Bachelor of Applied Business:
Emergency Services (BAppBus:ES)
Student Handbook
Welcome!
This leading edge Emergency Services program fjrst accepted students in September
2003. Since that time, we have continued to deliver a high quality, innovative
distributed learning modules, which have been designed BY your industry FOR your
industry.
This program is designed in a learner-teaching-learner model. As you progress through
the modules, you will be working with and learning from professionals from within all
areas of the Emergency Services field. Enjoy this program, as you will no doubt find
some of the greatest learning experiences will occur through the sharing of stories
between your student colleagues.
Over our 100-year history as a college, we have established a solid reputation for
excellent programs and for providing superior services for our student. I’m confident you
will be happy with your Lakeland experience. Thank you again for choosing Lakeland
College.
Once again, welcome to the Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services.
Debbie Smeaton
Manager, BAppBus:ES Program and EMS Programs
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................... 2 General Program Information ................................................ 3 Program Objectives................................................................ 3 BAppBus:ES Program Overview ............................................. 4 Graduation Requirements .............................................................................4 Program Admission ................................................................ 5 Advanced Credit ..................................................................... 6 2011/12 Fee Schedule for BApp Bus: Emergency Services .. 7 Tentative BAppBus:ES Course Schedule ............................ 11 Success in Online Learning ................................................. 13 Program Delivery Methods ................................................... 13 Blackboard Basics ............................................................... 15 Program FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) ....................... 22 The Learning Centre ............................................................ 23 Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) .. 24 Grading System .................................................................... 24 Online Discussion Guidelines .............................................. 26 Online Discussion Techniques ............................................. 26 NETiquette Basics ............................................................... 28 Assignment Guidelines ........................................................ 29 Online Discussion Grading Rubric ....................................... 31 2 of 32
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General Program Information
The Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services is a post-diploma applied
degree program directed at personnel already employed in the fire, medical,
police, or military, disaster management or corrections fields and designed to
provide integrated management and leadership skills applicable to each field.
Candidates for this program have demonstrated a competency in the entry and
intermediate level skill requirements for their field. The program’s elective
modules emphasize the integrated nature of emergency services and provide
students with a holistic view of emergency services administration. Students
complete two-four month directed practicum during which they each carry out a
supervised administrative project and submit a written report.
Program Objectives
1. To provide students with training in both the theoretical aspects of
emergency services management and practical training opportunities in
which to apply the theories learned in a further practicum portion of the
degree.
2. To prepare front line and supervisory emergency response personnel to
assume leadership in management roles.
3. To provide students with a working knowledge of the challenges faced by
their colleagues in emergency services other than their own, and every
attempt will be made to maintain a balance of content applicable to the
various emergency services fields.
4. To provide the training and opportunities previously listed in such a way
as to recognized and assess prior learning and to accommodate a flexible
learner-based model of adult education provision.
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BAppBus:ES Program Overview
The BAppBus: ES program is a part-time program offered online using
Blackboard. Candidates can expect to take about 3 years of continuous part-time
study to complete the program.
Part One:
The 30 credit academic portion of the program is delivered in a series of modules,
each approximately three weeks in duration. Twenty-four credits of this portion
are core requirements; students select the remaining six required credits from a
list of electives. Students can expect to spend seven to fifteen hours per week per
module.
Part Two:


Two 4-month directed practicums, during which students undertake a
management project and submit a written report at the end of each
practicum.
Practicum projects will be developed in consultation with a Lakeland
College faculty member, the employer, and the student.
Graduation Requirements
Students who successfully complete the necessary modules covering a range of
core and non-core competencies, 800 practicum hours with two written project
reports, and achieve a program GPA of 2.00 (C) or above, will be eligible to
receive a Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services.
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Program Admission
1. Complete and submit an Application for Admission on-line at
www.lakelandcollege.ca or www.applyalberta.ca
2. Send your transcripts and/or certification documentation to support direct
diploma entry or indirect entry consisting of 1200 hours of related training
3. Send an official letter from your Agency confirming a minimum 5 years
full-time work in an Emergency Service Organization
Direct entry:
Graduates of the following two-year diploma programs may be eligible for direct
entry:
 Emergency Services Technology
 Emergency Medical Technologist EMT-P
 Correctional Service Diploma
o Policing Program Diploma
o Corrections Program Diploma
o NFPA Certification to 1200 hours
Indirect entry:
Candidates will be assessed on the basis of transfer credits and official transcripts
totalling 1200 hours of emergency services training. Up to 600 hours of approved
in-service training may be considered. Students presenting training for
consideration will be required to supply proof of completion, including the
number of hours of training and a detailed description of training. A course
syllabus may be required for evaluation.
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Advanced Credit
Students may request Advanced credits in the BAppBus:ES program for
coursework completed in other recognized post-secondary programs which match
or exceed the BAppBus:ES program courses in content, intent and rigour.
Note that some courses specify that no Advanced Credit can be granted.
Where students request Advanced credits for electives that would be classified as
General Electives (those which do not match specific electives currently offered
in the program), they must meet the following criteria:



