College’s Dispute Resolution Policy. Thereafter, Rhodes Wellness College will follow its Dispute Resolution Policy to govern its communications regarding the dismissal.
Dispute Resolution and Grade Appeal Policy
Rhodes Wellness College provides an opportunity for students to resolve disputes of a serious nature in a fair and equitable manner.
The policy applies to all Rhodes Wellness College students who are currently enrolled or were enrolled 30 days prior to submitting their concern to the Senior Education Administrator (the “SEA”). Individuals will not be subject to any form of retaliation as a result of filing a complaint. “The complainant” is defined as the individual making the complaint and “the respondent” is the individual, division, or organization that the complaint is against. A “Designate” is a member of the senior management who is capable of adjudicating serious disputes at the request of the SEA, e.g., the Director of Student Services, the Director of Education, the Vice-President, or the Provost.
Procedure for Disputes:
- When a concern arises, the complainant should address the concern with the individual most directly involved. If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome at this level, the complainant should put their concern in writing and deliver it to the SEA within five business days after addressing the concern with the respondent.
- The SEA, or their Designate if the SEA is unavailable, will arrange to meet with the complainant to discuss their concern and desired resolution as soon as possible or within seven business days of receiving the complainant’s written concern. In order for the Dispute Resolution process to continue, any meetings requested by the SEA or Designate must occur first.
- Following the meeting, or meetings, if one meeting is insufficient, with the complainant, the SEA or Designate will conduct whatever enquiries and/or investigations necessary and appropriate to determine whether the complainant’s concerns are substantiated in whole or in part. Enquiries may involve further discussion(s) with the complainant either individually or with appropriate Rhodes Wellness College personnel. When the respondent is an individual and safety or fear of retaliation by the respondent is a concern, the complainant may request to remain anonymous to the respondent (except when the respondent is an organizational division or the organization itself). The SEA or Designate will advise the complainant if this request is granted and will ascertain whether the complainant wishes to continue.
- The necessary enquiries and/or investigations shall be completed and a response provided in writing to all involved as soon as possible but no later than thirty days from the time that the SEA or Designate receives the complaint. One of the following may happen:
I. If it is determined that the complainant’s concerns are not substantiated the College will provide a written explanation of the decision and will not take further action correlated to the complaint; or
II. If it is determined that the complainant’s concerns are substantiated in whole or in part, the College will propose a resolution.
The response should specify that the complainant has five business days to appeal the decision. A copy of the decision and all supporting materials shall be given to the complainant, a copy will be placed in the respondent’s file, and in the complainant’s file.
- If the complainant is not satisfied with the determination of the SEA or Designate, the complainant must advise the SEA or Designate within five business days of being informed of the determination. The SEA or Designate will then refer the matter to a panel of a minimum of two college directors called the “Panel of Directors” for review. Directors include the President, Provost, Vice-President, Director of Education, and Director of Student Services.
- The Panel of Directors assigned to review the case will review all materials from the investigation conducted by the SEA or Designate. Their review may include further meetings with the complainant, the respondent, and others, if deemed necessary by the Panel of Directors.
- The original decision will either be confirmed or varied by the Panel of Directors and will be communicated in writing within 10 business days after the review has been referred to the Panel of Directors. At this point the College’s Dispute Resolution Process will be considered complete.
The individual making the complaint may be represented by an agent or a lawyer.
Once the Dispute Resolution process is complete, if the complainant is still not satisfied with the results, the student may file a complaint with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB). Details surrounding PTIB’s complaint process are found here: https://www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/students/complaints-tuition-protection-claims.
According to PTIB’s stated policy:
To make a general complaint, [the student should] contact the Student Claims Officer.
[A student]may report:
- An institution that appears to be offering career training without being certified.
- Concerns that a certified institution is not operating in compliance with the Regulatory Standards.
If [a student makes] a general complaint, PTIB will review and decide whether to take action, but is not able to provide an update on the resulting investigation, if any.
If [a student believes they] were misled about a significant aspect of an approved program and [they] are unable to resolve the issue through the institution's dispute resolution process, [they] can file a claim with PTIB.
If [the student is] unable to exhaust the dispute resolution policy with an institution due to lack of response or delays, [the student should] contact PTIB for guidance; under certain circumstances claims may be accepted without a student exhausting the dispute resolution process. If [a student’s] claim is successful, [they] may receive a full or partial tuition refund from the Student Tuition Protection Fund.
[A student] must file the claim within one year of completing, being dismissed or withdrawing from [their] program. Claims cannot be accepted after the one year time limit.
Being unhappy about a program does not mean [a student was] misled. For a claim to be successful, [a student needs] concrete evidence [they] were promised something significant that the institution did not deliver.
Examples which may constitute being misled:
- [A student’s] enrolment contract provides for a certain length of program and [they find, after they] begin classes, the length of the program has significantly changed without [their] consent.
- Significant aspects of the program content, equipment or facilities are not as advertised.
Examples which likely do not constitute being misled:
- [A student fails] an exam.
- [A student dislikes] an instructor.
Procedure for Grade Appeal:
- If a student is dissatisfied with a grade received and can provide evidence that a higher grade is warranted they should discuss with their instructor. The instructor will reconsider the grade and, if warranted, assign a different grade.
- If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of their appeal to the instructor, they may submit a written appeal to the Senior Educational Administrator if the grade in question forms part of an assignment, exam or other course component equal to at least 15% of the course grade or if the outcome of the appeal will determine whether the student will pass the course.
- Where applicable, the Senior Educational Administrator will obtain from the instructor a copy of the assignment/test in question and a copy of assignments/tests from other students representing the highest and lowest marks obtained, and will have another instructor conduct a review.
- If the assessment achieves a higher grade on re-mark, the higher grade will be assigned to the student. If the assessment achieves a lower grade on re-mark, the lower grade will be assigned to the student.
- If the grade in question involves a behavioral test or course component other than an assignment or test, the Senior Educational Administrator may re-test the student or review the student’s evidence presented for appeal and dismiss the appeal or assess and assign a higher or lower grade.
- Once the re-assessment is complete, the Senior Educational Administrator will review the process and, once the review is complete, the grade will be considered final and cannot be appealed.
- The decisions on the grade appeal will be provided to the student within 30 school days of Rhodes Wellness College’s receipt of the written complaint.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Statement
At Rhodes Wellness College, we believe that diversity is a strength and we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We value the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and are dedicated to addressing any individual or systemic biases that may exist. We aim to ensure that fairness, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of our policies, programs, operations, and practices.
We are committed to providing all students with a fair and equitable opportunity to apply and be selected for our College, regardless of age, disability, family status, national origin, race/colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We strive to create a community where all students, regardless of their unique characteristics, skills, or experiences, feel valued and empowered to express themselves.
We recognize that diversity encompasses a wide range of characteristics, including but not limited to geography, culture, ethnicity, linguistic origin, socioeconomic class, ancestry, nationality, faith, gender, family or marital status. We are committed to celebrating and respecting these diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and identities within our community. We believe that fostering an inclusive and equitable environment promotes growth, understanding, and connection among all members of our community.
We are dedicated to ongoing education, dialogue, and collaboration to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at Rhodes Wellness College. We strive to create a culture where everyone can live, learn, and work in an environment of inclusion and respect. We are committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive community that embraces diversity and encourages mutual respect for all individuals.
This commitment, recognition, and dedication is cemented through the practice of Rhodes Wellness College’s eight core values. The College strives to have all of its students, staff, and faculty understand and adhere to these values, which are:
1. Unconditional positive regard
This means that we do not immediately judge others; that, instead, we hold the belief that other individuals are not trying to harm us and that if they do, that it may well be unintentional. It also means that we will give others the opportunity to clarify their actions if they have harmed us, before reaching a conclusion of their intent without input from them.
2. Compassion for all
This means that we will practice believing that everyone deserves kindness and consideration. This sometimes is difficult when we are learning about and practicing necessary boundaries; however, we believe that individuals can exhibit boundaries while still being kind.
3. Working to remove our biases
All of us have biases due to how we were raised and our personal circumstances. Being a helping professional requires us to work diligently to remove our biases so that we can help our clients let their story be their story, and so that we can truly see our clients for where they are at and help them become what they want to become, without manipulation or undue influence.
4. Eradicating prejudice
We realize that prejudice and racism is both individual and systemic. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusiveness for marginalized populations because we know they have been harmed and continue to be harmed. In order to help the oppressed and downtrodden, we must first see, hear, and feel their plight. This develops empathy. In order to help this, we are committed to providing more and more understanding of gender-based issues and race-based issues. While we have provided opportunities for our community to develop empathy and understanding to those that suffer from addictions, mental health issues, and trauma, we realize that our efforts to understand these issues in the context of race and gender needs to continuously improve. We are committed to learning more about and incorporating this context in all that we do from activities and curriculum to hiring and training. We welcome all outside and inside help we can obtain to help us with this and are actively developing and implementing policy and practices to assist this.
5. Non-violent communication
This is something that we must practice as helping professionals. If we are in disagreement, no matter how strenuous or pointed or justified the disagreement is, we need to always practice the 1st value above (unconditional positive regard) while we articulate the area(s) we disagree with. While we know that NVC is a system that was devised by a white person, with various diversity and inclusiveness consultations we have had with consultants who are experts in promoting diversity and protecting marginalized populations, we believe that NVC is still a good model to use and that we should still practice it, as it provides great possibilities for all parties within a conversation to be heard, respected, and included.
6. Dispute resolution
Having disputes is natural and being able to resolve disputes requires conflict resolution skills- skills that benefit every helping professional. To resolve a conflict or dispute, the individual who feels they need something resolved should first approach the individuals they have feelings against or about. They should seek to provide clear professional communication on what they need the other party to understand, and how they need the other party’s support. Both parties need to exercise compassion, unconditional positive regard, and really be willing to listen. Both parties should actively restate and seek to clarify their understanding and attempt to have their feelings also understood by kindly sharing their experiences and their perspectives; with this method, most disagreements will be resolved. Permissions and audience are two additional factors that must be considered when working through Dispute Resolution.
If the dispute cannot be resolved with these honest attempts, then we recommend that an instructor or administration team member is sought out to assist. If that does not work, we want the individuals involved in the disputes to reach out to student services or administrative management to receive additional assistance.
Whatever the situation, students, faculty, or staff should not think it is up to them to adjudicate and force a resolution. If they have done your best and cannot resolve something, outside assistance from student services or administrative management should be forthrightly sought.
7. Self-responsibility
While it is important to weigh and understand when one does not have control of a situation, there are almost always factors and roles that we can play in helping every situation. Instead of pointing a finger at others, can we self-assess and understand what we can do to improve, prod, guide and support? Can we do so with professionalism while leading by example? Self responsibility clears and shows the way for others to be able to move forward with grace, honour, and dignity.
8. Patience for the process, for you and for all
Be patient: with ourselves, the process, and others and realize that no one is perfect. We all make mistakes. However, we all want to be here, and because we all want to help others we are starting with an incredible common cause to hold space for others and to help others! This common purpose can overcome all. Understand that none of the values we prescribe to can be accomplished easily and that learning how to aptly practice any of them can require life-long commitment. Together though we can practice and showcase these values, and as we do, we will become a kinder, gentler, more understanding, supportive, and joyful community with powerful abilities able to positively impact our communities for good.
We recognize that diversity encompasses a wide range of characteristics, including but not limited to geography, culture, ethnicity, linguistic origin, socioeconomic class, ancestry, nationality, faith, gender, family or marital status. We are committed to celebrating and respecting these diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and identities within our community. We believe that fostering an inclusive and equitable environment promotes growth, understanding, and connection among all members of our community.
We are dedicated to ongoing education, dialogue, and collaboration to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at Rhodes Wellness College. We strive to create a culture where everyone can live, learn, and work in an environment of inclusion and respect. We are committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive community that embraces diversity and encourages mutual respect for all individuals.
Dress Code Policy
The Rhodes Wellness College student dress code is in place to ensure standards of professionalism in the various settings students will find themselves: academically, in labs and practical components, as well as during in-house clinics and outreach. It is important that a tone of professionalism is displayed when offering massage and bodywork consistent with other professions in the health and wellness community. The dress code practices that Rhodes Wellness College requires massage students to adhere to are as follows:
Online
During online study, the dress code requires attire that is comfortable and provides adequate body coverage of the chest and midriff to maintain a professional atmosphere and consistency in the expectation of professionalism throughout the program. A student should be prepared that a guest speaker could join the online class, a guest who could be a potential future employer, intra or interdisciplinary professional, and therefore, conducting oneself, including one’s attire, should be professional.
