Future Students
During this challenging time, College of the Rockies will keep your application on track.
Please check this web page regularly, as it will be updated when more information is available.
A: We look forward to having you be a part of the College of the Rockies community this fall. Ensuring you receive the education you need, while also keeping our students and staff healthy and safe, is our top priority. We are following all health and safety guidelines outlined by the Provincial Health Officer, the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, and WorkSafe BC. This fall, we are planning for most classes to be held online, with some - physically distanced - on-campus learning for those programs that require it. We assure you that as many of our programs have been previously delivered partly or fully online, and we are well-prepared to meet your learning needs. All support services will also remain available to you throughout the semester – virtually.
Learn more about Fall 2020 at College of the Rockies
A: Registration is open for Adult Upgrading (semestered) courses, Business Management, Tourism Management and Recreation Management programs, Child Youth and Family Studies, Kinesiology, and University Studies programs for the Fall 2020, Winter and Spring 2021 semesters. Late registration is available until September 8 to September 23. You can also add/drop classes during this period.
A: Yes, the admissions officers are continuing to process applications and send out admission decisions on a regular basis. Please ensure your contact information is updated and check your email account to receive admissions correspondence.
A: If you are a current or former BC high school student, you can order transcripts online through the BC Ministry of Education’s StudentTranscripts Service. If you are an out of province high school student, you can order from your high school or the Education Ministry in your province or territory. If you are a post-secondary student, you can order directly from your post-secondary institution.
A: Yes, of course. Our Student Services staff are committed to providing you with the support you need to prepare for the fall 2020 semester. The following services are available to you online:
Book an online appointment with a Student Services team member.
A: Yes! Access to a personal computer is critical to your success as a student. Whether your course is offered online or in-class, a computer and an internet connection help you to participate in lessons, access course materials, complete assignments and interact with your instructor, classmates and college services.
A: No. A cell phone or tablet is not an adequate substitute for a personal computer for students.
A: College courses are designed around the Windows operating system and as a student you receive a copy of Office 365 to use while attending the College. Some programs may have specific software requirements which will be confirmed by your instructor. The College’s online learning system is compatible with multiple web browsers with additional information and support available through COTRonline. The College has negotiated special pricing on recommended laptops for its students, which you can order and have shipped directly to you. Explore laptop options and pricing.
A: Fall 2020 students should continue to check their email as this is the way we will be delivering information relevant to your specific situation.
A: We recommend that you monitor Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information regarding special immigration measures and how Canada is responding to the issues that are arising as a result of COVID-19. You should also check our COVID-19 Q&A for International Students drop-down.
A: Please email edadvisor@cotr.bc.ca for direction.
A: Yes, but in a different way. We are not doing in-person visits at this time, or offering our Student-for-a-Day program, but you can still explore our Cranbrook campus facilities through our virtual tour, and our Recruitment Officers are available to answer any questions at recruit@cotr.bc.ca.
A: Student loans are now open.
A: You can email financialaid@cotr.bc.ca or book an online TEAMS appointment.
A: Purcell House currently remains open and will continue to house students for the 2020/2021 academic year. Priority housing has been given to students who are required to be on campus to complete their coursework or who are facing extenuating circumstances which require them to be on campus. Practices to reduce the risk of virus transmission will be in place until further notice, including requirements to physically distance and wear masks when that is not possible. Guests and visitors are not currently permitted in the building. If you are interested in applying for student housing, please visit Student Housing for more information.
A: General College of the Rockies questions - please email: recruit@cotr.bc.ca
Current Students
A. We look forward to having you be a part of the College of the Rockies community this fall. Ensuring you receive the education you need, while also keeping our students and staff healthy and safe, is our top priority. We are following all health and safety guidelines outlined by the Provincial Health Officer, the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, and WorkSafe BC. This fall, we are planning for most classes to be held online, with some - physically distanced - on-campus learning for those programs that require it. We assure you that as many of our programs have been previously delivered partly or fully online, and we are well-prepared to meet your learning needs. All support services will also remain available to you throughout the semester – virtually.