Must be a credit course from an accredited institution
The course must have a management focus (management is a very generic
term so this still gives quite a bit of flexibility to the learner)
The course must be significantly different or advanced over our core
modules. For example it cannot be a general management course (similar
to BES355-1). However, it can be an advanced Management Accounting
course since we only cover a beginner level of Accounting.
The maximum number of General Elective credits which a student may be
assessed is 6 credits.
To apply for Advanced Credit, students should contact the Program Assistant, Tara
Blonjeaux:
Call toll-free 1 800 661 6490 ext. 8506
Call direct in Vermilion at 780 853 8506
Email Tara Blonjeaux at [email protected]
Effective January 1, 2011, an evaluation fee of $200 per module for Advanced
Credit shall be in effect for all students in the BAppBus:ES program, regardless of
when they enrolled in the program. This fee is payable prior to initiation of an
Advanced Credit assessment, and is non-refundable, regardless of whether or not
the Advanced Credit is awarded. No Advanced Standing assessments shall be
made for students who have not applied to the program and paid their application
fee. Advanced Credit shall be assessed after an Advance Standing application is
made, the Advanced Credit fee is paid, and documentation substantiating the
work being assessed is supplied. Policy in effect January 1, 2011.
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2011/12 Fee Schedule for BApp Bus: Emergency
Services
Application Fee
Regular Per Credit Course Fee
BES 341-1 Interpersonal Comm (Orientation)
BES362 Emergency Preparedness
Practicums
Online resource fee (note1)
Advance Credit Assessment per module
e-text fee (approximate)
23 x $305
2 x $1265
$ 75
$7015
$500
$1425
$2530
$ 500
$200
$295
Fees are subject to change. The Tuition Fee Regulation of the province of Alberta
provides for an annual average increase to an institution’s tuition fees equal to the
consumer price index. Students should be aware that books, materials and technical
support costs will increase from time to time. Please refer to the academic calendar for a
listing of miscellaneous fees.
Bachelor of Applied Business: Emergency Services
Schedule of Fees for 1st Semester
September - December, 2011
First Semester Tuition Fees
1
Online Resource Fee
$500.00
BES341-1: Internal Workplace Communication
$500.00
BES370-2: Organizational Behaviour
$305.00
BES341-2: Crisis Communications
$305.00
BES355-1: Emergency Services Management
$305.00
Total 1st Semester Tuition Fees
e-Text Fee2
Student Access Card (approximately)
$295.00
$1980.00
$295.00
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Notes:
Note 1:
The Online Resource Fee is a one-time only fee, which will be assessed at the
beginning of the first Semester of study. This fee will allow the learner access to
an integrated online MBA level Business database and all online textbook
resources materials for the program.
Note 2:
The e-text Fee must be paid directly to the College Bookstore (1-780-853-8525)
prior to the beginning of the first semester of study. This fee will provide the
learner with access to all required texts online.
Enrolment, Drop, Withdrawal and Refund Regulations
Course Modules
 The official start date of each module is a Monday; however students can access


Blackboard on Friday prior to the start date.
Students must notify the Office of the Registrar in writing (email is permitted) of
their withdrawal from a course or from the program. Please contact Dena Klein
in the Office of the Registrar at [email protected] .
Each module ends the Sunday, three weeks from the start (21 days).
BAppBus:ES Module Refund Policy (does not include BES 341-1 or BES 362)
 Withdrawal prior to midnight of day six (Sunday) - 100% refund of fees and no
record of enrolment.
 Withdrawal 7 to 14 days - no fee refund - “W” grade assigned.
 Withdrawal after 14 days – no fee refund – “WF” assigned.
Practicums
 The official start date of each Practicum is a Monday; however students can


access Blackboard on Friday prior to the start date. Refer to your program
completion schedule for the exact start date.
The learner is responsible for notifying the Office of the Registrar of their
intention to withdraw from the Program or a Practicum. The request must be
submitted in writing or via email and change is not processed until received at the
Office of the Registrar.
Please advise Dena Klein in the Office of the Registrar at
[email protected]
BAppBus:ES Practicum Refund Policy
o 100% refund of Practicum Fees if withdrawing in the first 2 weeks of the
Practicum – no record of enrolment.
o 50% refund of Practicum Fees if withdrawing during the third and fourth
week – “W” grade assigned.
o No refund of Practicum fees if withdrawing after the fourth week – “W”
grade assigned.
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


Students who fail to submit a completed, signed and dated:
o Practicum Document of Understanding
o Practicum Agreement
o Practicum Supervisor Contact Questionnaire within the first week of the
Practicum will be dropped from the Practicum. No record of the
enrollment will appear on the transcript. See above for applicable
withdrawal requirements and Practicum Fee refunds.
Failure to withdraw before the deadline will result in a failing grade.
The official end date of each Practicum is Sunday ( approximately sixteen weeks
from the start date)
Incomplete Grades
Module Courses
 When academic performance has been satisfactory but course requirements have
not been completed a temporary Incomplete (IN) grade may be awarded along
with a specific deadline for completion. Note: an Incomplete will be changed to
a failing (F) grade if the required course work is not completed and submitted by
the prescribed deadline.
Practicums
When final Practicum and/or Project submissions do not meet format
requirements a temporary Incomplete (IN) grade may be awarded to students and
an extension given (maximum one week) for resubmission of the identified
material(s).
 When final Practicum and/or Project submissions do not meet the minimum
academic standards a temporary Incomplete (IN) grade may be awarded (in
special circumstances) to students and a Supplemental Evaluation (note:
enrollment documents and fee submissions are required) initiated (maximum one
month) for resubmission of the identified material(s).
 No credit will be earned nor a grade calculated in GPA for either the extension or
the Supplemental Evaluation. The Incomplete will be changed to a failing (F)
grade if the required course work is not completed and submitted by the
prescribed deadline(s).

