Student Handbook
Who We Are
Weat KwantlenPolytechnicUniversityrespectfullyacknowledgethat wework,study, and liveinaregionthat overlapswiththeunceded traditional and ancestral First Nationsterritoriesof thexwm??kw?y??m (Musqueam),qi? c?? y? (Katzie),SEMYOME (Semiahmoo),sc?? wa??n (Tsawwassen),qiqe?yt (Qayqayt)and kwikw???? m (Kwikwetlem);andthelandsof theqw? ?:n????n?(Kwantlen)First Nation,which gifted itsnametothisuniversity
Inthecauseof reconciliation,werecognizeour commitment toaddressand reduce ongoingsystemiccolonialism,oppression,andracism that IndigenousPeoples continuetoexperience
Theword ?Kwantlen?meansTirelessRunner,and isreflectedintheuniversity?smotto: ?throughtirelesseffort, knowledge, andunderstanding.? Learn about the Land Acknowledgment at KPU
Welcome to the KPU Community!
Zainab Al-koubaisi InterimAssociateVicePresident
Youhavetakenabold and important step inpursuinganeducationabroad Congratulations! Onbehalf of KPUandthe KPUInternational team,Iwouldliketo thankyoufor choosingKPU.Weare grateful that youarehere!
Youarenowavalued member and part of our community. Weareheretosupport you Youhaveaccesstoresourcesto support youthroughout your educational journey Weencourageyoutoactively participateineventsand theunique opportunitiesavailabletoyouboth academicallyandsocially.Thiswill not onlyhelpyouadapt toyour new environment but helpyoubesuccessful in your academiccareer
Theresourcesinthisguidearedeveloped specificallyfor you
Wewishyouapositiveand successful learningexperience!
Mission and Vision
Vision Statement
KPUInternational isahubrooted inaninclusiveanddiverseenvironment that opensdoorstoglobal learningopportunitiesfor all
Mission Statement
Tofoster transformational experiencesandinternational connections that nurtureandempower globallyminded learners.
KPU International is...
Multilingual
What languagesdowespeak?
Diverse Wherearewefrom?
RECRUITMENTANDADMISSIONS
OFFICEOFGLOBALENGAGEMENT
YOU AREHERE!
International Academic and Immigration Advising
International Student Advisorsareheretosupport your studies at KPU! Fromcourseandprogram planningtoPost Graduation WorkPermits,we?reheretoanswer all your academicand non-academicquestions!
kpu ca/international/advising
International Student Life and Transitions
Readytomakeanewfriend,learnanew skill,or explore MetroVancouver?KPUInternational hoststonsof cool events everysemester tohelp youdoall that,andmore All KPU studentsarewelcometoattendour on-campus,off-campus, andvirtual events.
kpu.ca/international/events
Global Learning and Partnerships
Becomeaglobal citizenand participateinour studyabroad opportunities! KPUispart of avibrant and diverseinternational networkthat preparesstudents for global success.
kpu.ca/studyabroad
Wehaveput together informativevideosfor youtowatchand learn all about thedifferent resourcesavailabletoyou Look for these students throughout our handbook for our videos!
Logintoyour KPUemail and activateyour account tokeep up todate onimportant informationbeforeyoustart your journeyat KPU.
Questions?Contact us! kpu.ca/international/contact
And followusfor upcoming KPUInternational events!
Preparing for Life in Canada
Succeed in Your Academic Journey
Student Life
Additional Student Services
Global Learning Opportunities
Endless Career Opportunities
International
Preparing for Life in Canada
What is the culture like in Metro Vancouver?Do I have medical insurance? How do I find housing, open a bank account or start on a cellphone plan?
