Camosun International Student Newsletter Volume 5 | August 12, 2020 | 1

Camosun International

Student Newsletter

Greetings form Camosun International! We hope you are enjoying this beautiful summer

season and keeping safe and healthy! We are glad to share Volume 5 of the Camosun

International newsletter with you! We hope that you will find it as useful, informative and

interesting as our previous editions. Enjoy reading!

Volume 5 | August 12, 2020

Reliable Sources of Information

It is extremely important to seek infor-

mation from reliable sources. We have

compiled the list below, of reliable

sources of information related to the

COVID-19 pandemic:

Camosun College & COVID-19

BC Centre for Disease Control

Public Health Agency of Canada

World Health Organization

Travel & Tourism Canada

COVID-19 Stigma Guide

Ministry of Health BC COVID-19

symptom self-assessment tool

Information from IRCC for

International Students

NOTE

The information in this newsletter is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication.

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE ...

Travelling to Canada ..................................................................................................... 2 Students currently in Canada New students Returning students When to travel Quarantine Plan Medical Insurance for Travellers

Know Your Important Dates for Fall 2020 Semester .................................................. 3 Dates for Adding and Dropping Courses Dropping a Course after the Deadline Waitlisted Courses

New International Students Online Orientation — Fall 2020 .................................... 4

Academic Success: What Can You Do When You are Feeling Stressed? .................... 4 Tips from Counsellors

Preparing for Fall 2020 Semester ................................................................................ 5 Bookstore Library Camosun College Student Society (CCSS) UPASS Student Extended Health and Dental Pan A New Camosun Student Services Fee

Safe Start Camosun — COVID-19 Safety Training & Screening for Students ............ 6

Co-operative Education and Career Services ............................................................... 6

Camosun International Academic Advancement Scholarship ................................... 8

Camosun Cares ............................................................................................................ 8

Camosun International Student Newsletter Volume 5 | August 12, 2020 | 2

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, it is very important to

establish a good understanding of travel restrictions, limitations,

eligibility and required documents before you make any travel

plans.

Students Currently in Canada

If you are currently in Canada and will be taking classes in the Fall

semester, then we highly recommend to not travel outside of

Canada.

New Students

For new students, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

(IRCC) does not recommend new students to travel to Canada if

they are not already established in Canada. Even if you have

received written notice of the approval before noon, Eastern

Daylight Time on March 18, 2020, unless there is a mandatory face

to face course component in your program, your travel might not be

considered essential at the border by a Canada Border Services

Agency (CBSA) officer. If you decide to travel, and if you are exempt

from travel restrictions, we are happy to support you.

Returning Students

If you currently hold a valid study permit you might be able to travel

to Canada. Please remember that a Canada Border Services Agency

(CBSA) officer will determine if your travel to Canada is essential. If

you are already living in Canada, your return is non-discretionary. If

you decide to travel and if you are exempt from travel restrictions,

we are happy to support you.

When to Travel

We would suggest that you plan your trip to Canada at a reasonable

time. For example, if your next semester of studies is starting in

September, you can travel in August. If you have face-to-face

courses that require you to be on Campus, then please plan to

arrive at a time that will allow you to self-isolate 14 days before you

start your studies.

Quarantine Plan

For students who are abroad and thinking of travelling to Canada:

Please visit Camosun’s Quarantine Plan website before you make

any plans.

Please check the following information to determine whether or not

you are eligible to enter Canada. If yes, please follow the

instructions about the things you need to prepare before making

your plan. You are required to self-isolate upon arrival in Canada.

You must inform us about your travel plans and we will assist you

with steps you need to take before and after you travel to Canada.

Note: Please be reminded that even if you are eligible to travel, the

decision about whether or not you are allowed to enter Canada is

made by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers at the

border.

Things to Consider before Making Travel Plans

1. Are there flights from your home country to Canada?

2. Can you return sometime in August so you can start

courses in September?

