GEORGE BROWN FULL-TIME PROGRAMS GUIDE 2011-2012

Student Services

 
We offer many services to support our students. They are grouped into the following categories (read on for more information).

• Student Service Centres
  
  
• Student Services Basics:
  housing, child care, books, lockers, resources, computers, athletics and recreation and aboriginal students services
  
  
• Counselling and tutoring student services
  
  
• Student Life
  
  
• Student Association
  
  
• Casa Loma Career Centre
  
  
• Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Student Services
  
  
• Requesting help form Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services and Disability Services
  
  
• Advising Student Services
  
  
• Safe Walk Program
  
  
• Tutoring and Learning Centres
  
  
• Fees and Financial Assistance

Student Service Centres

In order to better support you in your academic endeavours, we have centralized the main student service functions, including Registration, Financial Assistance and the Contact Centre, in one convenient location.

We can help you with:

• address
• fee payments
• validating forms
• bursaries
• College policies and procedures
• adding/dropping courses
• registering for programs and courses
• OSAP loan pickup/OSAP status inquiry
• transcripts – ordering and picking up
• registration inquiries
• financial aid inquiries
  

We can help you with referrals to:

• Admissions
• Career counseling
• Disability Services
• Peer tutoring
• Student housing
• Human Rights Office
• Student Association
• Educational resources
• Personal counselling
• Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services
• Athletics, Recreation
• Student Life
• Alumni affairs
• Academic Centre
• Access Services
• Assessment Centre

Visit the Student Service Centre at your campus.

St. James Campus
Lower Level, 200 King St. E., Room B150
Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Casa Loma Campus
3rd Floor, Building C, 160 Kendal Ave., Room C317
Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ryerson Campus
Students may use Ryerson Student Services at Jorgenson Hall, 380 Victoria St.

Student Services: Basics

HOUSING OFFICE

The Housing Office provides students with rental listings in the City of Toronto. The staff can also provide support and advice to help secure housing. The listings are free to all full-time George Brown students and include:

• houses
• apartments
• residences*
• in-home boarding
• sublets
• shared accommodations

*Residences not owned or operated by George Brown College. They are private residences available to students in the Toronto area.

For more information, visit www.georgebrown.ca/saffairs/housing/housing.aspx or call the Housing Office at 416-415-5000, ext. 2101.

BOOKSTORE

Besides new and used textbooks, our bookstores sell other books, computer hardware and software, and office supplies. We also buy used textbooks. For the best bargains, check us out early in the semester. Visit us at the following locations, or call 416-415-5000 and the extension number listed below:

CHILD CARE LAB SCHOOLS

George Brown College operates nine child care centres. Children of George Brown students get priority. Full-time students can get subsidies, but spaces are limited and the waiting list for each centre is long. Students who are eligible can apply for subsidy through Toronto Children Services at 416-392-5437 or www.toronto.ca/children.

For more information, or to get on each centre’s waiting list, call the numbers listed below:

For more information, visit www.georgebrown.ca/earlychildhood/childcare.aspx.

LOCKERS

Lockers are available to all full-time students at a cost of $25 for two consecutive semesters. Locks can also be purchased for $5. Students can reserve a locker online with a credit card, or visit the Student Service Centre and pay cash or debit and register their locker online. There are no lockers at our Ryerson Campus.

For more information, call 416-415-5000, ext. 2020 or visit us at www.georgebrown.ca/lockers.

STUDENT PHOTO-ID CARDS

Full-time students who pay the ID fee are entitled to receive a George Brown Student Photo-ID Card when they first register into their program. Your card, which is valid for the duration of your program, identifies you as a student of George Brown and gives you access to the College’s various facilities and services, including the Library Learning Commons.

Students registered in programs offered in the Sally Horsfall-Eaton Centre on the Ryerson University Campus require a Ryerson University/George Brown College One Card.

For information on how and where to get your Student Photo-ID Card, including how to submit your photograph through the Web, visit us at www.georgebrown.ca/studentcard.