Inorder toensureasmoothtransitiontoCanada,it?simportant tolearnabout medical insurance,accommodations,preparingfor travel,or evenlifeinCanadaingeneral We haveprepared the Pre-Arrival Webinar Seriestohelpanswer anyquestionsyoumayhave! Learn about:
» What toexpect at thePort of Entryeg Documentstoprepare
» LifeinMetroVancouver
» Accommodation
» Independent Living
More questions?Joinusfor theliveQ&Asession! Wehost avirtual livesession6-8weeks beforesemester begins.Youwill receiveanemail withregistrationinformationprior tothe event.
kpu.ca/international/travellingtocanada
Discover KPU with New Student Orientation
New Student Orientation iswhere you will learn about student servicesand resources, meet fellow studentsand classmates, receive guidance from senior students, and have lotsof fun! Joininga universitycommunitycanbe overwhelming,soour orientationprocess isdesigned tofamiliarizeyouwiththe campus,services,andstudent resources availablesoyoucanachievesuccess
Wehave many eventsand activitiesfor Orientationsobesuretosignup for every opportunityfor acompleteexperience You will alsohavethechancetomeet our O-Team (OrientationTeam)that will be leadingyouthroughOrientation:
» Online Orientation Course
Aself-guided coursewithvaluableand practical informationtokickstart your academicstudies
» International Live Virtual Orientation
Designed specificallyfor new international studentswithrelevant informationsuchashealthinsurance and non-academicservicestobetter adjust topost-secondaryeducation culture
» New Student Orientation
Theon-campusportionof Orientationto meet newfriendsandtogoonafun campustour kpu.ca/orientation
Welcome Weeks
Departmentsall acrossKPUhost anumber of eventsoneachcampustocelebratethe start of theterm Fromsocial events,to campusfairs,freelunches,and academic support workshops.
Thisevent providesKPUstudentsan opportunitytoexploreKPU'sresources andservices,connect withtheKPU community,makenew friendsanddevelop newskillstosucceedinyour academic journey.
kpu.ca/welcome-weeks
Unibuddy's Community
Chat withour Student Ambassadorsabout studyingat KPUandstudent liferelated questions! Youcanalsoconnect withour Staff about programrequirementsand any other region-specificadmissionquestions all-in-oneplatform!
kpu.ca/international/unibuddy
Settingyouupfor success!
Find support through the International Peer Mentorship Program
Asanewinternational student joiningKPU, you are automatically enrolled as a Mentee and assigned an International Peer Mentor to support you in your first semester to maximize your experience!
TheInternational Peer Mentorship(IPM)programconnectsnew studentswithamentor,an experienced KPUstudent,toprovideguidanceand support for your first semester Manyof our MentorsarealsoKPUInternational students! Your Mentor understandsthechallenges of startinganacademicstudyinanew countryandat KPU.Theyareexcited tosharetheir experienceswithyouandcanhelpyounavigateKPUservicesand resources.Your Mentor looksforward toconnectingwithyoubeforethestart of class! kpu ca/international/IPM
Succeed in Your Academic Journey!
Succeed in Your Academic Journey
International Academic and Immigration Advising
Ateamof dedicatedInternational Student Advisorsareheretohelpyouget themost out of your universityexperience Work closelyand collaborativelywithanadvisor toset and achievegoals,discusseducation and career plans,makeappropriatecourse selections,connect withuniversity resources,and findsupport incompleting your programrequirement!
What can I expect from our advisors?
» Care,respect,andsupport
» Discussyour academic,immigrationand personal goals
» Assistancewithacademicplanning consistent withyour values,interests and strengths
» Accurateinformationregardingprogram requirements,universitypoliciesand procedures,andacademicresources
» Up-to-dateinformationfrom Immigration,RefugeesandCitizenship Canada(IRCC)
Besuretocheckout other resources availableonour webpage Wehaveforms, videos,and somuchmoretohelp youwith your academicjourney.
Makeanappointment withanadvisor and comeprepared withquestions,concerns, andideasfor your academicfutureat KPU! kpu ca/international/advising
Get to Know the Learning
Centre!
