EAP Policies

Please be sure that you have read and understood the following policies of the EAP program. If you need an explanation of any of the policies, please consult a staff member for clarification.

Immigration rules

Please be advised that those students who wish to study an English language course in Canada for more than six months require a study permit. An entry visa alone will not suffice. Student visas stipulate full-time attendance at a recognized post-secondary institution. Students who no longer attend classes, while remaining in Canada, are in violation of the law. As well, the staff in the Office of International Activities are not legally permitted to provide you with immigration advice including, but not limited to study and work permits, renewals, post graduate work permits or permanent residency application. If you require assistance, the OIA has an approved list of ICCRC immigration consultants that we can refer you to. Please be advised their fees may vary.

Admission

Effective of July 1, 2019, admission requirement for the EAP program will include a mandatory International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic score, Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score and Duolingo English Test score. Scores will only be accepted directly from a certified testing centre. If a student’s fails to enroll within one of the two terms as outlined on the Brandon University Conditional Letter of Acceptance/Offer of Admission, they will be ineligible to enroll in the EAP program in any subsequent term (exception will be made for study permit refusal, evidence will need to be provided).

Deposits/Refunds

Deposits for tuition, accommodation and transportation are NOT REFUNDABLE. They are kept on account for students who may wish to postpone their arrival until a later term.

TUITION IS NOT REFUNDABLE. If a student has paid full tuition prior to arrival in Canada and is unable to secure a study permit, a refund of non-deposit tuition amounts will be given. A copy of the study permit refusal letter and the original letter of acceptance must be received by Brandon University prior to a refund being issued.

Students are expected to pay a $300 non-refundable deposit as part of their application to the EAP program that will be applied to their outstanding tuition balance owing the first day of classes. Students who do not attend EAP within their first three eligible sessions are required to reapply to the EAP program including payment again of the $300 non-refundable deposit.

Returning Students

Please note, any tuition deposit is non-refundable and will be applied to the term of your expected enrollment. If you fail to enroll as indicated any subsequent terms will require additional tuition payments.

* Tuition will be reimbursed only with proof of a study permit refusal letter.

New Students

Please note, any tuition deposit is non-refundable. If you fail to arrive during your expected term, tuition will be held and applied to subsequent terms (two terms maximum). Students failing to enroll after the third term will be required to make payment tuition for subsequent terms.

* Tuition will be reimbursed only with proof of a study permit refusal letter. A pro-rated rebate will be issued for students that have had their study permit refused during the term and based only on one term.

Payments/Late fee

Payment for the balance of program tuition including textbooks, accommodation, air shuttle transportation, program activity fees, health insurance, identification cards and fitness fees, must be paid by the 5th day of class. Any student who has not paid tuition in full amount will incur a late fee of $30. If the payment has not been settled by the 7th day of class, student will be removed from the program.

Residence

Students living in residence sign a contract for room and board while they are in the EAP program (thirteen weeks). Once the contract is signed, full payment is required. No refund is made if the student moves out of residence before the contract expires unless the student is no longer enrolled at the university. The amount of money on the food card must be used or forfeited at the end of the term. No money is refunded if the pre-determined amount of food has not been used. Please make sure you read and understand the university’s Residence carefully. It appears at: BU Residence Handbook 2022-2023 – Brandon, by contacting residence@brandonu.ca or by calling 1-204-727-7394.

Arrival

Students are encouraged to arrive on campus a few days before the semester begins to become oriented and overcome jet lag.

Students can arrange for transportation from the Winnipeg airport to Brandon by contacting the Office of International Activities with details about their flight schedule. The Brandon Air Shuttle will transport students from the airport directly to their chosen address.

*No student will be accepted in the program after the 5th day of class.

Orientation

During orientation, students will be assisted with banking, fee payments, identification cards, computer passwords, and any other assistance they may need.

Placement

New students will be placed into the appropriate level based on their IELTS or TOEFL score. The EAP Language Guideline and Placement Table is as follows:

EAP Equivalency IELTS Academic TOEFL iBT
Level IV 6.0 60-78
Level III 5.5 46-59
Level II 5.0 35-45
Level I 4.5 or under 34 or under

Students returning to the program after being away for the Fall or Winter term (Summer session is not included) are required to re-take the placement test because language skills may have improved or deteriorated during their absence (IELTS will not be used for placement). Student’s not enrolled in the Spring/Summer Session will continue at their current level in the Fall term. Returning Students are eligible to be placed in the equivalent EAP level with an approved IELTS score only if they have passed their previous term of study. Students failing their previous term will be required to repeat that level.

Classes

Classes begin promptly at the time specified in the timetables. Students should be in their classrooms before classes begin. Late arrival inconveniences the teacher and the students, and interferes with learning.

