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BOARD OF GOVERNORS
SUBJECT Tuition | Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
SUBMITTED TO Finance Committee
MEETING DATE February 3, 2021
SESSION Recommended session criteria from Board Meetings Policy:
CLASSIFICATION OPEN
REQUEST Action Requested - Approval
IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the Finance Committee, in accordance with authority delegated by
the Board of Governors, approves tuition for the Veterans Certificate in International
Development and Human Security (subject to increases as approved by the Board of Governors)
in alignment with undergraduate Faculty of Education programs, which for 2020-2021 were
$204.41 per credit for domestic students and $882.54 per credit for international students.
LEAD EXECUTIVE Dr. Andrew Szeri, Provost and Vice-President Academic, UBC Vancouver
SUPPORTED BY Dr. Pam Ratner, Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Enrolment & Academic Facilities
Dr. Simon Bates, Associate Provost Teaching & Learning
Marvin Westwood, Professor, Educational & Counselling Psychology & Special Education (ECPS)
Tim Laidler, Veterans Transition Program - Operations Coordinator, ECPS
PRIOR SUBMISSIONS
The subject matter of this submission has not previously been considered by the Finance Committee.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
UBC is a highly regarded university that offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
Military-connected individuals, however, have found the abundance of academic paths daunting. In their transition
from military service to post-secondary education, the process is seen as a barrier possibly because of the rigid
structure of the military training environment in contrast to the range of options available, and personal agency
required, in the post-secondary sector. As a result, military-connected individuals have gravitated towards trade
and training programs with well-defined academic and career outcomes. Too often, the prospect of applying to
UBC is perceived as too daunting or inaccessible. Yet the Life After Service Survey (LASS) found that veterans’
career goals vary greatly and cannot be fully achieved solely through defined trade and training programs. Access
to post-secondary degrees and university level programs makes possible a far broader range of options. The
proposed Veterans Transition Certificate program is designed to help veterans prepare for such options while
reducing perceived and actual barriers in accessing university education.
The proposed 15-credit part-time certificate has been developed in response to the need and interests of
individuals transitioning from military to civilian careers. Many veterans wish to continue serving the global
community, and gravitate towards working in the fields of international development or human security. Courses
have been carefully curated and designed to support veterans in developing communication and writing skills that
are critical in university courses, while also building on the skills and experiences that military-connected individuals
have from their military training and service in international contexts.
Senate approved the program in November 2020, and pending Board of Governor’s approval, this program will
launch in September 2021. Proposed tuition is $204.41 per credit for domestic students and $882.54 per credit for
international students. These rates are aligned with other existing Faculty of Education undergraduate certificate
programs. All fees are subject to increases as approved by the Board of Governors.
Template revised: October 15, 2020
Tuition – Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
In the first year of the certificate, enrolment is expected to be about 20 students with an anticipated increase in
annual enrolment to approximately 40 students by 2025.
Key program features include:
• Enhanced writing and communication competencies that are needed for success in university courses, as well as
future endeavours in a range of institutional, geographical and cultural contexts.
• Development of foundational and critical understanding of international development and security concepts
within a global context.
• Provision of a community of learners with similar world/life experiences.
• Provision of an opportunity to explore issues of culture in depth by focusing on Indigeneity in Canada, enhancing
awareness of culture and its impact in a variety of communities.
This certificate would be the first of its kind in Canada. Other academic university programs focus more on
supporting veterans who already have university experience while our proposed program identifies the needs and
skills of veterans who may be commencing university studies for the first time. By supporting this non-traditional
and under supported student group, we offer new academic opportunities. Here veterans will be able to find an
academic home that is supportive, engaging and recognizes the strengths they bring to the university. This
certificate, by its design, allows for a gradual engagement in courses, and offers flexibility to the learner, and thus
offers greater opportunity for persistence and completion. In addition, this certificate allows for further academic
pathways at UBC and beyond for program graduates.