TheLearningCentrewill helpyoufocuson activelearningand provideyouwithan experiencebeyond theclassroom Learn studyskillsandstrategies,findhelp with navigatingonlinelearningtechnologies, andget one-on-onesupport and small grouptutoringincoursesat KPU.Thebest part isthat it isall at nocost tostudents;it isFREE!
kpu.ca/learningcentres
Student Life
Apply to be an International Peer Mentor
Inyour first semester,amentor will providesupport and guidanceasyou transitiontoKPUandlifeinCanada.Get involvedand giveback totheInternational Peer Mentorshipprogram.Onceyouhave completedat least oneacademicterm,you canbecomeaMentor and helpnew studentswiththeir first semester! You?ll be anexperienced student withlotsof tips andinsider infotosupport new International studentsintheir academic journey.
kpu.ca/international/ipm/ becomeamentor
We?
ll see
you at the next Student Life Event!
Universityisn? t just about books.It?salso about meetingnew people,tryingdifferent things,and exploringwhoyouwant to become Engaginginstudent eventscan giveyouthebreakyouneed from schoolwork,helpreducestress,and allow youtobalanceyour universityexperience ExploreMetroVancouver whilemeeting newstudentsandmakingfriendsat the next Student LifeEvent!
kpu.ca/international/events
Followour socialsfor upcomingevent datesandinfo!
Volunteer with us
Volunteeringisagreat waytolearnnew skillsanddevelop valuableconnections. It isalsoanopportunitytopreparefor your career after university,whether todiscover anew passionor togainworking experience Joinanevent asavolunteer or explorethemanyother volunteering opportunitiesthroughour volunteer servicesdepartment!
kpu.ca/volunteer
KPU International
Additional Services
Available to Every Student at KPU!
Stay safe with Medical Insurance
Medical Insurancehelpsalleviatecostly medical careinBritishColumbia.
Unexpected medical expensescanpresent asignificant financial challengewhen startingyour studiessoit isimportant to understand healthinsuranceandthe availableoptionsfor youat KPUandinBC.
International studentsat KPUhaveaccess tocoveragefor emergencymedical care, routinecheck-ups,and morethrougha combinationof threehealthinsurance plans:
» KPUTemporaryMedical InsurancePlan
» BritishColumbiaMedical ServicesPlan (BCMSP)
» KwantlenStudent Association?s Extended Healthand Dental Coverage
All newinternational studentsare automaticallyenrolledinKPU?sTemporary Medical InsurancePlanat thestart of their studiesuntil theyarecoveredbyBCMSP, theprovincial healthcareinsuranceplan.It isimportant tounderstand howtoapply for your MSPmedical carecardupon arrival and applytoyour student unionfor your extended healthand dental planto transitiontopermanent medical coverage inthefollowingsemesters.Tolearnmore about thethreehealthinsuranceplans, pleasevisit our websitefor more information
kpu ca/international/insurance
We care about your Health and Wellness
Livinginanew countryand transitioning intoanew educational environment can betough Thepressuresof adaptingtoan unfamiliar academicenvironment, languagebarriers,cultureshock, homesickness,financial stress,or newfoundpersonal independencecanbe tough.Wehaveresourcestohelpyou.
» TELUSHealthStudent Support provides 24/7Professional Counselling kpu ca/counselling/support
»CounsellingServicesthroughKPU kpu ca/counselling
»Sexual ViolenceSupport andEducation for studentsimpacted bysexual violence kpu.ca/sexual-misconduct
»Peer Wellnessofferssocial support and opportunitiesfor social connectionand healthand wellnessresourceson campus kpu ca/peerwellness
Your Safety at KPU
Wearecommitted tothesafetyand securityof everymember of our KPU community.Our KPUSafeapp,isthebest waytostayup todateintheevent of a safetyor securityissueat KPU Installing theappwill ensurethat yougaininstant accesstoimportant safetyresourcesall in oneplace
kpu ca/safe
There is More!