Program Materials
 e-texts and online resources
o
o
Please contact the Lakeland College Bookstore at 1-800-661-6490 ext.
8525 before the orientation to purchase your student access card (e-text
user info). The e-text card will allow you access to all required texts for
this program online. The cost of this fee is approximately $260.24.
Most modules will have on-line resources through ABI/INFORM which
students will have access to through their Lakeland College Library
account (contact #: 1-780-853-8460). Please note: No library technical
support is available for students outside of library hours. If you encounter
a problem outside of library hours, report it by email to the Program
Assistant, who will investigate at the beginning of the next business day.
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A note on ABI/INFORM: ABI/INFORM has been one of the most
comprehensive sources of business information for more than 30 years. The
database contains content from thousands of journals that help researchers track
business and economic conditions, trends, corporate strategies, and management
techniques worldwide ABI/INFORM Global is one of the most comprehensive
business databases on the market. It includes in-depth coverage for over 2,300
publications, with more than 1,580 available in full-text. ABI/INFORM Global is
designed for students and faculty at business schools offering the latest business
and financial information for researchers at all levels. With ABI/INFORM
Global, users can find out about business conditions, management techniques,
business trends, management practice and theory, corporate strategy and tactics,
and competitive landscape. ABI/INFORM Global consists of: ABI/INFORM
Global, ABI/INFORM Archive, and Wall Street Journal, Eastern Edition.
Lakeland College Library, as a member of the NEOS consortium, allows students
to borrow items from member NEOS libraries. Students can borrow items
directly from the nearest member library using their Lakeland College
student/library ID card. A list of member libraries can be found at
http://www.neoslibraries.ca under the tab entitled Libraries

User name and Password for Blackboard
o Your Blackboard user name is lk_ first two letters of your
firstname_lastname
e.g. John Smith becomes lk_jo_smith
o Initially, your password is set as changeme. Students are strongly
encouraged to change the password upon beginning the modules.
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Tentative BAppBus:ES Course Schedule
For September 2011 Co-horts
The dates below are only tentative, and are current as of September 2011. Both the dates
and the order of the modules are subject to change, so please consult the program website
for the most up-to-date schedule.
2011
Tentative dates
Module
sequence
Module
number
Module name
Sept 10th & 11th
Module 1
BES341-1
Interpersonal Communications
(on-site in Vermilion, AB)
Sept 10th & 11th
Module 1
BES341-1
Interpersonal Communications
(on-site in Ontario)
Oct 2nd
Interpersonal Communications
Ends
Oct 3rd – Oct 23rd
Module 2
BES370-2
Organizational Behaviour
Oct 31st – Nov 20th
Module 3
BES341-2
Crisis Communications
Nov 28th – Dec 18th
Module 4
BES355-1
Emergency Services Management
Dec 19th – Jan 8,
2011
Christmas Break
2012
Tentative dates
Module
sequence
Module
number
Module name
Jan 9th – Jan 29th
Module 5
BES344-1
Human Resources Management for
Emergency Services
Feb 6th – Feb 26th
Module 6
BES370-3
Team Leadership & Development
Mar 5th – Mar 25th
Module 7
BES340-1
Accounting Principles
Apr 2nd – Apr 22nd
Module 8
BES340-2
Apr 30th – May 20th
Module 9
BES340-3
Financial Statement Analysis
Capital Budgeting
May 28th – Jun 17th
Module 10
BES330-1
Statistics for Administrators
Jun 18th – Sept 9th
Summer Break
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2012
Emergency Preparedness and
Response
(on-site in Alberta, site TBA)
Emergency Preparedness and
Response
(on-site in Ontario, site TBA)
Sept 10th – Sept
14th
Module 11
BES362
Sept 17th – Sept
21st
Module 11
BES362
Sept 24th – Oct 14th
Module 12
BES356-1
Strategic Business Planning
Oct 22nd – Nov
11th
Module 13
BES356-2
Resource Management
Nov 19th – Dec 9th
Module 14
BES355-2
Emergency Services Administration
Planning & Policy
Dec 10th – Jan 6,
2012
Christmas Break
2013
Jan 7th – Jan 27th
Module 14
BES301-3
OH&S Program Development &
Organization
Feb 4th – Feb 24th
Module 16
BES370-1
Performance Management &
Coaching
Mar 4th – Mar 24th
Module 17
BES325-1
Ethics for Emergency Services
Managers
Apr 1st – Apr 21st
Module 18
BES380-1
Critical Thinking
Apr 29th – May 19th
Module 19
BES3xx
Elective
May 27th – Jun 16th
Module 20
BES3xx
Elective
Jun 17th – Sept 1st
Summer Break
Sept 3rd – Dec
22nd
BES400
Dec 23th – Jan 5,
2014
Practicum I
Christmas Break
2014
Jan 6th – Jan 26th
Module 21
BES3xx
Elective
Feb 3rd – Feb 23rd
Module 22
BES3xx
Elective
Mar 3rd – Mar 23rd
Module 23
BES3xx
Elective
BES410
Practicum II
Mar 31st – Jul 20th
Jul 21st – Sept 7th
Summer Break
Sept 8th – Sept 28th
Module 24
BES3xx
Elective
Oct 6th – Oct 26th
Module 25
BES380-2
Reflective Thinking
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Success in Online Learning
Online learning courses generally cover the same material as a regular on-campus class,
but the information is delivered in a variety of formats that can be quite different from
traditional classroom lectures. Student/student and student/instructor interactions occur
at a distance and are often asynchronous (not at the same time).
However, online learning requires careful time management, and self-management, to
balance the workload and deadlines of your modules with your ‘non-student’ life that
most likely includes a family, and a full-time job, as well as numerous other
commitments.
Blackboard offers simple assessments of study and work habits, learning styles, etc. that
will help you succeed in these modules. They, as well as extensive student services links,
are found under ‘for students’ in Blackboard’s entry page at:
https://behind.blackboard.com/s/student/
Strategies for success:

Know yourself: Manage your time and procrastination: If you are a procrastinator,
think about what situations make it easy for you to procrastinate, and then build your
schedule and activities around prevention.
o Identify your top five time wasters;
o Identify strengths and weaknesses in your time management practices;
o Learn strategies for making a daily, weekly and module schedule;
o Learn how to evaluate your time schedule;
o Assess where your time goes; and,
o Learn some strategies for improving your time management.

Pace yourself: It is often easier to complete one hour of work per day, rather than
trying to cram 10 hours of course work into a weekend.

