Orientation Program Package for International Students

Other Housing Options

• • On-Campus Housing: Westminster College does not have on-campus housing.
• • Private Rentals: Options include shared apartments, basement suites, or private studios.
• • Websites for Housing Searches: Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, PadMapper.

Important: Be aware of rental scams. Never send money without viewing a property or signing a lease.

Tenancy Rights

In British Columbia, your rights and responsibilities as a tenant are protected by the Residential Tenancy Act. Key points include:

• • You must be given a written tenancy agreement.
• • A security deposit cannot exceed half of one month’s rent.
• • Landlords must provide 24 hours’ notice for entry.

For more information, visit the BC Residential Tenancy Branch.

Program Attendance and Progression Requirements

Your primary purpose in Canada is to actively pursue your studies. Adherence to attendance and progression policies is a critical condition of your study permit and enrollment at Westminster College.

Full-Time Status

To maintain your study permit validity, you must remain enrolled as a full-time student during each academic session (excluding scheduled breaks).

Definition of Full-Time: Minimum 20–25 instructional hours per week are required for full-time status at Westminster College.

Attendance Monitoring

Our institution actively monitors class attendance. Unsatisfactory attendance will be reported to the student and may lead to academic penalties and, ultimately, a report to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Satisfactory Academic Progress

You must maintain a minimum 70% to remain in good academic standing. Failure to meet progression requirements may result in academic suspension.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

• Academic probation
• Ineligibility to enroll in future terms
• A report to IRCC of “no longer enrolled,” which can lead to cancellation of your study permit

Academic and Student Support Services

We are here to support your success. Below are the key support services available to you:

Academic Advising

Contact Mary Ragas or Zeeshan Khan for academic guidance and program planning.

Learning Support Centre

Offers tutoring, writing help, and study skills workshops. For more information, contact Campus Director, Merlinda Ilagan at
hcacoordinator@westminstercollege.ca.

Library Services

Library support available through Aaron Khan at the front desk.

Designated International Student Contact

Your main point of contact for immigration, adaptation, and general support questions:

• Name: Dr. Nessim Tariq
• Title: President
• Email: president@westminstercollege.ca
• Phone: 604-588-5880
• Office Location: 200-10252 City Parkway, Surrey, BC, V3T 4C2

Health, Safety, and Well-being

Medical Services Plan (MSP)

As an international student with a study permit valid for more than 6 months, you are required to enroll in BC’s public health insurance plan (MSP). There is a waiting period before coverage begins, so you must purchase private health insurance from Westminster College’s provider Sunlife Insurance during this period.

Mental Health Support

Free and confidential counselling services are available to all students.
Contact: Merlinda Ilagan, Nurse — Tel: 604-588-5880

Safety & Inclusivity

We are committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free environment. We actively promote an inclusive culture and do not tolerate harassment or racism based on age, race, gender, religion, or any other ground under the BC Human Rights Code.

Overdose Prevention

In alignment with provincial guidelines, free Naloxone kits and training are available at the HCA Coordinator Office. This is a critical resource for responding to opioid overdoses.