KPUoffersmanystudent servicesand programstoall studentsat KPUtopromotecampus involvement,foster inclusiveand communityengagement andprovidenecessary resourcesfor studentstosucceed.Tomaximizeyour experience,takeamoment toread about theservicesavailableat KPUand reachout tothevariousteamstotakeadvantage of theprogramsand servicesoffered toYOU! kpu.ca/current-students
Global Learning Opportunities
KPU's
Study Abroad Program
Did you know you can study abroad while ?studying abroad??
Get yourself readyfor theglobal job market bygainingvaluableglobal experiencesand cross-cultural learning Programsvaryinlength,from1week to4 months,soyou?ll findsomethingthat will matchyour timeat KPU!
We have four different typesof study abroad programs; contact us so we can help you find the right program for you!
Ready to take the next step?
Reachout toStudyAbroad coordinators (internationalprograms@kpu.ca)for advisingmeetingsandinfosession information!
Are there scholarships?
Yes! Therearesomescholarshipsavailable toInternational students.
What about my study permit?
Wehavedesignated RISIAadvisorswho specializeinaddressingspecificinquiries regardingtheimplicationsof thestudy abroad experienceonstudypermits Upon contactingthestudyabroad coordinators, theywill facilitatedirect communication withour advisors,ensuringcomprehensive assistancewithyour queries kpu ca/studyabroad
?I hada great opportunitytolearnfrom another universityandknow different people fromdifferent countries,?
ThiHien(Emily) Post-BaccalaureateDiplomainOperations andSupplyChainManagement
Destination Examples: Paris, New York, Amazon Rainforest
For studentswhowant totravel witha facultymember andother classmates, whileearningKPUcredits.
Online
e.g. Virtual internships, Spanish Language Day
For studentswhowant totravel witha facultymember andother classmates, whileearningKPUcredits.
Destination Examples: Australia, Denmark, Korea, Peru, Vietnam, Mexico, Germany, Hong Kong
For studentswhowant tostudyfor onesemester at oneof our 50+partner institutionsaroundtheworld with KPUtuitionprices
Destination Examples: Germany, Japan, Switzerland
For studentswhowant togoabroad for under 4weeks
Read StudyAbroadalumni storiesat instagram.com/kpustudyabroad
KPUStudyAbroad
Endless career and work integrated learning opportunities
Gain work experience at KPU!
Therearemanyopportunitiesfor personal and professional growthat KPU Weoffer work-integrated learningoptions, includingon-campusjobs,servicelearning projects,internships,volunteer programs, mentorship opportunities,and student clubs Theseopportunitiesprovide hands-onlearning,improveEnglish languageskills,simulatesomeof the conditionsof aprofessional work environment,andpromoteinteractions withother studentstoprepareyoufor full-timeworkafter graduation.
Takeadvantageof theseopportunitiesto help youdeveloptheappropriateskills necessarytosecureandthriveinwork environmentspost-graduation!
» Career exploration
» Resumereview
» Career Advising
» Co-op programsat KPU
» Findingajob throughCareer Connection
kpu.ca/careers
Other Experiential Learning Opportunities
Youcanalsodeveloptransferableskills suchasproblem-solving,critical thinking, teamwork,communicationskillsand conflict resolution,whichcanbeused acrossvariousoccupational fieldsby engaginginother experiential learning opportunitiesat KPU.Youmay automaticallyparticipatethroughaclass youaretakingat KPUor decidetojointhe availableextracurricular and co-curricular programs.
» Student clubs
» KPU?sstudent union
» KPU?sMagazine?TheRunner, PulpMagazine?
» Sportsand Recreationat KPU
» Peer programs
» OrientationLeaders
kpu ca/experiential
Did You Know?
