The purpose of this policy is to define the criteria an applicant must satisfy in order to be admitted to a program of studies at the Justice Institute of British Columbia ("JIBC" or the “Institute”). Admission criteria are established by the Institute and program areas to provide equity of access and to optimize the success of students entering programs.
Due to the nature of the programs at the JIBC, mature students who wish to apply to some programs but do not have the formal academic education for admission may be admitted through a flexible admission process.
Applicants are eligible for admission to JIBC programs provided they meet all institutional and program-specific entrance requirements. All program areas must establish criteria for admissions that are appropriate to the learning outcomes of the program, are easily understood by candidates, and can be applied fairly. The criteria shall be conducive to student success in that program.
Applicants may be assessed for admissions on the basis of their formal academic education and/or on the knowledge, skills, and other attributes according to JIBC’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Policy.
This policy will apply to all JIBC programs of 20 or more credits, as well as all graduate programs. Exceptions to this policy must be recommended by the appropriate Curriculum Committee and approved by Program Council.
Age Restriction – At the time of enrolment, students must be at least 16 years of age. There is no upper age limit.
Applicant – A person who has applied to a program and paid an application fee.
Block Transfer – Process whereby a predetermined number of credits is granted to students who have successfully completed a certificate, diploma, or cluster of courses that is recognized as having an academic wholeness or integrity, and that can be related meaningfully to a degree program or other credential at the receiving institution. The receiving institution always determines what credit will be granted.
Domestic Student – A student who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. Also a foreign national who is a live in caregiver, has a ministerial permit claiming refugee status, holds a diplomatic visa, or is a dependent of an individual who holds a diplomatic visa, and has been admitted to a JIBC program of studies offered in Canada.
English Language Proficiency – All JIBC applicants must meet or exceed the level of English language proficiency as outlined in the Institute’s and relevant program’s entrance requirements.
Exceptions – Academic credit earned within one program area within JIBC that may be accepted as credit toward another JIBC program credential.
Flexible Admission – Process that allows potential students to apply for and be assessed for entry to a program based on their formal education, informal learning and/or work related experience. Such applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have appropriate knowledge, skills and other attributes to be successful in their chosen program.
International Student – A student who is neither a Canadian citizen nor a permanent resident of Canada and has been admitted to a JIBC program of studies offered in Canada.
Laddering – Academic credit earned through the completion of one credential (certificate, diploma, degree) accepted as an entry requirement for or credit toward another higher credential.
Mature Student – An individual who does not have BC Grade 12 or Grade 12 equivalency, is at least 21 years of age and meets all other admission requirements.
Official Transcript – The record of a student’s past academic history. Transcripts are considered official when they are in an envelope sealed by the sending institution. The only exceptions are official translations and transcripts from institutions where retrieval is not possible.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition – A systematic process that involves the identification, documentation, assessment and recognition of learning (i.e. skills, knowledge and attitudes). This learning may be acquired through formal and informal study including work and life experience.
Program – A group of related courses, practica and evaluation activities designed to produce a meaningful, integrated set of learning outcomes.
Registrar – The registrar of the Institute.
Right to Select Candidates – JIBC is responsible for the final selection of all candidates. JIBC reserves the right to accept only those applicants who, having met the minimum program entrance requirements, are best suited for success in the program.
Transfer Credit – Course or program credit that is granted by one institution to a student for completion of courses or programs at another institution or organization. Credit transfer arrangements may be one-directional or two-directional and are established through formal or informal articulation processes amongst organizations. An articulation process may be conducted between any two institutions or organizations, or, for British Columbia post-secondary institutions, through the BC Council on Admissions and Transfers (BCCAT) amongst any of the BC post-secondary institution members. Credit transfer is always granted solely at the discretion of the receiving institution.
Student Awareness
Students are required to make themselves aware of all JIBC policies and procedures. Lack of awareness of this or any other JIBC policy does not excuse a student from responsibility for their actions.