BCITSA Student Services | SE2-2nd Floor, BCIT Burnaby Campus | Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Know Your Rights: Ask an Advocate for Support
Welcome to Student Advocacy Support at BCIT! This is your direct line to personalized guidance and support for navigating challenges and understanding your rights as a student.
Our mandate is to help you understand your rights and responsibilities, while providing you with unbiased support and conflict resolution guidance in a confidential and supportive environment.
Our primary service is one-on-one appointments where you can connect with an advocate to discuss your specific situation so that you can get personalized support and answers to your questions about BCIT policies and procedures. Whether you have questions about academic regulations, need assistance with a grade or program concern, or simply want someone to help you understand your options in a conflict situation with a peer or instructor, we’re here to listen and empower you to find effective solutions.
We work closely with students like you, as well as faculty and administration, to address your concerns and create positive change where possible. Explore below to learn more about how our individual support can help you during challenging times during your studies at BCIT.
How We Can Help
What Advocacy Specialists Do:
- Provide information and explain BCIT policies.
- Outline options and potential outcomes of BCIT procedures.
- Guide students experiencing conflict.
- Accompany students to meetings with faculty.
- Coach students on how to self-advocate.
What our dedicated Advocacy Specialists can assist you with:
- Policy Navigation: Our specialists will guide you through BCIT’s policies and procedures to help you understand your options.
- Conflict Resolution Support: We help students navigate conflicts by providing confidential guidance and information.
- Meeting Assistance: We can attend meetings with you to ensure your voice is heard and your concerns are addressed.
- Advocacy Assistance: We can provide you with feedback on your formal appeal documents to empowering you to express your needs effectively when you advocate for yourself. We can also at times advocate on your behalf with faculty in certain circumstances if you provide us with written consent.
- Self-Advocacy: Our aim is to empower you to advocate for yourself and make informed decisions.
Your Responsibilities in Working with Us
Although we are here to support you, there are some things we cannot do for you, such as:
- Take on tasks that you can reasonably handle yourself.
- Go against any policies or collective agreements.
- Speak directly to a student’s experience on their behalf.
- Intervene in external issues or act as witnesses in appeals.
- Provide legal assistance
- Influence academic outcomes like grades.
- Guarantee a specific outcome.
- Keep what you share with us confidential if we believe you may be a harm to yourself, someone else, or the BCIT community, as we have an obligation to report this information even without the student’s explicit consent.
At the BCITSA Advocacy Office, your well-being is our priority. Together, we will work towards resolving conflicts and ensuring you feel supported throughout your academic journey.
Learn More About
BCITSA Advocacy Services
Confidentiality is Important
Advocacy is committed to providing confidential services, and all information shared with the Advocacy team is used in conformity with BCITSA and BCIT policies and procedures. While personal information will not be shared outside the Advocacy Office without express consent, there may be times when information is shared with the Advocacy Manager for the purposes of guidance or consultation.
In situations where Advocacy Specialists believe students may be of harm to themselves, someone else, or the BCIT community, they have an obligation to report this information even without the students’ explicit consent.
Our relationship with BCIT
The Advocacy office has a strong, mutually collaborative relationship with BCIT. It’s a common misconception that Advocacy Specialists advocate for students no matter what the situation—in reality, Advocacy Specialists advocate on the side of policy and procedural fairness. If a student has violated the policy, Advocacy Specialists will work with the student to identify options for moving forward.
The strength of the relationship with BCIT allows them to provide effective advocacy to all students because they use a non-adversarial approach that is rooted in fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The Advocacy Office also advocates for the larger student population by holding a seat on various policy committees to enact change at a systemic level.
Ask us About Your Student Rights
The Advocacy Office provides free, confidential, unbiased, and non-judgmental support and services to all BCIT students. We prioritize fairness, transparency, and accountability, empowering students to self-advocate and exercise their rights. Our Advocacy Specialists approach their practice with a trauma-informed, intersectional, and student-centered perspective.
"*" indicates required fields
Burnaby Campus
In-person
Downtown Campus
In-person
Aerospace Campus
In-person
Virtual/Telephone
Here to help, even when we’re not!
Before Booking Your Advocacy Appointment
To help us get ready to support you best, please reach out at least 5 business days before you’d like to meet, if possible. If you are in a challenging situation and feel a need for immediate support, you can connect with us any time during our business hours if an advocate is available to see you.
Booking an appointment in advance means we can dedicate more focused time to you compared to a drop-in.
Life happens, but if you need to cancel or change your appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours beforehand, when possible.