In Class
During in-class study, the dress code includes clean clothing that:
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fits well so that no part of one's garments will drag onto the client.
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is breathable due to the laborious nature of massage.
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provides adequate body coverage which means dressing in a professional manner such as coverage of chest, midriff, and upper thighs.
Additionally, for tops it is important that a shirt can be raised up to the elbow when needed in practice and clinic time. T-shirts tend to be the best option. Chest should not be exposed if the student is bent forward. Undergarments are not to be exposed. For bottoms: pants, capris, and shorts no less than mid-thigh are permitted.
For safety and health reasons footwear is advised. Shoes should be comfortable and provide support for the feet. Students cannot practice in socks only. If any part of the foot is exposed, feet are to be well groomed. Single band sandals/slide sandals will not be permitted as this disrupts body mechanics while in practice.
When performing massage, the student therapist will ensure:
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Jewelry on the arms and hands is removed for sanitary reasons. Necklaces are short or tucked inside their shirt so as not to be disruptive to the massage.
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Hair is tied back and/or clipped up.
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Eyeglasses fit well.
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Students must remain scent-neutral and be mindful of scent allergies and scent sensitivities.
Clinic
During in-house student clinic and/or outreach clinic the dress code includes all of the above and more specifically:
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Black pants, black capris, or black shorts from mid-thigh or longer.
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A branded t-shirt provided by the college.
Rhodes Wellness College expects students to recognize the professional intent behind these requirements and to adopt practices that support Rhodes Wellness College’s commitment to high standards of professional practice.
Ethics, Integrity & Transparency Statement
At Rhodes Wellness College, we maintain a strong commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and transparency. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct, and we strive to instill these values in our students as they embark on their journey to become life coaches.
Our core values are grounded in the principles of respect, honesty, fairness, and integrity, which are reflected throughout our organization. Our primary goal is to provide our students with the best possible education and experience, while ensuring that our staff and faculty members adhere to the highest ethical standards.
We are dedicated to being transparent and open with our students and clients, providing them with accurate and timely information. Our operations are conducted in an ethical and professional manner, and we maintain a high level of integrity in all our interactions. By upholding these ethical standards, we strive to offer our students and clients the highest levels of service and support.
Ethics: We believe in conducting ourselves with the utmost ethical principles, adhering to a code of ethics that guides our interactions with students, colleagues, and the broader community. We are committed to maintaining confidentiality, respecting the rights and autonomy of our students, and avoiding any conflicts of interest that may compromise the integrity of our relationships.
Integrity: We value integrity as the foundation of our practice. We are committed to being honest, trustworthy, and reliable in our interactions with our students and colleagues. We strive to act in alignment with our values and beliefs, and to consistently demonstrate integrity in all our actions and decisions. We also hold ourselves accountable for our actions and take responsibility for any mistakes or errors, maintaining transparency in our communications.
Transparency: We believe in being transparent and open in our interactions and communications with students and colleagues. We communicate clearly and honestly, ensuring that our students have a comprehensive understanding of our approach to education and coaching and the expectations they can have of the College. We also strive to maintain open and honest communication among our faculty and staff, fostering a culture of transparency within our organization.
We believe that by maintaining these principles, we can create a positive and trusted environment for our students to learn and develop their coaching skills with professionalism and excellence.
Failed Course Policy
A student may repeat a course up to but not exceeding three times. If the student fails the same course 3 times, the student will be placed on an academic suspension for 1 year. If the student wishes to take the course again, they must undergo the formal application procedure.
If a student fails a course due to lack of attendance (see Attendance Policy) or receives a grade lower than 50%, the student will be responsible for paying the full course fee, the tuition and any applicable fees to retake the course. The student can appeal the charges to retake the class but there must be exceptional mitigating circumstances with appropriate documentation.
Final Exam & Final Demonstration Rewrite Policy
If a student fails an exam, the student has the option to rewrite the exam. The student must make this request within one week of receiving their exam mark. If the student passes the exam/demonstration re-write, the final grade will be an average of the initial exam and the rewrite.
A student will only be able to rewrite the exam once.
Good Standing Policy
The Good Standing policy sets out the general requirements for a student to continue studying at the College. For this purpose, “good standing” means good academic standing, good financial standing, and good citizenship standing.
Good academic standing. To be in good academic standing, a student must
- Meet all requirements of the Assignment Completion Policy;
- Meet all requirements of the Attendance Policy; and
- Maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0
A student who is not in good academic standing is subject to the Academic Probation Policy.
Good financial standing. To be in good financial standing a student must meet their financial obligations according to their established payment plan. Students who do not meet their payment plan requirements are subject to being placed on probation, which could prohibit the student from:
- Being registered in coursework
- Participating in student events, including graduation
- Receiving transcripts and credentials, including proof of graduation
- Participating in practicums, clinics, and other activities
If a student is on probation, the College may bar the student from any College functions including any or all of the following:
- one or more courses;
- one or more course-related activities (e.g., clinic hours, practicum, etc.);
- one or more social activities;
- graduation ceremonies, and
- graduation.
A student who otherwise completes all graduation requirements but who, at the graduation date owes less than $2000 to the College, may participate in graduation activities if the student has previously arranged with the College, in writing, a payment plan to pay the outstanding balance within three months of the student’s graduation date. If, within three months after the student’s graduation date, the student does not pay the amount due to the College in accordance with the written payment plan, then from the date of that default, the balance will accrue an interest rate of prime + 2% per month. If, six months after a student’s graduation date, the student still owes a balance to Rhodes Wellness College, the College reserves the right to assign the debt to a collection agency to collect the debt from the student. Part-time students on payment plans will be in default and subject to the interest rate and collection agency upon the final date of the original payment plan, not upon graduation.
Good citizenship standing. To be in good citizenship standing, a student must meet all the requirements of the Code of Conduct Policy. A student who is not in good citizenship standing is considered in breach of their student contract and subject to the relevant disciplinary actions.
Language Proficiency Assessment Policy
Rhodes Wellness College provides all of its instruction in the English language. A student whose first language is not English must submit English proof that they will be able to sufficiently understand and communicate in English so that the student can fully participate in class and so that classmates can benefit from the student’s insight and participation.
Before enrollment, each applicant will need to show proficiency in English as evidenced by a written personal statement and the Admissions interview. If English is not one of the applicant’s native languages, the applicant will also be asked to provide one of the following supporting documentation:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum score 78 (internet-based).
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment Test (CAEL): minimum score 70.
- International English Language Testing IELTS (academic version): minimum score 6.5 overall, and no one score less than 5.5.
- Alternative exams to the above may be accepted as Proof of English providing the exam is internationally recognized and has published official equivalencies to one of the above exams (TOEFL, CAEL, IELTS) and the student has achieved the equivalent scores consistent with what is required in the tests listed herein.
- Two years of high school where the language of instruction is English.
- Two completed full-time semesters at a post-secondary English-speaking institution.
Exemptions:
Students from the following countries are exempt from the English language proficiency requirements.
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Leave of Absence Policy
In special circumstances, students may apply for a leave of absence (LOA) from their studies. Details for the special circumstances will need to be emailed directly from the student to the Director of Education (DOE) and the Education Services Advisor one week before the beginning of the following term and should include all documentation for the LOA request (i.e. for all medical reasons, the LOA request should include a doctors note; death in the family should include a public notification or other type of documentation; natural disaster should include an insurance claim, news article, etc.; depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions should include a note from the treating counselor/psychiatrist, etc.).
Upon receipt of the documentation, the Director of Education (DOE) will consider various factors, including the College’s scheduling requirements and capabilities to grant the LOA, and within five business days either approve, deny, or request more documentation. If the DOE approves the LOA, an LOA approval form will be sent to the student by the Registrar. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the form and return it to the Registrar within five business days in order to finalize the approval process for the LOA. If the form is not returned and/or duly completed, the LOA will not take effect. If an LOA is not approved, the student may be withdrawn from their program. If the DOE is out of the office for any reason, the Provost or the Vice-President can communicate regarding the LOA and provide LOA approvals with the same rules and conditions that apply for the DOE.
An LOA may not exceed 3 months consecutively without permission from the President of the College. The maximum amount of time a student can miss classes due to an LOA is 12 months for their entire program. The President of the College is the only individual authorized to provide exceptions longer than stated within this policy and will only do so with consultation and agreement with either the Provost or the Vice-President, and the DOE. For all non-medical LOA’s, the student must continue their scheduled monthly or semesterly payment plans while they are on LOA to guarantee a seat for next semester (or some other approved arrangement is made with the DOFA’s approval) or they will be placed on the waiting list that is maintained by the Director of Education. All LOA’s must be approved unless physically impossible (e.g., student is hospitalized or faces an unavoidable emergency), no later than one week prior to the start of any semester.
*If a student does not return from their approved LOA, the student may be withdrawn or dismissed from the school.
** There are financial loan implications when a student withdraws or is dismissed from a college, so the student should check with student aid about the rules/regulations. There may also be financial loan implications that need to be considered when applying for a leave of absence.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Rhodes Wellness College is committed to providing all students, staff, and faculty with a fair and equitable opportunity to join and participate in our community regardless of their personal characteristics. Personal characteristics are identified by British Columbia Human Right Code, which is the jurisdiction that the College is governed by, as: sex, race, religion, family status, disability, place of origin, and sexual orientation. The College also includes colour/race, gender identity, and age as personal characteristics that must be given equal opportunity.
Abusive behaviour toward another student, client or staff member, including bullying or any other form of intimidation due to their personal characteristics will not be tolerated. Abusive behaviour includes, but is not limited to, physical, emotional or verbal abuse. Where abusive behaviour is alleged to have occurred the College will follow its Code of Conduct Policy to determine the most appropriate action to follow. Where abusive behaviour occurs towards a student in relation to their studies, or to a staff or faculty by an individual from outside the community of the College (from someone other than a student, staff, or faculty member), the College will help with the situation as much as the College deems possible.
Partial Completion Policy
At Rhodes Wellness College, we uphold high standards for our educational programs and aim to ensure the comprehensive development and competence of our students. To maintain the integrity and quality of our programs, we have implemented a policy that prohibits the acceptance of partial completion credits for courses.
- Definition of Partial Completion: Partial completion refers to situations where a student has not successfully fulfilled all the requirements outlined for a specific course. Missing requirements may include incomplete assignments, failed exams or demonstrations, or inadequate attendance (missing more than 20% of the course or 25% of the course with medical approval).
- Exclusivity of Full Course Completion: Full course completion is mandatory for all students enrolled in our programs. The successful completion of each course demonstrates the student's commitment, understanding, and acquisition of the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent life coach or counsellor.
- Course Completion Requirements: To be considered for course completion, students must satisfy all requirements. These requirements include meeting attendance requirements and successfully completing/passing all graded components of the course that are worth 20% or more of the total course grade.
- Consequences of Partial Completion:
- Students who fail to complete a course in its entirety will not be eligible to receive credit for the course and will be required to repeat the course.
- Inability to Progress: There are specific courses that are prerequisites for subsequent courses and semesters. These courses must be successfully completed in order for students to advance to subsequent courses and/or semesters.
- Request for Exceptions: Students can make requests for extensions to complete course components directly to their faculty. Faculty have the exclusive ability to grant extensions while the course is in session and for up to two weeks following the course. Students seeking exceptions (called an “extenuating circumstance exception”) for more than two weeks following the course completion, can only receive approval from the Director of Education or the President of the College. To receive an extenuating circumstance exception, the student must email the Director of Education with a detailed explanation of the circumstances and supporting documentation and the specific request. The Director of Education or President will review the request and make a determination whether the request will be granted or not.
Where the student is incapable of submitting a request due to an emergency medical situation, that can be documented (e.g., hospitalization, etc.), the Director of Education or President can on their own accord grant an extension. The decision of the Director of Education or President is final.
Professionalism Policy
Every moment in class is an opportunity to develop as a professional. This is demonstrated in how you show up in class for your peers, faculty, and yourself, especially in challenging moments. You can demonstrate professionalism by communicating respectfully and compassionately, demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively as a team member, submitting assignments by due dates, arriving fully attentive and engaged on time, and exemplifying consistent effort and desire to improve and integrate feedback.