LIBRARIES AND OPEN ACCESS COMPUTING

The College provides you with access to learning resources and open access computing through our campus Library Learning Commons (LLCs). Your LLC provides you with access to the technology, resources and assistance required for you to do research, course assignments and projects, and independent study. The variety of resources provided at each LLC reflects the areas of study on that campus.

Your campus Library Learning Commons is WiFi enabled and provides you with access to:

• electronic and print books
• periodicals and newspapers
• library instruction facilities
• multimedia PCs for open access computing
• e-mail
• the Internet
• an Adaptive Technology Lab for students with disabilities (at Casa Loma and St. James)
• Photo-ID Centre (at Casa Loma and St. James)
• scanners, plotters, photocopiers and b&w and colour printers
• sign-out laptops for in-library use
• videos and video playback stations
• research and reference assistance
• individual and group study spaces
• PowerMacs (at St. James only)
• program and course-related software
• Microsoft Office software including MSWord, Excel, Access and Powerpoint
• a research network of up-to-date electronic indexes and full-text periodicals with real-time chat-based online reference support

Your Student Photo-ID Card is your LLC borrower card as well as your photocopy and print card. Using your borrower card and Library PIN, you can access the catalogue, your patron record, our electronic research network and our online library reference service from any location – including your home.

Use of our open access computing facilities and WiFi is restricted to currently registered, active students and requires log-on to the college network using your username and password.

For security and statistical reasons, you may be asked to show your Student ID, so always carry it with you and be prepared to show it upon request.For more information, including hours of operation, please visit our website at library.georgebrown.ca.

St. James Campus Library/Learning Commons
200 King St. E., Room 121
416-415-5000, ext. 2173

Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts e-Library
300 Adelaide St. E., Room 111
416-415-5000, ext. 6179

Casa Loma Campus Library/Learning Commons
160 Kendal Ave., Room C330
(Library) 416-415-5000, ext. 4634
(Open Access Computing) 416-415-5000, ext. 4459

Casa Loma ESL Learning Resource Centre
1 Dartnell Ave., Room D315
416-415-5000, ext. 4950

Sally Horsfall-Eaton Centre (Ryerson Campus) Academic Resource Centre (ARC)
99 Gerrard St. E., Room 677
416-415-5000, ext. 2977

If you are registered in a program offered in the Sally Horsfall-Eaton Centre on the Ryerson University Campus, your Ryerson University/George Brown College One Card will give you access to the resources of the Ryerson University Library (except for databases). The ARC provides open access computing and on-site use of videos, as well as access to George Brown College’s databases and our real-time chat-based online library reference service.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

Students are reminded that the photocopying of any substantial part of textbooks is NOT PERMITTED.

You have limited rights to legally copy the published print works of others without seeking permission. Under the Access Copyright license, students are authorized to copy up to 10 per cent of a work.

You can copy more than 10 per cent in the following circumstances:

• entire chapter that constitutes 20 per cent or less of a book
• entire single short story, play, essay or poem from a book
• entire newspaper article or page
• entry from a reference work

ATHLETICS AND RECREATION

We have exciting opportunities for you in athletics and recreation at George Brown College. We offer varsity sports, intramural and extramural sports leagues and tournaments in basketball and indoor soccer, to name a few, as well as various recreational activities where you can just drop in, fitness and yoga classes, and weight and cardio training. Visit our athletic and recreation facilities at either campus and check us out!

For more information, check our website at athletics.georgebrown.ca or call the St. James Athletic Centre at 416-415-5000, ext. 3336 or 4068 or the Casa Loma Athletic Centre at 416-415-5000, ext. 4714 or 4627.

ABORIGINAL STUDENT SERVICES

George Brown is committed to its Aboriginal students and expresses this commitment in a variety of ways. There are over 300 Aboriginal students in the college during each academic year.  These students are on every campus and take part in a wide range of programs, from academic upgrading through to diploma and degree programs.