Scholarships
Aspart of KPUInternational?scommitment tosupportinginternational students?academic journey,weoffer anumber of scholarshipstonew and current international students. Scholarshipsareintendedtocelebratetheacademicachievement of deservingstudentsin attainingtheir educational goals,meetingtheir programobjectivesand succeedingto their fullest ability
kpu ca/awards
Zero Textbook Costs
Toreducethecost of learningfor students, KPUstarted Canada?sfirst ZeroTextbook Cost (ZTC)initiative.Insteadof textbooks, KPUuseslibraryand openeducational resources(OER)inover 950course sections
UsetheRegister for Classesappat myKPU.ca tosearchfor coursesections withzerotextbookcosts.
kpu.ca/open/ztc
KPU Shuttle
Didyouknowthat KPUoffersan inter-campusshuttleservice? Servicesrun throughout thedaybetweenSurrey, Cloverdale,and Langleycampuses.Besure tochecktheshuttlebusscheduleonlineif youhaveclassesondifferent campuses!
kpu.ca/shuttle
Kwantlen Student Association
Asastudent at KwantlenPolytechnic University,youarealsoamember of the KwantlenStudent Association(KSA) You will haveaccesstoresources,services, advocacy,and support that studentsmight not otherwisehave Visit theKSAofficeon anycampustolearnabout what KSA eventsand campaignsareunderwayand howyoucanget involved!
kusa.ca
Maximize your experience at KPU!
4 Steps for Student Success
Pre-Arrival
Beforeyour first semester at KPU,besuretoattend the pre-arrival webinarsand Orientation! Wecover important academicand non-academicinformationto help youtransitionintopost-secondarylifeinCanada.
kpu ca/international/new-students
Settling In
We?re here to help you from application to graduation If youhaveany questions,meet withour Educational Advisorstoachieveyour academicand professional goals Attend workshopshosted byour advisingteamand the LearningCentrefor toolsand tipsonacademicsuccessand get valuable immigrationinformation.
kpu ca/international/student-hub
Make Connections
Connect withyour International Peer Mentor and meet new friends! Makethe most out of your Universityexperienceoutsideof theclassroom Joinaclub, volunteer oncampus,and attend our Student Lifeevents!
kpu ca/international/events
Enrich Your Experience
Goonanexcitingstudyabroad experience Studyintherainforest or under city lights,theadventureisup toyou! Weoffer variousopportunities,includingfield schools,virtual global learning,and summer schools.Wealsohavefundingand scholarshipsavailablefor International students.
kpu ca/studyabroad
New Student Checklist
Congratulationson your acceptance to Kwantlen Polytechnic University! You are now ready to start your journey at KPU Here is a checklist to support you with the next steps.
Apply for your Study Permit, ETAand/or Temporary Resident Visa (if applicable)
Review the Pre-Arrival Guide kpu ca/international/prearrival
Submit Your Study Permit kpu.ca/international/study-permit
Download UniBuddy
Youwill receiveaninvitationlinkthroughyour KPUemail
Register for Classes mykpu.ca
Sign up for Orientation kpu.ca/orientation
Discover the International Peer Mentorship Program (IPM) kpu ca/international/ipm
Connect with your International Education Advisor kpu.ca/international/advising
Review the Dates and Deadlines kpu.ca/registration/dates
Check your KPU Email kpu ca/studentmail
Prepare for Your Classes kpu ca/international/achieving-academic-success
Review the University Calendar calendar.kpu.ca
Apply for your student IDcard kpu ca/library/kpu-card
Download the TELUSHealth Student Support App kpu ca/counselling/support
Stay in touch! Reachout to internationaltransitions@kpu.ca if youhave questionsor need anytypeof support
West Building
Useful Tip: Thefirst number of aroomtellsyouwhat floor theroomison Example:StudentEnrolmentServices1060isonthe1st flooroftheWestBuilding.