3. If you are coming to Canada, do you have a place to live?

4. Have you created your self-isolation plan? Upon return,

everyone needs to present a self-isolation plan at the

border. The self-isolation plan needs to be submitted

and approved by Camosun International before you

come.

5. Camosun can help you with the self-isolation plan and

supporting documents.

Students must self-isolate in Victoria to receive a Letter of

Support from the College.

Travelling to Canada

Camosun International Student Newsletter Volume 5 | August 12, 2020 | 3

Please click here to check if you are eligible to travel to Canada and

exempt from travel restrictions.

Before you travel, you can contact the Border Information

Service for more information.

Travellers: Download the ArriveCAN app

Download this mobile application prior to your

arrival to reduce wait times at Canadian ports of

entry and to limit points of contact.

Medical Insurance for Travellers

If you are a continuing/returning student, please check your BC

Medical Services Plan (MSP) status and ensure your insurance is

active

If you are a new student, please contact

international_advisors@camosun.ca It is mandatory for all new

students to sign up for GuardMe medical insurance while waiting for

their MSP coverage to start.

Please familiarize yourself with the following important dates:

If your courses don’t start on the above standard date, refer to

the list of non-standard course sections.

Ensure you drop your course by the deadline or you will be

required to pay outstanding fees.

All course Add/Drops must be done using Camlink.

Dropping a Course after the Deadline

After the course drop deadlines, you must email a signed Request to

Add or Drop a Course after Fee Deadline form to

international_advisors@camosun.bc.ca.

Waitlisted Courses

Please read our Waitlist Process.

If you are on a waitlist, it is important to check your email daily

to find out if a seat has become available for you.

After classes have started, if you are still on a waitlist for your

preferred course section, and there is a chance you will get in

(e.g. you're in the top 5, not 40th on the list), be sure to attend

the first day of class or you might be removed from the waitlist

for not being there. Each instructor may handle things a little

differently, so when in doubt, contact them.

Please note: If you are waitlisted for an online class, it's your

responsibility to contact the instructor to let them know you are still

interested.

Know Your Important Dates for Fall 2020 Semester

Dates for Adding and Dropping Courses for Fall 2020 Semester

Start: September 8, 2020

End: December 12, 2020

Add Course Deadline: September 17, 2020

Drop with Tuition Refund: September 17, 2020

Fee Deadline: September 21, 2020

Last Day to Drop/Audit Without Academic Penalty:

November 12, 2020

Camosun International Student Newsletter Volume 5 | August 12, 2020 | 4

We are looking forward to meeting you online during our Online Orientation on August 25 and August 27, 2020.

It is mandatory for new international students to attend the online orientation. You will receive more details about your online

orientation in the coming weeks.

Please also check Camosun's orientation and transition information for all students.

New International Students Online Orientation — Fall 2020

If you are feeling stressed about your studies, what can you do

about it? Check out Camosun’s Stress Management Guide for some

helpful tips. You might want to check out some of the other guides

too, such as Remote and Online Learning, Time Management, and

English Language Learning.

When you are taking classes, did you know that English, math, and

science help is available? Take a look at this webpage to find a tutor

and connect online.

Tips from Counsellors

A key skill for all post-secondary students for managing mental

and physical health and experiencing academic success is learning

to reach out and access support.

Many post-secondary students, especially international students,

feel nervous or anxious to ask for help regarding registering for

courses, asking an instructor to further explain a concept or

assignment, or finding someone they can trust to talk with about

feeling stressed, lonely or worried. Please know that it is natural and

okay for post-secondary students to feel nervous or anxious to ask

for help, but asking for assistance or help is welcomed at Camosun

International and at Camosun College!

We highly encourage international students that are arriving from

abroad to attend the Virtual Quarantine Check-ins during August

and the Orientation for new international students in August.

These events are valuable resources to connect with some of your

peers as well as learn more about healthy ways to navigate post-

secondary student life and academics as an international student.

