Student Handbook (Part Time Diploma)

1. INTRODUCTION

BCA ACADEMY

Founded in 1984, BCA Academy has been expanding and enhancing its role as the leading training provider for Singapore’s built industry.

BCA Academy, the education arm of Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority, provides skills, technical, supervisory, professional and management training for building and construction personnel.  The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is an agency under the Ministry of National Development. BCA Academy (BCAA) offers a comprehensive range of programmes for the built environment, including Masters and Bachelor degrees with well-known international universities, executive development programmes, specialist diploma programmes, diploma programmes and skilled training for workers.

The Academy serves as a national education centre to showcase new initiatives by BCA and the industry in improving the built environment of the nation. The Zero-Energy Building was added to the campus in October 2009 which serves as a live test-bed to green building technologies.

The latest additions, the Construction Productivity Gallery, Centre for Lean and Virtual Construction and the BCA SkyLab were added to enhance the learning experience of our students. These facilities are dedicated towards our commitment in construction research, process development and innovation which contribute towards improving the safety, quality, sustainability and friendliness of the built environment.

2. GETTING AROUND

3. CONTACT POINTS

STUDENT SERVICES CENTRE E-FORMS

You may submit your requests via our  online forms

3.1. E-Forms

STUDENT SERVICES CENTRE E-FORMS

You may submit your requests via our online forms

4. PROGRAMME INFORMATION

PART TIME DIPLOMA MODULAR CERTIFICATES

The Part Time Diploma modular certificates are targeted at adult learners with working experience and academic qualification such as GCE 'O' level, ITE qualifications or Workplace Literacy and Numeracy Level 6, with the focus to equip them with the knowledge and skills to undertake and add value to jobs within the Built Environment.

The diploma aims to up-skill and re-skill working adults to acquire new capabilities and competencies, and to keep abreast with new developments and trends in the industry.

Award of Diploma in Construction Engineering

Students must fulfill the following requirements to be awarded the Diploma in Construction Engineering:

1. Attained Modular Certificate A to E;

2. Completed all e-learning modules

3. Possess both Certificate in Precast Concrete Construction Supervision and Certificate in Formwork Safety for Supervisors.

Note: Holders of Diploma in Construction Engineering are qualified to register as Resident Technical Officer (RTO) with IES/ACES.

For details on each programme:

https://www.bcaa.edu.sg/what-we-offer/academic-programmes/diploma/diploma-list

4.1. CERTIFICATES AWARDED

Students are given a maximum period of five years to complete all requirements to attain the Diploma. Modular Certificates may be taken in any sequence unless otherwise stated. This enables more flexibility for students to learn at own pace and needs.

Each modular certificate (A, B, C, D or E) consists of several courses: 

Students are expected to complete and pass all courses (obtain a Cumulative
Grade Point Average, GPA of at least 1.00) to be considered as successful completion of the certificate.

COMPLETE STACKABLE CERTIFICATES IN ANY SEQUENCE UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED

Students will be awarded the following qualification(s) after successful completion of each diploma programme: 

4.2. COMPULSORY CERTIFICATES/ COURSES

The compulsory certificates/ courses are applicable to Diploma in Construction Engineering only.

Students in the Diploma in Construction Engineering programme are required to complete the following at own responsibility:

• Certificate in Precast Concrete Construction Supervision
• Certificate in Formwork Safety for Supervisors
• E-learning modules covering Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Management Skills and Technical Communications

Note: The students are required to enroll to the above certificate courses separately and must successfully complete them within the candidature period of 5 years.

5. ACADEMIC INFORMATION

This section covers the following aspects:

• Student Learning Portal
• Course Notes 
  
• Exemptions
• Assessment
• Plagiarism Policy
  
• Feedback/Evaluation 
  
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
  

5.1. STUDENT LEARNING PORTAL

STUDENT LEARNING PORTAL

https://lms.bcaa.edu.sg

5.2. COURSE NOTES

The Academy is moving towards e-learning and adopting sustainable practices. 

All course notes and materials will be uploaded onto the Student Portal. You are encouraged to bring your laptop for lessons.

STUDENT LEARNING PORTAL
https://LMS.BCAA.EDU.SG

Please note that your Student Portal access is valid on per modular certificate basis and all students’ accounts will expire at the end of the modular certificate.

5.3. EXEMPTIONS

Students can apply for exemption after enrolment via the student portal. All exemption applications are subjected to the Academy’s approval. Any request for course exemption shall be accompanied by the relevant certifications and/or documentary evidence, and submitted via the Student Portal using E-Forms before the start of the modular certificate or within the exemption application period set by the Academy.

