Applied and Technical Studies

Hospitality Event Planning certificate

At UFV, we can put students where people gather for fun or relaxation. Whether it is at a front-desk of a hotel planning parties or events for a ballroom or convention centre or arranging a wedding, you could be there.

The Hospitality Event Planning certificate will prepare you for entry-level positions in the areas of the hospitality tourism industry. The training will provide you with "real" situations that will build confidence while developing skills and abilities expected by today's employers.

Concurrent studies option

UFV allows high school students to complete this program through a concurrent studies model during their grade 12 year. For more information, contact your district/school career counsellor. You may also contact the UFV Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or email trades@ufv.ca.

Employment opportunities

After successfully completing the program, students will be prepared for employment opportunities in areas such as hotels, shopping centers, destination marketing organizations, cruise ships, health care institutions, sports and entertainment facilities, convention centers, and celebration décor companies.

Entrance requirements

1. B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent.

2. Successful completion of a math and reading comprehension entrance exam.

When to apply

Applications are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. Qualified applicants are considered for the next intake in which there is space. See Continuous application process for more information.

How to apply

1. Apply online at ufv.ca/admissions/admissions/apply. Applicants currently in Grade 12 may apply during their Grade 12 year. A statement from the school counsellor or principal, indicating that you are likely to meet graduation requirements by June, must be presented at the time of entrance exam appointments.

2. Applicants will be notified of entrance exam dates by the Trades & Technology Centre. Applicants who have not been contacted within two weeks of submission of their applications should call 604-847-5450.

3. Read the program description and information carefully. If you require more information, please contact the Trades & Technology Centre at 604-847-5448 or trades@ufv.ca.

4. Prior to classes starting, applicants will be notified by telephone or email of the registration procedures. Applicants who cannot be reached after three attempts will be removed from the wait list.

Fees and additional costs

See the Fees and Other Costs section. Hospitality Event Planning students should budget approximately $500 for required textbooks and supplies. In addition, students should budget approximately $500 for a 3-day, 2-night overnight field trip.

Note: A deposit (currently $200) must be paid at the time of registration, which typically takes place one or two months before the start of the program. The balance of fees must be paid by the second week of classes.

Medical requirement

A medical statement from a qualified physician may be required at any time before or during the program. Students will be notified by a UFV official if/when the statement is required.

Location

The Hospitality Event Planning program is located in building V at the Canada Education Park campus in Chilliwack.

Dates and attendance requirements

The Hospitality Event Planning program starts in September and ends in May.

The Hospitality Event Planning program requires continuous attendance to successfully complete all requirements for the program. It is a full-time program of study. Students are also required to attend and take part in a 3-day, 2-night overnight field trip.

Students must meet the attendance requirements as outlined in their individual program guides. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).

Program requirements

Several day trips will be organized throughout Metro Vancouver for educational purposes. Students will be required to provide their own transportation and pay any fees that may be associated with these trips.

Students must complete all requirements with a minimum of 70% or better to receive a Credit (CR) grade in order to graduate.

Students who do not receive a Credit (CR) grade in all required areas by the end of May can apply to their instructor for re-entry into the program the following year. Students who reapply may register as upgrading students and must complete all program requirements no later than May of the following year. See upgrading policy below for more details.

Graduation

Students must apply for graduation by completing a Graduation Request form available at ufv.ca/admissions/forms.

Attendance and conduct

Unacceptable academic performance may, at the discretion of the instructor, include poor attendance, slow progress in theory and practical tasks, and/or lack of satisfactory participation in class activities. See UFV's Attendance policy (62).

Applied and Technical Studies students are expected to conduct themselves in a mature and responsible manner, and will be held responsible for their actions, whether acting alone or in group. See UFV's Student Academic Misconduct policy (70) and Student Non-Academic Misconduct policy (204).

Withdrawal

Student-initiated withdrawal (discontinuing)

If a student wishes not to continue, he or she will need to initiate a withdrawal at the Office of the Registrar.

Required to withdraw

Failed grades may result in withdrawal from the program. Students may be required to withdraw from a course or program for failing to comply with attendance, conduct, or program policies, or UFV policies including: Attendance policy (62), Student Academic Misconduct policy (70), Student Non-Academic Misconduct policy (204).

Upgrading

The upgrading program allows those currently or recently employed in the industry to complete their certificate requirements or to become proficient in specific processes or techniques.

An upgrading student will be enrolled for no more than 13 weeks. Upgrading students will not displace anyone registered in the next intake.

Upgrading students are expected to meet program prerequisites through previous enrolment or proof of industry experience approved by the program instructor.

Re-admission

Students who begin a Trades program, but withdraw before completing the program, may contact the department to request re-entry provided their absence is less than two years. Re-entry is subject to space availability.

If you are absent more than two years, you will be required to apply for re-admission.
An application for admission form and application fee will be required
Applied and Technical Studies entrance exams will need to be retaken

Program outline

The Hospitality Event Planning program starts in September and ends in May. Students must show that they understand the theory by successfully completing a written test for each unit. Students must then apply their knowledge to demonstrate an acceptable level of practical skills that may be assigned for that unit. The learning materials may include printed handouts, worksheets, video clips, display boards, lab manuals, and written instructions.

At regular stages, students will be required to perform various tasks on or off campus in order to develop their practical skills. As much as possible, study and lab instruction is patterned after "on-the-job" situations where a limited amount of direct supervision is required.

All unit tests and assigned practicals must be completed with a passing grade before writing the final exam, which is scheduled in May.

Sample topics

Introduction to tourism
Entrepreneurial tourism
Communications and human relations
Computer basics
Basic hospitality accounting
Food and beverage operations
Front office management
Housekeeping management
Promotions and event planning
Marketing, media, and public relations
Practicum

Time frame

September–December (15 weeks)
Introduction to tourism
Entrepreneurial tourism
Communications and human relations
Computer basics
Basic accounting

January–April (17 weeks)
Food and beverage operations
Front office management
Housekeeping management
Promotions and event planning
Marketing, media, and public relations

May
Practicum: students will be required to secure a four-week unpaid work placement opportunity relating to the Hospitality Event Planning industry

36 weeks of total training

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