At BLI,  we apply an English-or-French-Only Policy. This policy has been established to help you maximize your English or French language practice during your studies in Canada.

To help you really improve your language proficiency level, you will be expected to communicate only in the language you are studying at all times while at BLI.

If you break the policy, you will receive a penalty:

To really help yourself improve your language proficiency level, you will be expected to communicate only in the language you are studying at all times while at BLI.

BLI expects students to be on time to their classes. Attendance and punctuality are very important for your academic progress . We expect you to attend your classes regularly and to be punctual to avoid disruptions to the class and to make sure you don’t miss any important information.

· If you arrive late, show respect to your teacher and classmates by entering the class and taking your seat quietly
· Note that if you arrive at the “ABSENT TIME” (15 minutes past your class start time) your teacher may deny you the access to the classroom
· If there is any specific circumstance that makes it impossible for you to arrive on time on a regular basis, talk to the academic coordinator about it
· BLI teachers keep a record of your class attendance everyday
· If you are absent more than 20% in a session, you will not receive credits for the course you are taking
· If you are sick or wish to notify you about your absence please complete the absence notification form.
· If you are three times late to one class, it equals to one absence. If you attend less than 80% , you won’t receive their certificate.

· You have 5 minutes tolerance

· If you arrive between 5 and 15 minutes past your class start time, you will be marked late
· If you arrive 15 minutes past your class start time,  you will be marked absent
· If you are marked late to a class three times, it will equal to one absence
· If you attend less than 80% of your class, you won’t receive your certificate

Students coming for 24 weeks and more are allowed to request a leave of absence. This leave of absence can not be longer than four weeks. If you are granted a leave of absence, your classes will be postponed.

If requesting a leave of absence, you must have completed 12 weeks of study. If you are traveling abroad, you must have a valid visa.

To request a leave of absence please complete our vacation request form.

Although this is a rare situation, if you feel that the class where you have been placed is not helping you improve your language skills or if it is very difficult, you can request a class change. In order to do so, you need to complete BLI class request change form, Once we have received the academic coordinator will contact you to make an appointment to try to understand the situation better. Change of classes can only happen during your first week of classes. He will discuss with your teachers and give you his final decision within 24 hours.

You can upgrade but not downgrade your program. If you are interested in taking a skills or elective class talk to the academic coordinator to see if there is space available in the course you want to take. The academic coordinator will tell you which steps to follow.

1)   Consideration: In consideration for delivery of the programs and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by all current Students;

2)   “Disparagement” for the purposes of this contract, shall generally refer to negative remarks about the Institution which are made maliciously or recklessly (including all of those persons covered under this policy) or without taking reasonable steps to verify the truth of such remarks prior to having made them.

3)   Who is bound: Subject only to Canadian law held to be applicable in any province (including but without limitation the enabling legislation governing private career schools or institutions and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms if/where held to applicable), all students shall be bound by this non-disparagement policy. Adhering to the policy is a condition of enrollment.

4)   Purpose of policy: The Institution has a reputation for excellence. The Institution is a private institution operating multiple locations in the province of Quebec, and is committed to maintaining high standards in teaching and in ensuring that the value of BLI, Bouchereau Lingua International credential remains strong.

5)   Social media: With the popularity of social media (Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc.) students, and alumni of the Institution and all its affiliates, can communicate in a way that they have never done so before. The Institution applauds the fact that students and alumni have new opportunities to network for employment in their chosen vocation, and can communicate with each other socially. The Institution is confident that this will contribute to the Institution’s long-standing reputation in the marketplace.

6)   Reputation is a two-way street: Students derive significant benefit from being an alumnus of BLI, Bouchereau Lingua International. At the same time, the Institution is ultimately “defined” by the “quality” of its graduates i.e. where they end up working, how they are putting their skills to the test in the workforce, and whether they are happy with their chosen vocation. The Institution and its students have a common interest in preserving and protecting the integrity and image of the Institution and all its affiliates.

