Context and Purpose

This policy and related procedures inform applicants about the principles, requirements, and processes for admission to United Pacific College (UPC). UPC admits qualified applicants, both domestic and international, in a consistent, transparent, and timely manner according to approved admission requirements.

Scope and Limits

This policy applies to all applicants and programs/courses offered by United Pacific College.

Statement of Policy Principles

1. Equal Access: UPC ensures equal access to all programs/courses regardless of race, ancestry, origin, color, ethnic background, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, criminal record, marital status, family status, or disability, except where governed by legislation.

2. Fair Admissions Process: The admissions process is fair, transparent, accessible, and timely.

3. Optimized Student Access: Admission requirements are designed to optimize student access and success, encompassing both academic and non-academic criteria.

4. Approved Admission Requirements: Admission requirements are approved by the Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA) and are listed in the Program Content Guide (PCG) and Course Outlines.

5. Eligibility: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and those eligible to study in Canada as determined by Citizenship and Immigration Canada can apply for admission.

6. First-Qualified, First-Admitted Basis: Students meeting all admissions criteria are admitted on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis, with exceptions for programs/courses with selective admissions processes and returning students applying for advanced level readmission.

7. Flexible Assessment: The college may use flexible assessment processes to ensure that well-qualified students with non-traditional educational backgrounds are not rejected. A standardized evaluation process will be employed by a Flexible Assessment Committee.

8. Document Submission: Applicants are responsible for providing all required documents for their programs/courses as outlined on the college’s website.

9. Review Mechanism: UPC provides a review mechanism for applicants dissatisfied with an admissions decision.

Procedures

General College Admission Requirements

1. Student Qualification: Applicants must qualify as either domestic or international students.

   • Domestic students are those with valid documentation confirming their status as Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
   • International students are those who meet the guidelines established by Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

2. Age Requirement: Students must be at least 16 years of age at the time of enrollment. There is no upper age limit.

Program/Course Admission Requirements

1. Meeting Requirements: Applicants must meet both the general UPC admission requirements and the specific requirements of the program/course as listed in the approved Program Content Guide or Course Outline.

2. Mature Students: Students out of high school for more than four years are considered mature students and are not required to demonstrate high school graduation unless mandated by a program accrediting body. They must still meet all other academic and non-academic admission requirements.

Applying for Admissions at UPC

1. Application Submission: Applications to UPC programs and courses are made through an Application Form available on the college website or through the Registration Area.

2. Required Documents:

   • Submit all required documents as outlined on the college website, including official transcripts, original assessment results, proof of citizenship, and other non-academic requirements.
   • Pay an application fee, where required.
   • Submitting fraudulent application-related documents incurs a minimum penalty of a one-year restriction from any UPC program and courses.

3. Laddering Programs: Students progressing to higher-level programs without a break in their studies do not need to submit a new application.

4. Program Transfer: Applicants may transfer their application from one program/course to another within one year of applying.

5. Waitlist: In programs where demand exceeds capacity, applicants are waitlisted based on their qualifying date.

6. Notification: Applicants are officially notified of admission decisions by the Registration Area.

7. Conditional Acceptance: Applicants will be notified of conditional acceptance and any submission deadlines by the Registration Area.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)

1. Application: Students seeking PLAR must apply and submit all supporting documentation to the Registration Area and pay the applicable fee. For more information, see the Policy on Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

Expiry of Applications

1. Validity: Applications are valid for one year from the initial submission date. The Registration Area will inform the applicant of their status and request confirmation of continued interest. Failure to respond will result in closing the application.

2. Reapplication: Applicants whose applications have expired must reapply and pay a new application fee. All supporting documentation is kept for one year after applications expire.

Admissions Review

1. Appeal Process: Students can appeal an admissions decision by submitting an Admissions Review form within 30 days of being notified of the decision. Forms are available from the Registration Area and must be submitted with any supporting documentation.

2. Documentation Review: The Registration Area will determine if the supporting documentation meets the admission/selection requirements in consultation with the relevant department.

3. Notification of Results: The Registration Area will notify the applicant in writing of the results of the Admissions Review within 15 business days after the form and supporting documentation have been submitted.