Q. May I take a Summer School course for interest (audit)?
A. Yes! Summer School courses are designed for people with varied levels of interest and theological backgrounds.
Q. What is the difference between Continuing Education Audit and Continuing Education Credit?
A. Continuing Education Audit means that you plan to attend and participate in the course without completing any additional for credit written assignments.
Continuing Education Credit is earned by attending and participating in the course, and completing a modest amount of additional assignments as set by the instructor. Assignments vary but may include readings, brief written essays, reflections, projects or journals. An additional $45. Student Services Fee must be paid when registering to receive for ConEd credit.
A credit in Continuing Education may be applied towards a Certificate in Continuing Education. Courses for Continuing Education credit are offered through Chalmers Summer School each year. There is no application procedure to participate in the Certificate in Continuing Education. For more information contact VST’s Chalmers Institute office. email: chalmers@vst.edu, 604-822-9815.
Q. Is my course full? If not, will it be cancelled?
A. For most courses, the minimum number of registrants needed for a course to proceed is 12 to 14 participants paying the full rate who are enrolled in a course by May 1st . Further registrations will be accepted up until the course starting date unless a maximum has been set. Please phone to confirm the course go ahead before making travel arrangements after May 1st .
Q. What if my Summer School course is cancelled after I have registered?
A. If a course is cancelled due to insufficient registrations, all payments including all tuition deposits will be refunded.
Q. What is VST’s Tuition Refund Policy?
A. If you must cancel your course registration, VST requires notification via phone, email, or in person seven (7) days prior to the first day (Day One) on which a course begins. $50/course is non-refundable. Of the remaining fees, refunds are made as follows:
- 100% if notification is received at least 7 days prior to Day One of class,
- No refund given if notification received less than 7 days prior to Day One, except for critical medical emergencies (confirmed by your Doctor).
Q. May I change my course?
A. Yes. If you wish to change your course up to the end of the 1st day of your course you may do so by paying a $10 course-change fee. Course charges are not permissible after Day One of the course.
Q. Will you explain VST's Pricing Policy?
A. Individual rate applies to all courses taken by an individual under the age of 65.
Team rate applies per person for groups of two or more from the same church/institution. Designation as a Team must take place at the time of registration, and cannot be changed later.
Seniors rate applies to people 65 years or older.
VST Student Audit rate applies to students currently enrolled in a VST degree program wishing to audit only.
Continuing Education Student Services fee of $45. is charged in addition to the individual rate and covers one or more course(s) taken for Continuing Education Credit.
Sampler rate: Some courses are approved for the sampling of a session. If you wish to sit in on such a course for one three-hour session, the rate is $70. If you then wish to register for the course, the $70. will be applied to your tuition for that course. You can register and pay the Registrar the Sampler rate on the day you wish to come ½ prior to course commencement.
Q. Where do I check-in on the first day (Day One) of my Summer School course?
A. Check-in will take place on Mondays, or Day One of your course, in VST’s Iona Building (castle), 6000 Iona Dr., 1/2 hour prior to course starting time. Please look for the yellow flags! There will be information regarding course location details, nametags, worship times, and general information.
Q. Is there any financial assistance available?
A. You may explore these resources to help finance the cost of the course:
- If you are a lay member of a congregation your Christian Education Committee or congregational bursary fund may be available to you, especially if the course content enhances your roll as leader in the church or community,
- You may volunteer as Course Host for a 10% reduction in course fees (does not apply to VST Graduate Degree students,)
- There are some funds for tuition subsidies for lay people through VST, contact: VST’s Chalmers Institute office at 604-822-9815, or email chalmers@vst.edu (Does not apply to VST Graduate Degree students,)
- The H.R. MacMillan Fund for continuing education is available through VST for clergy / order of ministry persons taking a VST course. Please request an application by checking the appropriate box on the Summer School brochure registration form or contact the Chalmers Institute office at 604-822-9815, or email chalmers@vst.edu ,
- The Diocese of British Columbia (Vancouver Island) has a lay and clergy fund; contact them at www.bc.anglican.ca/forms.htm or phone: 250-386-7781,
- Diocese of New Westminster, contact Mark Beley,
- BC Conference of United Church has national funds available. Contact Nellie Tang: 604-431-0434 or check on website at www.bc.united-church.ca .