Plan your module: Look over the course contents for your module, and create a
calendar with deadlines highlighted, as well as examining the requirements for
meeting those deadlines, for example, check whether there are large readings, outside
resources required, collaborative work, or extensive writing and editing. Knowing
the road ahead will help you manage your time effectively.
Program Delivery Methods
The BAppBus:ES program is offered mainly on-line in the Blackboard format, but there
are two on-site components.
On-site Requirements
An on-site Orientation Weekend to the BAppBus:ES is a required component for each
cohort, offers students an opportunity to meet faculty and other learners in the program,
provides an understanding of online learning, program expectations and provides an
introduction to online learning using Blackboard. Presently, the onsite component of the
BAppBus:ES is limited to a weekend orientation scheduled for the start of the first
semester. One additional one-week course is offered on-site only: BES362. There is no
online option for BES362. Current information is available on the program homepage.
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Distributed Learning
The majority of BAppBus:ES modules will be offered online using Blackboard. All
course information will be accessed through Blackboard, including assignments,
discussion groups, learning materials, etc. Students should complete an online learning
skills assessment before committing to the program, as well as ensuring they meet the
minimum computer hardware and software and Internet access requirements. These
details are available on the BAppBus:ES home page, a useful link for self-assessment is
found below.

Skills for Online Learning Assessment of Readiness (SOLAR).
http://elearn.mtsac.edu/olsc/readiness/ This self-assessment helps you to evaluate
your study skills, technical skills, and overall readiness for online learning.
Address for the online component is at: http://www.ecampusalberta.ca/. Blackboard’s
login page is shown below.
Click Here
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Log-in to
Blackboard
Blackboard Basics
Getting Started
Your module will
be listed here.
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Once you select your module, you will be taken the Module Homepage, similar to the
one below. At this screen, you can select which part of the module to complete first.
What are the assignments and the deadlines, etc.?
The following Blackboard information is only a basic outline of the steps for using
Blackboard. In the HELP file on each page in Blackboard, you can access specific,
detailed information.
The following components may be included in the BAppBus:ES Blackboard modules,
but it is up to the instructor for each module whether or not they choose to include them
in their module. Found on the top gray bar, the course map provides an outline of the
course organization. When selected, you will find the following list of module
components.


Homepage: displays visual icons linked to each part of the course.


Calendar: shows a schedule of deadlines and important dates for your module.

Assignments: lists the assignments and deadlines, as well as functions to submit
assignments to the instructor.

Module Contents: probably the most important page for students, as this page
outlines the entire module’s objectives, assignments, deadlines, and grading.

Discussion: This page allows you to see the discussion topics, as well as read and
post to discussion topics.
Syllabus: also called a course outline, includes information about the instructor, the
module goals, rationale, textbooks, and links to Lakeland College academic policies.
e-mail: This is where you compose and receive messages related to your module,
used extensively in group work. Mail allows you to send private mail messages to
your instructor and to other students in your course
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
Self test: Some instructors may choose not to use this function, but some instructors
may assign a self-test to review material from readings, etc.
The Module Contents page lists the objectives, assignments, deadlines, and grading.
Posting to a Discussion Group
Once you select ‘Discussion’, you will be taken to a screen similar to the one below, where you
can choose the discussion topic required to participate in.
Your instructor will ‘open’, or ‘close’ discussion topics, according to your module schedule, so
that you can only contribute to a discussion topic after a certain date, and you are unable to
continue posting to a discussion topic following a cut-off date.
Please refer to the “Online Discussion Guidelines” in this handbook for details on the
requirements for your discussion contributions. Individual instructors may require more specific
criteria for their Discussions – refer to the module table for detailed information.
Reading a message
1. From Discussions, do one of the following:

To view messages for a single topic, click the topic containing the messages
you want to read. The Discussion Messages screen appears.
 To view all messages, click All. The Discussion Messages screen appears.
2. In the header row, expand the thread by clicking Expand All. All messages in the
thread appear. Note: A paper clip icon appears if the message has attachments.
3. Click the name of message that you want to read. The message opens.
4. If the message includes a file attachment, you can do the following:

Note: It is recommended that you install updated anti-virus software before viewing
or downloading attachments.
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
To display the file attachment, on the Discussion Messages screen or an open
message, click the Attachments link to view.
5. When you have finished reading the message, you can:



close the message. Click Close. The Discussion Messages screen appears.
reply to the message.
download the message.
Sending messages with or without attachments
1.
2.
3.
From Discussions, click the topic to which you wish to post a message. The Discussion
Messages screen appears.
Click Create message. The Create Discussion Message screen appears in a new browser
window.
Compose your message by doing one of the following:
 In the Message text box, enter your message.
 Click HTML editor. Note: Depending on administrator settings, the HTML
editor may not be available.
4.
5.
If you want to attach a file:
 Click Add Attachments, then your computer's file browser appears.
 Locate and select the file you want to upload. The path and filename of your
attachment appears in the Attachments text box.
 Click Ok. The filename appears as a link, and is attached to your message.
To preview your message before sending: Click Preview. A preview appears in a new
browser window. Click Close this Window to return to the Create Discussion Message
screen.
6. Click Post. Your message is posted to the discussion topic.
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Replying to a message
1. From Discussions, click the topic containing the message to which you want to
reply. The Discussion Messages screen appears.
1.
2.
3.
4.
7.
8.
Click the message to which you want to reply. The message appears.
In the Subject text box, edit the subject of your message.
Compose your message in either the message text box, or by using the HTML editor.
If you want to attach a file:
 Click Add Attachments, then your computer's file browser appears.
 Locate and select the file you want to upload. The path and filename of your
attachment appears in the Attachments text box.
a. Click Ok. The filename appears as a link, and is attached to your message.
To preview your message before sending: Click Preview. A preview appears in a new
browser window. Click Close this Window to return to the Create Discussion Message
screen.
Click Post. Your message is posted to the discussion topic.
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Submitting an Assignment
In preparing assignments for your module, please follow the “Assignment Guidelines”
found in this handbook, and online with your module.
To submit your completed assignment, select “Assignments” from the Course Menu, and
you will be taken to a page similar to the one below.
Viewing Assignments
1.
From Assignments, click the name of the assignment you want to view. The Assignment
screen for that assignment appears. Note: If your instructor has created a hyperlink to an
assignment file, a new screen opens displaying the page.
2. If your instructor has included assignment-related files for you to download, an
Assignment files table appears listing those files.
Submitting Assignments