Our appointments are usually 30 minutes long. If you arrive 15 minutes late or more, you might need to reschedule, but you are welcome to ask your advocate when you arrive if they would be able to accommodate a later start time.
Our regular hours for appointments are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We look forward to connecting with you.
What to Expect During an Advocacy Appointment
Check back later, we are updating our content
What Happens After Booking an Advocacy Appointment
Check back later, we are updating our content
Book an Advocacy Appointment With us Today
Whether you need an in-person appointment on campus, or would rather meet virtually we can meet you there.
How to Cancel Your Advocacy Appointment
Check back later, we are updating our content
Welcome to the Helpful Resources section, your go-to spot for navigating life at BCIT. We’ve gathered a collection of valuable services and information right here on campus and in the wider community to support your academic journey and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking for academic assistance, health and wellness support, financial aid guidance, or ways to connect with others, you’ll find a range of resources designed to help you thrive. Explore the categories below and discover the support available to you as a valued member of the BCIT community.
Student Conduct
Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic)
Violations of Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic)
Student Code of Academic Integrity
Violations of Code of Academic Integrity
Decision Review Board
Decision Review Board Application
Sexual Violence and Misconduct
Response to Sexual Violence and Misconduct
Harassment and Discrimination (Policy)
Harassment and Discrimination (Procedure)
Harassment & Discrimination Complaint Form
Liquor Consumption on Campus
Cannabis Use
Violations of Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic)
Student Code of Academic Integrity
Violations of Code of Academic Integrity
Decision Review Board
Decision Review Board Application
Sexual Violence and Misconduct
Response to Sexual Violence and Misconduct
Harassment and Discrimination (Policy)
Harassment and Discrimination (Procedure)
Harassment & Discrimination Complaint Form
Liquor Consumption on Campus
Cannabis Use
External Legal Resources
Legal Aid BC
(604) 585-6595
(604) 585-6595
Access Pro Bono
(604) 878-7400
Robson Square Small Claims Court
(604) 822-5791
Welcome BCIT Instructors!
This section provides information and resources to help you understand student advocacy at BCIT and how you can best support students by referring them to us in navigating challenges. Here you’ll find insights into student rights, common issues students may face, and guidance on how to direct students to advocacy. You play a vital role in fostering a supportive and equitable learning environment for all. Explore the resources below to learn more about how you can collaborate with student advocacy to ensure student success and feel welcome to use the booking link below to connect with the Advocacy Manager if you would like to learn about Advocacy or collaborate.
Instructor Booking Link Coming Soon
- About Advocacy
Know Your Rights: Ask an Advocate for Support
Welcome to Student Advocacy Support at BCIT! This is your direct line to personalized guidance and support for navigating challenges and understanding your rights as a student.
Our mandate is to help you understand your rights and responsibilities, while providing you with unbiased support and conflict resolution guidance in a confidential and supportive environment.
Our primary service is one-on-one appointments where you can connect with an advocate to discuss your specific situation so that you can get personalized support and answers to your questions about BCIT policies and procedures. Whether you have questions about academic regulations, need assistance with a grade or program concern, or simply want someone to help you understand your options in a conflict situation with a peer or instructor, we’re here to listen and empower you to find effective solutions.
We work closely with students like you, as well as faculty and administration, to address your concerns and create positive change where possible. Explore below to learn more about how our individual support can help you during challenging times during your studies at BCIT.How We Can Help
What Advocacy Specialists Do:
- Provide information and explain BCIT policies.
- Outline options and potential outcomes of BCIT procedures.
- Guide students experiencing conflict.
- Accompany students to meetings with faculty.
- Coach students on how to self-advocate.
What our dedicated Advocacy Specialists can assist you with:
- Policy Navigation: Our specialists will guide you through BCIT’s policies and procedures to help you understand your options.
- Conflict Resolution Support: We help students navigate conflicts by providing confidential guidance and information.
- Meeting Assistance: We can attend meetings with you to ensure your voice is heard and your concerns are addressed.
- Advocacy Assistance: We can provide you with feedback on your formal appeal documents to empowering you to express your needs effectively when you advocate for yourself. We can also at times advocate on your behalf with faculty in certain circumstances if you provide us with written consent.
- Self-Advocacy: Our aim is to empower you to advocate for yourself and make informed decisions.
Your Responsibilities in Working with Us
Although we are here to support you, there are some things we cannot do for you, such as:- Take on tasks that you can reasonably handle yourself.
- Go against any policies or collective agreements.
- Speak directly to a student’s experience on their behalf.
- Intervene in external issues or act as witnesses in appeals.
- Provide legal assistance
- Influence academic outcomes like grades.
