Supported Access to Modified Education (SAME) Program

Students who have completed the BEST (Building Employment Skills and Training) program

Students may continue into the SAME program based on successful completion of BEST at the SAME standard (80% average) and recommendation of the AET instructor, the AET Chair and conditional acceptance of the Receiving Department Dean and Chair. A student's program will be developed with the AET instructor and the Receiving Dean and/or Chair.

Applicants without BEST Completion

Students may enter directly into the SAME program on the recommendation of the AET instructor and the receiving instructor provided that they meet the BEST Admission Requirements, have an established record of student success behaviours, have a clear and realistic vocational goal based on prior work experience in a field directly related to the chosen SAME Program, or demonstrated a strong interest in a particular academic area. Students who are enrolled in or have completed the BEST Program will be given priority access.

All students wishing to enter the SAME program must have specific documentation of disability which indicates that the student cannot meet the entry criteria for a regular Okanagan College program or course and/ or cannot be successful in an unmodified form of a regular program or course, even with support. Documentation must include one of the following:

• Psycho-educational assessment (current within 5 years)
• Educationally specific documentation from a physician or medical specialist

Applicants without BEST Completion must also provide two letters of recommendation, one letter from:

• A previous instructor in AU or AET, or from a senior secondary teacher. This recommendation must comment on the student's behaviours and attitudes including:
  • Attendance and punctuality
  • Ability to complete work in an accurate and timely manner
  • Response to criticism
  • Interactions with instructors and peers
  • Strategies for coping with stress
  • Willingness to participate in class activities and group work

Another letter from:

• An employment-related agency, advocacy group, employer or workplace supervisor. This recommendation must outline related work experience and comment on:
• The suitability of the student for the chosen SAME Program based on strengths and abilities demonstrated in the workplace over a period of at least eight weeks.
• Employability skills such as attendance and punctuality, willingness to work, ability to follow instructions, ability to cope with constructive criticism, and teamwork skills.

Students applying for admission into the SAME Program must apply to the AET instructor eight months prior to the start date of their chosen program or course.

Students enrolled in the SAME Program will also be enrolled in the following course:

LSSM 020 -110 hours

Access and Support

This course supports SAME students to succeed in modified Okanagan College programs and work experience placements. Students will set and evaluate academic and personal development goals. They will revisit the assertiveness skills, communication skills, study skills, stress management, problem solving, conflict resolution, and anger management skills taught in the BEST Program. The focus of the course is the reinforcement of the attitudes, values, and behaviours of successful students and future employees.

Prerequisite:

• Successful completion of Building Employment Skills and Training (BEST) Program and recommendation of AET instructor, OR recommendation of AET instructor and receiving instructor(s) based on previous attendance of AET programs.

Cost:

Tuition and student fees apply. Student may seek support for tuition and student fees through the Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG).

Please contact your campus for further information.