Submitting an assignment involves two steps:
o
o
Upload the file from your computer to Blackboard.
Submit the file for grading.
Uploading files
1.
2.
3.
4.
From Assignments, click the assignment you want to submit.
To upload the file, click Add Attachments.
To locate the file, click Browse to open your computer's file browser.
Select the file. The filename will display in the Filename text box.
5. Click Ok.
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Submitting files for grading
2. If your instructor has enabled Blackboard's email notification feature, you can
receive email notification that your assignment was submitted successfully. Type
your email address into the text box. Note: If this feature is not enabled, this text
box will not appear.
3.
To submit the uploaded assignment(s), under Submit Assignment, click Submit
assignment. The Submit Assignment screen appears. Notes: All assignments in
the Student files table are submitted.
4.
Click Submit assignment. A confirmation screen appears.
5. Click OK. The Assignments screen reappears, with Submitted displayed in the Status
column. When the assignment has been graded, Submitted changes to Graded and your
grade appears in the Grade column. Click Graded to view your instructor's comments.
Notes:

Blackboard will not recognize file names with spaces, or characters that are not numbers
or letters. As well, the file name cannot contain any of the following characters:
 spaces, tabs, line feeds, carriage returns
 :~[]!@#$%^&*()+`}}|\<>,?/;'"

Make sure your file name includes the file extension that corresponds to the software you
used. For example, if you completed your assignment in Excel, add .xls to the file name if
the software program doesn't automatically add it.
Getting help
Selecting Help from the top bar on the screen will open a new screen related to whatever
screen you are on; however, you can select the Help Index to choose a particular topic.
Blackboard Help Index
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Program FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I have to take the modules in sequence, or can I take a break and then
return to the program?
A: While the modules are currently scheduled in sequence, if you take a break you MAY
be able jump back into the program at a later module start date. The only problem you
may find is that a few of the modules have an earlier module as a pre-requisite, which
you need to complete before registering for the next module. Please contact the Program
Coordinator before making a decision on missing any of the modules.
Can I transfer some university courses to receive credit for the elective
modules?
A: Lakeland College strives to allow maximum transferability of previous post-secondary
learning. Please check the BAppBus:ES website for the list of modules which are
eligible for transfer credit. . Contact the Program Manager for exact transfer eligibility.
I’d rather take modules on-site rather than online. What modules do you
offer on-site?
A: This program is designed to be as flexible as the needs of the learner are. Outside of
the Orientation Module and the one-week BES 362 course, which are delivered on-site,
the rest of the program is currently scheduled for distance delivery through Blackboard.
If a critical number of learners desired for a module to be delivered in an on-site format,
arrangements could be made to accommodate that request.
When should I be ordering books for my upcoming modules and where is
the book list?
A: There is no booklist. All resource materials are in online format.
How much work must I complete in each module to pass the module?
A: All assignments in each module must be completed. Failure to pass an assignment or
hand in an assignment will result in a failing grade (F) in the course. A passing grade for
module components is D (50%); however, students must maintain a minimum 2.00
average to remain in good standing and to graduate from the program. (Effective
for all students September 2011)
How long do I have to complete the program?
A: Students have five years to successfully complete all program requirements.
What if I am unavailable during part of one module?
If the total absence (excused plus unexcused) exceeds 20% of the required participation, a
student may be required to withdraw from the module and will automatically receive a
grade of "W" (Withdrawal: No credit earned. Not calculated in GPA.). This policy is
enforced by all BAppBus:ES Instructors at their discretion on a class-by-class basis.
NOTE: Students exceeding the permitted absence after the withdrawal date automatically
receive 0% for the course at the discretion of the instructor.
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Fostering Student Success
Policies and Procedures
The following policies and procedures may be found in the Lakeland College calendar, or
on the Lakeland College website in the section titled “Future and Current students”,
under the section called “Registration and Regulations”.
Please refer to the Lakeland College calendar and website www.lakelandcollege.ca
(found under Future and Current students/Registration and Regulations) for details on the
following policies and topics:

Academic policies

Grading system

Honours and Distinction Standing

Procedure: Learning Assessment and Recognition
o Transfer credit and advanced credit

