Referendum at SABVC
A referendum is a means of reaching student consensus on significant proposals or changes which impact membership policies, governance structures, or major organizational decisions. It involves voting by the student body to either approve or reject the proposed changes, ensuring that decisions reflect the collective will of the members.
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Stay engaged with the decisions that matter! This page features the latest referendum at the Students' Association of Bow Valley College (SABVC).
Referendum
myvirtualdoctor
Your Students' Association is proposing a virtual health care service featuring 24/7 access to licensed healthcare professionals such as nurses and doctors. This program is called myvirtualdoctor.
The proposed myvirtualdoctor is a fully refundable opt-out program.
The voting for this referendum has ended, and the results are in!
How would myvirtualdoctor benefit our student members?
The increasing shortage of doctors, along with the closure of walk-in clinics, is worsening the healthcare situation, leaving many with limited options other than turning to already overburdened hospitals.
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Myvirtualdoctor can assist eligible students in overcoming challenges in accessing primary health care.
Who is eligible?
If approved, all full-time SABVC members would be automatically enrolled in myvirtualdoctor plan.
What is myvirtualdoctor?
myvirtualdoctor provides eligible students and their immediate families with individual access to qualified medical care through a virtual platform 24 hrs per day, 7 days per week to address many of the common concerns faced by students.
What is the cost?
The program would cost $39 per year. During the annual opt-out period, student members may choose to opt-out from this service without any conditions for a full refund.
myvirtualdoctor Features
Eligible students and their dependents will be able to access to virtual health care if the result of this referendum is adding the myvirtualdoctor plan. All student members are guaranteed to be able to speak with a medical professional to address their needs and be provided the appropriate care.
24/7/365 access to healthcare professionals within minutes
Access to multiple languages for care
Immediate access to medical professionals via chat, video, or phone
Average wait time is less than 5 minutes to speak to medical professional
Unrestricted access to care for family members of students at no additional cost
No cost completion of requisition forms and doctors' notes
Full diagnostic, test requisitioning and specialty referral capabilities
Prescriptions delivered to pharmacy of the students’ choice
The Student Experience
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Direct support
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Describe symptoms
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Connected to Nurses, RN, Doctors and Mental Health Professionals
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​Next day follow-up after appointment
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Ability to connect efficiently
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Connect to a health professional immediately or schedule an appointment
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Prescribe and renew prescriptions
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Delivered to pharmacy of choice
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Service is available for dependents
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at no additional cost.
We are inviting students to vote in the upcoming referendum beginning October 3, 2024!
Official Referendum Question
Whereas Bow Valley students have expressed their difficulties in receiving primary health care, The Students’ Association of Bow Valley College (SABVC) has been working to propose a virtual health platform option which can help students address medical concerns without having to visit a clinic in-person. This proposed virtual care product will be available 24 hours a day to meet the medical needs of students and their immediate families.
Do you approve SABVC implementing a Virtual Doctor Program at a cost of $39.00 annually (plus applicable tax) to be billed annually with tuition beginning in Fall 2025?
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It is understood that the price of the program can only increase a maximum of 4% per year, following proper SABVC policies and procedures.
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Students may choose to opt-out annually from this service without any conditions for a full refund.
Yes - I approve implementing a Virtual Doctor Program
No - I am opposed to implementing a Virtual Doctor Program
How to Vote?
Make your voice heard!
Voting will take place online, with timing and instructions provided in an automated email.
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Voting Commences: Thursday, October 3, 2024
(Students will receive automated emails through mybvc.ca with detailed voting instructions.)
Voting Results
​Last October 3, 2024 at 9:00 AM to October 7, 2024 at 11:59 PM, we held our MyVirtualDoctor referendum voting. We asked students if this program should be implemented for the next school year (Fall 2025).
The results are in, and the program has been approved!
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Results - Myvirtualdoctor Referendum:​
Turnout: 644 (8.6%) of 7529 electors voted in this ballot.​
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495 (76.9%) Approved implementing myvirtualdoctor
149 (23.1%) Opposed to implementing myvirtualdoctor