- Guarantee a specific outcome.
- Keep what you share with us confidential if we believe you may be a harm to yourself, someone else, or the BCIT community, as we have an obligation to report this information even without the student’s explicit consent.
At the BCITSA Advocacy Office, your well-being is our priority. Together, we will work towards resolving conflicts and ensuring you feel supported throughout your academic journey.
Learn More About
BCITSA Advocacy ServicesConfidentiality is ImportantAdvocacy is committed to providing confidential services, and all information shared with the Advocacy team is used in conformity with BCITSA and BCIT policies and procedures. While personal information will not be shared outside the Advocacy Office without express consent, there may be times when information is shared with the Advocacy Manager for the purposes of guidance or consultation.
In situations where Advocacy Specialists believe students may be of harm to themselves, someone else, or the BCIT community, they have an obligation to report this information even without the students’ explicit consent.
Our relationship with BCITThe Advocacy office has a strong, mutually collaborative relationship with BCIT. It’s a common misconception that Advocacy Specialists advocate for students no matter what the situation—in reality, Advocacy Specialists advocate on the side of policy and procedural fairness. If a student has violated the policy, Advocacy Specialists will work with the student to identify options for moving forward.
The strength of the relationship with BCIT allows them to provide effective advocacy to all students because they use a non-adversarial approach that is rooted in fairness, transparency, and accountability.
The Advocacy Office also advocates for the larger student population by holding a seat on various policy committees to enact change at a systemic level.
- Ask the Advocate
Ask us About Your Student Rights
The Advocacy Office provides free, confidential, unbiased, and non-judgmental support and services to all BCIT students. We prioritize fairness, transparency, and accountability, empowering students to self-advocate and exercise their rights. Our Advocacy Specialists approach their practice with a trauma-informed, intersectional, and student-centered perspective.
"*" indicates required fields
- Booking an Appointment
Burnaby Campus
In-personDowntown Campus
In-personAerospace Campus
In-personVirtual/Telephone
Here to help, even when we’re not!Before Booking Your Advocacy Appointment
To help us get ready to support you best, please reach out at least 5 business days before you’d like to meet, if possible. If you are in a challenging situation and feel a need for immediate support, you can connect with us any time during our business hours if an advocate is available to see you.Booking an appointment in advance means we can dedicate more focused time to you compared to a drop-in.
Life happens, but if you need to cancel or change your appointment, please let us know at least 24 hours beforehand, when possible.
Our appointments are usually 30 minutes long. If you arrive 15 minutes late or more, you might need to reschedule, but you are welcome to ask your advocate when you arrive if they would be able to accommodate a later start time.
Our regular hours for appointments are Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We look forward to connecting with you.
What to Expect During an Advocacy Appointment
Check back later, we are updating our contentWhat Happens After Booking an Advocacy Appointment
Check back later, we are updating our contentBook an Advocacy Appointment With us Today
Whether you need an in-person appointment on campus, or would rather meet virtually we can meet you there.How to Cancel Your Advocacy Appointment
Check back later, we are updating our content- Helpful Resources
Welcome to the Helpful Resources section, your go-to spot for navigating life at BCIT. We’ve gathered a collection of valuable services and information right here on campus and in the wider community to support your academic journey and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking for academic assistance, health and wellness support, financial aid guidance, or ways to connect with others, you’ll find a range of resources designed to help you thrive. Explore the categories below and discover the support available to you as a valued member of the BCIT community.
Student Conduct
Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic)
Violations of Student Code of Conduct (Non-Academic)
Student Code of Academic Integrity
Violations of Code of Academic Integrity
Decision Review Board
Decision Review Board Application
Sexual Violence and Misconduct
Response to Sexual Violence and Misconduct
Harassment and Discrimination (Policy)
Harassment and Discrimination (Procedure)
Harassment & Discrimination Complaint Form
Liquor Consumption on Campus
Cannabis UseExternal Legal Resources
Legal Aid BC
(604) 585-6595Access Pro Bono
(604) 878-7400Robson Square Small Claims Court
(604) 822-5791- Faculty Resources
Welcome BCIT Instructors!
This section provides information and resources to help you understand student advocacy at BCIT and how you can best support students by referring them to us in navigating challenges. Here you’ll find insights into student rights, common issues students may face, and guidance on how to direct students to advocacy. You play a vital role in fostering a supportive and equitable learning environment for all. Explore the resources below to learn more about how you can collaborate with student advocacy to ensure student success and feel welcome to use the booking link below to connect with the Advocacy Manager if you would like to learn about Advocacy or collaborate.
Instructor Booking Link Coming Soon