For more information, check our web site at www.georgebrown.ca/aboriginal, or Contact the Aboriginal Students' Counsellor at 416-415-5000, ext. 2526 or 1-800-265-2002 or lbudge@georgebrown.ca, or fax to 416-415-2432.

Counselling and Tutoring Student Services:


COUNSELLING

Counsellors at George Brown College can assist students with a variety of academic and non-academic issues. This is a free and confidential service available to all full-time students. For non-emergency counselling appointments, students are usually provided with an appointment within two business days. If the student’s concern cannot be addressed through short-term counselling, ongoing support can be established through a community referral.

For more information or to arrange a confidential appointment, call your campus Counselling Office at 416-415-5000, ext. 4585 (Casa Loma) or ext. 2107 (St. James) (1-877-515-5559 TTY), or visit our website at www.georgebrown.ca/saffairs/counselling.aspx

Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) Centre

The Peer Assisted Learning Centre provides a collaborative environment where Peer Advisors assist students in understanding and appreciating the power of individual, group and team learning. Students are introduced to learning strategies that support in-class learning, and get information about how to access Peer Tutoring and Student Success Program initiatives.

PAL benefits for students

• Peers learn and work together co-operatively
• Peer tutors and peer leaders receive ongoing training and develop their communication and leadership skills
• Students find out about learning resources and assistance
• Students obtain on-campus employment

St. James PAL Centre
Room B121 (lower level, opposite the cafeteria)

Casa Loma PAL Centre
Room E139 (inside the Life Works Centre)

Peer tutoring

Free peer tutoring helps students who are having difficulty with a course. Students study in a lab with a tutor to review work that has already been taught or prepare for assignments and exams. Most tutors are second- or third-year students who have completed a training program and are paid by the College.

For more information about tutoring or to become a tutor, visit our website at www.georgebrown.ca/peerlearning or call your campus Counselling Office at 416-415-5000, ext. 4585 (Casa Loma) or ext. 2107 (St. James).

CAREER SERVICES

Career Services is your connection to the world of work! Our services are offered at two locations: the St. James Career Centre (B155) and the Casa Loma Career Centre (C317). At both of these locations students can:

• Learn about the world of work
• Have a resumé critiqued
• Get job search assistance
• Find full-time, part-time and summer job opportunities
• Get access to print, video and online career resources
• Learn how to dress for success
• Learn about work and volunteer opportunities abroad
• Meet employers
• Attend career fairs and networking events

GBCareers

View and apply to full-time, part-time, on-campus, temporary, summer and contract employment opportunities. Students can also view and register for career workshops, job fairs and employer information sessions.

gbcareers.georgebrown.ca

Career Start

An interactive WebCT course that will help students develop the knowledge and skills to engage in successful career planning. Here is the login information.

How to access services:

Appointments
Book an individual consultation with a Career Advisor for personalized service

Workshops
Take advantage of a variety of career and employment workshops

Self serve             
Make use of our on-site computers, labour market information, job postings and print resources

For more information, contact us at:

St. James Career Centre
200 King St. E., Lower Level, Room B155
416-415-5000, ext. 3818
sjcareercentre@georgebrown.ca

Casa Loma Career Centre
160 Kendal Ave. (Building C), Room C317
416-415-5000, ext. 4100
clcareercentre@georgebrown.ca.

Visit our website at www.georgebrown.ca/careerservices.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

The Student Employment Program hires around 300 full-time students every year for part-time, on-campus work.

Peer Advisor: Are you interested in finding new ways to learn, sharing resources with your fellow students and assisting students in understanding and appreciating the power of individual, group and team learning? The PAL Centre is the place for you.

Peer Notetaker: Do you take great class notes? Apply to be a Peer Notetaker to get paid for what you already do so well!

Peer Tutor: Do you have strong academic skills with a positive attitude towards learning? Help others reach their academic goals through tutoring.

If you would like to apply for a position, fill out an application online at www.georgebrown.ca/peerlearning or stop by the Counselling Office at either the St. James Campus (Room 582C) or Casa Loma Campus (Room C317) to receive an application.