The Office of International Activities reserves the right to amalgamate or cancel levels due to low enrollment numbers. If this is the case, students will be notified prior to the commencement of the term.

Assignments

Students must submit assignments in class on the day they are due. Late assignments are not accepted unless arrangements with the teacher have been made in advance.

Attendance Policy

This policy is very important in our program because practice and guidance from your instructors will help you learn English. Absence or lateness will keep you from developing your skills and passing to the next level. In addition, absence or lateness interrupts the instructor and the class, causing the student to miss important information, and is unfair to classmates, especially during group activities that are common to EAP classes.

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) requires the University to report students’ academic status each term. IRCC regulations require you to be a student in good standing in order to keep your student visa, and missing major components of your courses could result in a grade of 0, which could negatively impact your student visa status. 

Please note the following:

  • Instructors will mark your attendance, including late arrivals.
  • If you are sick or know in advance that you will be absent or late, you must inform your instructor by phone or email before class. If it is an emergency, you may call the EAP Office at 204-727-7479 or international@brandonu.ca.
  • You must provide a documented doctor’s note (or other relevant documentation) for missed classes, major assignments, and midterms. You must then arrange with your instructor to make up the test or hand in the assignment later.
  • You are responsible for consulting with your instructor on how to make up any missing work or assignments due to your absence.

Consequences of Poor Attendance

Students who miss more than 5 classes a term will have to meet with the Director of International Activities. If their attendance does not improve, they will be given a written warning outlining the consequences of their absences. Consequences may include:

  • being refused entry into a classroom
  • losing grades for persistent absence or lateness
  • receiving 0% for missed quizzes and assignments
  • being dropped from the class – Grade of Incomplete

If problems continue after the written warning is received, the consequences will be enforced by the instructor.

Textbooks

Students beginning a level for the first time must purchase new books. Students repeating a level may use their own previously used textbooks at the teacher’s discretion.

Interaction

Classes are conducted in English. Students are expected to speak only English during classes, class breaks and social activities. The use of cell phones and headsets in class is prohibited.

All cell phones and headsets are to be turned off when classes are in session.

Student Activities

Students are expected to attend all social events that are part of the EAP program. These activities provide opportunities to interact with others in the English language while gaining insights into Canadian culture. These activities are scheduled during class time and are considered to be part of the term’s attendance.

Students are urged to find occasions to use English in their daily lives.

Students who leave the EAP program at any point during the term may not participate in any social activities that occur after their departure.

Participation

Membership in student clubs will enhance a student’s stay at Brandon University. Students in the EAP program should take advantage of opportunities for club membership by participating in student-led activities for fun and friendship.

Exams

Students who are late or absent for mid-term and final exams forfeit their opportunity to write them. No make-up exams will be given.

Academic Dishonesty

Plagiarism on assignments or cheating on tests will not be tolerated in the EAP program. Sanctions range from a deduction in grades to removal from the program.  Academic dishonesty is considered a serious offence in Canadian universities. All allegations of academic dishonesty will be forwarded to the Director of International Activities for review and action if necessary.

Advancement

In order to advance from levels 1 through 3, students must have an overall average of 75% (B) or better and no less than 70% in each subject area.

Grade Reassessment

Sometimes a student feels the grade he or she received is wrong. If a student is not happy with the grade, the student can have his or her grades reassessed.

A student who thinks an error has been made in the calculation of their final grade can request an informal reassessment. This means that the grades for their class work and exams will be recalculated to ensure they are correct. This will be done by the instructor, and if he or she is not available, then the Head Teacher. To request an informal grade reassessment, students must contact the Office of International Activities at 204-727-7479 or Ms. Iris Wang at wangi@brandonu.ca.

Note: students must make this request no later than two weeks after they know their final grades.

Appealing a Decision About Grade Reassessment

A student who is dissatisfied with the result of a grade reassessment may discuss the matter with the Director of International Activities at 204-727-7308 or rowlandd@brandonu.ca.

For help with this process contact the Office of International Activities at 204-727-7479 or Ms. Iris Wang at wangi@brandonu.ca.

Program Completion

Students who successfully complete level 4 by achieving a score of 70% or better in all classes and any exit test requirements will be granted regular undergraduate student status at Brandon University.

Level 4 is the university entrance level and is designed to provide students with intensive academic training to facilitate seamless transition to regular classes. Only students with strong proficiency in English can expect to be admitted to this level.

Verification of Enrollment

Please email international@brandonu.ca for more information.

Documents

End of term documents (certification of term participation, grade reports) should be kept in a safe place. If replacements are needed, a charge of $5.00 per page will be made. Please note that documents are only kept in the Office of International Activities for six years after your completed term.