As such, a key component of your grade in every course is allocated to Professionalism.
The 5 key components of Professionalism are:
- Personal Responsibility and Accountability
- Respect and Compassion
- Work Quality and Growth Response
- Cultural Awareness and Teamwork
- Participation and Engagement
Each of these five components are graded based on the demonstration provided by the student. If a student is trending to receive less than 50% for Professionalism, they will be required to meet with the instructor and/or a member of the Education Department to discuss the growth opportunities available to improve their Professionalism grade. If a student receives less than 50% on their final grade for Professionalism, they will automatically fail and be required to retake the course.
Payment Policy
Students are able to make payments via electronic funds transfer, bank draft, money order, credit card, cheque or cash (with some restrictions). Rhodes Wellness College will make every effort to ensure it is not a conduit for money laundering. While students need to be provided with the ability to pay their student fees utilizing various methods, to ensure payments are coming from legitimate sources and to protect students from the dangers that inherently can come from carrying large amounts of cash, Rhodes Wellnes College will not accept cash payments of over $5,000. Rhodes also reserves the right to ask for any student to submit any or all payments utilizing a method of payment other than cash.
Refund and Withdrawal Policy
APPROVED PROGRAMS |
REFUND DUE |
Before program start date, institution receives a written notice of withdrawal (applies to all students) |
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100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fee. Related fees include: administrative fees, application fees, assessment fees, and fees charged for textbooks or other course materials. |
a) The program start date in the most recent Letter of Acceptance (international students) b) The program start date in the enrolment contract. |
Institution may retain up to 10% of tuition, to a maximum of $1,000. |
a) The program start date in the most recent Letter of Acceptance (international students) b) The program start date in the enrolment contract. |
Institution may retain up to 20% of tuition, to a maximum of $1,300. |
After program start date, institution provides a written notice of dismissal or receives a written notice of withdrawal (applies to all students, except those enrolled in a program delivered solely by distance education) |
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Institution may retain up to 30% of tuition. |
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Institution may retain up to 50% of tuition. |
Student does not attend program – “no-show” (applies to all students except those enrolled in a program delivered solely by distance education) |
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Institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition. |
Institution receives a refusal of study permit (applies to international students requiring a study permit) |
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a) The program start date in the most recent Letter of Acceptance b) The program start date in the enrolment contract
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100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fee. |
After the program start date, student withdraws or is dismissed (applies to students enrolled in a program delivered solely by distance education): | |
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Institution may retain up to 30% of the tuition. |
program (based on evaluation provided to student). |
Institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition. |
APPROVED PROGRAMS – DISTANCE DELIVERY |
REFUND DUE |
Before program start date, institution receives a written notice of withdrawal:
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100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fee. |
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Institution may retain up to 30% of the tuition paid. |
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Institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition paid. |
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No refund due. |
Completed means the student has received an evaluation of their performance for the specified percentage of hours of instruction. If a student completed a portion of a program for which they did not receive an evaluation, that portion should not be included in the calculation of the percentage of the program completed. |
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Student enrolled in a program without having met the admission requirements for the program |
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If the student did not misrepresent the student’s knowledge or skills when applying for admission and the registrar orders the institution to refund tuition and fees. |
100% tuition and all related fees, including application fees |
INSTITUTION DOES NOT PROVIDE A WORK EXPERIENCE |
REFUND DUE |
The institution fails to provide the work experience within 30 days of the contract end date, unless the registrar determines the institution was prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond its control.* |
100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fees |
*Institutions are not expected to accommodate a student who refuses, for no valid reason, a work experience placement that meets PTIB’s work experience standards.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Institutions may not accept any tuition or related fees until they have provided a copy of the institution’s Tuition Refund Policy to the student. When a refund is due, an institution must provide it to the student within 30 days of:
- Receiving a notice of withdrawal from a student
- Receiving a copy of refusal of a study permit
- Providing a student with a notice of dismissal
- Receiving an order from the registrar to issue a refund because a student was admitted in an approved program without meeting the admission requirements.
- The program end date included in the enrolment contract, if an institution did not provide a work experience to a student within 30 days of the end date.
- The date on which the first 30% of the program would have been completed, if a student did not attend the first 30% of the program.
An institution must refund fees charged for textbooks or other course materials, including equipment and uniforms, if the student does not receive these course materials and any of the following apply:
- The student provides a notice of withdrawal to the institution
- The institution provides a notice of dismissal to the student
- The student does not attend any of the first 30% of the hours of instruction of the program.
Repeating Courses
Where students fail to successfully complete a course in a timely manner, whether due to academic performance, attendance, a breach of the Code of Conduct or Good Standing Policy, Rhodes Wellness College may allow the student to repeat a course (or sub-unit of a course) if there is a reasonable expectation that the student will successfully complete it. Students may be required to sign a Student Accountability Agreement before being allowed to repeat a class.
Students who are allowed to repeat a course (or sub-unit of a course) may do so without reduction of the course (or sub-unit) tuition, which includes any additional books or materials required for the successful completion of the course.
Sexual Misconduct Policy
- Rhodes Wellness College (the “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:
- sexual assault;
- sexual exploitation;
- sexual harassment;
- stalking;
- indecent exposure;
- voyeurism;
- the distribution of a sexually explicit photograph or video for non-educational purposes;
- the attempt to commit an act of sexual misconduct; and
- the threat to commit an act of sexual misconduct.
- 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 a Complaint about sexual misconduct involving a student, faculty, or staff member is as follows:
- The Complaint and any details surrounding the Complaint should be made communicated to the Director of Education by sending an email to educationdirector@rhodescollege.ca or the President at president@rhodescollege.ca. The Complainant should direct the complaint to the Director of Education unless they do not receive a response within two business days, or when more urgent attention to the matter is required, or if the individual feels more comfortable addressing their complain to the President.
- The process for responding to a Complaint of sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
- The Director of Education or the President (the “Receiver”) will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within three business days.
- The college will investigate the Complaint through a variety of ways including gathering details pertaining to the complaint from the complainant, students, faculty, or staff.
- The Receiver will communicate within seven business days (or sooner if the matter is deemed more urgent by the Receiver) the results of their investigation and any potential rectification that will occur.
- If the Complainant is not satisfied with the outcome, they can elevate the Complaint to a “Report”.
- The process for making a Report of sexual misconduct involving a student, faculty, or staff is as follows:
- The individual making a Report should submit an email with details of the event or actions they would like to report. Reports are generally more severe and urgent than Complaints. All individuals involved and/or affected should be detailed in the Report, and desired outcome(s) should also be included in the report.
- The Report should be communicated to the Director of Education by sending an email to educationdirector@rhodescollege.ca or the President at president@rhodescollege.ca. The Complainant should direct the complaint to the Director of Education unless they do not receive a response within two business days, or when more urgent attention to the matter is required, or if the individual feels more comfortable addressing their complaint to the President.
- The process for responding to a Report of sexual misconduct involving a student, staff, or faculty is as follows:
- The Director of Education or the President (the “Receiver”) will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within three business days.
- The college will investigate the Complaint through a variety of ways including gathering details pertaining to the complaint from the complainant, students, faculty, or staff.
- The Receiver will communicate within seven business days (or sooner if the matter is deemed more urgent by the Receiver) the results of their investigation and any potential rectification that will occur, including details of how and when the rectification will occur.
- If the individual that submitted the Report is not satisfied with the outcome, they can pursue a review of the investigation results and the determination of rectification utilizing the college’s Dispute Resolution Policy.
- The College will uphold a “Non-Retaliation” policy where it will not permit any individual submitting a Complaint or a Report of Sexual Misconduct to be pursued in any manner of reprisal or be threatened for retaliation or reprisal by individuals that the Complaint or the Report is about. Individuals contravening the Non-Retaliation Policy will be subject to review and potential action up to and including dismissal from their education with the college (if a student) or from their employment and/or work (if a faculty or staff member).
- Any processes undertaken pursuant to this policy will be endeavoured to be based on the principles of professional fairness. All parties involved will be treated with dignity and respect as far as possible by the college.
- All information related to a Complaint or Report is confidential and will not be shared without the consent of the parties, subject to the following exceptions:
- If an individual is at imminent risk of severe or life-threatening self-harm.
- If an individual is at imminent risk of harming another.
- There are reasonable grounds to believe that others in the institutional community may be at significant risk of harm based on the information provided.
- Where reporting is required by law.
- Where it is necessary to ensure procedural fairness in an investigation or other response to a Complaint or Report.
Snow Emergency Closing Policy
Rhodes Wellness College will provide notification by 5:00am PST if the campus will be closed due to snow or any other emergency. Notification will be provided clearly on the front page of the rhodescollege.ca website. If notification is not provided on the website, the campus will remain open for in-person classes, when required. Instructors may move any canceled in-person classes online at their sole discretion and will communicate these requirements directly to students via email. If the campus needs to close suddenly due to an emergency, the college will make every effort to communicate with students in person, via the rhodescollege.ca website and via email. As many students and staff are attending classes online and working remotely, the Vancouver campus closure will not affect online classes, and all online classes will continue to operate, unless notified otherwise.
Sobriety Policy
Where a student has an identified substance misuse challenge, Rhodes Wellness College requires one year of sobriety prior to entering a program. Documented support from external substance misuse counsellors as well as an external support system may be required.
If a student relapses and misuses substances while attending a program at Rhodes Wellness College, they will be required to withdraw from their program until such time that they can provide evidence of their fitness to attend. Note that this policy applies in addition to any other conditions that may result from a breach of the general rule prohibiting drug and alcohol use while attending programs at Rhodes Wellness College.
Note that this policy applies in addition to any other conditions that may result from a breach of the general rule prohibiting individuals with a history of substance misuse to be in active relapse while attending programs at Rhodes Wellness College.
Student Learning Assistance Policy
Where a student has a special physical, medical or academic need, whether the need is self-identified or identified by a health-care professional, the student may inform the College about that need prior to entering into a student contract with the College. This identification will allow both the student and the College to assess whether, and to what extent, the College can reasonably accommodate the student’s need within the experiential and academic programs offered by the College.
If a student self-identifies as having a special need, the student must:
- Meet admission requirements;
- Inform the College in a timely manner prior to entering into a student contract;
- Upon request by the College, provide to the College credible and sufficient documentation to verify the student’s legitimate need, including medical documentation where applicable;
- Provide details regarding the student’s abilities and the effects of any disability;
- Cooperate reasonably in the accommodation process; and
- Accept a reasonable proposal by the College to accommodate the student’s need.
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Where a student self-identifies as having a special need, Rhodes Wellness College will:
- Seek credible and sufficient documentation to verify the nature and extent of the student’s legitimate need, including medical documentation where applicable;
- Solicit reasonable details regarding the student’s abilities and the effects of any disability;
- Act in good faith to develop an accommodation plan for the student if the College can reasonably accommodate the student’s need;
In considering any proposed accommodation plan, the College must:
- Ensure that academic standards are maintained;
- Consider the resources reasonably available to the College;
- Be practical, while remaining open to innovative ideas;
- Consider the impact of the proposed accommodation, directly and indirectly, upon other students, including their learning outcomes, rights and morale; and
- Consider the impact of the proposed accommodation, directly and indirectly, upon the College’s staff; and
- Document the accommodation process.
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Third Party Funding Agency
Students receiving funding from third party funding agencies may have to abide by additional attendance criteria as determined by their funding agency. Student attendance information is generally provided to third party funders through monthly progress reports.
Transfer of Credit/Prior Learning Assessment Policy
A currently enrolled student who meets the following requirements may be permitted to challenge a course at Rhodes Wellness College on the grounds that the student has already received recent comparable training and can demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the relevant subject.
A student who successfully challenges a course at Rhodes Wellness College shall receive credit for that course as if they had attended the course and successfully passed it.
Procedure:
- The student must submit a written request to challenge a course to the student’s Admissions Adviser no less than 10 business days prior to the start date of their program. In extenuating circumstances, the Director of Education or President can review a course challenge less than 10 business days prior to the course, but will do so at their sole discretion. The student will submit the written request to the Director of Education and the President of the College. Either the Director of Education or the President will review and assess the request, and determine and communicate the outcome.
