Implementation Date: July 1, 2025
Position(s) Responsible for Administering this Policy: Campus Director
Date of Last Revision: July 1, 2025

Policy:

This policy outlines Pacific Link College’s approach to delivering academic programs to international students through a distance learning format that includes both in-person and online syncronous instruction, in compliance with regulatory expectations and academic best practices.

Pacific Link College permits international students to complete up to 50% of their academic portion of an approved program through online learning, with the remaining 50% delivered in person on campus. This approach supports flexibility while maintaining academic integrity and compliance with the requirements for post-secondary institutions in British Columbia

Scope

This policy applies to all international students enrolled in programs designated for blended delivery at Pacific Link College.

Definitions:

• Blended Learning: A structured mode of delivery combining both in-person (on-campus) and online (synchronous) instruction.
• Academic Portion: The coursework component of a program, excluding co-operative education or practicum work experience placements.
• In-Person Learning: Face-to-face classes delivered at a designated campus of Pacific Link College.
• Online Learning: Course components delivered through the college’s approved Learning Management System (LMS).

Delivery Requirements

• A minimum of 50% of the total academic instruction hours must be delivered in person at the campus location where the student is enrolled.
• A maximum of 50% of the academic instruction hours may be completed online, which can include: Synchronous classes via live online instruction

Program Structuring

• All programs offered in this format will be structured to meet the 50/50 delivery requirement over the entire academic portion of the program.
• Schedules and syllabi will clearly indicate which courses or portions are in-person versus online.
• Attendance for in-person components is mandatory as per the institutional Attendance Policy.

Compliance and Reporting

• Students must comply with IRCC and PTIRU requirements regarding physical presence in Canada.
• The Registrar’s Office will maintain records of delivery modes and student participation to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Any changes to program delivery must be approved in advance by Academic Affairs and communicated to PTIRU if required.

Exceptions

• Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Campus Director and documented with rationale and regulatory alignment.

Policy Reviews

• This policy will be reviewed annually or as required due to changes in federal or provincial regulations.