Academic Advising

Counselors/advisors provide information about Continuing Education Programs and courses. They also have information on the educational requirements for many different career areas and post-secondary institutions. Counselors/advisors can work with students, helping them to define and develop educational plans, based on their educational and career goals.

Advising services are available to assist students in the following areas:
    • Academic assessment
    • Registration information and orientation sessions
    • Information and planning for post-secondary education and careers
    • Development of and changes to their Individual Education Plan (IEP)
    • Graduation requirements
    • Correspondence course registration
    • Career planning
    • Employment information

It is strongly recommended that all students make an appointment with a counselor/advisor early in their program and then again before graduation.

FREE Assessment Testing

An assessment in English and Mathematics is recommended so that adults can begin their studies at the appropriate level.

Students should write an assessment if they
    • Have been out of school longer than one year
    • Are uncertain about their academic level
    • Have English as a second language
      (assessment will be provided by the ESL instructor)

An assessment is an important step because it will assist the student and advisors to assess current academic skills and will enable advisors to recommend courses that will provide the best opportunity for student success.

Students who enroll in courses for which they lack recommended pre-requisites or adequate preparation will be advised as to a more appropriate placement.

Counseling Services

Counseling staff are located in the Main Office area. Contacts with counselors are voluntary and confidential. With the exception of emergencies, appointments are requested and may be booked in person or by phoning 250 360-4332.

Counseling services are available to assist students in the following areas:
    • Career counseling
    • Personal and/or family problems
    • Referral services
    • Access to services for persons with a disability

If you are experiencing difficulties in your life that are interfering with success in our courses, please make an appointment to see a counselor. Adult students have many more responsibilities than teenaged high school students. The pressure of making a living, caring for a family, and dealing with relationships can make going back to school a huge challenge. We would like to help if we can.

Career Centre

Room 201–2nd Floor for students
Come Explore and Discover!

For these services, go to Room 214,
    • Career planning information
    • Financial aid information
    • Internet access
    • Job search materials
    • Labour market information
    • Personal development information
    • Scholarships and bursaries/volunteer/exchange information

Also available
    • Computer-assisted exploration and decision-making program

Correspondence Courses

South Island Distance Education School (S.I.D.E.S.). Students registered in one or more courses in the Continuing Education Program may, with administrative approval, also take correspondence courses. Taking correspondence courses, in addition to Continuing Education courses, may allow students considerable flexibility in scheduling and provide additional options leading to graduation. Students should see a counselor/advisor for advice about registration in these courses.

Computer Labs

Room Number	Computer Type
Rm 212	PC
Rm 203	PC
Rm 114a	PC
Rm 116	PC

You must be a student currently registered at Continuing Education in order to use the labs. Internet access is also available for educational purposes. For more information, contact a Business Education teacher or the Continuing Education office staff.

Graduation Ceremony

This year’s Graduation Ceremony / Evening Social will be held on: (see the News and Events section of the web site). This evening is open to all students (graduates and non-graduates).

Please contact the office if you wish to participate and be recognized on stage as a graduate in the Graduation Ceremony. You should also make a grad check appointment with one of the counselors. Further information will be available throughout the year.

Internet Access

Internet access is available for educational purposes. Please refer to the Computer Labs section.

Libraries

There is currently no library available in the S.J. Willis Education Centre. We are in the process of developing a computer-based resource centre. Internet services are available in the computer labs. For books and other resource materials, contact one of the following libraries:

Location	Phone Number
Victoria Public Library	382-7241
Saanich-Victoria Branch	475-6100
Nellie McClung Branch	477-7111
Esquimalt Branch	385-1021
Oak Bay Public Library	592-2489
University of Victoria	721-6673
Camosun College	370-3622

Lockers

Lockers are available on the second floor of the school. The school provides a lock if you choose to keep a locker while attending the Continuing Education Program. We require that you see the Continuing Education office for a locker and lock. Locks are not available to purchase in the Continuing Education office. Lockers remain the property of the School District and may be entered at any time by District staff. Normally, this rule would only apply in cases of emergency.

Students are reminded that they must not bring items of value to school. Schools are not responsible for lost or stolen valuables, including those placed in a student’s locker. In addition, the School Protection Program (District’s insurers) does not provide coverage for students’ personal property.

Students are further reminded that they should not share their locker combinations with anyone.

Lost and Found

There is a Lost and Found in the Continuing Education office. If you have lost or found anything, please report it to the office.

Medical Coverage

In BC, medical coverage is available to all permanent residents who subscribe to the Medical Services Plan (MSP). MSP has subsidies available for students and these subsidies are on a temporary basis only. Telephone MSP at (250) 386-7171.

Newsletter

Every Monday, the newsletter, This Week at Continuing Education, is published. This newsletter keeps students and staff informed of ongoing events throughout the school year. If you wish to add anything to this newsletter, please contact the Continuing Education office.Copies of this newsletter are posted in classrooms and are available outside the main office.

Office Hours

The Continuing Education office is on the second floor. When school is in session, the office is open to the public from:

8:15 am to 8:00 pm, Monday to Thursday,
8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Fridays.

Times for professional development days will be posted in the News and Events section.

Parking

Students with cars are able to park in either lot at the front or back of the S.J. Willis Education Centre as long as they do not park in the spaces designated “handicapped,” “staff,” or “maintenance vehicles only.” If students require a handicap space, they should contact the office. Fire regulations insist that the area around the flagpole be kept clear at all times.

There is a bicycle rack at the S.J. Willis Education Centre. Those students who bring their bicycles are responsible for their security.

Pay Phones

There is 1 pay phone in the downstairs hallway by the Alternative Education office.

Photocopying

Limited photocopying for student use is available through the Continuing Education office at $0.10 a page. Please ask for assistance in the office.

Sexual Harassment or General Harassment

Continuing Education is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff. Students and staff have the right to participate in activities at Continuing Education without fear of any form of harassment. If anyone has concerns about harassment, please see a counselor or administrator.

Smoking Bylaw

The Bylaw and Law is now No Smoking anywhere on the school property.

Student Accident Insurance

Once again Seaboard Life Insurance is offering their accident insurance program. Students enrolled in three or more courses at any one time can purchase this program. Cost for one student ranges from approximately $6.50 to $24.75 for the school year.

Study Areas

Student Lounge, Room 201, 2nd Floor (a study/career room) is available Monday to Friday. Tables are also available in the hallway on the upper floor.

Summer School

Each year the Greater Victoria School District and the Continuing Education Program offer some educational programs and courses during July and August. For more information about specific offerings and possible fees, please check with the Continuing Education Office in April, May, or June.

Transportation Services

Bus service is available to the S.J. Willis Education Centre. Call 250 382-6161 (BC Transit) for more information.

Vending Machine

Vending machines offering food and beverages are available in the main floor lobby and Room 201.

Washrooms

There are washrooms on the first and second floor. There are washrooms by the gymnasium for those students using Rooms 114, 119, or 120. Please contact the office for details about washrooms for the disabled.