Learn more about Fall 2020 at College of the Rockies
A. We are open and operating, but just differently. For the Fall 2020 term, we have moved instruction, educational and administrative services to alternative delivery. What does that mean? Classes are being delivered outside of our usual classroom or hands-on setting; instead, students are continuing their studies with alternative delivery using today’s technology, such as online classrooms, conference call lectures, with limited on-campus courses and activities.
We want to help keep our communities safe, so in-person access to our campuses is limited. College employees may be working from home but are accessible and online to help students and the community.
A. If you have been travelling outside of Canada, there is a mandatory requirement to self-isolate for a period of 14 days. Your educational program is currently being offered by alternative delivery methods. Please check your College email as you will have correspondence from your instructor with further information.
A. We are now relying on digital communications to connect remotely with our students. It is important to stay connected with the College and your instructors. All updates about our operations and COVID-19 will arrive in your College email inbox. We are phasing out using personal emails for communication and it is important that you set up your college email. This will also make online communication with your instructor(s) easier.
If you are currently using your personal emails to communicate with the College, your spam filters may block our messages. You will miss out on important announcements, appointment reminders from education advisors and other emails. If you are already using your College email, you are good to go.
To access your college email, visit www.cotr.bc.ca and select ‘login’, then choose “College webmail” which will take you to College webmail. Or go to office.com and choose sign in and enter your username and password.
Please Note: Your username for your email is for example, c0123456@cotr.bc.ca (insert your student number for 0123456). The COTR domain (@cotr.bc.ca) is required for accessing your College email and office 365. This is what you will use to login to your email. This is different from your email address which is typically your first initial and last name (e.g. jsmith@cotr.bc.ca). Your password is the same as your Portal and COTROnline password.
If you require assistance with accessing your college email please contact the Student Helpdesk at helpdesk@cotr.bc.ca
A. Yes! Access to a personal computer is critical to your success as a student. Whether your course is offered online or in-class, a computer and an internet connection help you to participate in lessons, access course materials, complete assignments and interact with your instructor, classmates and college services.
A. No. A cell phone or tablet is not an adequate substitute for a personal computer for students.
A. College courses are designed around the Windows operating system and as a student you receive a copy of Office 365 to use while attending the College. Some programs may have specific software requirements which will be confirmed by your instructor. The College’s online learning system is compatible with multiple web browsers with additional information and support available through COTRonline. The College has negotiated special pricing on recommended laptops for its students, which you can order and have shipped directly to you. Explore laptop options and pricing.
A. The Avalanche volleyball teams will begin training in September. The PACWEST volleyball season has been suspended for the Fall semester and we hope to be back on the court in January 2021. For up to date information please go to the Avalanche website.
A. Purcell House currently remains open and will continue to house students for the 2020/2021 academic year. Priority housing has been given to students who are required to be on campus to complete their coursework or who are facing extenuating circumstances which require them to be on campus. Practices to reduce the risk of virus transmission will be in place until further notice, including requirements to physically distance and wear masks when that is not possible. Guests and visitors are not currently permitted in the building. If you are interested in applying for student housing, please visit Student Housing for more information.
A. This fall, we are planning for most classes to be held online, with some - physically distanced - on-campus learning for those programs that require it, such as trades, health programs, and science labs. We assure you that as many of our programs have been previously delivered partly or fully online, and we are well-prepared to meet your learning needs.
Note: For online courses and programs, you will require your own computer. Access to a personal computer is critical to your success as a student. Whether your course is offered online or in-class, a computer and an internet connection help you to participate in lessons, access course materials, complete assignments and interact with your instructor, classmates and college services.
A. Individual courses that have been scheduled for delivery in a face-to-face format on campus this fall may have required exam/final evaluation on campus. All public health guidelines for physical distancing and safety requirements will be factored into the scheduling of any on-campus activity, including exams.
Individual courses that have been scheduled for alternative / online delivery this fall will have any required exam/final evaluation conducted through alternative delivery and will not be scheduled for face-to-face delivery on-campus.
Your instructors will let you know directly what evaluation they are implementing for your courses.
