Frequently Asked Questions About (CICE) for Potential and Current Students

What are the admission requirements?

• An intellectual/developmental disability or significant learning challenge with demonstrated need for a modified curriculum
• A level of independence that does not require constant support or supervision
• Participate in an intake interview process

How do I know if I am a good fit for the program?

• Register for an information session
• For general questions, you can connect with a CICE team member by emailing cice [at] mohawkcollege.ca (cice[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

When are the intakes?
May (4 consecutive semesters: May, Sept, Jan, May) or September (2 years with a 4-month summer break, semesters: Sept, Jan, Sept, Jan)

How many students do you accept per intake?
25 students per intake (25 new students in May and 25 new students in September)

How do I apply? We have an intensive intake process with many steps:

• Step 1: apply for CICE at Mohawk College on www.ontariocolleges.ca (a fee of $110.00 goes to Ontario Colleges)
• Step 2: the program will send you an information package to complete along with a request for your resume, references, and disability documentation.
• Step 3: you will be invited to complete an interview
• Step 4: you will await acceptance (this could take up to several months as the intake process is extensive)
• Step 5: if accepted you need to accept your offer on the OCAS website

• What if I am waitlisted, can I apply again?
  We are happy to use the same documentation you provided in the previous application,
  but you are welcome to submit any documents or complete the interview again. The applications for 
  September and the following May are together on the same OCAS application.

  Can I get support with applying?
  The staff in the CICE program are happy to support you with your application. Please email 
  ciceapplications [at] mohawkcollege.ca (ciceapplications[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca) with your questions.

  
  Can I apply as a mature student?
  We welcome all ages in the CICE program. Everyone can apply through Ontario
  Colleges.
  Can the college just talk with my family or support?
  As an adult, the college will require your consent to speak with your family or support.
  All communication from the college will be sent to your Mohawk email address, but you are welcome 
  to share any information with your family or support.

  What happens once I accept my offer?
  • You will receive emails to your Mohawk email address from the program with information for 
  orientation and registration sessions.
  • You may get general college emails about taking an Assessment for Success; CICE students do not 
  need to write this test.
  • You will receive a fee statement with important financial information about paying your deposit.
  • You will want to make note of Mohawk’s Academic and Important dates.
  •  You can start any financial aid processes (OSAP, bursaries); more information can be found on 
  Mohawk College’s Financial Assistance website.
   

What is some acceptable disability documentation?

• A psychoeducational assessment, or
• An individual education plan (IEP) with a current doctor’s note, or
• DSO assessment record, or
• ODSP assessment record.
  Please note: the above documentation must demonstrate the need for a modified curriculum because of a significant learning challenge.
  Does the documentation have to be recent?
  No, unless it is an accompanying doctor's note. Preferably within 7 years.
  What is the disability documentation used for?
  It is only used for qualifying the student as a possible candidate for the program, meaning there is a need for modified curriculum.

Can I apply for OSAP?
Yes, the CICE program is OSAP eligible. Visit YouTube to watch a video with instructions to apply.

Can I get support with applying for OSAP?
There are financial advisors at the college who are experts in this area. 

Are there any bursaries for CICE students?
The college has scholarships and awards open to all students. You can apply for these scholarships and awards even if you do not receive OSAP funding. You can complete an application each semester.

Do I have to pay for my tuition before I can register for my courses?
Yes. There are two options: students are required to pay their deposit and complete their OSAP application in its entirety or pay the full fees. The college will send email reminders.

Do I pay the same tuition as all the other college programs?
Yes

Do I have to pay for books?
No, there are no textbooks required for our program!

Do I need a computer?
Our program has computers available for students to use.

Do I need to pay any other costs?
If you would like access to a locker you can purchase them for each semester or a full year

What is included in my tuition?
Access to the gym, events by the Mohawk Students’ Association and an HSR Presto card voucher are included in your tuition in addition to other student services. Information is available on the Mohawk Students’ Association website, and we go more in-depth in your first semester Transition to College course.

