Admission and Refund Policy

Admission Requirement

All students must have a legal status in Canada and valid medical insurance while they are studying.

• Program/Course over six months: Students must have a valid study permit.
• Short-term course or program less than six months: Students can study without study permit if
  – the duration of students’ course or program of study is six months or less; and
  – students will complete their course or studies within the time they are allowed to stay in Canada.

Study Cancellation and Tuition Refund Policy

1.Refunds before the program starts:

• a. If the institution receives a notice of withdrawal within 7 days after the contract is made, and before the program start date, the institution may retain 10% of the tuition due;

• b. If the institution receives a notice of withdrawal 30 days or more before the program start date, the institution may retain 20% of the tuition due;

• c. If the institution receives a notice of withdrawal less than 30 days before the program start date, the institution may retain 30% of the tuition due.

2. Refunds after the program starts:

• a. If the institution receives a notice of withdrawal less than 10% of program completed, the institution may retain up to 50% of the unused tuition due;

• b. If the institution receives a notice of withdrawal where 10-30% of program completed, the institution may retain up to 70% of the unused tuition due;

• c. If the institution receives a notice of withdrawal more than 30% of program completed, no student refund is required.

3. Refunds relating to Study Permit or Visa:

• a. If a student’s Study Permit has not been issued by the start date indicated in the institution’s Letter of Acceptance and the student so notifies the institution, at the request of the student, the institution may issue a second Letter of Acceptance for a later requested start date.

•      i. The institution may charge the student an additional $200 administrative fee and retain the balance of the prepaid tuition fees pending the outcome of the Study Permit application.

•      ii. A student fails to notify to the institution, the refund policy set out in Section 2.a will apply.

• b. If the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada deny a student’s Study Permit, the School may retain the lesser of 20% or $400.

•      i. An electronic copy of the Study Permit or Visa refusal letter must be provided prior to the program start date as set out in the institution’s most recently issued Letter of Acceptance.

•      ii. A student fails to notify to School, or decides to withdraw for other reasons, the refund policy set out in Section 2.a will apply.

4. Other Refund Policy Requirements:

• a. Where a student withdraws from their program after receiving technical equipment from the School

•      i. The student must return the equipment as the way it was given to the student on the same date that a completed withdrawal form is submitted; and

•      ii. If the student fails to return the equipment as the way it was given to the student, the School may deduct the reasonable cost of the equipment from any amount to be refunded to the student.

• b. Refunds owed to students must be paid within 30 days of the institution receiving written notification of withdrawal, technical equipment, if applicable, and all required supporting documentation.

• c. If the institution receives tuition from the student, or a person on behalf of the student, the institution will refund the student, or the person who paid on behalf of the student.

5. A student may be entitled to a refund of tuition fees in the event that the student provides written notice of cancellation form.

6. All refunds are made to the original fee payer.

7. All refunds will be made within 30 days from the date that written cancellation is received.

8. Non-refundable fees are not refunded in any cases.

9. Any or all changes of hours/programs are considered the same as cancellation. For instance, if a student would like to change their lesson type from 27 lessons per week to 20 lessons per week, the whole program is cancelled and re-apply for the newer lessons and refund policy will be applied.

10. Any or all changes of number of lessons/programs by Connect International School are credited based on tuition and fees as listed in the finally issued student invoice. No cash refunds will be made for these changes.

11. Courses are not transferable to a third party.

Accommodation Cancellation and Refund Policy

1. Accommodation cancellation before move-in: If a student wishes to cancel accommodation, they must give 4 weeks prior to the move-in date with written notice. This makes a student be entitled to get accommodation fee refund. In case of Study Permit or Visa refusal, the same rule is applied.
2. Accommodation cancellation after move-in: If a student wishes to cancel accommodation after move-in, a 4 weeks’ advance written notice must be submitted for homestay fee refund. If the 4-week notice period is not provided a cancellation fee equal to 4 weeks of the accommodation cost will apply.

Airport Transfer Cancellation and Refund Policy

1. Arrival flight details including arrival time and date, flight numbers, airline and point of origin must be submitted at least 7 business days prior to arrival. If it is not provided to the school, no refunds will be granted on transfers.
2. If a student cancels Airport Transfer within 24 hours of arrival will be charged in full.

Academic Policies

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is a guiding principle for all that students might do while studying at Connect International School; from taking exams, making oral presentations to writing term papers. Connect International School requires that students recognize and acknowledge information derived from others, and take credit only for ideas and work that are yours.

If a teacher determines that a student has violated this policy, the teacher shall firstly discuss the suspected violation with the student to ensure that s/he understands what plagiarism is and the importance of the (potential) violation.

• First Offence: Meeting with the teacher; resubmit the assignment
• Second Offence: Resubmit assignment and receive a lower grade
• Third Offence: Teacher documents event and forwards to the Head Teacher for review.
  Meeting with the student, teacher and Head Teacher is arranged. The Head Teacher will determine if academic misconduct has taken place and what discipline may be appropriate.

Disciplinary action may include probation, rejection of submitted work, failing grade for the assignment or course, or suspension from Connect International School without refund.

Assessment Method & Student Progress

• Placement Test: Students complete a placement test online, prior to arrival in Canada, or on their first day at Connect International School. The results are analyzed to ensure that all students are placed in the correct level.
• Level-up: Students will receive assessment, based on clear learning outcomes, on a weekly basis. Students will progress at their own rate, but most will complete one level within 6-8 weeks. Each level has a minimum requirement of 4 weeks and students must earn at least 75% on their weekly final scores to progress to the next level.