A. From our website home page www.cotr.bc.ca please click “Login” at the top of the page https://cotr.bc.ca/login/. Then click the picture labeled “AccessCOTR”. On the AccessCOTR home page, click the link under “Guests” that says, “Search for Academic Career Tech & Vocational”.
A. Log into AccessCOTR and proceed to “My Class Schedule”. Choose the applicable term. The location information will be under the Meeting Information area. Sections that were originally on-campus have been changed to one of the following delivery methods:
A. The Federal Government has announced a package of new and enhanced financial supports for post-secondary students. These resources include:
A. No, we will not provide advances on your student loan at this time. If you would like your books ahead of when classes start, they can be purchased with a credit cad, cash or cheque and then repaid with your student loan when you receive your money.
A: You can email financialaid@cotr.bc.ca or book an online TEAMS appointment.
A. Please visit our online Textbook Calculator at to determine what course materials you need. Note that we sometimes have USED BOOKS available for about 75% cost of new – ask us when you order! We cannot confirm materials or costs for future semesters as materials are confirmed on a semester by semester basis. For future semesters - we would estimate $200. per course for budgeting purposes.
A. If you live in our local area: you can now attend the Cranbrook campus to purchase your books at the Campus Store weekdays between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Mountain Standard Time. Be aware you will need to follow our entry protocol and wait in line as we pick your materials; and we are not accepting cash payments (only debit, Visa, Mastercard, College Gift Card, or Sponsorship).
If you are an out of town student: please call our Order Desk at 1-877-489-2687 local 3265 to arrange to purchase your materials and have them shipped to you. Books ship via Purolator Courier and usually take between 3-5 days for delivery.
A. Our Library is available at your fingertips, as access to online collections and databases are available 24/7. Our library staff are available to help you with your reference and research needs.
AskAway research and reference support provides extended hours for 1-on-1 help beyond the Colleges’ Library hours. AskAway will close for the term on Friday, August 14th, and resume on Tuesday, September 8th. All hours are staffed by expert staff from libraries across BC, see below:
A. New and returning students can request a Student ID card using the NEW online method, email idcards@cotr.bc.ca:
Please note:
A. With the health and safety of our students and employees as our priority, we are limiting access to our campuses this semester. We ask students to study from home and limit their time on campus as much as possible, but there will be limited access and reduced capacity seating available for students who need Wi-Fi and/or a quiet study space. The library and two small computer labs will be available and there is Wi-Fi throughout the building. Appropriate social distancing is required and we will have enhanced cleaning protocols for all common spaces. To enter the buildings, students must present a current student ID card and complete a COVID-19 self-assessment. The number of people on campus will be monitored, so you may have to wait to enter a building if it has reached maximum capacity.
A. Yes, of course. Our Student Services staff are committed to provide you with the support you need to complete education. The following services are available to you online:
Book an appointment with a Student Services team member online.
A. This is a time where it’s important to have someone to speak to, albeit virtually. Your mental health is important. It’s understandable you may be feeling stressed, sad, confused, scared and even angry during this very challenging time. Our Counselling and Wellness staff are available to help you through this. You can book an appointment online for a virtual appointment or a phone call.
The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training has also launched Here2Talk, a free single-session service available by app, phone, or online chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Chat sessions with a trained counsellor can be accessed by downloading the Here2Talk app or visiting: here2talk.ca Students can speak to a counsellor by phone, toll free at 1-877-857-3397 or direct 604-642-5212. Students calling from outside Canada can dial 1-604-642-5212 (international calling charges may apply).
Additional College of the Rockies and community resources are available at: Alternative Health and Wellbeing Resources
Additional information and resources on topics such as staying safe, online learning, protecting your rights, and much more is available through BCCampus.
Future International Students
A: IRCC has implemented a temporary 2-stage approval process. The process will allow you to count the time spent studying online from your home country toward your post-graduation work permit once you receive an approval in principle, as long as you are able to satisfy all requirements and receive full approval of your study permit application at a later date. As visa application centres begin to open, you must submit remaining document to IRCC and receive a study permit before you can travel to Canada. Please follow this link to the announcement.