Key elements of this certificate that are in alignment with UBC’s strategic plan include:
• Strategy 3: Thriving Communities The proposed program will provide a supportive culture that enhances
wellbeing and mental health, fostering connections and supporting resilience.
• Strategy 4: Inclusive Excellence This certificate is an entry point into the university for applicants who have been
historically under-represented.
• Strategy 15: Student Experience This certificate by its design is a central part of the Institute for Veterans
Education and Transition efforts to foster a veteran friendly campus at UBC to improve the student experience
for this special group of learners with specific, yet varied needs.
• Strategy 20: Co-ordinated Engagement This certificate targets a very specific community: those-who-serve, and
addresses the needs of this group. The supports we offer are directly responsive to their needs and goals. In
addition, this certificate fosters a stronger relationship between UBC and Armed Forces members & veterans.
The Office of the Vice-President Students, in partnership with the Faculty of Education, conducted a student
consultation regarding the tuition proposal (as per Policy LR4) for the proposed program. The e-consultation was
conducted from October 28, 2020 to November 30, 2020. The Alma Mater Society (AMS) submitted a response
highlighting the need for veteran specific loans or bursaries as well as emergency financial resources for
prospective students facing financial struggles. They also noted that while domestic student veterans may be able
to access government funds through existing programs, such as the Veterans Emergency Fund 1, these financial
supports are not accessible to international student veterans. The IVET notes that Enrolment Services Advisors
offer one-on-one personalized supports for veteran students and can help with questions about tuition payments
and budgeting for school.
Page 2
Tuition – Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
In recognition of the unique needs of veteran students, Enrolment Services waives the admissions deposit that is
normally required upon acceptance into the program, and tuition deadlines are extended by one month each term.
Students with formal sponsorship are provided with additional tuition deadline extensions.
The IVET is also in communications with various levels of government in Veteran Affairs as it relates to shortcomings
of the Veterans Education Training Benefit. The IVET notes that Canadian Veteran Affairs does provide some support
for former service members from other countries, but is limited by those who have an existing reciprocal agreement
under the Veterans Health Care Regulation. For other training and education allowances or grants, IVET will continue
to work with Veterans Affairs Canada and UBC Enrolment Services to identify financial supports to offset costs for
incoming international students.
APPENDICES
1. Tuition and Fee Assessment Details
2. Student Tuition Consultation Report
Page 3Appendix 1
Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Tuition and Fee Assessment Details
Program Description: Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Anticipated Start Date: September 2021
Domestic International
Tuition fees per credit – Note 1 $204.41 $882.54
Application Fees (Undergraduate) – Note 2 $71.75 $108.00
Supplemental Application Fees N/A N/A
Non-Refundable Acceptance Deposit N/A N/A
Other Faculty and Course Fees N/A N/A
Note 1 – Proposed tuition is aligned with approved 20/21 tuition for other undergraduate Faculty of
Education programs and will be subject to increases as approved by the Board
Note 2 – This is the current fee in the Faculty of Education for the 2021W application cycle and is subject
to increases as approved by the Board.Appendix 2
Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
VETERANS TRANSITION CERTIFICATE IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & HUMAN SECURITY
STUDENT TUITION CONSULTATION REPORT
The Vice-President, Students Office, in partnership with the Faculty of Education, conducted a student consultation
regarding the tuition proposal for the Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development & Human Security.
This report outlines the consultation process and summarizes student feedback including the student representatives'
submission verbatim in Appendix 2.
Student Representative Bodies Invited to the Consultation
• Alma Mater Society (AMS)
• Education Students Society (ESA)
Mode of Consultation
The consultation consisted of an e-consultation and a face-to-face meeting. Student representative groups were invited
to the consultation through email, and asked to distribute the invitation to their constituents as they felt appropriate.
Student representative groups were also offered a face-to-face meeting to discuss the tuition proposal. A meeting was
not requested by student representatives.
Basis of Consultation: The consultation was based on a tuition proposal and rationale document created by the Faculty
of Education, Institute for Veterans Education & Transition. Please see Appendix 1 for the invitation and tuition
rationale document.