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Harassment policy

Student grievance and appeal

Student Discipline; discipline actions, transcript of marks

Cancellation and Withdrawal
The Learning Centre
Students who would benefit from assistance with study habits and learning strategies are
encouraged to contact The Learning Centre at http://www.lakelandcollege.ca/campuslife/learning-center/. Students with documented disabilities, such as dyslexia, should
contact the Program Manager before beginning studies.
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Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
(FOIP)
FOIP is provincial legislation with which Lakeland College must comply. Lakeland
College supports the right of the public to access information about the College and the
right of individuals to the privacy of their personal information. If you have any
questions about the collection, use, or disclosure of your personal information or on any
matters of access or privacy, please feel free to contact the Registrar.
Employee/Student Records Reference Request
This form must be completed and signed by students when requesting references from
instructors and employees of Lakeland College. Copies may be obtained from your
Instructor or Program Assistant (Phone: 780-853-8506).
FOIP Procedures for Student Marks, Assignments, and Exams
Instructors will post a final or interim mark for modules by randomized student I.D.
numbers at a specified location that will be linked to your module homepage at the eCA
Blackboard site.
You have the option of making other arrangements with the instructor if you do NOT
want marks/assignments/exams returned in this manner. It is the student’s responsibility
to complete the “Student Marks/Assignments Consent Form” and arrange with each
instructor for an alternate method to return marks/assignments/exams.
Grading System
In all programs, the letter grade system is used. Instructors may choose to indicate
standings on assignments and examinations with letter or percentage grades, but final
grades will be converted to the 0 to 4 grade-point system. Course outlines include the
following standard grade-point conversion scale for all Bachelor of Applied Emergency
Services Administration courses.
Grade Points
Letter
F
D
D+
C-
C
C+
B-
B
B+
A-
A
A+
Percent
Range
0-49
5052
5356
5760
6165
6669
7074
7579
8084
8589
9094
95100
Points
0.00
1.00
1.30
1.70
2.00
2.30
2.70
3.00
3.30
3.70
4.00
4.00
All assignments in each module must be completed. Failure to pass an assignment or
hand in an assignment will result in a failing grade (F) in the course. A passing grade for
module components is D (50%). (Effective for all students September 2011)
If the total absence (excused plus unexcused) exceeds 20% of the required participation, a
student may be required to withdraw from the module and will automatically receive a
grade of "W" (Withdrawal: No credit earned. Not calculated in GPA.). This policy is
enforced by all BAppBus:ES Instructors at their discretion on a class-by-class basis.
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NOTE: Students exceeding the permitted absence after the withdrawal date automatically
receive 0% for the course at the discretion of the instructor.
Please take special note of the grading system to avoid any unnecessary surprises
during your academic career. The Lakeland College Emergency Training Centre uses
a D (1.00) as an individual course passing mark.
Complete details of the Lakeland College grading system including the grading symbols
are available at: http://www.lakelandcollege.ca/campus-life/Grading-System/
Graduation Requirements
In order to graduate:

The students must achieve a program GPA of 2.00 (C) or above.
 The student must also successfully complete all components of the
prescribed core and elective modules
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure compliance with ALL graduation prerequisites.
Students are required to complete an Application for Credential
This form lets Student Services know that you have completed the program requirements
and qualified to receive your parchment. The form is available on our website at:
http://www.lakelandcollege.ca/files/PDF/studentforms/Application_for_Credential_2011.pdf.
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Online Discussion Guidelines
Throughout the BAppBus:ES modules you will take part in asynchronous online
discussions through Blackboard. Briefly, this means you will access a discussion group
to take part in a discussion directed by your instructor. You will post messages and
responses to your colleagues’ postings. There are numerous reasons for, and advantages
to, participating in online discussions.

Freedom from constraints of time and location. You can communicate with your
instructors and peers at any time, unrestricted by your own or anyone else’s schedule.
You log on and read or post messages when it is convenient for you to do so.

Equal opportunity. Online discussions allow everyone to contribute. Research
shows that students vocal in a face-to-face classroom setting are also likely to be
regular participants to online discussions, but students less vocal in the classroom
may participate more when presented with the opportunity of online discussion.

The message, not the messenger is the focus. You are not influenced or influence
others by race, gender, age or indeed, any of the visual perceptions that color what or
how we present information.

Knowledge building. Form follows function in an online discussion. Online
discussions promote knowledge building through scaffolding, reflection, exploration,
sequencing, and collaboration.1
Online Discussion Techniques
Online discussion skills take time to develop. Without the usual visual cues of facial
expressions, gestures, and body language, or cues of vocal expression and pauses, it is
initially difficult to assess the effects of your message or express yourself as easily as you
would like. The following section provides some guidelines for participating in online
discussions and some techniques that you may find helpful in compensating for the lack
of cues.






1
Building knowledge domains: a mentor not only introduces a learner to the main
concepts and facts in a subject area, but also helps develop the necessary cognitive
skills.
Scaffolding: this refers to the support, advice, encouragement, and feedback given by
the mentor as the learner works towards ‘mastery’;
Reflection: because of the asynchronous nature of computer conferencing, learners
can research and reflect on practice before responding.
Exploration: learners are put in the role of ‘experts’, to critique or advise on others’
work;
Sequencing instructor: the instructor controls the sequence of instruction
(presentation of information, learning of concepts, presentation by learners in their
own words of what they have learned, feedback from others);
Peer collaboration for expert practice: co-operatively sharing knowledge with
others.
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Guidelines for Online Discussions
1. K.I.S.S. In this instance the acronym stands for “Keep It Suitably Short”. Postings
should be kept to less than a screen’s worth of text, approximately 300 words. If your
discussion assignment requires you to post large blocks of text, use headings to
separate ideas.
2. Think, then type. Online discussions allow you to take time to formulate your
messages clearly and concisely, choose your words for maximum effect, and
organize your thoughts. Some students find it useful to compose their response in a
MS Word document, check for spelling and grammar, and then cut and paste into the
Blackboard discussion.
3. Describe the message topic in the subject line. This is especially important if you
are introducing a new topic, or if your reply to a previous posting changes focus.
When replying to a posting, retain the original subject line.
4. Type questions on a separate line. This technique helps your readers if they want to
reply to a question later without reading your whole message again.
5. Use conversational English but write to be clearly understood.
6. Send messages to the people who need them. If you have a message that you want
to send to only one or two members of the discussion group, send it via e-mail.
Messages to the discussion thread will be read by everyone participating and should
be of use or interest to everyone.
7. Quote selectively. Quoting, or including part of the previous person’s message in
your reply, is common practice in online discussions. While this is helpful in
providing context for your reply, it should be used sparingly. Use quotes when
necessary for clear meaning and context in your message, and avoid quoting the
entire message.
8. Use a person’s name when you reply to a message. This helps to keep everyone
oriented, and allows a clearer sense of the speaker and to whom they are speaking. As
we begin to associate names with tone and ideas, we come to know each other better.
9. Convey Emotion Emotions can be projected in online discussion, just as in
conventional face-to-face conversations. The difficulty lies in ensuring that your
messages are being transmitted and received as intended when you cannot see or hear
your audience.

