Academic Upgrading

Program Details

Credential Received

Within this program, courses may be taken as prerequisites for further studies toward high school graduation or toward the following level certificates:

• BC Adult Graduation Diploma (Dogwood)
• Certificate of Completion in Adult Basic Education Fundamental Level
• Certificate of Completion in Adult Basic Education Intermediate level
• Certificate of Completion in Adult Basic Education Advanced Level

Overview

Program Summary

Looking to upgrade your skills? Want to get into that awesome first-year course or program? Improve subject understanding and study skills and complete prerequisite courses such as biology, chemistry, English, math and physics along with college success, computer sciences and social studies. All high school levels are available.

Our classrooms are supportive and respectful, and our instructors are committed to your success. Jump-start your life with Academic Upgrading.

Program Outcomes

Learners participating in Academic Upgrading courses at Selkirk College will finish their studies being able to demonstrate a number of the program outcomes:

1. Demonstrate increased self-confidence
2. Manage financial matters by applying principles of numeracy, accounting and integration of relevant technology
3. Use appropriate verbal, non-verbal and written skills to communicate
4. Develop effective learning strategies and adapt them to new situations
5. Create realistic personal, work and educational goals and plans to achieve them
6. Exhibit positive professional behaviour and employment related skills that maximize opportunities for success
7. Demonstrate resilience, creativity and critical thinking in challenging situations
8. Participate effectively as part of a team and in society
9. Identify personal values, make decisions and balance responsibilities to increase well-being
10. Practice appropriate safety procedures
11. Use current and emerging technology effectively

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Students applying to Academic Upgrading are not subject to the general admission requirements for Selkirk College.

• All applicants will meet with an instructor to discuss past education and current academic goals and choose an appropriate set of courses.

Students must be 18 years of age or over at the time of registration.

• Notwithstanding the above, students 16 or 17 years of age may be considered for admission. Students will be assessed for admission based on referral to the program by a parent/guardian, a secondary school or other professional (e.g., social worker, counsellor).
• In addition, the instructor who met with the student must be satisfied that the underage student can perform in an adult learning environment. Such admission decisions will be made by the intake instructors under the supervision of the school chair.

Note: It is Selkirk College’s intention to work collaboratively with our local school districts to ensure an underaged student’s needs are best met by programming in the post-secondary system.

Additional Requirements

Before an applicant’s file is considered to be complete, a student must:

• Meet with an instructor (in person or by telephone)
• Complete a Selkirk College Application for Admission Form
• Sign their completed Course Registration Form
• Complete funding paperwork: forms for either an Adult Upgrading Grant, Supplemental Adult Upgrading Bursary or a funding Opt Out form, including any associated documentation required (childcare subsidy form, appendices, proof of income)

Graduation and Promotion

Selkirk College awards certificates of completion at the Fundamental, Intermediate and Advanced Levels, and the Adult Dogwood Diploma.

The British Columbia Adult Graduation Diploma (BCAGD) is recognized by colleges, institutes and universities in the British Columbia public post-secondary system. To be eligible to graduate with an "Adult Dogwood," students 18 years of age or over must have completed five courses.

BC Adult Graduation Diploma Requirements

Courses and credits can be counted from post-secondary institutions, secondary schools and often from workplace or other learning establishments.

Upgrading instructors and college counsellors can help to determine which courses count toward the Adult Dogwood.

Selkirk College also awards certificates of completion at the Fundamental, Intermediate and Advanced levels.

Additional Program Policies