THE STUDENT ASSOCIATION

The Student Association (SA) is an organization dedicated to providing quality services and support to the students of George Brown College. The SA is a separately incorporated not-for-profit organization run by students, for students, and thus is run by a student-elected Board of Directors. Our current membership base is comprised of approximately 14,000 full-time students. Some of the services provided by the SA include: health and dental insurance, access to a free legal advisor, clubs, Lifeworks services (such as the food bank), the Source (student handbook), and other events.

For more information, call or visit one of the SA offices.

St. James Campus
416-415-5000, ext. 2455
Room 147, 200 King St. E.

Casa Loma Campus
416-415-5000, ext. 4730
Room E100 – Student Centre, 142 Kendal Ave.

Ryerson Campus
416-415-5000, ext. 4049
Room 614 – SHE Building, 99 Gerrard St. E.

Visit out web site at sa.georgebrown.ca.

Student Services: Student Life

The Student Life Office works with the Student Association and other student groups to plan and organize events and activities to ensure that students have opportunities to become involved in College life.

We encourage students to become involved in issues and programs that not only educate and entertain but also foster understanding and co-operation within our diverse student body.

For more information, call the Student Life Office.

St. James Campus
416-415-5000, ext. 2296

Casa Loma Campus
416-415-5000, ext. 6588

Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Student Services

George Brown College is a place of both learning and employment. At the College, we have the right to study, learn, teach and work in an environment that is free of harassment. The College does not condone harassment or any other form of discrimination; these are treated as serious offences. Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Services aims to ensure that all students, faculty, staff and administration can participate fully in college life without experiencing individual or systemic barriers. This right is supported by the Ontario Human Rights Code and the College’s policy on the Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment. Copies of these documents are available in every campus library at the College.

We provide advice, consultation and education in matters related to:

• Human rights
• Discrimination (as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code)
• Harassment (as defined by the Ontario Human Rights Code)
• Freedom of Information and Privacy Act of Ontario
• Employment equity
• Diversity awareness
• Positive Space

If you have a concern, need further information or are considering filing a complaint, consult Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Services for assistance. You may reach us at 416-415-5000, ext. 4646, 4715 or 6670 (TTY 1-877-515-5559).

Office Locations
Casa Loma – 500 MacPherson Ave., Room 102
St. James – 200 King St. E., Room 126

Office Hours
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday

The Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Services website is also updated regularly. Staff and students are encouraged to visit the site at www.georgebrown.ca/diversity for resources, links, policy and upcoming events.

We offer a Positive Space for everyone

George Brown is committed to welcoming and including all members of the community and to creating a diverse college community free of discrimination and harassment. In particular, this includes discrimination based on gender and sexual identity. To this end, the College has put policies in place and is taking active steps to support a welcoming and inclusive environment.

The Positive Space campaign, launched in 2006, brings visibility and support to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, two-spirited and queer/questioning communities at George Brown. There are currently over 100 resource staff persons who have the rainbow Positive Space indicator ribbons displayed at the entrance of their College work area, indicating that they have taken the Positive Space Orientation Session and are committed to welcoming LGTBQ students and staff and providing supportive resources. The presence of the Positive Space ribbons also raises awareness of the differences that exist on campus and sensitizes others to both subtle and overt forms of heterosexism, homophobia and transphobia.

In addition to administering the Orientation Sessions, the Positive Space Campaign has sponsored numerous queer on-campus events and initiatives including well-attended panels on Queer Youth & Education and Trans 101, guest speakers and authors (Trey Anthony, Debra Anderson, Pat Capponi, Farzana Doctor and Tim McCaskell), queer Valentine cards, a queer-positive poster contest for students and the recent launch of a new workshop focusing on creating inclusive classrooms.

For more information, call 416-415-5000, ext. 4609 or go to: www.georgebrown.ca/positivespace.

Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment Policy

George Brown College is one of the most diverse colleges in Canada and is committed to promoting and providing an equitable environment for students and employees. It encourages community access and participation in all aspects of College life. Our policy, The Prevention of Discrimination and Harassment Policy, talks about these commitments and identifies rights and responsibilities for all members of our community. The full text of the Policy can be found on the Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Services website at www.georgebrown.ca/diversity.