Timelines: The e-consultation was conducted over the period of October 28th, 2020 to November 30th, 2020.
Summary of Student Feedback: Submissions were received from the AMS and the ESA. The verbatim submission is in
Appendix 2. No individual student submissions were received.
Organization Summary
EXPAND AVAILABLE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR VETERANS
“it is vital that veterans are honoured their entitlement to adequate financial aid in the form of
UBC scholarships and grants, which are otherwise not covered by government or private
financial assistance programs…We encourage administrators to expand their currently offered
subsidies to include verteran specific loans, or bursaries made from the Faculty of Education.”
ACCESS TO EMERGENCY FUNDS
“Therefore, although the option to elongate tuition installments (and thus program completion)
seems beneficial for students facing financial struggles, more emergency financial resources
must be made available for disproportionately impacted students due to dire financial troubles
rather than personal preference.”
AMS
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VETERANS
“Simultaneously, the AMS recognizes that there is a similar government fund in existence
accessible to veterans who have served in the Canadian Armed Forces (i.e. the Veterans
Emergency Fund 1) which seems advantageous to domestic student veterans. However, this
lucrative subsidy is exclusionary as it leaves international student veterans behind
(especially those who are not adequately covered by the VHCR reciprocal agreement).
VETERAN FRIENDLY COURSE MATERIAL
“It is important to critically examine the current course proposals to ensure that the material
presented in courses are “veteran-friendly” and that instructors are taught to present course
materials in a mindful and conscious manner, in order to mitigate triggers of traumatic
experiences of the respective cohort. It is advisable that UBC conduct a thorough assessment ofAppendix 2
Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
course materials through an external audit or evaluation program by a veterans association in BC
in consideration of the mental health of veterans”
CONNECTIONS TO STEM
“In regard to curriculum, it is also advisable that basic training in one or more STEM fields be
available to veteran students in the certificate program. Depending on demand and interest,
options should be made available to veterans who are interested in taking introductory elective
courses in STEM fields such as psychology, sociology, information technology, computer science,
chemistry, life sciences, mathematical sciences, and so on.”
TRAINING FOR FACULTY & REFERRALS TO CAMPUS SERVICES
“It is important for the faculty to be instructed and receive adequate training or educational
materials for supporting the unique needs of veterans and to be able to refer students to
appropriate services offered by UBC, which prospective students presumably pay for in their
tuition fees.”
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT
ESA
“I have taken a look at the proposal and everything seems suitable to me”Appendix 2
Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
APPENDIX 1: INVITATION TO CONSULTATION AND TUITION RATIONALE DOCUMENT
Hello Georgia and Simran,
There is a proposal by the Faculty of Education to create a new Veterans Transition Certificate in
International Development & Human Security, as part of the new Institute for Veterans Education and
Transition.
In order to inform the program leads and the Board of Governors with regards to the tuition proposal for
this program, the University is undertaking a consultative process to get your comments as student
representatives, and provide an opportunity for students to provide individual comments on the tuition
proposal if they wish. Please note: the scope of this consultation process is limited to the tuition proposal.
The consultation will consist of:
1. e-consultation
Please find attached a document which outlines the details of the tuition proposal, including:
• an overview of the program,
• the student consultation that has happened to date,
• the tuition rationale for the program, and
• the proposed tuition.
Please share the document and this email as you see appropriate. Comments on the tuition proposal and
student organization submissions can be provided confidentially to Tlell Elviss – Senior Program Strategist,
Vice President Students Office (tlell.elviss@ubc.ca).
2. Face to Face meeting
If requested by student representatives, we can arrange a face-to-face meeting with the program leads
regarding this tuition proposal. Please advise as soon as possible if you would like us to arrange a meeting.
THE CONSULTATION PROCESS WILL END ON MONDAY 30TH NOVEMBER, 2020.