East Building
Header House South Building
Washrooms
AccessibleWashrooms
ParkingLot
BusStop
PayParkingStations
Elevators
ShuttleStop
Water Refill Station
Campus Legend
West Building
Facultyof Science
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Student Enrolment Services
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SecurityOffice
FutureStudents?Office
Library
Classrooms/Seminar Labs
TheLearningCentre
Auditorium
Classrooms/Labs
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East Building
Classrooms
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Cafeteria
FitnessStudio
Institutefor SustainableHorticulture
ResearchBuilding
South Building
Facultyof Health
NursingLabs
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Classrooms
Header House
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Student Services
Main Building
Wilson School of Design
Washrooms
AccessibleWashrooms
ParkingLot
BusStop
PayParkingStations
Elevators
Water Refill Station
Showers
Campus Legend
Student Services
Bookstore
ActiveKSAStudio
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Library
TheLearningCentre
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Counselling
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Gardens
Main Building Classrooms
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Wilson School of Design Building
Textiles
SpecialtyLab
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WSD,Dean?sOffice
Computer Lab
Multi-purposeSpace
Server/Kitchenette
Student ResourceLab
LightingLab
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MarkingRoom
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5500 180 Street (Cloverdale)
Classrooms & Labs
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ParkingLot
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Elevators
ShuttleStop
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Campus Legend
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FitnessCentre
KwantlenStudent Association
Cafeteria
Bookstore
Servicesfor StudentswithDisabilities,Counselling, andAdvising
Student Enrolment Services
Security,First Aid,andLost &Found
LearningManagement Centre
Customer AutoShop
Classrooms & Labs
Workshops
Farrier Barn
Commercial Beekeeping
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WeldingandFabrication
Millwright
KPU Surrey | Classroom & Fac
Useful Tip: Thefirst number of aroomtellsyouwhat floor theroomison Example:Cedar2045isonthe2nd flooroftheCedarbuilding.
Cedar Building
Maple Building
Fir Building
Spruce Building Arbutus Building
Birch Building
culty Offices
12666 72 Avenue
Washrooms
AccessibleWashrooms
Gender
ParkingLot
BusStop
PayParkingStations
Campus Legend
Cedar Building
Classrooms
Computer Labs
LanguageLab
JournalismLab
Facultyof Academic&Career Preparation
CELSLab
KPUInternational Office
Maple Building
Classrooms
MelvilleSchool of Business
Arbutus Building Facultyof Arts
Fir/Spruce Building
ChemistryLabs
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Studios
Geography/GeologyLab
FineArtsStudios
3DStudios
Classrooms
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LectureTheatre
AnthropologyLab
PsychologyLab
Useful Tip: Thefirst number of aroomtellsyouwhat floor theroomison Example:Cedar2045isonthe2nd flooroftheCedarbuilding.
Cedar Building
Maple Building
Fir Building
Spruce Building
Arbutus Building
Birch Building
Civic Plaza
AccessibleWashrooms Washrooms
Gender
ParkingLot
BusStop
PayParkingStations
Campus Legend
Cedar Building
TimHortons
KPUInternational ConferenceCentre
Gym/FitnessCentre/Sport &Recreation
KSAMember Servicesand Health&Dental Office
GrassRootsCafe
KwantlenStudent Association
MultifaithCentre
Maple Building
FutureStudents?Office,Orientation&Transitions
Co-op,Career andVolunteer Services
Officeof theVicePresident,Students Counselling,Peer Support andAcademicAdvising
TheGatheringPlace AccessibilityServices
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Arbutus Building
Library
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TheArbutusGallery
ITServiceDesk
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Meditationand Prayer Room Assessment andTestingServices
Birch Building
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Women?sCentre
KPU Surrey 1266672Ave Surrey,BC
KPU Civic Plaza 13485Central Ave Surrey,BC
KPU Langley 20901LangleyBypass Langley,BC
KPU Richmond 8771LansdowneRd Richmond,BC
KPU Tech 5500180St
Cloverdale,BC