A: You should inform the International Office (mail to: international@cotr.bc.ca) that you have received approval in principle. You will then receive instructions on how to register for your Fall courses. Students who register for Fall courses are responsible for all fees associated with the courses. If your study permit application is ultimately refused, you must still pay the fees for the courses you started.
A: Fall 2020 students should continue to check their email as this is how we will be delivering information relevant to your specific situation.
A: We recommend that you monitor Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information regarding special immigration measures and how Canada is responding to the issues that are arising as a result of COVID-19. You should also check the COVID-19 Q&A for International Students.
A: New students to the Spring 2020 semester who received a Study Permit or are in the Study Permit process will have their admission deferred to the Fall 2020 semester. Monies paid will be moved to the Fall semester without penalty.
If a new student has already made travel arrangements, please contact your travel agent or the airlines directly to reschedule your flights.
If a new student has made housing arrangements, please contact your housing provider to reschedule your accommodations.
It is in the student’s best interest to defer the start of their studies so that new students can be afforded the best possible start to their studies in Canada. Please do not try to come to Canada at this time. Spring 2020 courses will be delivered via alternative methods and are open to returning students only. Due to COVID-19, College of the Rockies cannot provide its normal services, such as new student airport greeting and pickup, orientation, or pre-schedule courses at this time.
We look forward to seeing you in Fall 2020.
A: Yes. Access to a personal computer is critical to your success as a student. Whether your course is offered online or in-class, a computer and an internet connection help you to participate in lessons, access course materials, complete assignments and interact with your instructor, classmates and college services.
A: No. A cell phone or tablet is not an adequate substitute for a personal computer for students.
A: College courses are designed around the Windows operating system and as a student you receive a copy of Office 365 to use while attending the College. Some programs may have specific software requirements which will be confirmed by your instructor. The College’s online learning system is compatible with multiple web browsers with additional information and support available through. The College has negotiated special pricing on recommended laptops for its students, which you can order and have shipped directly to you. Explore laptop options and pricing.
A: We've put together a guide to help answer your questions regarding Travelling to Canada - COVID-19 Restrictions and Self-Isolation
A: College of the Rockies is aware that visa processing continues to be delayed by IRCC. Please feel free to book an appointment with one of the International staff to discuss your options.
A: Contact the International Office for a Request to Defer Form.
A: New students will receive initial emails with information for accessing college resources, orientations, and courses to their personal emails. After the initial email, all subsequent emails will be sent to your college email account (@cotr.bc.ca). Make sure you set up your college webmail and check it frequently.
A: The campus bookstore is now open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Mountain Standard Time. Be aware that you will need to follow our main entrance protocol, maintain distance, and wait in line as entry is limited. Also, cash payments are not accepted - only Debit, Visa, Mastercard, College Gift Card, Scholarship or Sponsorship. If you cannot visit the bookstore in person, email bookstore@cotr.bc.ca or call the Order Desk at 250-489-8265 or 1-877-489-2687 local 3265 to purchase your materials and have them shipped to you. The online Textbook Calculator is available to determine what course materials you may need.
Current International Students
A: Due to the unique situation of COVID-19, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is in support of international students completing their term. International students must continue to be enrolled full-time and be making normal progress toward the degree via remote delivery until further notice. This remote course delivery is a temporary accommodation in place until COVID-19 is contained and in-person classes resume.
A. You can begin the post-graduation work permit application process on your own, or with the help of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). Once your application for graduation is completed, and all your final grades have been posted, you should review the post-graduation work permit eligibility requirements at Citizenship, Refugee and Immigration Canada. Once you have reviewed the requirements, fill out the Request for Completion Letter for Post-Graduation Work Permit Application and submit it, by email, to reghelp@cotr.bc.ca. Our Enrolment Services team will email you your letter.
A: IRCC advises that eligibility for the Post-Graduation Work Permit will not be affected by a shift to alternate/online delivery. This includes new students who have received a study permit for programs beginning in May. You may begin classes, and complete up to 50% of your program, while residing outside of Canada, if necessary. Please visit the IRCC website for current information.
A: If you are refused in stage 2 before October 7, 2020 you may be eligible for a refund. You must inform the International Office and provide a copy of the refusal letter within 30 days of your refusal. Administration charges and bank fees will apply.
