International Student Handbook

Whether you are studying in Canada or beginning your program remotely from your home country, you will need to get a computer, check your course schedule, find out what course materials are required and complete our online orientation before the start of classes.

Laptop or Desktop Computer Requirements

All students must have access to a reliable, high quality internet connection and a laptop/desktop computer capable of performing all the functions required for online learning. View the minimum recommended computer specifications. 

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Register and Check your schedule

Once you have notified the International Office of your study permit approval, you will be invited to complete our course registration form. We will notify you when you have been registered. At the same time, you will receive a separate email with a temporary password for AccessCOTR, where you can check your class schedule.

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Course materials

Our online Textbook Calculator is available approximately one month prior to the start of the semester to determine what course materials you may need. We cannot confirm materials or costs for future semesters as course materials are adopted by faculty on a semester by semester basis and often change.

To have course materials shipped to you, please call the Bookstore Order Desk at 250-489-8265 or 1-877-489-2687 extension 3265 or email bookstore@cotr.bc.ca with the following information:

• Your name and student number
• A list of which books you want to purchase
• Your full shipping address and phone number
• Do NOT email credit card information! We will contact you to confirm your order and then arrange for payment.

Shipping is via courier (not post office) which usually takes a few days to reach most Canadian locations, and two weeks for most International shipments. You will need to provide a safe address where someone can sign for the shipment when it is delivered.

Should you be seeking a fully digital option due to distance, please ask your Instructor if they have a link to any online options.

Note that the bookstore sometimes has used books available for about 75% cost of new.

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Orientation

Mark your calendars! New international students are required to attend our International Student Orientation the week before the start of classes. The orientation program provides information on academics, college resources, working and living in Canada, and a student discussion forum.

Canada is generally a peaceful and orderly country. Here are some personal safety tips that all International students should know, to help you feel comfortable and be safe in your new surroundings. 

• Get to know your neighbours, classmates and staff at the International Education office.
• Keep an eye on your belongings in public places.
• Carry a little cash, not a lot. Keep your passport and valuables at home.
• When you go out, know where you are going and how to get there.
• When you go out at night, go with friends, and if you drink alcohol, don’t drive.
• If someone bothers you, don’t worry about hurting their feelings: tell them to stop!
• In an emergency, phone 911 (Police, Fire, Ambulance).
• Ask Canadian police for help. They are friendly and professional.
• Keep your health insurance information with you at all times.
• Report any crime or violent incident immediately.
• View the College’s Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response policy.

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Scams

Beware of scams that target international students. There has been a rise in robocalls and phone scammers claiming to be from the Canada Revenue Agency, Immigration, the RCMP or a Canadian bank. The message or caller may threaten you with arrest or legal action in order to persuade you to send money or give them personal information like your Social Insurance Number ​or passport information. They often tell you that you must not ask for help from friends or family.  These calls can be scary, but if a caller threatens you in any way, that is a sure sign that the call is a scam.  If there is any doubt, hang up.

The government (IRCC, CRA, RCMP, MSP, etc.) will never:

• Contact you over the phone to collect fees or fines
• Threaten to arrest or deport you
• Threaten to harm you or a family member
• Ask for financial information over the phone
• Try to rush you into paying right away
• Ask you to pay fees using prepaid credit cards, Western Union, gift cards or other similar services

If you have been the victim of a scam, please report it and contact your local RCMP detachment (250-489-3471 in Cranbrook). 

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Campus Security

Our Cranbrook Campus Security Officers are on duty during operational hours and are the first responders to all emergencies including medical emergencies. They patrol all buildings and parking areas. Dial 222 from a College phone for assistance.

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Road Safety

Driver and pedestrian laws are different in Canada than in other countries. Students should familiarize themselves with insurance/licensing requirements and laws in British Columbia. Note that there are very strict distracted driving laws, so don’t touch your cell phone or other mobile electronic devices while driving! Also, NEVER drive while affected by alcohol or drugs. BC has the toughest drinking and driving laws in Canada.

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Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis Use

Attitudes towards drinking, smoking and cannabis use vary among Canadians. In British Columbia, you must be 19 years old to legally purchase and consume alcohol, tobacco or cannabis.

Drinking alcohol is not allowed in public places, except in licensed bars or restaurants.  Likewise, smoking is not allowed in most public places, including outdoor spaces near building entrances. If you need to smoke at the College, you must go outside to the designated areas away from the entrances. Signs are posted. The use of cannabis, in all forms, is prohibited on all College premises, with some exceptions. View the College’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Cannabis policy for more information.

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Wildlife

The college region of British Columbia has an abundance of wildlife, including bears, deer, cougars, wolves and coyotes. There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict.  Never approach or feed wildlife. Lock up attractants (garbage, bird seed, pet food, compost, etc) around your home. And learn how to be safe when enjoying outdoors recreational activities at WildSafe BC.

College of the Rockies is committed to ensuring all students’ physical and mental health are considered. The College has a long-term partnership with Guard.me insurance to provide medical insurance coverage through the 90-day waiting period prior to MSP for new students, access to GuardMe Student Support Program. for mental health support for all international students, sharing information on how to access Here to Talk, and have a counsellor on staff that is accessible by virtual appointment online or by telephone.

College of the Rockies supports equity and inclusion for all; racism or stigma will not be tolerated on our campuses or within our online spaces, in keeping with our existing policies. Should students ever experience stigma or acts of racism, they should immediately contact International Education at 250-489-2751. Our team will connect students to available resources via the College’s Student Services department.

College of the Rockies strives to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment in which all students can thrive, and everyone is treated with respect. At College of the Rockies all feedback is welcome, and concerns will be addressed in the spirit of continuous improvement with a process that is timely, transparent, unbiased and that respects procedural fairness.

There are several policies and procedures available to all students to submit formal complaints depending on the nature of the issue. Beginning with the Student Feedback and Concerns Policy 2.4.9, students can find information on:

• Freedom of Information and Protection of Policy
• Student Rights and Responsibilities and Conduct
• Academic Performance
• Student Appeals
• Transfer Credit Appeal
• Freedom of Information and Protection of Policy
• Abuse and Violence in the Workplace
• Discrimination Bullying and Harassment
• Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response

International students who wish to bring forward an issue with an education agent can do so through the Agent Feedback Form or by meeting with a representative of the International Department.

Students can contact the British Columbia Ombudsperson if they feel they have been treated unfairly by a public organization. More information can be found on their website: https://bcombudsperson.ca/.