College De Comptabilite Et De Secretariat Du Quebec (CCSQ)

As a vocational institution with courses in medical and legal secretarial studies and computing support, CCSQ Sherbrooke understands the seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic and has a strong measures and guidelines plan in place to ensure the safest and most effective campus experience for its students. On September 8^th, 2020, for the first time since the start of the pandemic, CCSQ will open its doors to all students. Recognizing the need to adapt to changing global situations, the institution is taking every measure to keep students safe while working toward their future careers.

The teaching structure has been recently redesigned into a safer hybrid education model, where students attend half of their classes on campus and the other half online. This system allows for a smaller number of staff and students on campus, while still maintaining an active learning community. The hybrid system has the added benefit of reducing class sizes, with a higher on-campus staff-student ratio, giving students more contact time with tutors.

Students at CCSQ enjoy an excellent staff-student ratio, which results in a personalized learning experience with close contact with tutors and mentors. Training is applied in small groups and there is much opportunity for one-on-one guidance. Fifteen minutes are set aside at the end of each teaching session for student questions, to ensure that any queries regarding the course content can be addressed, and to encourage confidence in asking questions and establishing a dialogue with their tutors.

The courses taught are both practical and theoretical in nature, so students are able to apply the concepts they have learned in a simulated real-world environment. The teaching staff at CCSQ are highly qualified and experienced in their fields. Many have taught and worked overseas and are therefore highly capable of communicating their expertise to students from all kinds of backgrounds globally. The faculty is committed to creating a friendly and inclusive learning environment where the cultures, values and traditions of all students are given equal respect.

This year, the new hybrid teaching system gives students the opportunity to study parts of the course remotely, while in close contact with their academic mentors and peers. This adaptable model will streamline elements of the course delivery and give students opportunities to structure their work in ways which benefit their study goals.

CCSQ Sherbrooke offers six specialized DEP study programmes:

• Computing Support
• Accounting
• Secretarial Studies
• Secretarial Studies - Legal
• Secretarial Studies - Medical
• Legal Office Specialist studies

The Diploma in Vocational Studies (DEP/DVS) is a 2 years, 4 semesters Diploma with 3 semesters of secretarial studies, leading to a legal or medical office specialization (ASP) in the 4^th semester or a full 4-semester computing support (DVS/DEP) as a specialized course. These programs range on average from up to or more than 1,800 hours of contact time.

CCSQ inter-department structure ensures cross collaboration between course structures and transferable skill sets, which allow students to share departmental resources and work in close proximity to their peers, sharing the learning experience and working together in small teams on course related projects and assignments.

Applications for courses at CCSQ are completed online. Admission requirements are online, and are generally subject to the following prerequisites:

Completion of a course of education to minimum Grade 12 or equivalent and students must have scored at least 50 per cent in core subjects.

This may include:

The student holds a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent (e.g. a certificate of equivalency of their level of education).

(And)

The person is at least 16 years old on September 30 of the school year in which he or she begins training and has obtained the 4^th secondary units in the language of instruction, second language and mathematics in the established curricula, or has made apprenticeships that are recognized as the equivalent.

(And)

Prospective students must also demonstrate an English language proficiency which can be assessed by the following criteria:

• IELTS overall score of 6.0, with no band score less than 5.5 (in one module only)
• TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based with no single band score below 20)
• PTE Academic score of 53
• Duolingo testing score of 95 and above

At CCSQ, students have access to some of the latest tools to enhance their learning. The campus offers a range of well-equipped study spaces for classes, group project work, and individual study pods, as well as free, fast WiFi throughout the building. Top of the range computer laboratories are available for all students to use, and social areas provide space on campus for students to meet each other outside of the classroom to make friends and share ideas. Each student is also provided with a free laptop for the duration of their studies.

CCSQ has developed an efficient virtual learning platform which enables students to access information, communicate with their tutors and peers, and submit their work from anywhere in the world. This online facility gives Sherbrooke students the freedom to take advantage of the plentiful amenities which the city has to offer. Located in downtown Sherbrooke, there are many groceries, stores and restaurants nearby the campus, which is also situated only one kilometer away from Jacques-Cartier Park, a wonderful green space containing several sports facilities including soccer fields and tennis courts.

CCSQ is well regarded for its excellent well-being and student support services. The transition into higher education a big step, especially for students who move from their home countries to study in a new environment and often in their second or third language. A range of support services is provided to ensure that students reach their full academic potential, as well as enjoying their time in Sherbrooke.

• Academic Support - advisers provide support in areas such as time management, presentations, research skills, critical thinking, and group work.
• Financial Support - advice and assistance are available for anything from a phone contract to health insurance.
• Careers and Employability Support - providing support with identifying part-time work or internship opportunities, preparing for interviews and writing applications.
• Immigration Support - providing students with free and confidential advice regarding immigration and visas issues.

In addition to these support services, a dedicated team is also available to help international students settle in. A meet and greet service for arriving students, and an airport pickup service, where students can be met at Montreal Airport and taken to their accommodation.