- The student must provide supporting documentation in the form of course outlines and transcripts and must meet any requests for additional documentation or meetings that the Director of Education or President requires to help them ascertain the equitability of the course(s) for which the student is seeking credit.
- The course must have been completed with a minimum grade of a “C” or equivalent and must have been completed within the last five years to receive transfer credit. The Director of Education or President may require other or additional methods, such as demonstrations, to assess the student’s knowledge and capability in direct relation to the course.
- In some cases, even if credit is provided, the Director of Education or President may still require the student to audit the course without the student paying a tuition fee, if they believe doing so will be integral for the student’s academic success within the College. When a student audits a course, the student will not receive credit for the course, but will still be expected to fully participate in the course. See the College’s Course Audit Policy for more information.
Within ten business days from the date on which the College receives the last of all required information from the student, the Director of Education or President will provide the written decision whether to permit the student to receive credit for the course(s) requested. A copy of the decision and any credit evaluation form utilized will be placed in the student’s file. The decision of the Director or Education or President is final and cannot be appealed.
Work Experience Policy (“Practicum”)
Rhodes Wellness College believes that its students should acquire abilities to practice the skills they learn during their studies at the college in a practical setting. As a result, Practicums are a required part of all diploma programs at Rhodes Wellness College. Practicums further help students achieve each program’s objectives and serves to prepare them for various employment opportunities they may wish to pursue after graduating.
- The requirements for participation in any Practicum are as follows:
a) Students must meet the ‘Good Standing Policy’ to be eligible for a Practicum.
b) The student must be placed in a Practicum that is relevant to their skill, program, and desired area of employment. - The process by which a student will be placed for a Practicum will be as follows:
a) The student may approach any organization on the list on their own accord to seek a Practicum placement.
b) A student may find a Practicum placement of their own choosing, provided the placement will meet the learning objectives of their program. Students must receive approval for any Practicum placement from Student Services.
c) If a student does not wish to pursue a Practicum placement on their own, Student Services will place the student in an available placement. If a student refuses the placement, and does not find a placement on their own, their program will be considered incomplete. - Rhodes Wellness College, the student, and Practicum host, will enter into a written agreement detailing each party’s responsibilities and the activities the student will undertake during the work experience. A copy of the agreement will be provided to the student before the start date of the work experience.
- The process by which the student will be evaluated in relation to the work experience component is as follows:
a) The practicum host will fill out an evaluation form provided by the college, and the student will be provided with at least one written evaluation in relation to their Practicum. - Rhodes Wellness College will monitor the student’s progress during their Practicum as follows:
a) A staff member from Student Service will check with the Practicum host to ensure the student is meeting the host’s attendance requirements; and
b) A staff member from Student Services will check with the Practicum host to ensure the student is meeting the learning objectives of their specific program. - If a student is unable to complete their practicum within the dates specified on their contracts, due to medical or personal circumstances, they will be required to receive an extension that is approved by the Director of Student Services or designate.
a) If an extension is granted, the student will be given an Amendment to their contract with a new program completion date. Each requested or required extension will be considered on an individual basis according to the circumstances of the situation. - Students are required to meet all their Practicum requirements in order to complete their program and their program will be considered incomplete until they do so.
Zoom Etiquette for Online Classes
To ensure a successful zoom classroom meeting, and engage in a productive learning environment, please keep the following “do’s and don’ts” in mind:
Do’s
- Show up professionally; find a quiet space in your home and dress appropriately
- Wear headphones if you are in a shared space. This is important to mitigate background noise and to ensure confidentiality in the classroom
- Ensure you have a strong internet connection. Plug directly into the modem with an ethernet cable if possible to ensure the strongest connection
- Use a desktop or laptop for class so that the screen is large enough to be able to see your entire class
- Make sure your full name shows up appropriately
- Be aware of your background, lighting, and noise.
- Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking
- Raise your virtual hand using the zoom function. This helps the instructor keep track of who raised their hand first.
- Turn off/silence cell phone
- Be on time to class. Communicate with your instructor (via email) if you will be late or if you need to leave early
- Maintain eye contact with the speaker on the screen.
- Keep everything you hear related to personal stories and information private and confidential
- Be kind and compassionate: If you wouldn’t say something out loud in the physical presence of your instructor and peers, then it’s not appropriate to say in a Zoom session or type into a chat window. Courtesy, compassion, and generosity go a long way in group settings.
Don’ts
- Share the zoom access information for your class with others
- Do not log in from a public space where the screen would be visible to members of the public
- Take screenshots, cell phone pictures, or otherwise record the meeting, your classmates, or your instructor without express permission to do so.
- Walk or drive during the class
- Use the private chat or text messaging for side conversations with classmates during class
- Sit in front of a window or bright light, this will make your face too dark to see.
- Have conversations with household members off camera.
- Allow household members to observe or listen to class; try to limit the amount that people walk around behind you during the class
- Engage in texting, social media, work from other classes, or other distractions while in class.
- Do not log in using a cell phone.
Student Statement of Rights
RHODES WELLNESS COLLEGE (the “College”) is certified with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) 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 have the right to be treated professionally by Rhodes Wellness College. Additionally, the College will endeavour to treat every individual with respect and fairness.
You have the right to a student enrolment contract that includes the following information:
- The amount of tuition and any additional fees for your program
- The College’s refund policy
- If your program includes a work experience, the requirements to participate in the work experience and the geographic area where it will be conducted
- Whether the program was approved by PTIB or does not require approval.
Make sure you read your enrollment contract before signing. The College will provide you with a signed copy after you have signed your enrollment contract.
You have the right to access the College’s Dispute Resolution Process and to be protected against retaliation for making a complaint due to the College’s Non-Relation Policy.
You have the right to make a claim to PTIB for a tuition refund if:
- The College loses its PTIB certification before you completed an approved program
- You were factually misled about a significant aspect of your approved program.
In order to receive a refund via PTIB’s Claim process, you must file the claim within one year of completing, being dismissed or withdrawing from your program.
For more information about PTIB and how to be an informed student, go to: http://www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/students/be-an-informed-student.
Academic Integrity Policy
All incidences of academic dishonesty and violations of academic integrity will be disciplined. Students will receive an automatic fail on any submission of work (assignment, presentation, exam, etc.) that includes academic dishonesty and be required to meet with the Director of Education. Further disciplinary actions can include suspension of studies and expulsion.
Such acts cannot be listed exhaustively but examples include:
- Plagiarism – Submission of the work of another person for credit, or failure to properly cite references for any work which is not original to the student; copying the work of others, allowing another student to copy from the student.
- Unauthorized use of notes or materials in exams, including communicating to other students.
- Forging or altering assignments.
- Un-permitted collaboration, giving or receiving aid on a take home exam, or other academic assignment under circumstances in which a reasonable person should have known that such aid was not permitted· Allowing others to copy or use work that is not their own.
Academic Probation Policy
Where a student fails to demonstrate skills or academic competency in one or more courses, such that there is a reasonable risk the student may not meet the grading standard or threshold required to successfully pass the course, Rhodes Wellness College may place the student on academic probation.
Academic probation is a formal written warning from Rhodes Wellness College establishing minimum criteria that the student must achieve in order to continue studies beyond the semester in which academic probation is delivered.
Additional Courses or Auditing Courses
Students and alumni are welcome to take additional course outside of their program for enrichment. To receive a grade for the course, the course tuition will be pro-rated for the length of the course. To audit the course for no grade, the course tuition will be pro-rated for the length of the course and reduced by 50%.
Admission Policy
Rhodes Wellness College (the “College”) is committed to enrolling students who meet program admission criteria and who are likely to succeed in achieving their education and career goals. For admission to the College, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Reach the age of majority (19 years old in British Columbia) or provide to the College the written consent from the applicant’s parental/guardian consent.
- Personal Statement on why you would like to pursue an education with Rhodes Wellness College and what you hope you to achieve upon graduation.
- Three character references.
- Personal resume or curriculum vitae (CV).
- Successfully complete an Admissions Interview.
- Demonstrate spoken and written proficiency in the English language consistent with the proficiency of a high school graduate, as evidenced by a written personal statement and the Admissions interview (see also the Language Proficiency Assessment Policy).
- A minimum of 12 months prior sobriety** is required to be verified during the Admissions interview. The College’s representative may require the applicant to provide a letter to the College confirming the applicant’s sobriety from a counselor.
- Possess a valid study permit/student visa if not a resident or citizen of Canada, and if studying in a full-time program that is longer than six months and provided either exclusively in-person or in a Blended (in-person/synchronous online) format.
If an applicant does not meet our minimum admission requirements, the requirements cannot be waived by either the College or the applicant.
**Please see our Sobriety Policy for more details.
Assignment Completion Policy
Late assignments will have 5% per day deducted from the final assignment mark (e.g. If an assignment is out of 10 marks, and it is handed in late by one day, there will be 0.5 mark deducted from the total mark given by the instructor). Extensions may be granted at the discretion of the instructor and a request for an extension must be submitted to the instructor with notice (it cannot be submitted on the day that the assignment is due). An assignment will be considered late if it is handed in past the time established by the instructor, or if no time is established, then 5pm on the day it is due.
All assignments and components of a course worth 20% or more of the total grade must be successfully submitted and completed in each course at Rhodes Wellness College. Students, who are unable to complete the course requirements due to medical or personal circumstances, are responsible for making alternative arrangements with their instructor or the Director of Education and provide supporting evidence that may be requested by Rhodes Wellness College.
Attendance & Illness Policy
- In order to pass each course, and to receive a certificate or diploma from Rhodes Wellness College, a student must attend a minimum of 80% of their enrolled classes, calculated by instruction unit (per class) and in aggregate (cumulative). Attendance is measured and calculated in 5 minute increments.
- Any student whose attendance falls below 90%, may receive an initial attendance warning via email by the instructor.
- Any student whose attendance falls below 85% may receive an official written attendance warning which will remind the student that they need to maintain attendance of a minimum 80% to pass the course.
- Students who miss class due to documented reasons, and due to illness, family or personal emergency, may submit a request in writing to the Education or Student Services Advisor or the Director of Education asking for further leniency to the minimum 80% attendance rule, up to a maximum of 5% of class. Any time away from class is marked as an absence, regardless of whether the student received an approved leniency.
- Any request must be accompanied with sufficient and credible evidence in support of this request and must be made within 5 business days of the student returning to school, if the student returns while the course is still in session, or within 5 business days of the completion of the course if the student does not return to the class prior to its completion.
- The request will be reviewed by the Education or Student Services Advisor or the Director of Education to determine whether an additional 5% leniency will be granted. The student will be advised in writing within 5 business days of receipt of their request with the determination.
- Regardless of the reason for the absence, the student must make arrangements with their instructor(s) and/or the Education or Student Services Advisor, to ensure that the student meets the class learning objectives and meets all class requirements. This can be achieved through make-up assignments, presentations, additional homework, additional individual instruction, or similar methods to ensure the class learning objectives are met.
- Due to the experiential learning style that Rhodes Wellness College incorporates, the student will not be able to pass a course they are enrolled in where their final attendance for the course, including any approved leniency, is below 75%. Under exceptional and rare circumstances, the Director of Education or President may at their sole discretion provide additional or alternate “make-up” time to satisfy the minimum 75% attendance needed to pass a course. Make-up time may include make-up assignments, presentations, additional homework, additional individual instruction, or similar methods.
- When a student repeats a course that they did not pass due to attendance reasons, and subsequently passes the course, their attendance associated with the time they failed the course will not be utilized in any aggregate (cumulative) attendance calculation, and only their attendance for the course retaken that resulted in a pass will count towards aggregate (cumulative) attendance.
- Students who fail two or more courses due to attendance, where reasons do not include those cited in clause “4” above, may be placed automatically on Academic Probation and be required to meet Rhodes Wellness College’s Education or Student Services Advisor and/or the Director of Education to review the reasons behind the student’s attendance and to formulate a plan that will help the student meet the College’s required attendance rate.
- Students who are on Academic Probation due to attendance reasons must then meet the College’s attendance policy requirements for the subsequent two courses in order to be removed from Academic Probation. Students who do not meet the College’s attendance requirements over the subsequent two courses will be subject to dismissal.