The rights of all College members are protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act of Ontario and College policies and procedures. Copies of these documents are available in every campus library at the College.

George Brown College has strict policies that prohibit discrimination or harassment in any form on the basis of race, colour, place of origin, ethnic origin, citizenship, ancestry, creed, sex, marital status, family status, age, disability, sexual orientation, record of offences, being in receipt of public assistance and socio-economic class. If you feel harassed or discriminated against by staff, faculty, administration or other students you should keep careful notes about the incident and contact the chair of your course, the Student Association at 416-415-5000, ext. 2455 (St. James) or ext. 4730 (Casa Loma), or the Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Services advisors at 416-415-5000, ext. 4646, 4715 or 6670. The College is prepared to take steps to prevent incidents of harassment or discrimination. Counselling is also available through the Student Affairs Department at 416-415-5000, ext. 2107 (St. James) or ext. 4585 (Casa Loma).

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy

The personal information on this form is collected under the legal authority of the Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology Act, 2002. The information is used for the administrative and statistical purposes of the College, including (but not limited to) Admissions, Registration and maintaining records as well as Awards and Scholarships, Alumni and College Foundation administrative functions and/or the Ministries or Agencies of the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada. This information is being collected under section 39(2) and section 42 of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act of Ontario. If you have any questions or concerns related to freedom of information and privacy, please contact the FOI Co-ordinator for the College at 416-415-5000, ext. 4646.

College Council

College Council is comprised of representatives from across the College community, along with members of the Senior Management Committee. College Council provides advice to the President on policies and practices, and on matters that are aligned with the College’s strategic priorities. This is a key place for students and employees to have a voice. For information or to share your concerns or ideas, call your College Council representative at 416-415-5000, ext. 4479, or visit us at www.georgebrown.ca/about.aspx

Aboriginal programs and counselling

The Aboriginal Programs Unit helps Aboriginal people access College programs and services and provides counselling and cultural support. Our Native Student Centre at St. James Campus provides Aboriginal students with space to study and to meet and is the site for some events for Aboriginal students, such as circles with Elders. Some services for Aboriginal students are available at the Casa Loma Campus. The LLC houses an Aboriginal collection that is accessible to all students and staff.

For more information, call the Aboriginal Programs Unit at 416-415-5000, ext. 2526 or drop by the Native Students Meeting Place, St. James Campus, Room 562D.

Student Services: Disability / Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services

George Brown College is committed to providing equal access to education for students with disabilities. The Disability Services Office serves over 1,200 students yearly. Staff are trained to provide assistance and arrange accommodations that may be required because of a physical, emotional or learning disability.

Enhanced services

Enhanced services for students with learning disabilities are available. For more information, please contact the Disability Services Office.

Services available to students with disabilities

Notetakers; accommodations for tests and assignments; peer tutoring; photocopy cards for large print; Brailled materials; digital recorders; CCTVs; orientation sessions; adaptive computer devices and software including alternative pointing devices, screen magnification, word prediction, reading support software; voice dictation; portable spell-checkers; working with a learning strategist. Visit our Adaptive Technology site for more information at www.georgebrown.ca/saffairs/adaptech.

Services available to Deaf, Deafened and Hard-of-hearing students

Educational support services are available to Deaf, deafened and hard-of-hearing students. Services include: sign language interpreting, computerized notetaking, manual notetaking, academic advising, program and test taking accommodations, and the loaning of Assistive Listening Devices. These services are free of charge.

Contact us immediately when:

• the College asks you to attend an Admissions interview or test and you need a sign language interpreter (please contact us at least one week before the interview or test)
• your interview is cancelled or changed
• the College accepts you into a program and you want to arrange for your educational support services

TTY payphone locations:

Casa Loma Campus, C Building, 160 Kendal Ave.