What supports are provided in the program?
Each CICE student is diverse and brings different strengths and skills to our program. Students are supported by our Program Coordinator, Field Placement Specialists, Program Specialists, Faculty and Learning Facilitators (LF) throughout their experience in the program.

Can I bring my own supports to the program? 
Yes, in some rare circumstances students may need additional transitional supports or personal care supports.

Is it a 1:1 support program? 
No, LFs are available to students should they require support. However, students need to have a level of independence where they do not require constant support or supervision. Students are also required to manage transportation to and from campus. Support begins once students enter J Wing/ CICE program space.

Does CICE have a designated space on campus?
Yes, CICE has a designated social space on campus which is staffed with Learning Facilitators when open. We also have a classroom in our area which will host some of your classes. You will attend your Academic Experience (AE) courses in other areas of the college, LFs can show you where these courses are taking place.

CICE Core Classes

What do I learn in CICE Core Classes? 

If I am a strong student in a particular class or have taken a similar course before, can I be exempt from the class? 
All CICE core classes are mandatory for CICE students to take. You cannot be exempt from these classes

Does my class schedule run from 8 am – 3 pm  every day? 
You will receive your schedule when you register for classes. Some days you may only have 1 class and other days you may have more. Classes may run between 8 am and 6 pm although, we try to have core CICE courses between 9 am and 5 pm. If you have any questions about your schedule or what to do during breaks, please contact your Learning Facilitator.

Can I go into another college program after I graduate from CICE? 
You can apply for another college program after CICE; however, the CICE program does not provide a direct entry to another college program. Students need to ensure they meet the admission requirements when applying for another college program.

What if I fail a course?

 If you fail a course you will need to repeat it to graduate it. You will have to wait until the specific course is offered again. For example, if you failed a course in semester 3, you will need to wait until a semester 3 is offered again to take that course. It also must fit into your timetable. Here is our semester breakdown: Fall (Semester 1, 2, 3) Winter (Semester 2, 3, 4) Spring (Semester 1, 4).

What if I leave the course for personal or medical reasons without completing the full program?

If you wish to return within one academic year of leaving the program, please email us at cice [at] mohawkcollege.ca (cice[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca) stating your intention to re-enter the program. We will confirm your eligibility to return and provide details on the next steps to resume your studies.
If you’ve been away for more than one academic year and wish to return, you will need to re-apply at ontariocolleges.ca (including the application fee). Reapplying to an upper semester requires coordination from our department and Admissions. Please email us with your request to return, and we will assist you in navigating these steps.

What is an Academic Experience (AE) course?

In addition to core CICE classes, students have the opportunity to enhance their academic experience by auditing courses available in different program areas. You will take several Academic Experience courses during your time with us. These vary depending on the available seats and programs running at the time of delivery.

How are credits earned in relation to AE classes?

Audit (majority of all CICE students)

• Students audit mainstream courses and earn their credit through CICE
• Modifications to course work will be provided by supports in CICE to meet their learning needs
• All students in first semester begin by auditing their AE class, many continue to in an auditing role throughout all 4 semesters

What supports are in place for me as I audit AE classes and how is the work modified?

LFs accompany the students to their classes and support with notetaking, assist with planning and organizing work, and aid integration into group work and class activities.
How do I choose my Academic Experience course?
Before you register, the CICE team will send you a list of course options available that semester. The course options are subject to change each semester.

What does the work experience look like?
Our Field Placement Specialists find individualized placement opportunities that fit the student’s interests and needs. Students are expected to travel to and attend placement independently.
•Semester 3: 3 hours per week, 42 hours total
•Semester 4: 6 hours per week, 84 hours total

Can I find my own placement?
If there is a specific place of interest and you have already made the connection, students can bring places of interest to the Field Placement Specialists. They will reach out to the employer and provide them with the expectations when taking on a placement. Next, the Field Placement Specialists will set up an interview and attend with the student.

Can I work at my previous employer or placement from high school?
You can, but we encourage you to work towards obtaining new experiences and networking with new people in a work environment.

How many times a week do I attend placement?
In 3rd semester, you will attend 3 hours once a week. In 4th semester, you can complete the six hours in one day or you can choose to split it into two 3-hour days.