- Students who have previously been on Academic Probation due to attendance reasons and subsequently fail a course due to attendance reasons, will once again be placed on Academic Probation and will be required to meet the College’s attendance policy requirements for the subsequent three courses in order to be removed from Academic Probation. Students who do not meet the College’s attendance requirements over the subsequent three courses will be subject to dismissal.
- Anytime a student is placed on Academic Probation due to attendance reasons, communication will be delivered to the student in writing and a record of the same will be placed in the student’s file.
- Rhodes Wellness College will follow its Code of Conduct and Dismissal Policy when dismissing a student due to attendance reasons. Students may also follow Rhodes Wellness College’s Dispute Resolution Policy if they disagree with any outcome in relation to the College’s Attendance Policy.
- Students who are dismissed from Rhodes Wellness College due to attendance reasons will be withdrawn and must reapply for admissions to gain readmittance to the College and will not be eligible to reapply until a minimum of six months has passed since their dismissal.
- Regardless of attendance rules outlined herein, Rhodes Wellness College students often participate in group lessons and projects and therefore, for the instructor to plan appropriately for any class, they should be notified of any absence.
- For any potential sustained absence, students must contact the Education or Student Services Advisor to make appropriate arrangements that may include either withdrawal from the course and/or a request for a Leave of Absence. Please see Rhodes Wellness College’s Leave of Absence Policy for details.
- When a student obtains funding from an individual entity, body, or agency whose minimum standard for attendance or for justifying and documenting an absence differs from those of Rhodes Wellness College, in those cases, the student must meet both Rhodes Wellness College’s attendance requirements and those stipulated by the funding body.
Camera & Headphone Policy
Your camera must be turned on and you must be visible on screen to be marked as present during class. This ensures that you are attentive in class. It is also essential for ensuring confidentiality (i.e. no one else is observing the class or listening to the discussions). There is a lot of personal information shared during class discussions and having your camera on helps to create a safer online environment for everyone involved.
If you are off camera for more than 5 minutes, your instructor/TA will private message you to check in and request that you turn your camera on. If your camera remains off and/or you are unresponsive, you will be marked as absent for the time that your camera remains off.
While we track attendance closely and we require you to be on camera during class, please do not attend class online while you are driving. Your safety is of utmost importance. If you need to be in transit during class, please communicate your need to be out of class to your instructor and/or TA.
If you are attending class in a shared space and there are other people present, you are required to wear headphones.
Disability Statement
Rhodes Wellness College believes that to the greatest extent possible, students with disabilities should be encouraged and assisted to enroll and participate in the studies of their choice. While there may be physical, mental, or emotional disabilities that can affect how an individual engages with the experiential academic programs the College offers, this often does not take away from any student’s ability to make meaningful contributions in the industries the College provides instruction in. The College is committed to helping individuals earn the education they need to make the significant contributions they wish to make in these industries and through its Student Assistance Policy, the College will strive to provide reasonable accommodations to help these individuals wherever possible.
Dismissal and Code of Conduct Policy
Rhodes Wellness College expects each student to adhere to the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct governs behaviour towards students, staff members, and clients. If needed, a student should request clarification about the Code of Conduct from the Senior Educational Administrator or another Senior Administrative member of the college.
Rhodes Wellness College expects each student to:
- Attend school in accordance with the Attendance Policy.
- Treat every student, client and each staff member with respect.
- Dress professionally, appropriate for the program you are enrolled in.
- Treat school property with respect.
- Complete all assignments and examinations on time.
- The institution prohibits:
- disruptive or offensive classroom behavior;
- bringing a weapon of any kind (i.e. knives, guns, etc.) to school;
- bringing to the College or to a College event held elsewhere an alcoholic beverage, marijuana or any mood-altering substances prohibited by law;
- arriving on campus or a College event held elsewhere under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, marijuana or any mood-altering substances prohibited by law;
- making sexual, disparaging, or otherwise inappropriate remarks concerning another student, client, or staff member’s appearance, gender, ethnicity, race, religion or sexual orientation.
- abusive behavior toward another student, client or staff member, including bullying or any other form of intimidation. Abusive behavior includes, but is not limited to, physical, emotional or verbal abuse; and
- any other conduct determined by the College to be damaging or otherwise detrimental to another student or staff member of the College.
- Students must not become involved in sexual relationships with other students, clients, and staff members for the duration of their program.
- Note that this rule exists to maintain the safety, trust and integrity of group dynamics during experiential lessons and exercises. This rule is also fundamental to the development of strong ethical and professional boundaries.
- Note that students involved in sexual relationships with other students who are NOT in their current course may face schedule adjustments or program completion delays if such a relationship impacts their ability to comply with this rule.
- Each class may collectively create additional rules of conduct for their class.
The College will immediately dismiss a student without a warning letter or probationary period if the student commits any of the following:
- Sexual assault or harassment against another student, client, or staff member.
- Physical assault, or any other violent acts committed or threatened against another student, client or staff member.
- Vandalism of College property.
- Theft of property belonging to another student, to a staff member or to the College.
If a student, client or staff member has a concern about another person’s conduct within the College, the individual should refer that concern to the Senior Educational Administrator in accordance with the Dispute Resolution Policy.
If a student is found to be in contravention of the Code of Conduct outlined herein, Rhodes Wellness College may discipline a student for behaviour that is determined to contravene the Code of Conduct. Discipline can include, but is not limited to, suspension and potentially dismissal from the college.
The process by which a student may be subject to discipline is as follows:
a) The Director of Education, President, or another Director (“Senior Administration”) will gather all information pertaining to any incident(s) in question where the Code of Conduct has potentially been contravened. To assist with this, the students will be asked for input and will be required to have a discussion by phone, Zoom, or in-person with the Director conducting the investigation.
b) The student must agree to meet with Senior Administration in order to maintain enrollment in the college and to help work together with the Senior Administrator to rectify issues. In the meeting, the Senior Administrator will share how the student’s behaviour has breached the Code of Conduct and will listen to the student to hear their opinions on the activities or behaviour in question.
c) The Senior Administrator will gather additional information from faculty, administration involved, email, potentially other students, and other sources to obtain a fair understanding of what occurred.
d) The Senior Administrator will collaborate with the Director of Education and/or the President. In serious cases, the Director of Education and/or the President will be directly involved. The Senior Administrator, either accompanied by the Director of Education and/or The President, as deemed appropriate by the college, will meet with the students to explain the outcome of their findings including any potential discipline. In all cases where a student will be suspended or dismissed, the Director of Education and/or the President will be present either as participant or direct facilitator of the meeting where outcomes are explained and action/discipline is shared. In cases that do not involve a suspension or a dismissal, discipline decisions may be communicated only in writing, rather than verbally, followed by in writing.
e) Regardless, in every situation where discipline is applied, the student will be provided a written explanation of such discipline, which will include the determination of the action, date(s) that apply, and if applicable, the date on which the student may re-apply to return as a student of Rhodes Wellness College. This written explanation and determination will be provided to the student no later than 5 business days following notification of their dismissal
f) In cases where the safety of other students, staff, faculty, or the public is in danger, the college may move to apply action immediately prior to or without holding an information gathering meeting with the student.
g) If the student disagrees with their dismissal, they have the right to lodge a complaint via Rhodes Wellness College’s Dispute Resolution Policy. Thereafter, Rhodes Wellness College will follow its Dispute Resolution Policy to govern its communications regarding the dismissal.
Dispute Resolution and Grade Appeal Policy
Rhodes Wellness College provides an opportunity for students to resolve disputes of a serious nature in a fair and equitable manner.
The policy applies to all Rhodes Wellness College students who are currently enrolled or were enrolled 30 days prior to submitting their concern to the Senior Education Administrator (the “SEA”). Individuals will not be subject to any form of retaliation as a result of filing a complaint. “The complainant” is defined as the individual making the complaint and “the respondent” is the individual, division, or organization that the complaint is against. A “Designate” is a member of the senior management who is capable of adjudicating serious disputes at the request of the SEA, e.g., the Director of Student Services, the Director of Education, the Vice-President, or the Provost.
Procedure for Disputes:
- When a concern arises, the complainant should address the concern with the individual most directly involved. If the complainant is not satisfied with the outcome at this level, the complainant should put their concern in writing and deliver it to the SEA within five business days after addressing the concern with the respondent.
- The SEA, or their Designate if the SEA is unavailable, will arrange to meet with the complainant to discuss their concern and desired resolution as soon as possible or within seven business days of receiving the complainant’s written concern. In order for the Dispute Resolution process to continue, any meetings requested by the SEA or Designate must occur first.
- Following the meeting, or meetings, if one meeting is insufficient, with the complainant, the SEA or Designate will conduct whatever enquiries and/or investigations necessary and appropriate to determine whether the complainant’s concerns are substantiated in whole or in part. Enquiries may involve further discussion(s) with the complainant either individually or with appropriate Rhodes Wellness College personnel. When the respondent is an individual and safety or fear of retaliation by the respondent is a concern, the complainant may request to remain anonymous to the respondent (except when the respondent is an organizational division or the organization itself). The SEA or Designate will advise the complainant if this request is granted and will ascertain whether the complainant wishes to continue.
- The necessary enquiries and/or investigations shall be completed and a response provided in writing to all involved as soon as possible but no later than thirty days from the time that the SEA or Designate receives the complaint. One of the following may happen:
I. If it is determined that the complainant’s concerns are not substantiated the College will provide a written explanation of the decision and will not take further action correlated to the complaint; or
II. If it is determined that the complainant’s concerns are substantiated in whole or in part, the College will propose a resolution.
The response should specify that the complainant has five business days to appeal the decision. A copy of the decision and all supporting materials shall be given to the complainant, a copy will be placed in the respondent’s file, and in the complainant’s file.
- If the complainant is not satisfied with the determination of the SEA or Designate, the complainant must advise the SEA or Designate within five business days of being informed of the determination. The SEA or Designate will then refer the matter to a panel of a minimum of two college directors called the “Panel of Directors” for review. Directors include the President, Provost, Vice-President, Director of Education, and Director of Student Services.
- The Panel of Directors assigned to review the case will review all materials from the investigation conducted by the SEA or Designate. Their review may include further meetings with the complainant, the respondent, and others, if deemed necessary by the Panel of Directors.
- The original decision will either be confirmed or varied by the Panel of Directors and will be communicated in writing within 10 business days after the review has been referred to the Panel of Directors. At this point the College’s Dispute Resolution Process will be considered complete.
The individual making the complaint may be represented by an agent or a lawyer.
Once the Dispute Resolution process is complete, if the complainant is still not satisfied with the results, the student may file a complaint with the Ministry of Advanced Education, Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB). Details surrounding PTIB’s complaint process are found here: https://www.privatetraininginstitutions.gov.bc.ca/students/complaints-tuition-protection-claims.
According to PTIB’s stated policy:
To make a general complaint, [the student should] contact the Student Claims Officer.
[A student]may report:
- An institution that appears to be offering career training without being certified.
- Concerns that a certified institution is not operating in compliance with the Regulatory Standards.
If [a student makes] a general complaint, PTIB will review and decide whether to take action, but is not able to provide an update on the resulting investigation, if any.
If [a student believes they] were misled about a significant aspect of an approved program and [they] are unable to resolve the issue through the institution's dispute resolution process, [they] can file a claim with PTIB.
If [the student is] unable to exhaust the dispute resolution policy with an institution due to lack of response or delays, [the student should] contact PTIB for guidance; under certain circumstances claims may be accepted without a student exhausting the dispute resolution process. If [a student’s] claim is successful, [they] may receive a full or partial tuition refund from the Student Tuition Protection Fund.
[A student] must file the claim within one year of completing, being dismissed or withdrawing from [their] program. Claims cannot be accepted after the one year time limit.
Being unhappy about a program does not mean [a student was] misled. For a claim to be successful, [a student needs] concrete evidence [they] were promised something significant that the institution did not deliver.
Examples which may constitute being misled:
- [A student’s] enrolment contract provides for a certain length of program and [they find, after they] begin classes, the length of the program has significantly changed without [their] consent.
- Significant aspects of the program content, equipment or facilities are not as advertised.
Examples which likely do not constitute being misled:
- [A student fails] an exam.
- [A student dislikes] an instructor.
Procedure for Grade Appeal:
- If a student is dissatisfied with a grade received and can provide evidence that a higher grade is warranted they should discuss with their instructor. The instructor will reconsider the grade and, if warranted, assign a different grade.
