a. Diploma of Education (One year)

• For admission to the 1-year programme leading to the Diploma of Education, candidates must hold a suitable B.A. degree, B.Sc. degree, B.Ed. degree, or the like.

• Normally, candidates for this programme will have obtained a four-year degree with major and minor concentrations which provides the academic background necessary to teach in the intermediate and senior divisions (Grades 7 through 12).

• Concentrations in child studies will be helpful to those who aim to teach in the primary and junior divisions (Grades K - 6).

• A good standing in French (Grade XI or higher) is advantageous to those seeking a Grade 1 - 8 position..

b. Diploma of Teaching (Three years)

• For admission to the 3-year pre-service programme leading to the Diploma of Teaching candidates must have successfully completed at least 6 University and/or University/College courses (including English) in high school or otherwise satisfy university entrance requirements.

• Normally, candidates in this programme will prepare themselves for a teaching career in the primary and junior divisions Grades K - 6). Therefore it is important that these candidates have a broad academic background.

• A good standing in French (Grade XI or higher) is desirable.

• In general, a grade average of a B standing is required.

c. General.

• Candidates with a background other than university studies may be considered for admission under special circumstances, to be determined by the Board.

• A strong standing in English is mandatory for all candidates.

• The Board of Governors reserves the right to limit the number of student places available.

a. Normally, prospective students will contact the Principal to discuss enrolment, and to obtain the necessary forms.

b. It is the responsibility of prospective students to ensure that all required documentation is in the hands of the Principal by March 31. As soon as practicable (usually in April), candidates will be notified of the Board's decision regarding admission.

c. Late enrolment is possible, but the Board will consider such applications only if and when student places are still available.

a. A completed Application for Admission Form.

b. A completed Academic Information Form.

c. A Personal Statement of Purpose

d. A transcript of academic results of Secondary and Post-secondary Studies

e. Three references to be sent directly to Admissions - Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers' College [pastor/ward elder; academic; employer/friend]

Tuition fees have been determined by the Board as follows, subject to annual review: 2002/2003 -- $ 3500.00

All fees must be paid by September 3, 2002. Enrolment is not complete unless all fees have been received by the administrator.

Graduation Requirements:

a. Completion of all courses set for either the Diploma of Teaching, or the Diploma of Education is required for graduation.

b. An overall average of at least 70% during every single year of study is required for graduation, while the average grade for any one course may not be less than 50%. In addition, students are required to demonstrate high levels of competence in the language skills. The enrolment of students who fail to achieve at least a yearly average of 70% in the practicum component will be discontinued.

c. A satisfactory performance in each of the practicum components of the two programmes is mandatory in order to be permitted to continue and be considered for graduation.

d. In order to graduate, students must have:

• completed all course requirements by the due dates indicated on the Schedule of Dates.

• paid all fees, dues, and others costs by the date stipulated by the Board.

• returned all library and other College materials by the Wednesday before graduation.

Assignments:

a. All assignments must be typewritten unless otherwise directed by the instructor. Follow these instructions:

• The text must be double-spaced except for long quotations, tables, references, and legends.

• Use standard-sized paper (8&Mac184; by 11 inches), and leave a 1-inch margin all around.

• Number all pages consistently at the bottom of the page or at the top right-hand corner.

• All assignments require a title page.

b. All assignments should be written in clear, precise language, and style and mechanics are considered very important aspects. Covenant has adopted as a writing guide the following publication:

• Hacker, D. (1991). A Canadian writer's reference. Scarborough, ON: Nelson Canada.

c. In most cases it will be necessary to acknowledge the sources of the information used in the assignments. Covenant has adopted the referencing format of the American Psychological Association (known as the APA Style) for all written work. Please check with:

• Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (3rd. Ed.). (1983). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

d. Assignments will differ from course to course depending on the nature of each course. They may include such items as a critique, an essay, a summary, a project, an observation report, an instructional unit, etc. Students are urged to consult with the instructors during all stages of assignment preparation.

Practice Teaching:

a. Students shall complete all requirements of the practicum component of the Diplomas as described in the Practicum Guidelines which will be distributed in the Teaching Workhop course. As much as possible the personal preferences of students will be taken into account when considering placement in a practice school. However, in all cases, the faculty's decision concerning placement is final.

b. When attending practice schools, students are expected to demonstrate a mature and professional attitude in accordance with the instructions of the College and the school. Students who fail to do this may be suspended.

c. Students are required to submit their practicum file within two weeks of completing each practicum session.

d. A satisfactory performance in each of the practicum components of the two programmes is mandatory in order to be permitted to continue.

e. If a student is forced to be absent during a practice teaching session, the mentor teacher (or the principal) as well as the College must be notified.