What happens if I do not like my placement halfway through?
Together you and the Field Placement Specialists will resolve any concerns.

Will the two placements be at the same place?
It is an option to stay in the same placement for both semesters.

Do I get hired after my placement?
There is no guarantee that the employer will hire the student after they graduate.

Are there opportunities to be participate in clubs on campus? 

There are many opportunities to socialize on campus! The CICE program hosts many student-led clubs each semester, depending on what the interests are. Some clubs we’ve hosted in the past include video game club, art club, anime club and basketball club. We are always interested in supporting what interests you have and want to share with others! These are not mandatory and students must be motivated to participate. Clubs are great opportunities to build social skills and connections, share similar interests or learn new things!

How can I socialize outside of CICE?
The Mohawk Students’ Association (MSA) hosts college-wide events, clubs and social activities for all students. CICE students are encouraged to attend and enjoy their college experience with fellow Mohawk peers. Visit the MSA at room G109 to talk to an MSA team member!
We also encourage students to lead and attend student clubs available through the MSA. They change each semester, so if you don’t see something you like one semester, it may be available another. Ask the MSA staff about clubs!
Is there support during socials?
An LF will attend all the CICE-run clubs for support. LFs try to attend the college-wide socials when they are available, but we are happy to connect you with a peer who also wants to attend the social. Student leaders often share information about upcoming events with the students and promote fun activities on campus!

Can an LF help me structure my free time in between classes?
Yes. You will notice many gaps in your schedule where you may not know what to do. If you would like help with scheduling your daily routine, we can discuss your goals and interests and help you plan accordingly. Some suggestions include having lunch with peers, going to the gym, enjoying CICE or MSA clubs and socials, and scheduled homework support times.

What if I get in trouble on campus?

We expect CICE students to represent our program by being respectful and professional on campus. CICE students must demonstrate honesty, integrity and respect for the Mohawk College community and physical spaces on campus. If a CICE student struggles with meeting these expectations, CICE will do its best to support you. However, you are ultimately responsible for your behaviour on campus. All students are expected to follow the Student Behaviour Policy. We recommend applicants review this before applying and accepting your offer.

Will my family or supports find out?
CICE does not have permission to talk to them without your consent. As a Mohawk College student, you enter the program as an adult and will be treated as such.

Do we ever go off campus?
Yes, there are some outings that are integrated into our courses and optional social activities off campus.

Do we have CICE parties?

Yes! In CICE we love to host parties and celebrate the diversity of our students!
Usually we celebrate with music, dancing, snacks and related activities. If you like to be involved but do not want to be in a loud or crowded room, we always have a second classroom available for quiet and themed activities.

CICE Facebook: CICE has a private Facebook page, moderated by CICE staff members, where they share many photos of the activities happening on campus, students having fun during clubs and enjoying class activities. Students will sign consent forms for permission to post photos.
MyCanvas: As a current CICE student, you will be enrolled in a CICE community page where we post important information for your classes, MSA social events, and other college community activities and clubs.
Alumni: Once you have graduated from the program, you become a member of Mohawk College Alumni! You can visit the alumni webpage here for resources, perks and services.
Alumni play a significant role in our program. They often offer leadership to incoming students and participate in program-related activities when needed.

Can I return to hang out after I graduate?

We encourage you to stay in touch with your fellow CICE classmates, former teachers and LFs. CICE may host events to celebrate students who have graduated from the program. There are leadership opportunities available through speaking engagements (orientations, open houses, info sessions) and participation on committees (program review and program advisory). If you are interested, please reach out and we will confirm when we have spaces open for you!
It’s important to note that although we welcome you to visit the college, you are a guest and must follow Mohawk’s Student behaviour policy. Alumni who do not follow the policy may not be allowed back into the college.

What supports does CICE offer once I graduate?

In Semester 4, students participate in Transition Planning to support their journey after CICE. Before students transition out of the program, CICE students host a transition event and invite the people who will support them after CICE (family, supports and friends). If students are transitioning into or are thinking about entering another college program, CICE can support them to connect with college services such as Accessible Learning Services to prepare them for their next opportunities.