Red Deer College

English as a Second
Language
Handbook

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Red Deer College Vision

To be the leading comprehensive college serving learners and

communities through excellence and innovation.

Red Deer College Mission

The people we serve will have a foundation of knowledge and

skills which enables them to develop to their full potential.

Red Deer College Values

Learning is at the heart of Red Deer College. Six key values

reflect both the reality and the aspirations of the organization.

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English as a Second Language Program at Red Deer College

Welcome to Red Deer College!

We are pleased to have you with us. We will work with you to make your experience in the
English as a Second Language Certificate program both educational and enjoyable.

The following student handbook will help you prepare for your program. It is very
important that you read and understand this guide and ask any questions you have.

Full-time English Language Programs

The ESL curriculum at Red Deer College is based on Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB).
For more information on the CLB’s please see (http://www.language.ca/). This document
reflects clear underlying principles of language teaching and learning.

English as a Second Language Certificate (ESLC)

The English as a Second Language Certificate is a five level program focusing on
communication and academic study skills. Students in the ESCL program study the reading,
writing, listening, speaking and advanced grammar skills required in an academic setting. Upper
level students will use computers for written assignments.

Classes are held Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm (20 hours per week) for 14 weeks.
Students will complete homework outside of class time.

Many Red Deer College Certificate and Diploma programs accept students who have
successfully completed this program. Please check the Red Deer College Calendar for all
program entrance requirements.

Part-time English Language Programs

English for Communication

This is for intermediate to advanced ESL students living and working in Red Deer. Students
focus on speaking and listening skills, pronunciation, and presentation skills. One-on-one and
group role-play will reflect various real-life situations. Students must be at CLB 5 to take this
course.

English for Academic Purposes

This intensive month-long course focuses on academic language, skills and study strategies to
ensure students’ success in college programs such as writing thesis statements and outlines,
research methods, and scientific writing. Students will also analyze works of English literature to
recognize literary devices, and practice speaking through group work and presentations.
Troublesome grammar mistakes will be highlighted so students avoid these errors in the future.

In addition to three hours of class time per day, students will have at least two hours of
homework outside of class.

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 Continuing Education English as a Second Language Department
Brenda Munro Director, Continuing Education
Anne Brodie Program Coordinator
Myrna Glenn Instructor
Laura Lindsay Instructor
Cindy Messaros Instructor

Ann Garrett Operations Specialist

Marcia Duncombe Office Assistant

Holidays
Classes are not scheduled on statutory holidays. All campus locations are closed to the public
on:

Labor Day Good Friday

Thanksgiving Victoria Day
Remembrance Day Canada Day
Christmas Week Heritage Day
December 25-January 1
Family Day

Hours of Operation
The Office of Continuing Education ESL is open Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm and is
located in room 913.

The ESL instructors’ office is located in room 1228. They will be available to assist during the
office hours on your course outline.

Commonly Called Telephone Numbers

College Program Areas

Campus I Card Office 342-3132
Financial Aid 342-3254
Health Safety and Wellness 342-3427
Centre
Library Information 342-3344
Main Line 342-3300
Parking 342-3132
Security/Commissionaires 342-3445

ADMISSIONS
How to Apply
International Students
Complete the application form.
http://www.rdc.ab.ca/continuingeducation/esl/documents/esl_reg_form.pdf
Enclose the required fees if required. When the deposit payment has been received and your
application processed you will receive an admission letter.

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Ensure you allow time for your application to be processed by Red Deer College and your visa
application approval by your nearest Canadian Consulate.

Red Deer College accepts Visa/MasterCard/American Express/Money Order/Certified

Cheque/Bank Transfer
Phone: 403-357-3633
Fax: 403-357-3660
In Person: Registrar’s Office
Mail: Red Deer College
Continuing Education Registration
Box 5005
Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5H5

On-line applications
www.rdc.ab.ca/programs_and_course/apply

Note: E-mail address is required. If you do not have an e-mail account, you can create a free
one by selecting Yahoo or Hotmail.

Student Visa Requirements

If you are planning to study for over six months, you will need a student visa. You can study
ESL for approximately six months on a visitor’s visa but it is strongly recommended that if you
are considering studying for longer than six months that you apply for a student visa. You
cannot apply for a student visa while in Canada. Please contact your nearest Canadian
embassy or consulate.
Citizen and Immigration Web site: http://www.cic.gc.ca

If you are planning to attend College or University in Canada following your English Language
training you are advised to have your official transcripts and documents translated into English
and to bring them with you.

Student Placement Testing

All students take an on-line Reading and Writing test in the test centre if possible and complete
an essay.
Students must meet the Red Deer College level 1 prerequisite in each category to be accepted
in the RDC ESL Program. (International students may not complete testing until they have
arrived to attend the program.) International students are advised to take the online test.
(Invigilator request form online)
Students also sit a Speaking and Listening test administered by ESL instructors.

Student Funding
Financial aid may be available from the provincial government through the Skills Investment
Program (SIP) for students who are residents of Canada. Funding is available for residents who
have lived in Alberta for more than three months.