Note: Exemption is only for attendance and assessments of the course, no fee reduction is applicable unless otherwise stated.

5.4. ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT

Students will be assessed through assignments, tests and/or examinations. Courses can be under full continual assessment, examinable or a mix of both.

a) Assignment

Students are required to follow the requirements and specific guidelines for the completion of assignment provided by the lecturer during the training. Students are to submit their assignments via Student Learning Portal by the submission deadline. Any late submission without prior approval by the lecturers may result in deduction of marks or failure.

How to Submit Assignment Online?

b) Examination

Examinations will be conducted at the end of each modular certificate.  Students who breach any examination rules will be penalized. They may be debarred from the examination and deemed to have failed the course or the entire programme, or terminated from their studies.

5.5. PLAGIARISM POLICY

Plagiarism refers to a process of presenting other people‘s work as your own without referencing it. The Academy takes a stern view of plagiarism and students may be subject to disciplinary action.

The following acts will be classified as plagiarism:

• Copying and submitting another person’s work, in part or in whole as your own.
• Allowing someone else to copy your work and submit it as their own.
• Paraphrasing from books or other publications without acknowledging the source.
• Getting someone to produce the work on your behalf and submitting it as though it is your work.
• Writing and submitting works on behalf of others.

You are expected to properly acknowledge the author or the original source when completing assignments using the APA Style of Referencing. The penalties for students who commit plagiarism will be dealt with in accordance to the following guidelines:

First Offence during student’s candidature

•         Student will be given a first warning. Student will be given a zero mark for his/her project/assignment.

Second Offence during student’s candidature

•         A second warning will be given to the student. Student will be given a zero mark for his/her project/assignment.

Third Offence during student’s candidature

•         The student may have to appear before the Disciplinary Board and may face suspension or expulsion.

In the event of any such withdrawal, suspension or expulsion, there will be no refund of certificate fees.

5.6. FEEDBACK/ EVALUATION

Course evaluation and feedback are conducted during the study term. Students are encouraged to give constructive feedback on the lecturer, course administration, facilities and course materials anytime during the certificate or at the end of the certificate in the form of course evaluation.

Please note all comments and suggestions will be treated in the strictest confidence and is purely to assist us in the continual improvement of our programmes.

5.7. GRADING SYSTEM

Students are required to pass all courses within the modular certificate to be considered as successfully completed the modular certificate.  

Grading

Grade Point Average (GPA)

The GPA represents a student’s standing in the diploma programme. It allows students to keep track of their academic performance throughout the course of study. Under this system, workloads are expressed in terms of credit units. 

Academic performance is measured by grade points on a 4-point scale.

Students will receive a modular certificate stating that he/she has fulfilled the requirements of the modular certificate upon passing all courses. In the event when a student fail any of the course(s) within a modular certificate, a Certificate of Attendance will be issued instead.

6. ADMINISTRATIVE INFO

This section covers the following aspects:

•  Attendance
•  Medical Certificate/Leave of Absence
•  Release of Results
•  Failed Course
•  Issuance of Certificate
  
•  Withdrawal and Fees Refund Policy
•  Course Fees Grant/Funding
  
•  Student Particulars
•  Code of Conduct
  

6.1. ATTENDANCE

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

Students are required to achieve at least 75% class attendance to avoid being debarred from assessment. A student under debarment would be deemed to have failed the course. 

Students are to sign on the attendance sheet for every lesson. Note the following:

• Signature must be signed with a pen.
• Students are not allowed to sign for lessons not attended.
• A “tick” in replace of signature will invalid and considered to be absent.
• Use only one signature for the entire course.
• Students are not allowed to sign on behalf of other students.
  (BCA Academy will take serious disciplinary actions towards any students signing on behalf of another student)

6.2. MEDICAL CERTIFICATE (MC)

Medical Certificate (MC) for Assessment (Assignments, Projects, Test, Examination)

Students are to upload their Medical Certificate (MC) in the Student Learning Portal via E-Forms within 3 days of their absence from class/test/examination. 

For courses under continual assessment, a maximum of ONE (1) MC per student per course will be accepted. MCs submitted for subsequent assessments for the same course will not be taken into consideration and zero mark will be awarded for the subsequent missed test/assessment.

A supplementary examination may be arranged for students who have submitted a valid MC within the stipulated period. The Academy will inform the eligible students on the
details of the supplementary examination. The supplementary examination may be scheduled within 2 weeks from the last day of the examination. Students who fail to sit for the supplementary examination will be deemed to have failed the course.

