Attendance Expectations Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes, labs, and practicum shifts. Consistent presence helps build knowledge, skills, and professionalism. - Students who miss more than 10% of a course’s instructional hours without valid reason may be withdrawn from the course. - If total absences (excused or unexcused) reach 20% or more, instructors may also initiate a withdrawal. - For practicum: If missed days cannot be made up, students may be withdrawn from the placement. Students must notify their instructor as early as possible if they will be absent. Excused Absences Absences may be considered excused under the following conditions: - Personal illness or injury (note required for absences over 3 days) - Family emergency (documentation may be requested) - Religious observances (advance notice expected) - College-approved events (e.g., job fairs) - Other serious, unexpected circumstances (subject to instructor approval) All excused absences should be communicated in advance, when possible, or as soon as reasonably possible, afterward. Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences include missing class or practicum without prior notice or valid reason. - Students with more than 10% unexcused absences may be subject to withdrawal. - Attendance records are tracked closely for both classroom and practicum settings. Make-Up Work Students are responsible for catching up on missed content. Instructors will offer guidance where possible, but initiative lies with the student. - Assessment deadlines must be met unless an extension is approved due to an excused absence. - Instructors may allow make-up time or alternate assessments at their discretion. Consequences for Non-Compliance Failure to follow the attendance policy may result in: - Reduced course grades - Ineligibility to complete required components (e.g., lab/practicum) - Possible course withdrawal - Academic advising or disciplinary action De-Escalation & Support GCC encourages students to speak up early if they’re facing challenges affecting attendance. Support is available, and issues are best addressed when caught early. The suggested path for support is: Instructor → Student Services → School Administration Our goal is to work with students to help them succeed, not penalize them unfairly. Instructor Discretion Individual instructors may have additional attendance expectations specific to their courses. These will be shared at the beginning of each term. Instructors will communicate any course-specific attendance rules at the start of term. These rules will not override institutional policy but may include expectations for lab punctuality, participation, or practicum readiness.

General Refund Guidelines - Refunds are calculated based on the student’s official withdrawal date or last date of attendance, whichever comes first. - Refund requests must be submitted in writing to Student Services and will be processed within 30 days of confirmation. - Refunds are issued based on the GCC refund schedule and in accordance with PVI regulations. Refund Eligibility Based on Student Withdrawal If a student withdraws after the program start date, and more than 7 days have passed since signing the Enrolment Contract, the following refund structure applies: Refunds Based on % of Program Completed: • 0–10% completed → 90% tuition refund • 11–20% → 75% refund • 21–30% → 50% refund • 31–50% → 25% refund • Over 50% → No refund Note: GCC calculates program completion based on scheduled instructional hours or assignments. Attendance is assumed unless documented otherwise. Books and Materials Textbooks and required course materials are included in tuition at no additional charge. - If a student withdraws early, and materials (physical or digital) have already been accessed or opened, they may not be returnable. - GCC may deduct reasonable costs associated with used or non-returnable materials from the final refund, only if applicable. - Students are not required to return materials unless explicitly requested in writing. Non-Refundable Fees - Registration Fee: Non-Refundable - Tuition: Refundable only if books/materials are returned within 10 days, and in original condition Loss of Enrolment Status A student is considered withdrawn when: - Written notice of withdrawal is received by GCC - The student is expelled for academic or conduct reasons - The student exceeds attendance limits under the Attendance Policy - The student graduates and completes the program If a third party (e.g., funding agency) paid the tuition, any refund will be issued to that agency. Refund Process & Timelines - Processing Time: Within 30 days of completed withdrawal process - Refund Method: Same as original payment (e.g., e-transfer, cheque, credit card) - Supporting Documents: May include withdrawal form, medical note (if applicable) Special Circumstances Students withdrawing due to medical or personal hardship may request a refund with: - Written explanation - Supporting documentation (e.g., medical certificate) - Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis Appeal Process If a student disagrees with the refund decision: 1. Submit a written appeal to Student Services within 30 days of the decision 2. Include any supporting documentation 3. A written response will be issued within 10 business days

Scope This policy applies to all members of the GCC community, including students, instructors, staff, administrators, visitors, and volunteers. It covers all GCC-owned or affiliated locations, events, online learning platforms, and practicum settings. It applies to incidents that occur: - On GCC property - During GCC-sanctioned activities (in-person or virtual) - In situations where the accused and affected person are connected through the school Policy Statement GCC does not tolerate sexual violence or misconduct in any form. We recognize the impact such incidents have on survivors and commit to handling all disclosures, reports, and complaints with compassion, respect, and fairness. All members of the GCC community are encouraged to report concerns. Employees who become aware of an incident are required to report it to GCC Administration. Definitions For the purpose of this policy: - Sexual Violence includes any sexual act or attempt to obtain a sexual act by violence, coercion, or targeting someone unable to consent. - Sexual Misconduct includes harassment, stalking, non-consensual communication of sexual content, and any unwelcome sexual attention. - Disclosure means telling someone about an experience without necessarily making a formal complaint. - Complaint refers to a formal request for investigation or action. Additional legal definitions are drawn from The Human Rights Code and Sexual Violence and Misconduct Act. Guiding Principles Support & Safety - We prioritize the dignity, independence, privacy, and safety of individuals (our DIPPS values). - Affected individuals will be offered support, accommodations, and referrals. Protection from Retaliation - Reprisal against anyone who discloses, reports, or supports someone through this process is strictly prohibited and may result in disciplinary action. Privacy & Confidentiality - GCC will protect the identity and personal information of those involved as much as possible, in line with FIPPA. - Information is only shared internally on a need-to-know basis, or externally as required by law (e.g., police, subpoenas). Choice & Autonomy - Individuals are not required to file a complaint in order to receive support. - Making a report to the police is entirely optional and will be supported if chosen. Reporting & Disclosure Process Step 1: Disclosure (Informal Sharing) - Students may disclose experiences to any trusted staff member or directly to GCC Administration. - Verbal or written disclosures are both valid. - A Sexual Violence and Misconduct Disclosure Form is available and can be submitted by email to admin@goldencc.ca. Step 2: Filing a Complaint (Optional) - If an individual chooses to make a formal complaint, GCC will: ◦ Initiate a fact-finding process (not an internal trial) ◦ Ensure both parties are treated fairly ◦ Involve external authorities if necessary or requested Support & Accommodations GCC will coordinate support for affected students, which may include: - Academic accommodations - Safety planning - Referrals to counselling or community services - Assistance with reporting to authorities (if requested) These supports are offered regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. Roles & Responsibilities - GCC Administration: Policy oversight, response coordination, ensuring privacy and fairness - Instructors/Staff - Mandatory reporting of disclosures, supportive listening, referral to Admin - Students: Encouraged to report concerns and seek support Review and Training - This policy is reviewed every two years, or sooner if legislation changes. - Sexual violence awareness will be included in student orientation, and integrated where relevant in program content (e.g., abuse awareness modules). - Faculty and staff will receive regular training on how to respond to disclosures. Related Legislation and Documents - The Human Rights Code (MB) - The Sexual Violence and Misconduct Act - The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) - GCC Student Handbook - GCC Sexual Violence and Misconduct Disclosure Form