Q. I'm in a degree program at VST. Will my Summer School courses count for credit?
A. Many Chalmers Summer School courses may be taken for degree credit toward VST's Diploma, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Theological Studies or Master of Theology degrees. All students wishing to register for Degree Credit must be currently registered in a degree program, or actively considering application. Registration through the Registrar is mandatory for all those requiring Degree Credit status. Reading prior to the course and written assignments following the course comprise the total package of learning time. Students who register to take the course for Degree Credit will pay tuition fees appropriate to the degree level for which credit is required. Registration must be completed no later than June 1.
Q. I am in a degree program from an institution other than VST. Am I welcome here?
A. All are welcome here! Students registered in comparable degree programs at other institutions are welcome to take advantage of the degree credit option as well. A letter from the Registrar of the institution of primary enrollment is required to facilitate the transfer of credit from our records office to the one issuing the degree. This letter should indicate the primary institution's willingness to receive the transfer of credit from VST. For more information or assistance, please contact the Registrar, at registrar@vst.edu or phone: 604-822-9563. Registration must be completed no later than June 1. Please note there is a 60% levy on tuition fees for all International Students.
Q. When will I receive my Income Tax Receipt?
A. Income Tax Deduction: Only tuition fees over $100 per institution in a calendar year may be deducted for Canadian Income Tax purposes. (Only applicable to residents of Canada) If you wish to make a claim, you may use the Registration Confirmation and Official Tax Receipt you received as your confirmation of registration for your courses. Duplicate receipts will not be issued.
Q. May I use the VST Library?
A. Yes! VST’s H.R. MacMillan Theological Library houses one of the largest and oldest theological collections in Western Canada. Among its resources are over 95,000 books and over 300 current periodical titles, as well as online indexes to religious resources.
Summer School students are encouraged to use the library and to borrow from its resources. Library staff provides assistance to users, and library orientation tours are available upon request. Library computers are available for research
Q. Am I able to use a computer during my stay at VST?
A. VST is part of the UBC Wireless network. Summer School students with wireless-enabled laptops can obtain a guest Campus Wide Login from the Registrar’s office which allows access to the Internet through this network. Please check the box “Internet Access” when you are registering and a form will be sent to you or contact the Registrar’s office at 604-822-9563, email registrar@vst.edu
Q. Where do I purchase the books I need for my Summer School course?
A. UBC Book Store. You may purchase your text books either in person or by order through UBC’s (University of British Columbia) Book Store. Please order your books at least one month in advance and note required reading in preparation for the course. The books will be available after May 14, at the Point Grey Campus store, 6200 University Blvd. Special orders for other books may also be placed through the UBC Book Store. INFORMATION: 604-822-2665 or CANADA toll-free: 1-800-661-3889. (Closed Monday, July 2, in lieu of Canada Day)
VINE & FIG TREE BOOKS will be on location at VST every Monday of Summer School. Vine & Fig Tree Books will be presenting course books as well as current titles for ministry and general interest. Credit cards, cheques, and cash welcome. 604-734-2109
Q. Where do I park?
A. VST provides (2) designated parking spots available only to those with mobility needs (SPARC). Please contact VST reception prior to course commencement to reserve an accessibility spot at 604-822-9350.
We suggest using UBC public lots at the North Parkade or the Rose Garden Parkade which are a 5 minute walk to the VST Iona Building.
UBC also offers a summer student weekly parking pass at a significant saving over the hourly rate. Please visit www.parking.ubc.ca for rates.
- Be sure to check the Student information, not the Visitor information.
- The Parking Office is open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, so you will need to allow an additional 30 minutes on Monday, either after the morning class, or before registering for the afternoon class to visit the Parking Office.
- Be sure to take all the required information (your course registration letter from VST; your driver’s license; and your auto insurance/registration) with you on your visit to the Parking Office.
Translink has excellent public transit to UBC, including express bus service from the North Shore, Richmond, downtown Vancouver, 99B express bus along Broadway, and the Sky Train. Check with www.translink.bc.ca for schedules and fares.
You can find all the information about Summer School in our full brochure
You can register through our secure registration page