Confidentiality
Comments will be collected by the Vice-President Students Office, and only analysts within that office will
know the identity of individual students submitting comments. At no time will anyone outside of the Vice
President Students Office know the identity of individual students who submit comments to this
consultation. Your comments will only be used for the purposes of the tuition consultation.
Comments from individual students will be stripped of any identifying information to ensure confidentiality,
but otherwise will be provided to the responsible program leads and Board of Governors verbatim.
Comments received from student organizations will be reported as coming from those organizations, and
provided to the responsible faculty and Board of Governors as received. There will also be a summary report
of the consultation developed for the Faculty and Board of Governors.
Please let me know if you have any questions about the process.
Thank you
TlellAppendix 2
Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
NEW PROGRAM TUITION CONSULTATION
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development &
Human Security
The University of British Columbia is a highly regarded university that offers a wide variety of undergraduate
and graduate degree programs. Military-connected individuals, however, have found the abundance of
academic paths daunting. In their transition from military service to post-secondary education the process of
transition is seen as a barrier due to the rigid structure of the military training environment in contrast to the
range of options available in the post-secondary sector. As a result, the prospect of applying to UBC is often
perceived as inaccessible, and military-connected individuals have instead gravitated towards trade and
training programs with well-defined academic and career outcomes. Still, when veterans were surveyed in the
Life After Service Survey (LASS), it was found that their career goals vary greatly and cannot be adequately
obtained solely through defined trade and training programs. Access to post-secondary degrees and university
level training makes possible a far broader range of options. The proposed certificate program is designed to
help veterans prepare for such options.
In the spring of 2018, UBC President Santa J. Ono tasked Dr. Marv Westwood with making UBC a Veteran
Friendly Campus. Dr. William Borgen suggested offering a suite of courses for Veterans through the Faculty
of Education. The Associate Dean of Teacher Education, Dr. Marianne McTavish and Dr. Lorrie Miller,
Teacher Education Office (TEO), offered assistance by providing advice regarding admission and progress
through the sequence of various courses. The Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and
Special Education (ECPS), where this program will be situated, supports this initiative.
To reduce barriers for military-connected individuals, we are proposing a 1-year (part-time, 15-credit)
certificate, offered for veterans who are transitioning out of military service. The certificate will be offered
with one start date per year – initially a September intake – and will involve five 3-credit courses. The
collection of courses included in this certificate are carefully curated and designed to help veterans to develop
communication and writing skills that are critical in university courses, while also building on and expanding
the skills and experiences that military-connected individuals have obtained through their military training in
international contexts, preparing them to access new academic and career opportunities along with personal
growth following their military service. Many individuals transitioning from military to civilian careers wish
to continue serving the global community, and so gravitate towards working in the field of international
development and/or human security.
Key program features:
● Enhances writing and communication competencies that are needed for success in university courses,
as well as future endeavours in a range of institutional, geographical and cultural contexts.
● Develops the foundational and critical understanding of international development and security
concepts within a global context.
● Provides a community of learners with similar world/life experiences.
● Provides an opportunity to explore issues of culture in depth by focusing on Indigeneity in Canada,
enhancing awareness of culture and its impact in a variety of communities.
STUDENT CONSULTATION DURING THE PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
In the academic year, 2019-2020, a pilot project was run in the Faculty of Education, with 21 registered
students with military experience. This group provided extensive feedback on program content and student
needs. We have designed this current certificate with their feedback in mind. In addition, as noted earlier in
this document, prospective students (veterans) surveyed in the Life After Service Survey (LASS), revealed that
their career goals vary greatly and cannot be adequately attained through defined trade & training programs.
This certificate responds to their needs by offering an understanding, and flexible program (can be taken part-
time).Appendix 2
Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
TUITION AND FEES RATIONALE
The proposed tuition for this program is $204.41 CAD per credit for domestic students and $882.54
per credit for international students. The proposed credit rates is aligned with other existing Faculty
of Education undergraduate programs. These fees are subject to increases as approved by the Board
of Governors.