For continued funding you must:

Pass your courses
Attend regularly (maximum five excused absences)
Comply with school rules

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For more information on financial aid please contact the Skills Investment Program at:
Telephone: 403-342-3254
Fax: 403-342-3262
E-mail: financialaid@rdc.ab.ca
Room #: 1101, Red Deer College

Accommodation
On campus accommodation
Contact Residence Administration directly Email: rdc.residence@rdc.ab.ca

Off-Campus housing
The Students’ Association maintains a registry of private, off campus rental accommodations
from basement suites to entire houses. Call (403) 343-1877 to find out more or check their web
site at www.sardc.ab.ca

Health Insurance
It is strongly recommended that you have health and travel insurance for the time you are here.
Students who study in Alberta for more than one year can apply for Alberta Health Care.
Students who study for less than one year can get health insurance for approximately $2 per
day.

International Students Information

www.rdc.ab.ca/international/

Student Success Services

This centre offers learning support, disability services and counseling. The centre is located
beside the forum in room 1402. To find out more about how they can assist students go to:
http://www.rdc.ab.ca/success/.

General College Information

Please take time for a virtual tour of Red Deer College online. http://www.rdc.ab.ca/about

Cost of Living
You can expect to spend the following per month
Accommodation $300 - $600 depending on your choice of accommodation
Food $225
Clothing $55
Personal $110
Bus Pass $45
This is only an estimate and is based on Canadian Funds.

Red Deer College International Club

The International Club provides a support network and a community for Red Deer College
students through a variety of activities that promote cross-culture interaction, exploration and
sharing. Membership includes both international and Canadian students interested in enhancing
their learning experience. For more information email us at rdc_international2003@yahoo.com

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 STUDENT CODE OF ETHICS

Students in the English as a Second Language program have certain responsibilities and
duties. Students are working and studying together toward a common goal – the
achievement of their Red Deer College Certificate.
With this in mind, please read and follow the student code of conduct and ethics. This
will help create a positive and professional learning environment.

1) Arrive for each class on time, with all of your materials.

2) Pre-read course materials before each class.

3) Work in pairs or groups whenever possible to share skills, ideas, and teamwork.

4) Do not disrupt the class. The teacher may ask you to leave.

5) Respect your learning environment and the other students. Treat the facilities and
equipment as if they were your own.

6) Turn off cell phones and other portable electronic devices before class starts.

7) Maintain a professional and positive image.

8) Do not bring drinks into labs. You may bring drinks into the regular classroom.

9) Do your own work. Honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility are expected from
everyone at Red Deer College.
Each of the following actions is considered cheating.
Copying another person’s work on an assignment or test
Plagiarizing – copying word for word or paraphrasing the published work of
another person and submitting the work as one’s own.
Helping or trying to help another person cheat.
Using an electronic device (i.e. Cell phone, MP3 player, iPod) during an exam

Students who are suspected of cheating will be asked to meet with their instructor and
could be (see list of sanctions in the Code of Student Conduct):
1. Given a lower mark on the assignment
2. Given zero on that assignment
3. Withdrawn from the course with no refund

Confirmed incidents of cheating will be reported to the Registrar and kept on the student’s
record at Red Deer College.

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Where is Red Deer, Alberta, Canada?

Centrally located between Calgary and Edmonton, the Badlands and the Rocky Mountains, Red Deer is
the third largest city in Alberta with a population of 80 000. When making your plans to come to Red
Deer, you can either fly into Calgary or Edmonton's International Airport which are both only 90
minutes away.

About Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

Rolling hills, stunning prairie vistas, and lakes make Central Alberta an outdoor playground.
Red Deer and its neighboring communities offer a variety of arts, culture, entertainment and
recreation experiences to enjoy during your studies at Red Deer College.

Urban centre surrounded by a beautiful natural environment

Safe and friendly community
Alberta sun shines throughout the cold winters and warm summers
85 km of hiking and biking trails
Alberta's largest non-mountain ski resort
Growing economy
UNESCO crowned Alberta with 5 of Canada's 13 World Heritage Sites: Head-Smashed-In
Buffalo Jump, Waterton/Glacier National Parks, Banff and Jasper National Parks, Wood
Buffalo National Park and Dinosaur Provincial Park.

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International Airports to Red Deer
Calgary (YYC)
Edmonton (YEG)

Useful Websites
www.cic.gc.ca
www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca
www.gc.ca
www.studycanada.ca
www.travelalberta.ca
www.city.red-deer.ab.ca

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For more information contact:
International Education Office
Telephone: 1 (403) 342-3587
E-mail: international@rdc.ab.ca

English as a Second Language (ESL) Office

Telephone: 1 (403) 314 2469
Email: continuingstudies@rdc.ab.ca

Red Deer College

PO Box 5005
Red Deer, Alberta
Canada T4N 5H5
Telephone: 1 (403) 342 3587
Fax: 1 (403) 342 3576

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