Sponsorship activities offer partnership opportunities and/or strategic alliances with private, for-profit, or public entities. These alliances can generate both tangible and intangible benefits to the parties involved and provide important financial and marketing support for College programs, events and activities. These may include marketing, licensing, and business/community development opportunities for each party.

This policy establishes a framework for the creation of productive partnerships which enhance the quality of education and training for students, while ensuring the academic freedoms of the institution and its employees.

This policy applies to all sponsorship agreements:

• at College events;
• of programs/groups (e.g. music groups); and
• in College media communication (print or digital).

The types of sponsorships covered under this policy include but are not limited to:

• College-wide initiatives (e.g. career centre, student engagement)
• specific program areas (e.g. Automotive, Health, etc.), research, training, or study
• time-limited initiatives (e.g. contests)
• events (e.g. Fundraising galas, Skills competitions)
• in-kind sponsorships including, but not limited to, materials and equipment
• official supplier agreements that include value-in-kind partnerships
• licensing, advertising and cause-related marketing, which may be explored as components of sponsorship agreements

This policy does not apply to College sponsorships of external organizations or events.

1. The College acknowledges that, as a public institution, its reputation is a valuable asset. To protect its image, identity and reputation, all sponsorship agreements will align and support the mission, mandate and strategic direction of VCC, and strengthen the College’s brand.
2. The College must remain free to operate and to manage its academic and business affairs and activities without material influence from the Sponsor. Educational, training and research activities of the College and its employees will remain autonomous from any sponsorship or potential sponsorship agreements. The College will protect and defend academic freedoms, and all admission, graduation, curriculum, appointments, applied research and other educational decisions will remain independent.
3. While sponsorship should not be construed as an endorsement, the College will maintain a robust process for reviewing activities of current or prospective sponsors to ensure ongoing consistency with the College’s values and mission. This includes but is not limited to partnerships that align with VCC’s environmental practices or that promote environmental sustainability.
4. All approved sponsorship agreements will be documented through a contractual agreement and will clearly detail all marketing assets to be accessed and activities to be undertaken. 
5. The College will not enter into sponsorship or advertising agreements with any entity that:
   1. is in conflict with any applicable legislation or College policies
   2. adversely affects the College’s reputation
   3. is considered to contain obscene, indecent or profane material
   4. acts in a contrary manner to the BC Human Rights Code
   5. promotes tobacco, firearms, weapons, academic dishonesty, any product or service that may interfere with safety or security on campus, or is illegal
   6. is for political purposes, including for elections or referenda; this does not preclude all-candidate debates/meetings open to the campus community
6. All sponsorship agreements containing advertising components must meet Ad Standards Canada guidelines including, but not limited to, the Canadian Code of Advertising, and the Gender Portrayal Guidelines.
7. Sponsorship agreements will not contravene the College's Procurement policy and processes or the principles of public procurement - openness, transparency, fairness and value for money.
8. Sponsorship decisions will not result in a direct award or an entrenched vendor, either immediately or later.
9. Approved sponsorship agreements will not provide influence or create a perceived or real impact on any future business opportunities with the College.

• Human Rights Code, RSBC 1996, c 210