Certificate Curriculum
LLED 200 (3) - Introduction to Writing in Academic & Professional Registers
ECPS 310* (3) – International Development & Human Security (offered in W2019 as EPSE 390A)
CNPS 331* (3) - Communications Skills in Global Contexts
300/400 Electives (6 credits in total): Approved elective credits include:
● EDUC 440 (3) - Aboriginal Education in Canada
● CNPS 433 (3) - The Personal and Social Development of the Adult
● CNPS 362 (3) - Interviewing Skills
● CNPS 365 (3) - Introduction to Theories of Counselling
● CNPS 363 (3) - Career Counselling
● Other 300/400 Level course to be approved by academic advisor such as:
○ EDUC 440 Aboriginal Education in Canada (3), EPSE 390A (3) Selected Topics
○ EDUC 490A (3) Special Studies in Education
Outside the Faculty of Education (with prior approval of advisor) possible electives include, but are not
restricted to:
• SOCI 301 Sociology of Development and Underdevelopment (pre-requisites apply)
• SOCI 302 Racial and Ethnic Inequality (pre-requisites apply)
• AFST 352A Perspectives in African Studies A Social Science Approach
• GEOG 353 Geographies of Migration and Settlement
• FNEL 381Biocultural Diversity: Language Community and Environment
• GRSJ 305 Social Justice Issues in Community and International Organizing (pre-requisites apply)
• GRSJ 306 Globalization and Social Justice: Gender, Race, and Sexuality in International Politics (pre-
requisites apply)
Note: * ECPS 310 & CNPS 331 are new courses being proposed. They are required courses in this certificate
and are pending approval.
Program features:
• class size will be 20 – 36 students.
• specialized advisory supports for the program
• no special technology will be required for this program aside from standard computing needs
and internet.
• Instructors will have support on working with this population of learners, if they are not
already well versed in military culture. This is not a student expense.Appendix 2
Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Costs of comparable programs
At UBC within the Faculty of Education, there are several 15-credit certificate programs. This proposed
certificate program will be fully in-line with the fees and tuition of other undergraduate Faculty of Education
programs for students commencing in 2020S or later. As noted on the current 2020/21 calendar:
All other Education programs, commencing in 2020S or later $204.41 per $882.54 per
credit credit
Education Diploma on campus (DEDU), commencing in $204.41 per $882.54 per
2020S or later credit credit
Non-UBC comparable programs that serve the veteran population:
• University of Manitoba, Certificate in Program Development for Adult Learners: $143.74 per credit
(domestic) $549.36 (international) (plus $21.00 per credit for on-line learning surcharge) (12 courses
for the certificate, with 2-5 years to complete).
• Ryerson University: Certificate level 1 in Public Administration and Governance (8 courses) $611.04
per unit (domestic) and $730.00 per unit (international).
PROPOSED TUITION AND FEES
Program Description: Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development & Human Security
Anticipated Start Date: September 2021
Domestic International
Tuition fees per credit – Note 1 $204.41 $882.54
Application Fees (Undergraduate) – Note 2 $71.75 $108.00
Supplemental Application Fees N/A N/A
Non-Refundable Acceptance Deposit N/A N/A
Other Faculty and Course Fees N/A N/A
Note 1 – Proposed tuition is aligned with approved 20/21 tuition for other undergraduate Faculty of Education
programs and will be subject to increases as approved by the Board.
Note 2 – This is the current fee in the Faculty of Education for the 2021W application cycle and is subject to
increases as approved by the Board.Appendix 2
Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
APPENDIX 2: STUDENT SUBMISSIONS
There were submissions from the AMS and ESA, a response from the Faculty to questions raised by the AMS,
and a follow-up submission from the AMS.Appendix 2 Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Appendix 2 Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Appendix 2 Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Appendix 2 Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Appendix 2 Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Appendix 2 Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Appendix 2 Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Appendix 2 Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
Appendix 2 Tuition - Veterans Transition Certificate in International Development and Human Security
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