7)   Specific undertakings of student: With the above in mind, students shall undertake to do the following:

a) Refrain from making any public statement or statements, through social media or otherwise, about the Institution or any of its affiliates, which would be considered inaccurate, unduly critical or derogatory, or libelous, or which may tend to unfairly injure the reputation of the Institution or any of its affiliates;

b) Refrain from making any public statement or statements, through social media or otherwise, that would be considered inaccurate, unduly critical or derogatory, or libelous, or which may tend to unfairly injure the reputation of another (and without limitation) existing or former student, alumni, instructor, or staff member of the Institution;

c) Report to the Institution immediately, the publication of any unduly critical, derogatory, or libelous statement or statements, or statement/s which may tend to unfairly injure the reputation of the Institution or any of its affiliates, through social media or otherwise. Such reporting shall include the author or authors of such publication, and all other specifics known to the reporting student;

d) Report to the Institution immediately, the publication of any inaccurate, unduly critical or derogatory, or libelous statement or statements tending to unfairly injure the reputation of another (and without limitation) existing or former student, alumni, instructor, or staff member of the Institution or any of its affiliates. Such reporting shall include the author or authors of such publication, and all other specifics known to the reporting student.

e) Refrain from disparagement of the Institution or any of its affiliates in any other form that would reasonably be considered to bring the Institution or any of its affiliates, and without limitation, its faculty, staff, students or alumni, into disrepute;

f) Familiarize themselves with any other policies which bind them while students, including but without limitation, the Anti-Bullying / Anti-Harassment / Anti-Discrimination Policy.

8)   Discipline for non-compliance: Discipline, including expulsion or other sanctions as appropriate, may result from non-compliance with this Policy.

Bouchereau Lingua International (BLI) is committed to taking all reasonable steps to ensure students have the opportunity to successfully complete their programs. Within this general framework, all students are treated fairly and equitably. Students who do not support the academic and ethical goals of BLI for themselves and their fellow students may be subject to penalties, up to and including expulsion.

In general, BLI will attempt to resolve a situation without expulsion. Verbal warnings, written warnings and a suspension may precede this final and most serious of actions.

When BLI deems the integrity, safety or well-being of its students, staff, clients or other visitors is in danger, then expulsion may be warranted at the school’s discretion at any point in the process.

1)  All students are expected to conduct themselves in a dignified and professional manner.

2)   Students may be suspended or dismissed/expelled, depending on the severity and/or degree of their “Misconduct”: Misconduct is defined as, and without limitation:

a) conduct which disrupts or in any material respect compromises the School or any of its students, including the administration of the program (including but without limitation any act or threatened act of violence, failure to cooperate with an inclusion or accommodation policy of the school)

b) student performance bringing discredit on the professional, academic, or ethical standards of the school

c) academic failure

d) poor attendance i.e. attendance which falls below any program approval requirements, or poor participation (without medical excuse that gives rise to the legal need for accommodation)

e) conduct which interferes with the legal rights of other students and/or the school, its staff, agents, or employees

f) repeated contravention of the School’s policies as set out in this Student Enrollment Contract and amended from time to time as the School deems necessary, or pursuant to applicable laws and/or regulations;

g) failure to pay required fees as set out in the student’s signed contract;

h) contravention of the performance requirements or other rules and/or guidelines as they may apply to the student; and

i) distribution of materials within the campus and to the School’s students that have not been approved by the School (such as brochures, 3rd party advertisements, promotional materials, political or religious materials, etc.)

3)   Repeated failure to abide by School’s policies, which may be amended from time to time as the School deems necessary or pursuant to applicable laws and/or regulations, is grounds for dismissal/withdrawal. Note that contravention of some school’s policies may lead to immediate dismissal/expulsion from the program depending on the severity of the contravention (see paragraph 5 below).

4)   The School may, at its sole discretion and consistent with applicable laws and/or regulations, consider a Suspension prior to the possible dismissal/expulsion of the student.

5)   Certain types of serious misconduct will lead to the immediate dismissal/expulsion of the student on a “zero tolerance” basis. Such conduct includes, but without limitation

a) Breaking BLI’s drugs and alcohol policy

b) Violent and/or threatening behavior toward another student, employee, faculty member, or visitor on campus

c) Academic dishonesty by the student relating to testing or credentials, or any dishonesty going to the academic integrity of the School like unapproved collaboration, alteration of records, bribery, or any type of misrepresentation

6)   Harassment or Discrimination – BLI, Bouchereau Lingua International does not condone harassment or discrimination of any student, staff, employees, or agents. Students who engage in harassing or discrimination are subject to immediate suspension pending investigation. Any student deemed by the BLI, Bouchereau Lingua International’s investigators as having engaged in harassing or discriminatory activities contrary to any applicable laws and regulations may be subjected to immediate dismissal/expulsion. In determining what constitutes harassment or discrimination, BLI refers to The Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms.