Virtual Quarantine Check-Ins on Microsoft Teams: Virtual

Quarantine Check-Ins for students who are quarantining will be

held on August 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, and 28 at 2:00pm PST. To sign

up, please contact international_advisors@camosun.ca

2020 Fall Semester Orientation for New International

Students: August 25 and August 27, 2020

We encourage you to connect with international student

counsellors as they support students to be successful in their

academic goals. You are welcome to discuss academic, personal,

career and cultural topics with a counsellor. The Counselling

appointments are confidential and are included in your student

fees.

Academic Success: What Can You Do When You are Feeling Stressed?

Camosun International Student Newsletter Volume 5 | August 12, 2020 | 5

Bookstore

Course materials for the 2020 FALL term will be available for

purchase starting August 4. The bookstores will not be opening for

the September start of term. All purchases are online only. Please

plan accordingly. If you have any questions, please contact

bookstore@camosun.bc.ca

Library

Our librarians can help save you time and empower you to find the

information resources needed for your research papers and

assignments.

Book an appointment online for one-on-one help; or

Send your library and research related questions by email; or

Use AskAway, the online research help chat service

Student ID Cards. A new online system for ID cards will be

launched on August 17. The new system has been developed to

ensure physical distancing and contact-free processing.

Complete details on the new processes for ID Cards and U-

Passes will be posted on college websites and social media by

August 14.

Visit the Library website for the most up-to-date information

about their services.

Camosun College Student Society (CCSS)

UPASS:

Students who are taking any credit course(s) at Camosun are

automatically assessed the U-Pass fee. The Camosun College

Student Society and BC Transit have agreed to allow students to opt

out of the U-Pass for some reasons which are listed in the waiver

form , and opt outs must be processed within 30 days to the start of

Preparing for Fall 2020 Semester

Counselling Support for Students Located in Canada

Contact the Camosun College Counselling Centre at 250-370-3571 to

book a phone counselling appointment: Monday to Friday, 9:00-4:00pm

PST.

Please note that all counselling appointments are currently being

offered over the phone to enable social distancing as required by the

Provincial Health Officer.

You can learn more about Counselling Services here

If you require assistance outside of these hours, the following resources

are available 24/7:

Vancouver Island Crisis line (24 hours/7 days a week) 1-888-494-

3888

Here2Talk (24 hours/7 days a week) confidential mental health

counselling and community referrals for BC post-secondary

students through app, phone and web.

Counselling Support for Students Located outside of Canada

Due to privacy, legal and ethical limitations Camosun College cannot

provide counselling services to students located outside of Canada.

Students are invited to access Here2Talk (24 hours/7 days a week)

confidential mental health counselling and community referrals for BC

postsecondary students through app, phone and web.

Camosun International Student Newsletter Volume 5 | August 12, 2020 | 6

the semester/term. Here is the waiver form and details. If you have

any further questions on UPASS, please contact

upass@camosunstudent.org

Student Extended Health and Dental Pan

The fee for the health and dental plan for September 2020 is

$272, which is an annual payment. The insurance company for

the health and dental plan has confirmed that international

students studying in their home country for 2020/2021 can use

the benefits in their home country.

Students are given one opportunity at the start of their

academic year to opt-out of the health and/or dental plan(s). If

you previously opted-out, you do not need to opt-out again, as

your opt-out will carry forward each year, if you remain an

eligible student.

NO EXCEPTIONS will be made if the deadline is missed. It is the

student's responsibility to pay the plan fees, should they miss

the applicable opt-out deadline.

If you have any further questions about the extended health and

dental plan, please contact interurbanplan@camosun.bc.ca

A New Camosun Student Services Fee

Earlier this year, and in partnership with the Camosun College

Student Society, a new Camosun Student Services fee was approved

to support a vision of accessible, responsive, and sustainable

services and supports. The fee will be assessed for each student, as

intended, starting later on the last week of July. If you’ve already

paid your previous balance owing, please be sure to check Camlink

as the new charge will be reflected on your student account. For

students taking full-semester length courses, the fee will amount to

$45.40.