- If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of their appeal to the instructor, they may submit a written appeal to the Senior Educational Administrator if the grade in question forms part of an assignment, exam or other course component equal to at least 15% of the course grade or if the outcome of the appeal will determine whether the student will pass the course.
- Where applicable, the Senior Educational Administrator will obtain from the instructor a copy of the assignment/test in question and a copy of assignments/tests from other students representing the highest and lowest marks obtained, and will have another instructor conduct a review.
- If the assessment achieves a higher grade on re-mark, the higher grade will be assigned to the student. If the assessment achieves a lower grade on re-mark, the lower grade will be assigned to the student.
- If the grade in question involves a behavioral test or course component other than an assignment or test, the Senior Educational Administrator may re-test the student or review the student’s evidence presented for appeal and dismiss the appeal or assess and assign a higher or lower grade.
- Once the re-assessment is complete, the Senior Educational Administrator will review the process and, once the review is complete, the grade will be considered final and cannot be appealed.
- The decisions on the grade appeal will be provided to the student within 30 school days of Rhodes Wellness College’s receipt of the written complaint.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging Statement
At Rhodes Wellness College, we believe that diversity is a strength and we are committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all members of our community. We value the contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds and are dedicated to addressing any individual or systemic biases that may exist. We aim to ensure that fairness, equity, accessibility, and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of our policies, programs, operations, and practices.
We are committed to providing all students with a fair and equitable opportunity to apply and be selected for our College, regardless of age, disability, family status, national origin, race/colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We strive to create a community where all students, regardless of their unique characteristics, skills, or experiences, feel valued and empowered to express themselves.
We recognize that diversity encompasses a wide range of characteristics, including but not limited to geography, culture, ethnicity, linguistic origin, socioeconomic class, ancestry, nationality, faith, gender, family or marital status. We are committed to celebrating and respecting these diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and identities within our community. We believe that fostering an inclusive and equitable environment promotes growth, understanding, and connection among all members of our community.
We are dedicated to ongoing education, dialogue, and collaboration to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at Rhodes Wellness College. We strive to create a culture where everyone can live, learn, and work in an environment of inclusion and respect. We are committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive community that embraces diversity and encourages mutual respect for all individuals.
This commitment, recognition, and dedication is cemented through the practice of Rhodes Wellness College’s eight core values. The College strives to have all of its students, staff, and faculty understand and adhere to these values, which are:
1. Unconditional positive regard
This means that we do not immediately judge others; that, instead, we hold the belief that other individuals are not trying to harm us and that if they do, that it may well be unintentional. It also means that we will give others the opportunity to clarify their actions if they have harmed us, before reaching a conclusion of their intent without input from them.
2. Compassion for all
This means that we will practice believing that everyone deserves kindness and consideration. This sometimes is difficult when we are learning about and practicing necessary boundaries; however, we believe that individuals can exhibit boundaries while still being kind.
3. Working to remove our biases
All of us have biases due to how we were raised and our personal circumstances. Being a helping professional requires us to work diligently to remove our biases so that we can help our clients let their story be their story, and so that we can truly see our clients for where they are at and help them become what they want to become, without manipulation or undue influence.
4. Eradicating prejudice
We realize that prejudice and racism is both individual and systemic. We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusiveness for marginalized populations because we know they have been harmed and continue to be harmed. In order to help the oppressed and downtrodden, we must first see, hear, and feel their plight. This develops empathy. In order to help this, we are committed to providing more and more understanding of gender-based issues and race-based issues. While we have provided opportunities for our community to develop empathy and understanding to those that suffer from addictions, mental health issues, and trauma, we realize that our efforts to understand these issues in the context of race and gender needs to continuously improve. We are committed to learning more about and incorporating this context in all that we do from activities and curriculum to hiring and training. We welcome all outside and inside help we can obtain to help us with this and are actively developing and implementing policy and practices to assist this.
5. Non-violent communication
This is something that we must practice as helping professionals. If we are in disagreement, no matter how strenuous or pointed or justified the disagreement is, we need to always practice the 1st value above (unconditional positive regard) while we articulate the area(s) we disagree with. While we know that NVC is a system that was devised by a white person, with various diversity and inclusiveness consultations we have had with consultants who are experts in promoting diversity and protecting marginalized populations, we believe that NVC is still a good model to use and that we should still practice it, as it provides great possibilities for all parties within a conversation to be heard, respected, and included.
6. Dispute resolution
Having disputes is natural and being able to resolve disputes requires conflict resolution skills- skills that benefit every helping professional. To resolve a conflict or dispute, the individual who feels they need something resolved should first approach the individuals they have feelings against or about. They should seek to provide clear professional communication on what they need the other party to understand, and how they need the other party’s support. Both parties need to exercise compassion, unconditional positive regard, and really be willing to listen. Both parties should actively restate and seek to clarify their understanding and attempt to have their feelings also understood by kindly sharing their experiences and their perspectives; with this method, most disagreements will be resolved. Permissions and audience are two additional factors that must be considered when working through Dispute Resolution.
If the dispute cannot be resolved with these honest attempts, then we recommend that an instructor or administration team member is sought out to assist. If that does not work, we want the individuals involved in the disputes to reach out to student services or administrative management to receive additional assistance.
Whatever the situation, students, faculty, or staff should not think it is up to them to adjudicate and force a resolution. If they have done your best and cannot resolve something, outside assistance from student services or administrative management should be forthrightly sought.
7. Self-responsibility
While it is important to weigh and understand when one does not have control of a situation, there are almost always factors and roles that we can play in helping every situation. Instead of pointing a finger at others, can we self-assess and understand what we can do to improve, prod, guide and support? Can we do so with professionalism while leading by example? Self responsibility clears and shows the way for others to be able to move forward with grace, honour, and dignity.
8. Patience for the process, for you and for all
Be patient: with ourselves, the process, and others and realize that no one is perfect. We all make mistakes. However, we all want to be here, and because we all want to help others we are starting with an incredible common cause to hold space for others and to help others! This common purpose can overcome all. Understand that none of the values we prescribe to can be accomplished easily and that learning how to aptly practice any of them can require life-long commitment. Together though we can practice and showcase these values, and as we do, we will become a kinder, gentler, more understanding, supportive, and joyful community with powerful abilities able to positively impact our communities for good.
We recognize that diversity encompasses a wide range of characteristics, including but not limited to geography, culture, ethnicity, linguistic origin, socioeconomic class, ancestry, nationality, faith, gender, family or marital status. We are committed to celebrating and respecting these diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and identities within our community. We believe that fostering an inclusive and equitable environment promotes growth, understanding, and connection among all members of our community.
We are dedicated to ongoing education, dialogue, and collaboration to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at Rhodes Wellness College. We strive to create a culture where everyone can live, learn, and work in an environment of inclusion and respect. We are committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive community that embraces diversity and encourages mutual respect for all individuals.
Dress Code Policy
The Rhodes Wellness College student dress code is in place to ensure standards of professionalism in the various settings students will find themselves: academically, in labs and practical components, as well as during in-house clinics and outreach. It is important that a tone of professionalism is displayed when offering massage and bodywork consistent with other professions in the health and wellness community. The dress code practices that Rhodes Wellness College requires massage students to adhere to are as follows:
Online
During online study, the dress code requires attire that is comfortable and provides adequate body coverage of the chest and midriff to maintain a professional atmosphere and consistency in the expectation of professionalism throughout the program. A student should be prepared that a guest speaker could join the online class, a guest who could be a potential future employer, intra or interdisciplinary professional, and therefore, conducting oneself, including one’s attire, should be professional.
In Class
During in-class study, the dress code includes clean clothing that:
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fits well so that no part of one's garments will drag onto the client.
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is breathable due to the laborious nature of massage.
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provides adequate body coverage which means dressing in a professional manner such as coverage of chest, midriff, and upper thighs.
Additionally, for tops it is important that a shirt can be raised up to the elbow when needed in practice and clinic time. T-shirts tend to be the best option. Chest should not be exposed if the student is bent forward. Undergarments are not to be exposed. For bottoms: pants, capris, and shorts no less than mid-thigh are permitted.
For safety and health reasons footwear is advised. Shoes should be comfortable and provide support for the feet. Students cannot practice in socks only. If any part of the foot is exposed, feet are to be well groomed. Single band sandals/slide sandals will not be permitted as this disrupts body mechanics while in practice.
When performing massage, the student therapist will ensure:
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Jewelry on the arms and hands is removed for sanitary reasons. Necklaces are short or tucked inside their shirt so as not to be disruptive to the massage.
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Hair is tied back and/or clipped up.
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Eyeglasses fit well.
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Students must remain scent-neutral and be mindful of scent allergies and scent sensitivities.
Clinic
During in-house student clinic and/or outreach clinic the dress code includes all of the above and more specifically:
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Black pants, black capris, or black shorts from mid-thigh or longer.
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A branded t-shirt provided by the college.
Rhodes Wellness College expects students to recognize the professional intent behind these requirements and to adopt practices that support Rhodes Wellness College’s commitment to high standards of professional practice.
Ethics, Integrity & Transparency Statement
At Rhodes Wellness College, we maintain a strong commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and transparency. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of professional conduct, and we strive to instill these values in our students as they embark on their journey to become life coaches.
Our core values are grounded in the principles of respect, honesty, fairness, and integrity, which are reflected throughout our organization. Our primary goal is to provide our students with the best possible education and experience, while ensuring that our staff and faculty members adhere to the highest ethical standards.
We are dedicated to being transparent and open with our students and clients, providing them with accurate and timely information. Our operations are conducted in an ethical and professional manner, and we maintain a high level of integrity in all our interactions. By upholding these ethical standards, we strive to offer our students and clients the highest levels of service and support.
Ethics: We believe in conducting ourselves with the utmost ethical principles, adhering to a code of ethics that guides our interactions with students, colleagues, and the broader community. We are committed to maintaining confidentiality, respecting the rights and autonomy of our students, and avoiding any conflicts of interest that may compromise the integrity of our relationships.
Integrity: We value integrity as the foundation of our practice. We are committed to being honest, trustworthy, and reliable in our interactions with our students and colleagues. We strive to act in alignment with our values and beliefs, and to consistently demonstrate integrity in all our actions and decisions. We also hold ourselves accountable for our actions and take responsibility for any mistakes or errors, maintaining transparency in our communications.
Transparency: We believe in being transparent and open in our interactions and communications with students and colleagues. We communicate clearly and honestly, ensuring that our students have a comprehensive understanding of our approach to education and coaching and the expectations they can have of the College. We also strive to maintain open and honest communication among our faculty and staff, fostering a culture of transparency within our organization.
We believe that by maintaining these principles, we can create a positive and trusted environment for our students to learn and develop their coaching skills with professionalism and excellence.
Failed Course Policy
A student may repeat a course up to but not exceeding three times. If the student fails the same course 3 times, the student will be placed on an academic suspension for 1 year. If the student wishes to take the course again, they must undergo the formal application procedure.
If a student fails a course due to lack of attendance (see Attendance Policy) or receives a grade lower than 50%, the student will be responsible for paying the full course fee, the tuition and any applicable fees to retake the course. The student can appeal the charges to retake the class but there must be exceptional mitigating circumstances with appropriate documentation.
Final Exam & Final Demonstration Rewrite Policy
If a student fails an exam, the student has the option to rewrite the exam. The student must make this request within one week of receiving their exam mark. If the student passes the exam/demonstration re-write, the final grade will be an average of the initial exam and the rewrite.
A student will only be able to rewrite the exam once.
Good Standing Policy
The Good Standing policy sets out the general requirements for a student to continue studying at the College. For this purpose, “good standing” means good academic standing, good financial standing, and good citizenship standing.
Good academic standing. To be in good academic standing, a student must
- Meet all requirements of the Assignment Completion Policy;
- Meet all requirements of the Attendance Policy; and
- Maintain a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0
A student who is not in good academic standing is subject to the Academic Probation Policy.
Good financial standing. To be in good financial standing a student must meet their financial obligations according to their established payment plan. Students who do not meet their payment plan requirements are subject to being placed on probation, which could prohibit the student from:
- Being registered in coursework
- Participating in student events, including graduation
- Receiving transcripts and credentials, including proof of graduation
- Participating in practicums, clinics, and other activities
If a student is on probation, the College may bar the student from any College functions including any or all of the following:
- one or more courses;
- one or more course-related activities (e.g., clinic hours, practicum, etc.);
- one or more social activities;
- graduation ceremonies, and
- graduation.
