Early Assist

Consider submitting a referral if you or a student you know is:

• Facing learning challenges.
• Experiencing personal or financial hardship.
• Showing noticeable shifts in mood or behavior.
• Falling behind in coursework.
• Dealing with a family emergency.
• Feeling unsafe or concerned about mental health.
• Needing help navigating policies or investigations.
• Unsure where to find help.
• Experiencing barriers and/or discrimination related to my identity.
• “When in doubt, fill one out!”

Maintaining student privacy is paramount for us. The information submitted through Early Assist is used by the Student Life Office for the sole purpose of identifying and reaching out to students who may be struggling personally or academically to offer them support and services for student success and well-being.

• Any information submitted through Early Assist is confidential and collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FIPPA”).
• BCIT will not disclose students’ personal information to a third party without consent unless required or authorized by law (i.e. law enforcement).
• Engagement with Early Assist does not show up on students’ academic records.
• The collection of student information and processing of reports at Early Assist is completed through BCIT’s service provider, Symplicity Corporation (“Symplicity”), using servers located in Canada. Simplicity adheres to a stringent privacy policy, and its infrastructure has been designed to ensure compliance with FIPPA. A copy of Simplicity’s Privacy policy can be found on Simplicity’s website.
• BCIT’s personal information management practices can be found in our privacy policy at Policy 6700 (under review). For questions about the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by BCIT, visit BCIT’s Privacy Information page or contact the Associate Director of Privacy, Information Access and Policy Management, 3700 Willingdon Ave., Burnaby BC V5G 3H2; tel:604-432-8508; Email: privacy@bcit.ca.

• Case managers are not counsellors or medical professionals, and cannot diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
• Case managers are experts in navigating student services and available supports. They do not know specific details about BCIT programs. However, they can connect you with a Program Advisor or other professional who is more knowledgeable about the structure, processes, and requirements associated with BCIT programs.
• Case managers do not have authority over grading or fees, but can refer students to the appropriate person or department to address concerns.
• Case managers cannot compel students to access resources or attend class. Students have autonomy with regard to whether and to what extent they engage with Early Assist.

It’s always best if the referred student is aware of the referral. If you think a student needs help but aren’t sure how to approach the student, contact our office for guidance. Case managers will not normally reach out to a student unless the student is aware of the referral.

Students have the autonomy to decide whether and to what extent to engage with Early Assist, except in cases where there is a clear risk of harm to themselves or others.