PAY PARKING RESUMES IN JULY

Pay Parking resumes for students/general parking as of July 2, 2020 on campus. Please see the Transportation and Parking website for regulations and rates. Please note that Camosun has a popular “Honk Mobile App” available for students/guests for a touch free experience.

It is important to Camosun College that all students, staff and

faculty stay health and safe during this challenging time.

Maintaining a safe learning environment and reducing the spread of

COVID-19 is both an individual and a shared responsibility.

All students who are enrolled in a course with any on-campus or

face-to-face component must complete the COVID-19 Safety

Training and Initial Symptoms Self-Assessment before attending

campus. There are knowledge testing questions throughout the

Safe Start Camosun — COVID-19 Safety Training & Screening for students

Camosun International Student Newsletter Volume 5 | August 12, 2020 | 7

Camosun offers Co-operative Education (including Internships) in

various programs. It will give you the opportunity to alternate

between full-time studies and full-time paid work, better preparing

you to embark on your career after graduation.

Are you in a program that has a mandatory or optional co-op/

internship work term? Apply for your Co-op work permit now.

The application is free! Due to COVID-19, processing times are

longer than usual so we recommend all students apply now.

Request your support letter for your Co-op work permit here.

If you are unsure if your program has a Co-op or internship

option you can find a list here.

Interested in finding part-time work while you study? If you are

a full time student, once you start your studies, you will be able

to work up to 20 hours a week. On the Co-op and Career Portal

you will find job postings from the local employer community.

We have also collected a variety of resources for you that may

further assist you in looking for a job or volunteer opportunity.

Do you need someone to help you with your cover letter and

resume, job search strategies, and interview preparations? You

can set up a virtual meeting and book an individual

appointment through the Co-op and Career Portal.

Since working during COVID-19 is not a typical work reality, it is

really important to know what your rights and responsibilities

are as an employee. You can find that here.

If you have any questions, please contact Karena Dachsel,

Employment Facilitator-International dachselk@camosun.ca

Co-operative Education and Career Services

training to support learning. Once you complete the training and

final declaration form, you will receive a certificate by email to save

for your records.

All students who are enrolled in a course with any on-campus or

face-to-face component must complete the online Student COVID-

19 Safety Training;

Those students already attending campus or face to face

learning are asked to complete the training within the week.

Included in this training, each student will be required to complete an Initial Symptoms Self Assessment questionnaire, to confirm they do not have COVID-19 symptoms.

Note: If you do not complete the training or answer ‘yes’ to any of the COVID-19 screening questions, you will not be permitted on campus.  

Camosun International Student Newsletter Volume 5 | August 12, 2020 | 8

COVID-19 has put many of our students in challenging situations and

we want to show we care. We care about your well-being, your

health, and your student experience at Camosun College! The

Camosun College Student Society, Culinary Arts and in-kind partners

have come together to present you "Camosun Cares". For the next 2

months, we will deliver 30 care hampers per week to our students

in need.

If you identify as a student experiencing challenges please sign up to

receive a care hamper. The care hampers will be delivered weekly

on Thursday evenings to the first 30 students who complete the

form.

Camosun Cares

The Camosun International Academic Advancement Scholarship

acknowledges high academic achievement and extensive

community involvement. It is awarded annually to international

students who have completed at least one year of full-time studies

in an academic program at Camosun College. This year, a few

outstanding students will receive scholarship awards from Camosun

International. The 2020-2021 Camosun International Scholarship

deadline is May 1, 2021. Please check the website CI Scholarship for

the eligibility requirements and to apply.

Please see this year’s recipients’ wonderful accomplishments

showcased on Camosun International Instagram.

Camosun International Academic Advancement Scholarship