Use emoticons and acronyms sparingly, but use them if you feel you might be
misunderstood. A list of emoticons and acronyms follows these guidelines.

Use capital letters for EMPHASIS but avoid typing in all capitals – it’s
considered SHOUTING AT YOUR AUDIENCE.

Use asterisks to set off words or phrases that color your message, such as *grin*,
*look of total confusion*
10. Use humour to supplement your point. Humor can be a valuable component to
clarity and enjoyment of online discussions, as long as it’s not at anyone’s expense.
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NETiquette Basics

Use first names in your conference (discussion) and e-mail messages, just as you
would in a face-to-face classroom.

Occasionally include some personalizing details in your message, like where you
are writing from, or what is going on around you.

In general, don’t worry about perfect grammar, but write to be clearly understood.

Respond promptly to your messages. Even if you don’t have time to reply in full, a
brief reply indicating you got the message and will reply shortly is considered
polite.

Notify the discussion group if you are going to be away from your computer for a
few days for work, travel, or vacation.

Be lavish with praise and sparing with criticism. If you must criticize, focus on the
content of the message, not the person who posted it.

Posting angry, sarcastic comments, or “flaming”, is bad manners, just as losing
your temper in a face-to-face classroom would be.
Common emoticons (or smileys) on the Internet.
Emoticon
Meaning
Emoticon
Meaning
:-)
Happy (basic smiley)
:'(
Crying
:-D
Big smile
%-)
Confused or cross-eyed
;-)
Winking face
%-(
Sad and confused
:-P
Sticking my tongue out
¦-O
Yawning or bored
:-/
Smirk (for wry humor)
¦-|
Sleepy or sleeping
:-O
Surprised
d :-)
Hats off to a great idea
:-(
Unhappy or sad
>:-(
Angry
Common acronyms used in chat and discussions.
AFAIK
As far as I know
ASAP
As soon as possible
AKA
Also known as
BBS
Be back soon
BBL
Be back later
BTW
By the way
BEG
Big evil grin
FWIW
For what it's worth
CID
Crying in disgrace
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
IMO
In my opinion
FYI
For your information
LOL
Laughing out loud
GMTA
Great minds think alike
LTNS
Long time no see
LMHO
Laughing my head off
OBTW
Oh, by the way
OTOH
On the other hand
OTTOMH
Off the top of my head
ROTFL
Roll on the floor laughing
WRT
With respect to
SOHF
Sense of humor failure
WYSIWYG
What you see is what you get
*H*
Hug
YWIA
You're welcome in advance
*S*
Sob
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Assignment Guidelines
Assignments should be prepared and presented in a professional manner. This guide
provides some general principles for submitting assignments. If you are unable to comply
with any of the following guidelines, please contact your instructor to make alternate
arrangements.
General Guidelines

Time Management: Plan ahead. Review all the tasks and assignments for each
module before you begin work. Estimate how much time you will need to spend on
each task and assignment and review your employment schedule for the duration of
the module.

Deadlines: All assignments must be completed in order to receive a grade for the
course. Requests for extensions should be made before the due date. Granting
extension requests made after the due date will be at the discretion of individual
instructors.

Confidentiality: It is expected that unless express permission to disclose is
granted, matters of a confidential nature shall remain confidential in face-toface class, in the Discussion Forum, and in assignments.

Grammar, Spelling, Sentence Structure, Syntax: Although the content of
your assignments will furnish the primary basis for evaluation, other grading
criteria may include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, syntax, and adherence to
these guidelines. Work submitted for evaluation in a degree-level program is
assumed to be professional in content, appearance, and language. Use the Spell
Check and Grammar Check functions of your word processing software. You may
also want to purchase A Canadian Writer’s Reference, available from the Lakeland
College bookstore, to provide guidance with elements of writing style, including
grammar, punctuation, and reference and citation style.

Writing Style and Tone: Written assignments require a more formal tone than
the conversational tone of the module discussion postings. You can achieve this
tone by avoiding the use of contractions, abbreviations, and jargon, and by carefully
crafting your sentences and paragraphs to clearly convey your thoughts.

Avoiding Plagiarism: Although this is a program designed under the principle of
learners teaching learners, unless specifically noted as being an assignment based
upon group work, ALL substantial work must be done independently. By
definition, substantial refers to submission of major ideas, concepts, outcomes and
viewpoints. If you submit an assignment or a discussion posting, you are claiming it
is your work. Please reference quotations and ideas from other sources and
acknowledge assistance you may have received. Please do not allow any part of
your work to be copied by anyone else. Where two or more assignments are found
to be unreasonably similar, either in whole or in part, and no assistance has been
acknowledged, all parties involved are liable to a score of zero on the assignment.
Lakeland College’s academic policies are available at: www.lakelandcollege.ca

Citations and References Document all resources that are used in your
assignments, including books, journal articles, articles provided in this course.
Internet resources and any other resources consulted. For citations and lists of
works cited, use APA Style - Publication Manual of the American Psychological
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Student Handbook – September 2011
Association, 4th ed. (1994). The following links are useful summaries of APA
Style.
 APA Online references: http://www.apastyle.org/apa-style-help.aspx

APA Research Style crib sheet: http://www.docstyles.com/apacrib.htm
Discussion Postings