• second floor, pay phone near C Building elevators

St. James Campus, 200 King St. E. (3 TTY pay phones)

• lower level, near Student Service Centre
• main floor, near east elevators
• fifth floor, near centre elevator

Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts, 300 Adelaide St. E.

• Bell Canada pay phones with TTY and text capabilities are located in the basement and on the first, second and third floors

Ryerson University, 99 Gerrard St. E.

• pay phone near Room 597

How to request service

Call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (or toll-free, 1-800-265-2002) to request that an intake package for Disability or Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services be mailed to you at least four weeks before you start your program. TTY users can contact 1-877-515-5559.

You may also contact the Disability Services Office at 416-415-5000, ext. 2622. The Intake Co-ordinator will provide you with details concerning intake form submission, appropriate supporting documentation for your disability, and general academic accommodation information.

Our intake form may be printed directly from our website, www.georgebrown.ca/saffairs/disabilities/disabilities.aspx

You may fill out the form, and then fax it to us, along with your supporting documentation – in confidence – to 416-415-2726.

You can also contact us at:

Disability Services Office
Don Kezima, Intake Co-ordinator
416-415-5000, ext. 2622 (1-877-515-5559 TTY)
or if long distance 1-800-265-2002, ext. 2622 (voice)
416-415-2726 (fax)
dkezima@georgebrown.ca

Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services
Karen Walker, Disability Consultant
416-415-5000, ext. 4654 (1-877-515-5559 TTY)
or if long distance 1-800-265-2002, ext. 4654 (voice)
416-415-2161 (fax)
kwalker@georgebrown.ca

Plan to attend an upcoming Disability, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services orientation session. Please call 416-415-5000, ext. 2622 (voice) or 1-877-515-5559 (TTY) to sign up for the next available date.

ENTRY ADVISING

Entry Advising assists people interested in College programs, including both applicants and students, by matching their academic skills, educational background and career goals with appropriate upgrading and post-secondary options. Entry Advising helps students to bridge the gap between the skills they have and the skills they need to succeed in their academic and career goals. Entry Advising is free and is available in person, by e-mail and on the phone.

Entry Advising is available for applicants and members of the community who:

• have been unsuccessful in gaining admission to a post-secondary program
• have questions or need information on programs provided by George Brown College
• are missing entry credits or an OSSD required for admission to post-secondary programs
• are interested in a second career and re-training for a career change
• would like to have their past learning and life experiences recognized for college credit through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
• need to discuss options for upgrading their academic and/or language skills

For an Entry Advising appointment call 416-415-5000, ext. 2949, or visit georgebrown.ca/advising.

Safe Walk Program

The Safe Walk program is a joint initiative between the Student Association and George Brown College. Safe Walkers work in co-ed pairs to escort George Brown College students, staff and guests to local parking lots or TTC stops. All Safe Walkers are students who have been trained in emergency first aid. The service is available Monday to Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. and Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., from the first day of school in September through to April, with the exception of winter break and other days the College is closed.

Three teams run out of the St. James Campus, serving 200 King St. E., the Hospitality & Tourism building and the Graphic Design building. One team is available at the Casa Loma campus. Safe Walk is located at the Information desks next to the security desks at both campuses. For more information, or to inquire about employment opportunities, call 416-415-5000, ext. 6395 or e-mail safewalk@georgebrown.ca.

Tutoring and Learning Centres:

The College has two Tutoring and Learning Centres (TLCs). These Centres are comfortable places for students to get English language and Math help. They are staffed by peer tutors who provide one-on-one tutoring in Math and English.

In addition, the Centres are equipped with computers with a range of software to help students with their grammar, writing, listening and pronunciation skills.

Unique language needs are met through ESL listening and speaking sessions in small group discussions.

The Centres are open from Monday to Friday during business hours. Lab schedules can be picked up at each Centre or at the Counselling Office.

Individual and group peer tutoring is also offered for a variety of different courses and is free of charge to full-time students.

For more information on how to register for peer tutoring please visit the PAL Centre at St. James Campus, Room B121, or Casa Loma Campus, Room E139.

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