Grading & Grade Reports:

a. Designated course work will be assessed and awarded a numerical grade. These grades will accumulate towards a total grade for the term's work. Students are urged to discuss assessment with their instructors since this is a valuable learning tool.

b. For each course all requirements (assignments, activities, presentations, etc.) must be completed by the due dates indicated by the lecturer in the course outline. If unable to meet these dates, the student is responsible to seek the lecturer's permission to submit at a later date. Unexcused late submissions may result in course failure.

c. Twice a year student progress is reported in the form of term reports. The first term report is dated January 15th; the second term report is dated July 5.

Course Failure:

a. Students who fail one or more courses may be offered the opportunity to repeat such courses outside the normal period of time required to complete all diploma requirements. In general, it may not be possible to repeat a failed course immediately in the following term.

Timetable:

a. As much as possible courses will be scheduled during the day, i.e. between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. However, since a number of courses will be offered by part-time instructors, such courses may have to be scheduled for late afternoon, or early evening. Students are advised to keep this in mind when arranging transportation.

b. For each examination period, a special timetable will be prepared well in advance.

c. In case of inclement weather, the College will close when Guido de Brès High School is closed. Students are advised to listen to the weather announcements on one of the local radio stations (CHML 900 AM).

Student Study Load:

a. A normal student study load will not exceed 20 hours of class contact per week. Instructors will advise students of course requirements and due dates for major assignments during the first sessions of each term. Such requirements can be changed only after mutual consultation and agreements.

b. The current timetable, as well as due dates for assignments, tests, etc. will be adhered to unless students are notified otherwise.

c. In addition to required readings for each course, students are expected to read widely, and make extensive use of the College library. Lecturers will require students to show evidence of their reading in class activities and individual assignments.

d. At all times students are encouraged to develop their own general knowledge in areas beyond the courses offered at the College; a broad knowledge base is essential to the work in the classroom.

Class Attendance:

a. All students are expected to attend all class periods and all workshop periods. In case of unavoidable absence, students must notify the College at the beginning of the day.

b. In behaviour and dress students are expected to demonstrate a mature and professional attitude in keeping with the principles and purpose of the College.

c. Active participation in the learning processes generated during class sessions is an important aspect of the work at the College. Lecturers, therefore, will value such participation as part of their assessment of the students' work.

Textbooks & Materials:

a. Students are expected to purchase textbooks as required by their instructors. Textbooks will be selected on the basis of their usefulness within course structures, as well as their usefulness to practising teachers.

b. Textbooks will be available through the College. It is anticipated that the average annual textbook cost to students will fall in the range of $500 - $600 per annum.

c. Students wishing to purchase books and materials in addition to the required textbooks may do so with the assistance of the College's book room.

d. Photocopy facilities are available to the students at a cost to be determined annually. For 2002-03, photocopy costs have been set at $0.10/sheet. Each user will be assigned an access code number.

e. Students are required to supply their own stationery and equipment for all courses.

f. Some courses may require supplies which can usually be purchased from the College.

College Library:

a. Students must closely adhere to the library regulations. Current journal issues may not be taken from the library without permission. Borrowers are fully responsible for the materials borrowed.

b. The use of other libraries is encouraged. The Hamilton Public Library, the Theological College, Redeemer College, and McMaster University are all within easy reach. Students are encouraged to make use of these facilities.

Use of the Building:

a. The College's premises are no-smoking areas.

b. Normally, the College building is open from 8:30 a.m. through 5 p.m. Students who wish to work at the College after hours must contact the student liaison staff member.

c. It is expected that all students will take their share in keeping the premises tidy. Rules will be posted for the use of the kitchen area.

d. Limited locker space is available.

Accommodation & Transportation:

a. Students requiring accommodation are requested to notify the Principal as soon as possible. The Lodging Committee will assist students in finding suitable accommodation. Final arrangements and all costs are the responsibility of the student concerned. Estimation of the costs of accommodation ranges between $ 4,000 and $ 5,000 per year.

b. It is the students' responsibility to arrange accommodation during practice teaching sessions (this is not the responsibility of the mentor teacher, nor of the receiving school). This should be done well in advance, and should be part of the initial arrangements to be made for the practice teaching sessions. Students should be aware that this might result in additional boarding costs for those weeks.

c. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the College, as well as to and from practice schools to which they will be assigned.

Financial Assistance:

a. The College cannot provide financial assistance to students. Students may qualify via the normal channels for the Canada Student Loan Plan administered by Mrs. Donna Vanhuisstede, Administrator of the College.

The Student and the Community:

a. It is important to the well-being of the students that they are active members of the Church community of which they are already a member, or which they hope to join. Positive experiences of the past have shown that active participation will make students feel at home and will help develop an awareness of the role of a teacher within the community. Students are reminded that being a member of a Church community carries with it both privileges and obligations.b. Teachers at reformed schools have a very much public function. Please remember that it requires effort to build a good reputation.