Student Handbook
Visual College of Art and Design (VCAD) is committed to providing a learning environment characterized by respect for others, honesty, and professionalism. The Student Handbook sets out the standards of conduct, ethics, and integrity expected of students at VCAD in support of the College’s values and goals. Following this guide allows our students to succeed and have meaningful educational experiences.
Vancouver and Online campus policies
Find the full BC and Online Student Handbook here.
Calgary campus policies
Find the full Alberta Student Handbook here.
Find the full International Student Handbook for the Calgary campus here.
Dispute Resolution Policy
This policy outlines procedures for addressing student complaints at the College, covering all enrolled individuals. It ensures a fair, safe, and responsive learning environment, with complaints needing submission within 90 days of the incident. Formal complaints require written submission and may involve representation by an agent or lawyer, with a resolution process completed within 30 days. Retaliation against complainants is prohibited, and all relevant documentation is retained in the student's file.
Click here to download the Dispute Resolution Policy for the Vancouver campus and the Online campus.
Click here to download the Dispute Resolution Policy for the Calgary campus.
Click here to download VCAD's Statement of Student Rights.
Sexual Misconduct Policy
Click here to download the complete Sexual Misconduct document.
Refund Policy
Click here to download the complete Refund Policy document.
Vancouver and Online campus disputes
Complaints about misleading program details can be directed to the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit within one year of the date they complete, are dismissed from, or withdraw from the program
Calgary campus disputes
If a student is dissatisfied with the determination and feels they have been misled by the institution can be directed to the Private Career College Branch of Alberta Advanced Education. The time limit for filing a complaint is 6 months from the last day the students attended the program.
Personal Computer Requirements
This is the latest recommended configuration by our academics team for our media arts programs (Game Development and Design and 3D Modeling Animation Art and Design). If your computer meets the recommended specifications for the media arts programs, it should also be suitable for our other programs (Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Interior Design, and Architectural Design Technology).
Minimum PC Specifications
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4070 - 12GB GDDR6X VRAM
- CPU: Intel Core - i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7800X3D
- RAM: 32GB DDR4/DDR5 (check DDR version compatibility)
- OS: Windows 11
- Storage: M.2 NVME SSD
Recommended PC Specifications
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4090 - 24GB GDDR6X VRAM
- CPU: Intel Core - i9-13900K or AMD Ryzen 7950X
- RAM: 64GB DDR4/DDR5 (check DDR version compatibility)
- OS: Windows 11
- Storage: M.2 NVME PCIE 4.0 SSD
Graphic Design
Students have the option to use a Mac, and the following are the recommended specifications for optimal performance.
- GPU: Apple silicon 16 GB of unified memory
- CPU: Apple silicon M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra or newer
- RAM: Apple silicon 16 GB of unified memory
- OS: MacOS Monterey (version 12) or later
- Storage: Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache, additional high-speed drive(s) for media
- Display: 1920x1080 or greater, DisplayHDR 1000 for HDR workflows
- Network Storage Connection: 10 Gigabit ethernet for 4K shared network workflow
3D Modeling Animation Art and Design or Game Development and Design
Students are required to have a pen tablet in addition to a device that meets the minimum PC requirements for course-related activities and assignments.