A student who otherwise completes all graduation requirements but who, at the graduation date owes less than $2000 to the College, may participate in graduation activities if the student has previously arranged with the College, in writing, a payment plan to pay the outstanding balance within three months of the student’s graduation date. If, within three months after the student’s graduation date, the student does not pay the amount due to the College in accordance with the written payment plan, then from the date of that default, the balance will accrue an interest rate of prime + 2% per month. If, six months after a student’s graduation date, the student still owes a balance to Rhodes Wellness College, the College reserves the right to assign the debt to a collection agency to collect the debt from the student. Part-time students on payment plans will be in default and subject to the interest rate and collection agency upon the final date of the original payment plan, not upon graduation.
Good citizenship standing. To be in good citizenship standing, a student must meet all the requirements of the Code of Conduct Policy. A student who is not in good citizenship standing is considered in breach of their student contract and subject to the relevant disciplinary actions.
Language Proficiency Assessment Policy
Rhodes Wellness College provides all of its instruction in the English language. A student whose first language is not English must submit English proof that they will be able to sufficiently understand and communicate in English so that the student can fully participate in class and so that classmates can benefit from the student’s insight and participation.
Before enrollment, each applicant will need to show proficiency in English as evidenced by a written personal statement and the Admissions interview. If English is not one of the applicant’s native languages, the applicant will also be asked to provide one of the following supporting documentation:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): minimum score 78 (internet-based).
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment Test (CAEL): minimum score 70.
- International English Language Testing IELTS (academic version): minimum score 6.5 overall, and no one score less than 5.5.
- Alternative exams to the above may be accepted as Proof of English providing the exam is internationally recognized and has published official equivalencies to one of the above exams (TOEFL, CAEL, IELTS) and the student has achieved the equivalent scores consistent with what is required in the tests listed herein.
- Two years of high school where the language of instruction is English.
- Two completed full-time semesters at a post-secondary English-speaking institution.
Exemptions:
Students from the following countries are exempt from the English language proficiency requirements.
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Leave of Absence Policy
In special circumstances, students may apply for a leave of absence (LOA) from their studies. Details for the special circumstances will need to be emailed directly from the student to the Director of Education (DOE) and the Education Services Advisor one week before the beginning of the following term and should include all documentation for the LOA request (i.e. for all medical reasons, the LOA request should include a doctors note; death in the family should include a public notification or other type of documentation; natural disaster should include an insurance claim, news article, etc.; depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions should include a note from the treating counselor/psychiatrist, etc.).
Upon receipt of the documentation, the Director of Education (DOE) will consider various factors, including the College’s scheduling requirements and capabilities to grant the LOA, and within five business days either approve, deny, or request more documentation. If the DOE approves the LOA, an LOA approval form will be sent to the student by the Registrar. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the form and return it to the Registrar within five business days in order to finalize the approval process for the LOA. If the form is not returned and/or duly completed, the LOA will not take effect. If an LOA is not approved, the student may be withdrawn from their program. If the DOE is out of the office for any reason, the Provost or the Vice-President can communicate regarding the LOA and provide LOA approvals with the same rules and conditions that apply for the DOE.
An LOA may not exceed 3 months consecutively without permission from the President of the College. The maximum amount of time a student can miss classes due to an LOA is 12 months for their entire program. The President of the College is the only individual authorized to provide exceptions longer than stated within this policy and will only do so with consultation and agreement with either the Provost or the Vice-President, and the DOE. For all non-medical LOA’s, the student must continue their scheduled monthly or semesterly payment plans while they are on LOA to guarantee a seat for next semester (or some other approved arrangement is made with the DOFA’s approval) or they will be placed on the waiting list that is maintained by the Director of Education. All LOA’s must be approved unless physically impossible (e.g., student is hospitalized or faces an unavoidable emergency), no later than one week prior to the start of any semester.
*If a student does not return from their approved LOA, the student may be withdrawn or dismissed from the school.
** There are financial loan implications when a student withdraws or is dismissed from a college, so the student should check with student aid about the rules/regulations. There may also be financial loan implications that need to be considered when applying for a leave of absence.
Non-Discrimination Statement
Rhodes Wellness College is committed to providing all students, staff, and faculty with a fair and equitable opportunity to join and participate in our community regardless of their personal characteristics. Personal characteristics are identified by British Columbia Human Right Code, which is the jurisdiction that the College is governed by, as: sex, race, religion, family status, disability, place of origin, and sexual orientation. The College also includes colour/race, gender identity, and age as personal characteristics that must be given equal opportunity.
Abusive behaviour toward another student, client or staff member, including bullying or any other form of intimidation due to their personal characteristics will not be tolerated. Abusive behaviour includes, but is not limited to, physical, emotional or verbal abuse. Where abusive behaviour is alleged to have occurred the College will follow its Code of Conduct Policy to determine the most appropriate action to follow. Where abusive behaviour occurs towards a student in relation to their studies, or to a staff or faculty by an individual from outside the community of the College (from someone other than a student, staff, or faculty member), the College will help with the situation as much as the College deems possible.
Partial Completion Policy
At Rhodes Wellness College, we uphold high standards for our educational programs and aim to ensure the comprehensive development and competence of our students. To maintain the integrity and quality of our programs, we have implemented a policy that prohibits the acceptance of partial completion credits for courses.
- Definition of Partial Completion: Partial completion refers to situations where a student has not successfully fulfilled all the requirements outlined for a specific course. Missing requirements may include incomplete assignments, failed exams or demonstrations, or inadequate attendance (missing more than 20% of the course or 25% of the course with medical approval).
- Exclusivity of Full Course Completion: Full course completion is mandatory for all students enrolled in our programs. The successful completion of each course demonstrates the student's commitment, understanding, and acquisition of the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent life coach or counsellor.
- Course Completion Requirements: To be considered for course completion, students must satisfy all requirements. These requirements include meeting attendance requirements and successfully completing/passing all graded components of the course that are worth 20% or more of the total course grade.
- Consequences of Partial Completion:
- Students who fail to complete a course in its entirety will not be eligible to receive credit for the course and will be required to repeat the course.
- Inability to Progress: There are specific courses that are prerequisites for subsequent courses and semesters. These courses must be successfully completed in order for students to advance to subsequent courses and/or semesters.
- Request for Exceptions: Students can make requests for extensions to complete course components directly to their faculty. Faculty have the exclusive ability to grant extensions while the course is in session and for up to two weeks following the course. Students seeking exceptions (called an “extenuating circumstance exception”) for more than two weeks following the course completion, can only receive approval from the Director of Education or the President of the College. To receive an extenuating circumstance exception, the student must email the Director of Education with a detailed explanation of the circumstances and supporting documentation and the specific request. The Director of Education or President will review the request and make a determination whether the request will be granted or not.
Where the student is incapable of submitting a request due to an emergency medical situation, that can be documented (e.g., hospitalization, etc.), the Director of Education or President can on their own accord grant an extension. The decision of the Director of Education or President is final.
Professionalism Policy
Every moment in class is an opportunity to develop as a professional. This is demonstrated in how you show up in class for your peers, faculty, and yourself, especially in challenging moments. You can demonstrate professionalism by communicating respectfully and compassionately, demonstrating the ability to work collaboratively as a team member, submitting assignments by due dates, arriving fully attentive and engaged on time, and exemplifying consistent effort and desire to improve and integrate feedback.
As such, a key component of your grade in every course is allocated to Professionalism.
The 5 key components of Professionalism are:
- Personal Responsibility and Accountability
- Respect and Compassion
- Work Quality and Growth Response
- Cultural Awareness and Teamwork
- Participation and Engagement
Each of these five components are graded based on the demonstration provided by the student. If a student is trending to receive less than 50% for Professionalism, they will be required to meet with the instructor and/or a member of the Education Department to discuss the growth opportunities available to improve their Professionalism grade. If a student receives less than 50% on their final grade for Professionalism, they will automatically fail and be required to retake the course.
Payment Policy
Students are able to make payments via electronic funds transfer, bank draft, money order, credit card, cheque or cash (with some restrictions). Rhodes Wellness College will make every effort to ensure it is not a conduit for money laundering. While students need to be provided with the ability to pay their student fees utilizing various methods, to ensure payments are coming from legitimate sources and to protect students from the dangers that inherently can come from carrying large amounts of cash, Rhodes Wellnes College will not accept cash payments of over $5,000. Rhodes also reserves the right to ask for any student to submit any or all payments utilizing a method of payment other than cash.
Refund and Withdrawal Policy
APPROVED PROGRAMS |
REFUND DUE |
Before program start date, institution receives a written notice of withdrawal (applies to all students) |
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100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fee. Related fees include: administrative fees, application fees, assessment fees, and fees charged for textbooks or other course materials. |
a) The program start date in the most recent Letter of Acceptance (international students) b) The program start date in the enrolment contract. |
Institution may retain up to 10% of tuition, to a maximum of $1,000. |
a) The program start date in the most recent Letter of Acceptance (international students) b) The program start date in the enrolment contract. |
Institution may retain up to 20% of tuition, to a maximum of $1,300. |
After program start date, institution provides a written notice of dismissal or receives a written notice of withdrawal (applies to all students, except those enrolled in a program delivered solely by distance education) |
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Institution may retain up to 30% of tuition. |
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Institution may retain up to 50% of tuition. |
Student does not attend program – “no-show” (applies to all students except those enrolled in a program delivered solely by distance education) |
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Institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition. |
Institution receives a refusal of study permit (applies to international students requiring a study permit) |
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a) The program start date in the most recent Letter of Acceptance b) The program start date in the enrolment contract
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100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fee. |
After the program start date, student withdraws or is dismissed (applies to students enrolled in a program delivered solely by distance education): | |
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Institution may retain up to 30% of the tuition. |
program (based on evaluation provided to student). |
Institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition. |
APPROVED PROGRAMS – DISTANCE DELIVERY |
REFUND DUE |
Before program start date, institution receives a written notice of withdrawal:
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100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fee. |
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Institution may retain up to 30% of the tuition paid. |
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Institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition paid. |
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No refund due. |
Completed means the student has received an evaluation of their performance for the specified percentage of hours of instruction. If a student completed a portion of a program for which they did not receive an evaluation, that portion should not be included in the calculation of the percentage of the program completed. |
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Student enrolled in a program without having met the admission requirements for the program |
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If the student did not misrepresent the student’s knowledge or skills when applying for admission and the registrar orders the institution to refund tuition and fees. |
100% tuition and all related fees, including application fees |
INSTITUTION DOES NOT PROVIDE A WORK EXPERIENCE |
REFUND DUE |
The institution fails to provide the work experience within 30 days of the contract end date, unless the registrar determines the institution was prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond its control.* |
100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fees |
*Institutions are not expected to accommodate a student who refuses, for no valid reason, a work experience placement that meets PTIB’s work experience standards.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Institutions may not accept any tuition or related fees until they have provided a copy of the institution’s Tuition Refund Policy to the student. When a refund is due, an institution must provide it to the student within 30 days of:
- Receiving a notice of withdrawal from a student
- Receiving a copy of refusal of a study permit
- Providing a student with a notice of dismissal
- Receiving an order from the registrar to issue a refund because a student was admitted in an approved program without meeting the admission requirements.
- The program end date included in the enrolment contract, if an institution did not provide a work experience to a student within 30 days of the end date.
- The date on which the first 30% of the program would have been completed, if a student did not attend the first 30% of the program.
An institution must refund fees charged for textbooks or other course materials, including equipment and uniforms, if the student does not receive these course materials and any of the following apply:
- The student provides a notice of withdrawal to the institution
- The institution provides a notice of dismissal to the student
- The student does not attend any of the first 30% of the hours of instruction of the program.
Repeating Courses
Where students fail to successfully complete a course in a timely manner, whether due to academic performance, attendance, a breach of the Code of Conduct or Good Standing Policy, Rhodes Wellness College may allow the student to repeat a course (or sub-unit of a course) if there is a reasonable expectation that the student will successfully complete it. Students may be required to sign a Student Accountability Agreement before being allowed to repeat a class.
