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Pamela WoodburnPamela Woodburn

Question - 1 year Bachelor of Education

Happy Friday. I am being asked about the pros/cons of taking our 2 year BED program (F/W for 2 years) down to a 12 month program. New program would be 12 months in lenge but span 2 academic years:

Spring May-Aug (ex May'27)

Fall/Winter of the next year (ex Sept'27-Apr'28)


I am reviewing the policy manual and the CSG-FT and am thinking that all of these students will not NOT be eligible for CSG-FT because their program is no longer 2 years in duration.


Am I interpretting this correctly?

Thanks.


40 Views
Pierre Lessard
5 days ago
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Yes, this is also my interpretation of the Full-Time OSAP Policy Manual (2025–26) eligibility criteria, as outlined on page 308. The student is enrolled in an approved undergraduate program that is at least two years in duration at an approved institution.

Amanda Moreton

Cost Code style 1 or 2

Hi there,


Does anyone have experience moving from a per-year cost code to a multi-year cost code? We have recently had to add so many codes (co-op programs and now per-term graduate level codes). I noticed the other option in the manual to have a single code for multiple years - screenshot below - does anyone have any qualms or insight on what problems arise when you have multiyear codes? I'm wondering if it is more to manage with adding FT programs, academic progress, harder to read in the academic summary, etc. Photo of the manual to reference the two different styles:


58 Views
Martine Plouffe
Martine Plouffe
17 avr.

Based on my experience working with both York University (homegrown system) and Queen's University (PeopleSoft), I would recommend adopting a standardized and simplified cost code structure (Same Code- All Years).


Where possible, use a single base cost code (e.g., “FA”) rather than multiple numbered variants (e.g., FA1, FA2, FA3). I also recommend that you use codes that correspond with existing institutional codes that identify a student's program/plan.

If term-level differentiation is required, consider introducing clear, structured extensions, such as:

  • FA – Default (e.g., Fall/Winter academic year)

  • FAF – Fall term

  • FAW – Winter term

  • FAS – Summer term


1. Simplifies bulk processing and file creation Using a consistent code structure significantly reduces the need for manual manipulation when creating bulk upload files. This lowers the risk of errors and improves efficiency, especially in high-volume environments.

2. Improves usability for staff A standardized naming convention makes internal reference guides and documentation easier to maintain and interpret.

3. Avoids unnecessary front-end complexity In my experience, multiple variants such as FA1/FA2/FA3 do not reduce backend complexity—they simply shift that complexity to the user. A simplified front-end structure leads to better adoption and fewer processing errors. Either option will result in the same number of cost codes.

4. Maintains flexibility where needed Introducing optional term-specific extensions provides flexibility for institutions that require term-based costing, without overcomplicating the overall structure. No number, and instead an additional letter at the end of the cost code.

Paige AllenPaige Allen

Dependent Child over 18 - Proof of Disability

Hello all -

I am working with a student who has advised they cannot provide a Disability Tax Credit Certificate as they cannot afford to apply for guardianship of their child, but have provided an affidavit in place, as well as documentation from DSO. Has anyone had any experience accepting alternate documentation in a similar situation? Thanks in advance, Paige - Northern College

54 Views
Michelle Taylor
15 avr.

Not quite the same, but we recently had an Indigenous student who was advised not to file for the Disability Tax Credit for their 18+ child by their tax person since they had zero taxable income and wouldn't be eligible to receive it, plus would be charged more for their tax filing if they wanted it included. We sent their case to the Ministry and they decided on what was acceptable documentation...I can't remember the exact alternative documentation, but an affidavit was not acceptable. Probably best to send this case to the Ministry for a decision.

Pamela WoodburnPamela Woodburn

BC SIMs Question

I am working on a student's BC part-time COE confirmation. I noted that the student picked the correct program but the wrong 'offering'.

HOW/where do I go in SIMs to update to the corrent offering? I have tried a few things but I can't seem to change the pick from the student. I do not want to confirm the COE since it has the wrong costs for what the student is actually taking.


I also looked in my emails to try and find a contact to email for the BC SIMs portal but can't find anything.


Would appreciate if anyone has insights to share. My email is pwoodburn@wlu.ca if that is easier.

Thanks.

Pam, WLU

54 Views
Chua Xiong
13 avr.

Hello,


I inquired about this with our SABC rep/Support Officer a few months back. This is what he said: Since the application has already been approved and the student has accepted the assessment, you will need to submit a change request from your end. The student will then need to approve the request, after which it will be forwarded to SABC for review and approval.


With that being said, I have not actually submitted a change request and therefore, cannot assist in providing further instructions regarding this process. I believe contacting your usual SABC rep/Support Officer could provide some more insight and guidance.


I hope that helps.


Chua Xiong, UWaterloo

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