Note: MC is only applicable for academic purposes. Students who enrolled with funding support will be marked as absent even with a valid MC. 

6.3. LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA)

Students can submit online application for Leave of Absence (LOA) in Student Portal under Useful Links: FORMS.

Granting of LOA is at the sole discretion of the Academy. Students must submit their forms 5 days before the first day of LOA. In the event of unforeseeable absence, students must submit the document within 3 working days from the day of absence.

Note: Leave of Absence is not applicable for students who enrolled with funding support.

6.4. RELEASE OF RESULTS

The results for your modular certificate will be sent to your registered email address within six (6) weeks after the last lesson / last assignment submission date / last examination date.

APPEAL OF RESULTS

Students who would like to review their results are to submit the results review application form via the E-Forms on Student Learning Portal within 3 working days (or within the period stipulated by the Academy) from the release of the results.

The decision of the approving authorities after the review is final.  An administrative (non-refundable) fee is applicable. 

6.5. FAILED COURSE

Students are required to pass all courses to be awarded the modular certificate stating that he/she has fulfilled the requirements of the modular certificate. Students who failed a course are allowed a second attempt through supplementary paper should he/she wishes to receive the modular certificate instead of the Certificate of Attendance.

SUPPLEMENTARY

An administrative fee applies for supplementary paper.

6.6. MAXIMUM NO. OF ATTEMPTS

Students are allowed a maximum number of ONE attempt to pass a course/certificate within the supplementary paper period (one month or any other period stated by the Academy after the issuance of the results for main assessment).

Please note that sponsoring companies are required to top-up the funding amount if the sponsored students fail to meet the funding disbursement criteria.

6.7. ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE

An electronic modular certificate will be issued to students who have successfully meet the assessment criteria of the modular certificate.  The electronic modular certificate will be sent to the student’s registered email address.

For students who have successfully fulfill all requirements within the 5 years candidature period, a hardcopy Diploma certificate will be awarded to the students during the BCA Academy Graduation Ceremony.  The ceremony is usually held in the fourth quarter of each calendar year.

For students who did not meet the attendance requirement and/or assessment criteria will not be awarded the modular certificate. For students who have decided not to obtain the modular certificate nor the Diploma, they will be issued an electronic Certificate of Attendance. 

There will be no replacement of lost certificate. Students who have misplaced their original certificate can request for a statement of certification to verify that they have successfully completed their course.

A non-refundable search fee of $23 will be charged. The search fee is also applicable for students who request for resend of result slip.

6.8. PROGRAMME WITHDRAWAL & FEE REFUND POLICY

Withdrawal notice must be made in writing to BCA Academy via bca_academy@bca.gov.sg. The fees incurred below are based on the number of days that a withdrawal notice is received from the modular certificate commencement date:

• 14 days or more, 10% cancellation fee
• Less than 14 days but more than 3 working days, 25% cancellation fee
• 3 working days or less, 100% cancellation fee

6.9. COURSE FEE GRANT/FUNDING

Funding and subsidies offered by BCA / BCA Academy or third party organisations for the courses are subject to approval. Neither BCA nor BCA Academy is to be held liable for such funding or subsidies. It is the responsibility of the respective company and/or individual applicants to ensure that the application for funding/subsidies is in order.

The applicant agrees to pay BCA Academy the shortfall in the course fees (if any) should the funding or subsidy be disapproved, cancelled, reduced or revoked, for whatever reason.

Note:

• Funding agencies require students under funding support to attain 75% attendance regardless of the reason for any absence. 
• Students under funding support who are not present in the class are recorded to be absent under all circumstances including medical leave(s), in-camp training(s) etc.

6.10. STUDENT PARTICULARS

The Academy corresponds with students via their registered email address. Students are to ensure that their email address provided is correct and are able to access their email account at all times.

Students will receive email notifications when there is any cancellation of classes. Changes to class timetables etc are posted in the Student Portal. Students are reminded to check emails promptly which is the main media on updates and announcements. Announcements can be also be made via SMS at times. 

Students are reminded to update their particulars promptly should there be a change in their particulars such as mobile number, email address etc.

How do I update my particulars if I changed my email address or mobile no.?

6.11. USAGE OF PERSONAL DATA

The applicant/applicant company on behalf of the sponsored employee[1] consents to BCA, BCA Academy, BCA’s employees and third parties authorised by BCA contacting the applicant/employee via the applicant/employee’s personal contacts (including email addresses and mobile numbers) to market future courses, seminars, conduct surveys, circulate publications (i.e. magazines, periodicals etc).