If you are refused after October 7, 2020, the fees for courses you are registered in are not refundable. You still have the option of completing the course for credit but it may not count toward future Post-Graduation Work Permit Applications.
This temporary change to the College’s Tuition Refunds for International Students policy applies to the Fall 2020 semester.
A: New students who are working through online courses but are challenged by poor Internet and/or struggling with the difference in time between Cranbrook and their home city/country can request to defer the start of their program to the Winter 2021 semester without penalty. The College must be able to verify with instructors that you have attempted to participate in classes. If we are unable to verify that you have attempted a course, the original policy will apply. Complete the deferral form by October 7, 2020 If you meet the conditions to defer. This temporary change to the College’s Tuition Refunds for International Students policy applies to the Fall 2020 semester.
A: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has announced that effective immediately and until August 31, 2020, international students may work more than the 20 hours/week during their regular academic session to assist with delivering essential services or functions to protect life and property, such as the health care sector.
A: See special measures to help temporary and permanent residents and applicants affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID 19) updates here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-special-measures.html
A: Yes, the GuardMe health plan covers “COVID-19” as it is no different than any other emergency medical issue a student or staff person would have. Medical expenses are eligible under the Medical Services Plan (MSP). Those students who have transitioned to MSP coverage will be covered under the BC Medical Services Plan (MSP).
A: For general inquiries, please send an email to: international@cotr.bc.ca
Academic advising services are still available. When you book an appointment , one of our Education Advisors will be happy to give you a call or set up a Skype meeting to answer your questions.
A. Yes! Access to a personal computer is critical to your success as a student. Whether your course is offered online or in-class, a computer and an internet connection help you to participate in lessons, access course materials, complete assignments and interact with your instructor, classmates and college services.
A. No. A cell phone or tablet is not an adequate substitute for a personal computer for students.
A. College courses are designed around the Windows operating system and as a student you receive a copy of Office 365 to use while attending the College. Some programs may have specific software requirements which will be confirmed by your instructor. The College’s online learning system is compatible with multiple web browsers with additional information and support available through COTRonline. The College has negotiated special pricing on recommended laptops for its students, which you can order and have shipped directly to you. Explore laptop options and pricing.
A: Access to student computers is unavailable until further notice.
A. This is a time when it’s important to have someone to speak to, albeit virtually. Your mental health is important. It’s understandable you may be feeling stressed, sad, confused, scared and even angry during this very challenging time. Our Counselling and Wellness staff are available to help you through this. You can book an appointment online for a virtual appointment with our counsellor. You can also download the keep.me.SAFE app on your phone or visit the keep.me.SAFE website.
The Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training has also launched Here2Talk, a free single-session service available by app, phone, or online chat 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call and chat services are available in English and French. If you are more comfortable speaking in another language, call in and make this request- and the service will attempt to match you with a counsellor that can support your preferred language. If no counsellors are available at the time, they can look to include translation line service partners on the call as required.
Chat sessions with a trained counsellor can be accessed by downloading the Here2Talk app or visiting: here2talk.ca Students can speak to a counsellor by phone, toll free at 1-877-857-3397. Students calling from outside Canada can dial 1-604-642-5212 (international calling charges may apply).
Additional College of the Rockies and community resources are available at: Alternative Health and Wellbeing Resources
A: Continuing students who paid a registration deposit must pay remaining course fees by August 7, 2020. If you did not pay your fees owing you may be removed from one or more courses, depending upon the amount owing. Students can still register for courses but you must pay the full course fee into your student account beforehand.
A: Information about course delivery has been updated in AccessCOTR. Sections that were originally on-campus have been changed to one of the following delivery methods:
(In the examples, the 01 section is used but applies to 01D, 01IE, 02, 03, etc. sections as well.)
If you need help, email a screenshot of your course schedule to khadford@cotr.bc.ca.
A: Please refer to the following website link for information about who is exempt from the travel restrictions https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-covid19/students.html#exemptions
*Please note that fulfilling all travel exemption requirements doesn’t guarantee your entrance into Canada, that decision is at the discretion of the Canada Border Services Agent (CBSA) who will be evaluating your admissibility at the border.
