C.3.16 Institute Fees - Youth in Care
Approved/revised: February 20, 2014
POLICY To provide support for individuals who have grown up in the care system in British Columbia, the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology shall waive tuition fees. For the purpose of this policy, a youth in care is defined as an individual who is resident of British Columbia and is living or has lived as a youth in care in British Columbia under one of the following conditions as defined by the Child, Family and Community Service Act (CFCSA): • a Continuing Custody Order pursuant to sections 41 (1) (d), 42.2 (4) (d) or (7) or 49 (4), (5) or 10 (a) of the Act for a minimum of one year
• an Agreement with Youth pursuant to section 12.2 of the Act • a Transfer of Custody Order pursuant to section 54.1 of the Act Those who are uncertain as to whether they are considered a youth in care for the purpose of NVIT’s youth in care tuition waiver are encouraged to contact their former social worker or any Ministry of Children and Family Development office or any delegated Indigenous agency.
In addition to the above, prospective recipients of the Youth In Care Tuition Waiver must also:
1. submit a complete and signed Application for the Youth In Care Tuition Waiver and Authorization for Release of Information to the Enrolment Services Office
2. be at least 18 years of age during the academic year of study
3. demonstrate need for financial assistance
4. have an offer of admission to the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology for the upcoming semester in a program leading to the completion of a certificate, diploma or undergraduate degree OR be a continuing student and maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.00 each semester and registered in a program leading to the completion of a certificate, diploma or undergraduate degree
5. provide evidence from a current or former agency worker, of eligibility for the Youth in Care Tuition waiver as a current or former youth-in-care in the Province of British Columbia. Within the Authorization for Release of Information, NVIT will verify each student's eligibility with the Ministry of Child and Family Development or a delegated Indigenous Child and Family services agency. Terms of the Youth In Care Tuition Waiver include, but may not be limited to, the following: • The waiver is not applicable to tuition for Community Education or Continuing Studies courses.
• The waiver applies only to the tuition fees for the course; any other expenses necessary for participation in the course such as books, supplies, Student Society fees, lab fees, UPASS BC fees, theatre tickets, equipment rental, etc., must be paid by the student.
• As a minimum number of tuition-paying students are required in each course to enable it to be offered, the Institute reserves the right to limit the number of waivers admitted to a course under this policy and/or to apply the regular course fees in high cost courses.
• All refunds are subject to the Refund of Fees Policy – C.3.12.