If you wish to withdraw your consent to any use or disclosure of your personal data as set out above, you may contact Student Services Centre. Please note that if you withdraw your consent to any or all or disclosure of your personal data, depending on the nature of your request, we may not be in a position to continue to provide our services to you. Such withdrawal may also result in the termination of any agreement you may have with us. Our rights and remedies are expressly reserved in such event.

The applicant/applicant company on behalf of the sponsored employee[2] consents to BCA, BCA Academy and BCA’s employees transferring the applicant/employee’s personal data to relevant local third party recipients for the purposes of processing this application and reasonably related matters thereto. Please note if that you do not consent to transfer of this personal data, we may not be in a position to provide our services to you.

6.12. CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Student Conduct is intended to provide a general overview of the behaviour and standards expected for students of the BCA Academy.  As a student, you are expected to maintain and uphold the standards of integrity, embrace diversity and mutual respect for one another, both within and outside of the school.

You agree to abide by the Academy’s Code of Conduct and comply with the following: 

•  All Code of Conduct, rules, regulations, procedures and guidelines or other terms and conditions as stipulated by the Academy and Singapore Laws;
• To uphold and maintain academic honesty and integrity in your academic work. This includes, but are not limited, to cheating, conspiring, plagiarising, giving or receiving any unauthorised assistance in the submission of your academic work, or engaging in any act that may compromise the integrity of the academic standards;
• Not to conduct in a manner which the school may regard as violating or breaching the Code of Conduct. Misbehaviour includes any act(s) that may result in threats, harm, compromise the rights of others and bring disrepute to the school and/or its student, staff and school. Misbehaviour also refers, without limitation, to physical violence, verbal or mental abuse, harassment, false allegation, false declaration, slander or defamation committed against the Academy and/or its student, staff and school.
• To be held fully accountable and liable for your actions and deeds, and to accept responsibility for consequences which may arise from violation or breach of the Code of Conduct.

SCHEDULE OF PENALTIES

CRIMINAL OFFENCES

Student convicted of any criminal offence outside the school that will or is likely to bring disrepute to the school, the school may consider the investigation report of the Police and/or any law enforcement authority, record of the court proceedings; and impose any penalties, the school deems appropriate.

7. STUDENT FACILITIES

STUDENT SERVICES CENTRE

Student Services Centre (SSC) is a convenient, first point of contact for students to obtain information and services during their course of study at BCA Academy. SSC aims to create a caring and holistic environment by looking into students’ welfare and needs. Key services provided by SSC include:

•       General student enquiries

•       Collection point for requested documents

•       Student Portal issues

SSC Contact details:

Email address: studentservicescentre@bcaa.edu.sg

Tel: 6730 4451

SSC is located within BCA Academy library, Academic Tower, 7^th floor.  
Opening hours for walk-in-enquiries on weekdays: 9:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm.

BCA ACADEMY LIBRARY

During your course of study, you can make use of the library located at BCA Academy, Academic Tower Level 7. Opening hours Monday to Thursday from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm and Friday from 9.00 am to 5:30 pm (closed on weekends and Public Holidays)

Our Services (available from 9:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm, weekdays)

•        Borrowing of books, standards and audio-visuals at the loan counter;

•        Returning of items in person at the loan counter;

•        Loan renewal of items at the loan counter or email BCA_Resource_Centre@bca.gov.sg;

Loan policy and fines

There are two types of library loans available: normal book loan and the red-spot book loan. Please refer to the table below for the loan policy and overdue fines.

Students are allowed to renew the loan to a maximum of two times for both normal and red spot books unless the book(s) is/are reserved by another student during the loan period.

A fine will be imposed if the book(s) on loan is/are not returned by the due date. 

In the event that the book(s) on loan is/are lost or damaged, the following administrative charges will be imposed:

Lounge & Gymnasium

Students are allowed to use the Lounge and Gymnasium beside the Cafeteria in Blk F. The opening hours are Mondays to Saturdays: 9.00 am to 6.30 pm. Students are to adhere to the gymnasium rules at all times when using the gymnasium.

Car Park Facilities

The Academy promotes green and sustainable practices and encourages students to take public transport to the Academy. The Academy is well connected with buses to MRT stations for different train lines including North-East line, Circle line and North-South line. Parking lots are limited and will be on a first-come-first-served basis. For parking charges, please refer to http://www.bcaa.edu.sg/you-are/a-visitor/getting-to-bca-academy.

7.1. Student Counselling Services

Counselling services are available to students. Students are encouraged to make prior appointments to meet our counsellors via the Student Portal.