A: All students enrolled in courses this fall will receive a series of six JumpStart emails with information about courses, student services, technology and more. The initial email will be sent to your personal email address. Then all subsequent emails will be sent to your college email account (@cotr.bc.ca). Make sure you set up your college webmail and check it frequently.
A: The campus bookstore is now open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Be aware that you will need to follow our main entrance protocol, maintain distance, and wait in line as entry is limited. Also, cash payments are not accepted - only Debit, Visa, Mastercard, College Gift Card, Scholarship or Sponsorship. If you cannot visit the bookstore in person, email Bookstore@cotr.bc.ca or call the Order Desk at 250-489-8265 or 1-877-489-2687 local 3265 to purchase your materials and have them shipped to you. The online Textbook Calculator is available to determine what course materials you may need.
Community
A. Our salon is not taking bookings at this time, but we look forward to serving you again when we re-open in the fall.
A. Yes, but in a different way. We’re not doing in-person visits at this time, but you can still explore our Cranbrook campus facilities through our virtual tour, and our Recruitment Officers are available to answer any questions at recruit@cotr.bc.ca.
A. The Kids on Campus Children’s Centre is operated by the Community Campus Children’s Society (CCCS). They are excited to open to their full capacity on September 1, 2020! They currently have full enrollment but are happy to add students and staff to their waitlist. If you have further questions, you can send them to KOC@cotr.bc.ca.
College Employees
A: The Human Resources department has compiled detailed information for all College employees that will answer many of your questions. You’ll find the link on the Staff Portal. You will have to sign in to the Portal to access the files.
A: Yes. Please discuss how you can work from home with your supervisor.
A: Staff and faculty who are working outside of the campus can use the VPN to access Colleague and any shared drives. If you are using a cloud service like outlook or teams, you do not need to connect to the VPN. Also, please remember to shut your computer down when you are finished. Please only use the VPN as needed to ensure everyone has access when they need it.
A: We encourage all of our employees to practice good preventative hygiene: this includes frequent and thorough handwashing for 20 seconds with soap and water, use of hand sanitizers, wiping down of surfaces and keyboards, as well as avoiding close contact with colleagues when greeting each other. Please practice extreme social distancing and stay in your homes as much as possible.
A: Business-related travel:
All non-essential business travel within Canada outside of the College's regional footprint is not permitted. If you need clarification, please speak with your supervisor. This travel ban will remain in place until further notice. Travel between campuses will continue. For meetings outside our College region, please seek out alternative methods, such as requesting to join remotely by phone. If you had planned to attend conferences/professional development or other events outside of our region, please begin the process to cancel travel. International business-related travel is not permitted.
A: Personal travel outside of Canada:
As directed by the Federal government and by B.C.'s Chief Medical Officer, Canadians are advised to cancel any personal travel outside of Canada. Employees who are already travelling outside of Canada, will be required to self-isolate and remain away from the College for a period of fourteen (14) days upon return.
If you are planning personal travel outside of Canada, please self declare your travel plans to your supervisor, who will then report it to HR.
We are working with our Post-Secondary Employers' Association (PSEA) to determine pay options for the 14-day-isolation period. We expect further clarification on this issue in the next few days.
Q: Personal travel within Canada:
A: There are no current restrictions on personal travel within Canada. However, please make responsible decisions that are the best choice for yourselves personally, for your family and the community.
A: Please consider using Teams for conferencing.
A: Knowing that many people would still need access to onsite resources, the IT services department has instituted a VPN solution to allow off campus users the ability to access on campus resources that are not able to be accessed through any other method. Please contact IT to get set up on VPN so that you can access our internal systems.
Interior Health recommends the following to help reduce the risk of Coronavirus, Colds and Flu:
Anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to the coronavirus should contact their primary care provider, their local public health office, or call 8-1-1.
If you have additional questions about COVID-19, a new toll-free phone number has been established. Contact 1-833-784-4397 or 1-888-COVID-19 between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. PST.
Email: covidinfo@cotr.bc.ca