The acquisition and development of English language proficiency is often a gradual process and therefore student progress is assessed on an individual basis. To allow CIS students a variety of ways to demonstrate their understanding, student progress is measured using a range of assessment strategies. Developmentally appropriate assessment provides opportunities for the students to show what they know in an environment in which it is safe to take risks associated with learning.

Assessments methods may include all or a combination of the following: participation, quizzes/tests, case studies, simulations, presentations, project group work, teacher observation, self assessment, peer assessment, reports, oral story-telling and re-telling, etc.

Homework 

Attendance and Lateness Policy

Grade Appeal Policy

Where a student wishes to appeal a teacher’s assessment, the student should first meet directly with the teacher who assigned the grade.  If further action is required, the student and teacher should meet with the CIS Head Teacher where a review of the student’s attendance and academic progress will be done, and the final assessments and reports will be reviewed. If there is reason to question the final result, the student may be asked to complete a writing prompt and/or interview. The outcome of the appeal will be explained to the student, and a record kept.

Cellphone Policy

Dismissal Policy

Connect International School may dismiss a student from a program on any of the following grounds:

• Poor Attendance: Students must maintain good attendance and attend at least 80% of their classes
• English Only: Students must speak English when on the school premises. After appropriate warnings, students may be expelled.
• Inappropriate Behavior: If the student’s behavior is deemed inappropriate by Connect standards, students may be asked to leave the school.

While on the school premises students must:

• Comply with all applicable school policies at all times,
• Treat all with respect and dignity,
• Not steal, misuse, destroy or deface any property;
• Not consume, possess or distribute alcohol or other drugs

Dismissal Procedure:

1. Concerns will be directed to the Executive Director. 
2. The Director will arrange to meet with the student to discuss the concerns within five school days of receiving the complaint.
3. Following the meeting, the Director will determine whether the concerns are substantiated, or substantiated, in whole or in part.
4. Upon determination that concerns are substantiated in part or whole, the Executive Director will give the student a warning with a set probationary period, or recommend that the student be dismissed.
5. The Director will file a written report. If the recommendation of dismissal is accepted, a letter of dismissal and a calculation of any money owing, if any, will be delivered.  If the student owes money to the institution, collection may be undertaken.

Dispute Resolution Policy

­CIS provides an opportunity for students to resolve disputes of a serious nature in a fair, reasonable and equitable manner. ­­

Procedure:

1. When a concern arises, the student should first attempt to address it with the individual most directly involved.

2. If dissatisfied with the outcome, the student should submit a complaint to the Campus Manager who will arrange to meet to discuss the concern and desired resolution within five (5) school days of receiving the students statement of concern.

3. Should this person be absent or be named in the complaint the student should submit the complaint to the Managing Director who will arrange to meet with the student to discuss the concern and desired resolution within five (5) school days of receiving the students concern.

4. Following the meeting with the student, the Campus Manager will conduct whatever enquiries and/or investigations are necessary and provide a written response to the student that includes reasons for the determination on the complaint. The written reasons will be provided no later than 20 school days following the receipt of the student’s written complaint.

5. If the student is not satisfied with the determination of the Campus Manager, the student must advise the Campus Manager in writing within five (5) school days of being informed of the determination. The Campus Manager will immediately refer the matter to the Managing Director. The Managing Director will review the matter and meet with the student. If the dispute is a concern about an academic issue, the Head Teacher may be involved for resolution.

The determination will be notified to the student within 20 school days following the receipt of the student’s written complaint. At this point the Dispute Resolution Process will be considered exhausted.

• Students making a complaint may be represented by an agent or a lawyer.
• Students will not be subject to any retaliation as a result of their complaint.

After exhausting the dispute resolution process, a student may file a claim with Languages Canada on the basis that the institution misled the student regarding any significant aspect of an approved program.

https://www.languagescanada.ca/web/default/files/LC_Dispute_Resolution_Policy_2015_logo.pdf

Please note: The student and the CIS personnel involved shall receive a written summary of the above determination. A copy of all documentation relating to every student’s complaint should be signed by all parties. A copy shall be given to the student and the original will be placed in the student file.

Harassment and Discrimination Policy

Connect International School has zero tolerance to bullying, harassment of any kind and/or discrimination. CIS promotes that all individuals are treated equally; with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. CIS is committed to presenting and supporting an environment, which values and affirms equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusivity. Students who feel discriminated against or harassed should follow the Dispute Resolution Policy & Procedures.

Medical Insurance

All students must provide Connect International School with their medical insurance information prior to or on their first start date. Students should ensure a safe visit to Canada by purchasing medical insurance prior to starting school. Medical insurance will cover the high costs that can be associated with an unexpected accident or illness while in Canada.

Personal Release for Appearance in Videos or Pictures

Attendance and Lateness Policy

Students are expected to attend class regularly. Absence, late arrival and early departure could affect a student from receiving a certificate.

Attendance: Students must attend 80% of their classes and must not be absent for more than 20% of their overall study period.

Lateness: Students are required to be in class at start time. If a student is late, they may not enter without permission from the administration front desk staff.

Illness:  Students must email Connect International School if they cannot attend classes. Students will be marked absent.

Students who miss classes, for any reason, are responsible for catching up on materials and assignments they miss and no compensation is provided.

Study Break 

Students whose total study duration is over 8 weeks may request for a study break. Students must get an approval from the school and break request must be received at least 10 business days prior to the start of the proposed break. Teachers will be notified of students who are on break and students duration will be extended at the end by the number.

Certificate