B.C. college abruptly closed

By JANE ARMSTRONG
Tuesday, June 21, 2005 Page A7

VANCOUVER -- School's out forever at a Vancouver business college that suddenly closed its classrooms, leaving approximately 200 students -- about half of whom are from foreign countries -- in the lurch for tuition fees and robbing them of a graduation.
Dozens arrived at the private downtown school yesterday morning to find classroom doors locked, the office ransacked, computers removed and all courses at the privately run Corporate Communications Training College cancelled.
A sign on the door signed by college president Lance Bracken said the 21-year-old college has "ceased operations."
For distraught Canadian students, the abrupt closing is a huge inconvenience and disappointment. Many paid thousands of dollars in tuition and now won't get a diploma.

But foreign students, in Canada on temporary study visas, panicked at the prospect that they are no longer enrolled in a study program.
Some, who are scheduled to renew their student visas in the coming weeks, fear they could be sent home.
"My visa is based on this school and now the school is gone," said Pan Liu, 23, from China. "I have to have that certificate."
Ms. Liu was enrolled in a website design course.
British Columbia has nearly 600 career-training institutes similar to the closed Vancouver college. Many are geared to foreign students, particularly from Asia. Legislation that protects students if an institution folds is enforced by a provincial agency. By midmorning, a provincial representative had arrived at the college to speak with students.
Jim Wright, registrar of B.C.'s Private Career Training Agency, said students who prepaid tuition are eligible for a 50-per-cent reimbursement, and other colleges are encouraged to accept their credits and complete their training.

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