Students who are allowed to repeat a course (or sub-unit of a course) may do so without reduction of the course (or sub-unit) tuition, which includes any additional books or materials required for the successful completion of the course.
Sexual Misconduct Policy
- Rhodes Wellness College (the “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:
- sexual assault;
- sexual exploitation;
- sexual harassment;
- stalking;
- indecent exposure;
- voyeurism;
- the distribution of a sexually explicit photograph or video for non-educational purposes;
- the attempt to commit an act of sexual misconduct; and
- the threat to commit an act of sexual misconduct.
- 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 a Complaint about sexual misconduct involving a student, faculty, or staff member is as follows:
- The Complaint and any details surrounding the Complaint should be made communicated to the Director of Education by sending an email to educationdirector@rhodescollege.ca or the President at president@rhodescollege.ca. The Complainant should direct the complaint to the Director of Education unless they do not receive a response within two business days, or when more urgent attention to the matter is required, or if the individual feels more comfortable addressing their complain to the President.
- The process for responding to a Complaint of sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
- The Director of Education or the President (the “Receiver”) will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within three business days.
- The college will investigate the Complaint through a variety of ways including gathering details pertaining to the complaint from the complainant, students, faculty, or staff.
- The Receiver will communicate within seven business days (or sooner if the matter is deemed more urgent by the Receiver) the results of their investigation and any potential rectification that will occur.
- If the Complainant is not satisfied with the outcome, they can elevate the Complaint to a “Report”.
- The process for making a Report of sexual misconduct involving a student, faculty, or staff is as follows:
- The individual making a Report should submit an email with details of the event or actions they would like to report. Reports are generally more severe and urgent than Complaints. All individuals involved and/or affected should be detailed in the Report, and desired outcome(s) should also be included in the report.
- The Report should be communicated to the Director of Education by sending an email to educationdirector@rhodescollege.ca or the President at president@rhodescollege.ca. The Complainant should direct the complaint to the Director of Education unless they do not receive a response within two business days, or when more urgent attention to the matter is required, or if the individual feels more comfortable addressing their complaint to the President.
- The process for responding to a Report of sexual misconduct involving a student, staff, or faculty is as follows:
- The Director of Education or the President (the “Receiver”) will acknowledge receipt of the complaint within three business days.
- The college will investigate the Complaint through a variety of ways including gathering details pertaining to the complaint from the complainant, students, faculty, or staff.
- The Receiver will communicate within seven business days (or sooner if the matter is deemed more urgent by the Receiver) the results of their investigation and any potential rectification that will occur, including details of how and when the rectification will occur.
- If the individual that submitted the Report is not satisfied with the outcome, they can pursue a review of the investigation results and the determination of rectification utilizing the college’s Dispute Resolution Policy.
- The College will uphold a “Non-Retaliation” policy where it will not permit any individual submitting a Complaint or a Report of Sexual Misconduct to be pursued in any manner of reprisal or be threatened for retaliation or reprisal by individuals that the Complaint or the Report is about. Individuals contravening the Non-Retaliation Policy will be subject to review and potential action up to and including dismissal from their education with the college (if a student) or from their employment and/or work (if a faculty or staff member).
- Any processes undertaken pursuant to this policy will be endeavoured to be based on the principles of professional fairness. All parties involved will be treated with dignity and respect as far as possible by the college.
- All information related to a Complaint or Report is confidential and will not be shared without the consent of the parties, subject to the following exceptions:
- If an individual is at imminent risk of severe or life-threatening self-harm.
- If an individual is at imminent risk of harming another.
- There are reasonable grounds to believe that others in the institutional community may be at significant risk of harm based on the information provided.
- Where reporting is required by law.
- Where it is necessary to ensure procedural fairness in an investigation or other response to a Complaint or Report.
Snow Emergency Closing Policy
Rhodes Wellness College will provide notification by 5:00am PST if the campus will be closed due to snow or any other emergency. Notification will be provided clearly on the front page of the rhodescollege.ca website. If notification is not provided on the website, the campus will remain open for in-person classes, when required. Instructors may move any canceled in-person classes online at their sole discretion and will communicate these requirements directly to students via email. If the campus needs to close suddenly due to an emergency, the college will make every effort to communicate with students in person, via the rhodescollege.ca website and via email. As many students and staff are attending classes online and working remotely, the Vancouver campus closure will not affect online classes, and all online classes will continue to operate, unless notified otherwise.
Sobriety Policy
Where a student has an identified substance misuse challenge, Rhodes Wellness College requires one year of sobriety prior to entering a program. Documented support from external substance misuse counsellors as well as an external support system may be required.
If a student relapses and misuses substances while attending a program at Rhodes Wellness College, they will be required to withdraw from their program until such time that they can provide evidence of their fitness to attend. Note that this policy applies in addition to any other conditions that may result from a breach of the general rule prohibiting drug and alcohol use while attending programs at Rhodes Wellness College.
Note that this policy applies in addition to any other conditions that may result from a breach of the general rule prohibiting individuals with a history of substance misuse to be in active relapse while attending programs at Rhodes Wellness College.
Student Learning Assistance Policy
Where a student has a special physical, medical or academic need, whether the need is self-identified or identified by a health-care professional, the student may inform the College about that need prior to entering into a student contract with the College. This identification will allow both the student and the College to assess whether, and to what extent, the College can reasonably accommodate the student’s need within the experiential and academic programs offered by the College.
If a student self-identifies as having a special need, the student must:
- Meet admission requirements;
- Inform the College in a timely manner prior to entering into a student contract;
- Upon request by the College, provide to the College credible and sufficient documentation to verify the student’s legitimate need, including medical documentation where applicable;
- Provide details regarding the student’s abilities and the effects of any disability;
- Cooperate reasonably in the accommodation process; and
- Accept a reasonable proposal by the College to accommodate the student’s need.
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Where a student self-identifies as having a special need, Rhodes Wellness College will:
- Seek credible and sufficient documentation to verify the nature and extent of the student’s legitimate need, including medical documentation where applicable;
- Solicit reasonable details regarding the student’s abilities and the effects of any disability;
- Act in good faith to develop an accommodation plan for the student if the College can reasonably accommodate the student’s need;
In considering any proposed accommodation plan, the College must:
- Ensure that academic standards are maintained;
- Consider the resources reasonably available to the College;
- Be practical, while remaining open to innovative ideas;
- Consider the impact of the proposed accommodation, directly and indirectly, upon other students, including their learning outcomes, rights and morale; and
- Consider the impact of the proposed accommodation, directly and indirectly, upon the College’s staff; and
- Document the accommodation process.
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Third Party Funding Agency
Students receiving funding from third party funding agencies may have to abide by additional attendance criteria as determined by their funding agency. Student attendance information is generally provided to third party funders through monthly progress reports.
Transfer of Credit/Prior Learning Assessment Policy
A currently enrolled student who meets the following requirements may be permitted to challenge a course at Rhodes Wellness College on the grounds that the student has already received recent comparable training and can demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the relevant subject.
A student who successfully challenges a course at Rhodes Wellness College shall receive credit for that course as if they had attended the course and successfully passed it.
Procedure:
- The student must submit a written request to challenge a course to the student’s Admissions Adviser no less than 10 business days prior to the start date of their program. In extenuating circumstances, the Director of Education or President can review a course challenge less than 10 business days prior to the course, but will do so at their sole discretion. The student will submit the written request to the Director of Education and the President of the College. Either the Director of Education or the President will review and assess the request, and determine and communicate the outcome.
- The student must provide supporting documentation in the form of course outlines and transcripts and must meet any requests for additional documentation or meetings that the Director of Education or President requires to help them ascertain the equitability of the course(s) for which the student is seeking credit.
- The course must have been completed with a minimum grade of a “C” or equivalent and must have been completed within the last five years to receive transfer credit. The Director of Education or President may require other or additional methods, such as demonstrations, to assess the student’s knowledge and capability in direct relation to the course.
- In some cases, even if credit is provided, the Director of Education or President may still require the student to audit the course without the student paying a tuition fee, if they believe doing so will be integral for the student’s academic success within the College. When a student audits a course, the student will not receive credit for the course, but will still be expected to fully participate in the course. See the College’s Course Audit Policy for more information.
Within ten business days from the date on which the College receives the last of all required information from the student, the Director of Education or President will provide the written decision whether to permit the student to receive credit for the course(s) requested. A copy of the decision and any credit evaluation form utilized will be placed in the student’s file. The decision of the Director or Education or President is final and cannot be appealed.
Work Experience Policy (“Practicum”)
Rhodes Wellness College believes that its students should acquire abilities to practice the skills they learn during their studies at the college in a practical setting. As a result, Practicums are a required part of all diploma programs at Rhodes Wellness College. Practicums further help students achieve each program’s objectives and serves to prepare them for various employment opportunities they may wish to pursue after graduating.
- The requirements for participation in any Practicum are as follows:
a) Students must meet the ‘Good Standing Policy’ to be eligible for a Practicum.
b) The student must be placed in a Practicum that is relevant to their skill, program, and desired area of employment. - The process by which a student will be placed for a Practicum will be as follows:
a) The student may approach any organization on the list on their own accord to seek a Practicum placement.
b) A student may find a Practicum placement of their own choosing, provided the placement will meet the learning objectives of their program. Students must receive approval for any Practicum placement from Student Services.
c) If a student does not wish to pursue a Practicum placement on their own, Student Services will place the student in an available placement. If a student refuses the placement, and does not find a placement on their own, their program will be considered incomplete. - Rhodes Wellness College, the student, and Practicum host, will enter into a written agreement detailing each party’s responsibilities and the activities the student will undertake during the work experience. A copy of the agreement will be provided to the student before the start date of the work experience.
- The process by which the student will be evaluated in relation to the work experience component is as follows:
a) The practicum host will fill out an evaluation form provided by the college, and the student will be provided with at least one written evaluation in relation to their Practicum. - Rhodes Wellness College will monitor the student’s progress during their Practicum as follows:
a) A staff member from Student Service will check with the Practicum host to ensure the student is meeting the host’s attendance requirements; and
b) A staff member from Student Services will check with the Practicum host to ensure the student is meeting the learning objectives of their specific program. - If a student is unable to complete their practicum within the dates specified on their contracts, due to medical or personal circumstances, they will be required to receive an extension that is approved by the Director of Student Services or designate.
a) If an extension is granted, the student will be given an Amendment to their contract with a new program completion date. Each requested or required extension will be considered on an individual basis according to the circumstances of the situation. - Students are required to meet all their Practicum requirements in order to complete their program and their program will be considered incomplete until they do so.
Zoom Etiquette for Online Classes
To ensure a successful zoom classroom meeting, and engage in a productive learning environment, please keep the following “do’s and don’ts” in mind:
Do’s
- Show up professionally; find a quiet space in your home and dress appropriately
- Wear headphones if you are in a shared space. This is important to mitigate background noise and to ensure confidentiality in the classroom
- Ensure you have a strong internet connection. Plug directly into the modem with an ethernet cable if possible to ensure the strongest connection
- Use a desktop or laptop for class so that the screen is large enough to be able to see your entire class
- Make sure your full name shows up appropriately
- Be aware of your background, lighting, and noise.
- Mute your microphone when you’re not speaking
- Raise your virtual hand using the zoom function. This helps the instructor keep track of who raised their hand first.
- Turn off/silence cell phone
- Be on time to class. Communicate with your instructor (via email) if you will be late or if you need to leave early
- Maintain eye contact with the speaker on the screen.
- Keep everything you hear related to personal stories and information private and confidential
- Be kind and compassionate: If you wouldn’t say something out loud in the physical presence of your instructor and peers, then it’s not appropriate to say in a Zoom session or type into a chat window. Courtesy, compassion, and generosity go a long way in group settings.
Don’ts
- Share the zoom access information for your class with others
- Do not log in from a public space where the screen would be visible to members of the public
- Take screenshots, cell phone pictures, or otherwise record the meeting, your classmates, or your instructor without express permission to do so.
- Walk or drive during the class
- Use the private chat or text messaging for side conversations with classmates during class
- Sit in front of a window or bright light, this will make your face too dark to see.
- Have conversations with household members off camera.
- Allow household members to observe or listen to class; try to limit the amount that people walk around behind you during the class
- Engage in texting, social media, work from other classes, or other distractions while in class.
- Do not log in using a cell phone.