(See Online Discussion Guidelines)
Short Answer Assignments


Include the complete question on a line before you begin your answer.
Craft your answer in a few short paragraphs rather than several unlinked, unrelated
sentences.
Essays and Papers
Format Guidelines
 Margins: Top: 1"; Bottom: 1"; Right: 1"; Left: 1".
 Font: Use any conventional, easily read font, such as Times New Roman or Arial,
12-point font.
 Sketches, diagrams, charts. Use clear and appropriate labels.
 Number the pages: Number all pages, except the cover page, in the bottom right
hand corner.
 Title Page: Use a cover page for all written assignments that includes the module
name and number, the topic of the paper, instructor's name, student's name and ID
number, and date.
 Length of the report: Please observe the paper’s required length, not counting the
title page, or references.
 Spacing: Double-space the assignment body, single space references and footnotes.
Writing Guidelines
 Please use language appropriate to a general audience. Use full words such as
“cannot” and “should not” rather than contractions such as “can’t “ and “shouldn’t”.
 Use headings, and subheadings wherever appropriate to clarify your organization.
Group Assignments


Choose one group member to compile and submit the assignment.
All sections should be formatted the same
Submitting Assignments via Email
Place the module name in the subject field: Including the module name helps the
marker a great deal, and ensures that your work will get marked in a timely fashion. For
example, either "BES 341-1 Assignment 3.1" or "BES 341-1 Assign 3.1" is acceptable.

Attach all of the documents pertaining to a specific assignment in a single email. Do
not send a separate email attachment for each part of the assignment.
 Remember to keep a duplicate copy of all of your submissions
Naming Files (File Conventions)
By using the following file name convention you can easily identify and locate your
work, and your instructors can easily track assignments. For example, if Bob Smith were
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to submit assignment 3.2 for objective 3 in BES 341-1 Internal Communications, he
would name and save his assignment as follows:
SmithBobBES341-1assign3-2.doc
File Formats
Please submit all text documents in MS Word 6.0 or later. Otherwise send word
processing documents in rich text format (.rtf).
Online Discussion Grading Rubric
Students are advised to review this rubric in order to ascertain the criteria for assessment
that facilitators will use to assign points for individual discussion and/or group discussion
participation within the module.
Categories
Promptness and
Originality
0 points
Posts after the
discussion period
is over; does not
express original
ideas and/or
inferences
Initial Post Content: No posts and/or
irrelevant remarks;
Responsive to the
not related to the
Class Discussion
assignment; no
Reading
citations nor
Assignments and
Questions; Integrates references; no
examples when
researched articles;
required
Citations and
References;
Examples when
required
No posts and/or
Response Post
irrelevant remarks
Content:
not related to the
Responds to the
assigned minimum # assignment; no
citations nor
of “Initial” posts of
references; no
fellow learners and
examples when
the questions of
required
fellow learners;
Integrates
researched articles;
Citations,
References, and
Examples
Poor spelling and
Grammar and
Spelling; Syntax and grammar in most
posts;
Word Choice;
syntax and word
Formatting
choice are a barrier
to the understanding of posts;
poor formatting
1-2 points
Initial post very
late; expresses
limited originality
and/or inference
5 points
Timely “Initial”
and “Response”
posts with original
ideas and
inferences
Less than average
quality posts; little
and/or modest
insight into the
assign-ment topic;
few citations or
references; few
examples when
required
3-4 points
Initial post
compresses
response posting
time; expresses
selected originality
and/or inference
Average to
substantial posts;
related to the
assignment topic;
prompts responses;
good citations and
references; good
examples when
required
Less than average
quality posts; little
and/or modest
insight into the
assign-ment topic;
few citations or
references; few
examples when
required
Average to
substantial posts;
related to the
assignment topic;
prompts responses;
good citations and
references; good
examples when
required
Consistently
substantial, related,
reflective,
supportive,
challenging posts;
strong citations and
references; strong
examples when
required
Errors in spelling
and grammar
evidenced in
several posts;
syntax and word
choice contribute
little to the
understanding of
posts; questionable
formatting
Few grammatical
or spelling errors
noted in posts;
syntax and word
choice contribute
to the
understanding and
clarity of posts;
tolerable to
adequate
formatting
Grammatically
correct, no
misspelling;
consistently
superior syntax and
word choice with
strong expression;
consistently clear,
concise, organized
format
Consistently
substantial, related,
valid, relevant,
insightful, thoughtprovoking posts;
citations and
references; strong
examples when
required
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Contribution
to the
Learning
Community
No effort to
participate in
the learning
community as
discussions
develop; seems
indifferent
Little to
occasional
meaningful
participation in
the learning
community;
marginal effort
to become
involved
Occasional to
frequent attempts
to direct the
discussion and to
present relevant
viewpoints for
consideration by
the learning
community;
interacts freely
Consistently
aware of the
needs of the
learning
community;
motivates
group
discussion;
presents
creative
approaches
Extra Credit
(Optional)
Up to 3 points
Multiple new
ideas; directs
discussions to an
advanced learning
level
BAppBus:ES Program Contacts
Debbie Smeaton
Manager, BAppBus:ES Program
Program Head, EMS Programs
Phone: (780) 608-1240
[email protected]
Tara Blonjeaux
Program Administrative Assistant
Phone: (780) 853-8506
[email protected]
Barton Ottoson
Practicum Coordinator
[email protected]
B.App.Bus:E.S. Program web pages:
http://www.lakelandcollege.ca/academics/fire-emergency-services/programsand-courses/bachelor-of-applied-business/
Lakeland College
5704 College Drive
Vermilion, AB T9X 1K4
1-800-661-6490
Fax: (780) 853-3008
http://www.lakelandcollege.ca
Additional contact information:
Admissions/Information:
Bookstore
Counseling Services
Learning Centre
Registrar
1-800-661-6490
853-8525
853- 8781
853-8482
853-8429
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