Parents and supporters

Parents and supporters provide valuable support to Douglas College students. We hope the following information will help you prepare for this important role.

Why choose Douglas College?

A great education

Unlike at larger institutions, our courses are taught entirely by instructors, not teaching assistants. As a result, your student will always be learning from an instructor with years of experience. In addition, our instructors are focused on the classroom, not the research process. This means they have the time to develop an outstanding learning environment.

Small class sizes

First-year classes at major universities can have up to 450 students. At Douglas, the same courses are taught in a class of 30 to 35 students. As a result, your student will have the chance to engage in class discussion and develop meaningful connections with the instructor and their classmates.

Affordability

On average, students at Douglas College pay 40 percent less for the same courses taught at larger institutions, while earning the same credentials. In fact, students can save up to $4,000 by taking the first two years of a program at Douglas. If your student completes a four-year bachelor’s program with us, the savings double.

Getting started

Find out about the programs that Douglas College offers by viewing our full list. There are a number of ways to get more information:

Check the Program and Course Catalogue to learn more about admission, program and course requirements
Attend one of our free information sessions once your student has a program in mind
Schedule a campus tour for you and your student. Come visit and see what it’s like in person
Familiarize yourself with our registration process
Email the Future Students’ Office to get additional information

Applying to Douglas

Once your student has decided to come to Douglas College, they can apply online or in person at our Enrolment Services.

Tips for parents and supporters of new students

Support your student in building a financial plan. Together, visit Financial aid for more information on costs and financing college
Pass on your life skills by providing your student with tips on how to handle new responsibilities
Encourage your student to engage in student life
Help your student maintain a positive connection to family and home
Refer your student to on-campus supports such as advising services and counselling services
Encourage your student to make note of important dates and deadlines

Support services

At Douglas College we have many services available to support your student:

Academic advising services are available to help students navigate the post-secondary system, including selecting courses in order to graduate with a credential from Douglas College or for transfer to university. Advisors provide information for all programs offered at the College and many transfer options within British Columbia.
The Learning Centre offers both face-to-face and online tutoring, as well as self-help materials to help students improve their academic skills. All Learning Centre services are free to students enrolled in Douglas College courses.
Counselling services can assist students with managing their personal challenges, career planning and understanding their rights and responsibilities.
Student services are here to help your student succeed.

Privacy legislation

It's a good idea to become familiar with privacy legislation. We know parents and supporters have the best intentions when seeking information on behalf of their students, but we cannot legally release information regarding a student's application, file, or academic standing to anyone other than the student, without the student's prior written consent. This applies whether or not the student is a minor. Stay in touch with your student and empower them to make inquiries to student services on their own.