7) Students who by action or neglect in any way endanger the safety of themselves or others may be expelled.

8)   Students who damage, steal and misuse property may be expelled and will be required to make restitution to replace or fully repair the property.

9)  Students who violate the code of conduct may be suspended or expelled. Even when the violations do not have the potential to result in physical harm to persons or property, BLI may expel a student who has received suspension for failure to comply and has since violated any of the terms of BLI’s code of conduct

10)   Fee refunds will be governed by the provisions of this contract and applicable laws and/or regulations as prescribed. However, where BLI, Bouchereau Lingua International has no legal requirement/obligation to refund tuition or any portion of a student’s tuition to any student who has been expelled (or suspended, where the suspension is long enough such that the student has lost a significant amount of time or opportunity that would otherwise have been spent in course study), BLI, Bouchereau Lingua International will have no obligation to refund tuition or any part of that student’s tuition

11)   A sanction of suspension or dismissal/expulsion will be recorded on a student’s academic record and transcript

12)  Students who are subject to expulsion for any reason will be notified in writing, either by email, a hand delivered letter or by registered mail. BLI is not responsible for non‐delivery by registered mail if the student has not provided a valid residential address. The notification will contain a description of the basis for expulsion and the effective date. Expelled students who dispute the facts of the expulsion must appeal the decision within three days of the notification following the complaints procedure of BLI provided to the student and providing sufficient proof to support the complaint. Students who file an appeal and are unsuccessful are considered withdrawn from BLI

13)   Appeal procedure: Expelled students who dispute the facts of the dismissal/expulsion must file their appeal with the School within 5 days of the notification having been received by the student

A student who is expelled is responsible for the return of any school property in his/her own possession within 10 days of the expulsion and will be held financially responsible for any property not returned in good condition

14)   BLI may, at its sole discretion, determine that a restorative process is warranted in lieu of or in tandem with any of the above forms of discipline that it seeks to impose. A restorative process is one which emphasizes repairing the harm caused or revealed by unjust behavior through an inclusive or cooperative process

· Consumption of drugs and alcohol are forbidden on school property.
· Cannabis consumption is not allowed on school property, at school events, activities or trips and excursions by anyone, neither staff or students.
· Any underage/minor student who possesses, uses, sells or distributes legal (e.g. marijuana, prescription medication, etc.) or illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol or tobacco at any time while on school property, or under the authority of the school, is subject to the most serious disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion
· The school’s policies on drugs and alcohol also apply to all BLI student trips and activities. The school reserves the right to search any student belongings if that student is suspected of having drugs or illegal substances or items in the school, on trips and activities. Students believed to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol face serious consequences, including suspension or expulsion

What is Bullying?

Bullying is the deliberate intention to harm someone who doesn’t have the power to stop it. Bullying, harassment or any other form of discrimination is immoral and interferes with the right of a person to feel safe.

What is considered bullying?

Bullying can take many forms. It can either be:

face-to-face which includes, fighting, pushing, insulting, embarrassing, intimidating or invading personal space.

back-to-back, such as writing threatening offensive or threatening messages or sending hurtful or distressing messages.

Physical or psychological

Sexual harassment, which is involved any behavior that is unwanted such as sexual touching, inappropriate jokes or comments and/or demeaning someone.

Racial harassment, includes teasing, social exclusion or taunting because of someone’s race.

How do I know if I’m being bullied?

For behavior to be classified as bullying, repeated behaviour needs to be involved. These behaviours or actions are designed to cause harm. Not being liked or popular or not having any friends is not a sign of bullying and may simply be a sign of lacking personal skills. Bullying does not always occur by the older or bigger. Anyone can bully anyone.

The key features of bullying are that it is repeated, causes hurt and distress and it involves the use of power in an unfair way.

What do I do if I am being bullied?

If you are being bullied, it is super important that you talk to someone who is in charge. There is always someone who can and wants to help you. Some students do not want to report bullying because they feel as if they will make the bullying worse if the bully finds out. However, here at BLI, all staff is trained in ways that will help and protect the victims of bullying.

Who can I tell?

There are several staff members that you can tell if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe:

-school director, school manager

-receptionists, teachers, academic coordinators

Do the RITE thing

Recognize

Inform

Tell

Evaluate

Recognize that you always have the right to feel safe. Inform the bullies that they need to stop. Tell a responsible staff member. Evaluate the situation and if it’s not getting better, seek for more help.