S1 – Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities

Originator: Dean of Student Services
Approver: Senior Academic Committee
Effective: June 12, 2015
Replaces: September, 2014

1. Preamble

Each student registered at RRC Polytech becomes a member of the RRC Polytech community. As a member of this community, each student is entitled to expect certain rights to be recognized by the College and other members of the College community. In the same way, the College and other members of the College community are entitled to expect responsible behaviour from each student.

The Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities sets out these mutual expectations and outlines the behaviours, attitudes and conduct expected of all students registered at RRC Polytech. The rights and responsibilities included in the Code are based on the values of learning, respect, inclusiveness, integrity, a healthy environment and contribution to community as defined in the RRC Polytech Statement of Values.

The College provides education and training specifically designed to prepare students to perform in the workplace. This Code of Rights and Responsibilities is based on the expectations of both the contemporary workplace and an institute of higher learning.

This Code is complementary to and in no way alters students’ rights and responsibilities under the Canadian legal system, College Policy, or agreements between sponsored students and the agency sponsoring such students.

2. Policy

Students have the right to receive a high quality, relevant education in a safe and respectful environment that supports student success.

Students are responsible for conducting themselves in an honest and ethical manner that is respectful of the entire College community.

These rights and responsibilities apply equally while attending classes at any campus or location of RRC Polytech including the on-line environment, or engaging in any College sponsored activity, including co-op, work experience, or clinical placements.

3. Definitions

3.1 Student refers to any individual:

1. who is a current student of the College;
2. acting as a designated representative on behalf of a current student (includes a parent or legal guardian designated by a student to act on their behalf); or
3. who has previously been a student.

4. Rights as Responsibilities

4.1 General

The rights of an individual who forms part of a community are never absolute. Consequently, the rights stipulated in section 4.2 and 4.4 below are subject to legal parameters, the responsibilities outlined in this Code, College policy, and policies of the College’s Students’ Association. The rights detailed in this policy come with responsibilities. The responsibilities stipulated by sections 4.3 and 4.5 below are not exhaustive, but reflect the general categories of student responsibilities.

4.2 Academic Rights

Students have the right to:

Information

• have access to information on all College fees prior to the start of the program,
• have access to a timetable at the beginning of the program,
• be informed of the requirements for progression to the next term/semester,
• receive in writing, at the beginning of each course, a course outline that includes:
  • learning outcomes
  • list of textbooks and readings/supplementary materials
  • grading criteria/guidelines
  • the value for each assignment, project and test
  • opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
  • additional information and/or answers to frequently asked questions
• receive in writing information about assignments including due dates, the dates of tests and exams and the expected standard for performance or quality of assignments,
• receive contact information for each course instructor including College room number, College phone number, email address and office hours (where applicable).

Reasonableness

• receive reasonable notice of any changes to the course such as objectives, grading system, assignments, assignment due dates, change of time/cancellation of a class, test/exam dates,
• obtain marked assignments and grades in a timely manner,
• withdraw from an uncompleted course without academic penalty prior to the Voluntary Withdrawal date.

Fairness

• be graded objectively on academic performance and to be protected by established procedures against prejudice or unreasonable evaluation,
• appeal grades and evaluations through fair processes based on the principles of natural justice,
• have the opportunity to review one’s evaluated assignments, tests, exams and projects.

Quality Education

• receive a quality learning experience from instructors who are knowledgeable in their subject area, and skilled in instructional techniques.

Accommodation

• learning opportunities regardless of whether the student has a physical, sensory, psychiatric or learning disability in accordance with policy A28- Accommodation.

4.3 Academic Responsibilities

Students have the responsibility to:

Be Informed

• obtain and understand information concerning course outlines and materials pertaining to courses, content, evaluation methods, program requirements and policies, academic progression regulations and graduation requirements,
• obtain information and the procedures to be followed in the case of rescheduling or replacement of classes,

Adhere to Administrative Procedures and Departmental Requirements

• pay all fees and obtain course materials by the stated deadlines, and adhere to admission, registration and withdrawal procedures of the College,
• follow the approved policy and procedures to appeal grades and evaluations,
• attend class and observe requirements concerning attendance, punctuality and appropriate behaviour,
• submit assignments within the required deadlines, specified by the course instructor. If unable to do so, to seek instructor approval to make alternate arrangements in advance of the deadline,

Maintain Academic Standards

• submit only original or properly acknowledged work, knowing what plagiarism and other forms of cheating are, and knowing the consequences of engaging in plagiarism and other forms of cheating,

Be Accountable

• assume responsibility for course work and assignments missed when absent. Participation in co-curricular activities, athletic events, fieldtrips, etc., does not reduce academic responsibility,
• communicate with instructors, counselors, advisors, and staff in order to resolve problems,

Be Respectful

• respect the rights of instructors and fellow students by conducting oneself appropriately in the classroom and abstain from any actions which disturb or disrupt the learning environment including arriving late, using a cell phone for personal, non-emergency communication, gaming, using foul language, etc. Should a student be disruptive or disrespectful, instructional and library staff has the right and obligation to exclude the student from the teaching/learning area.

4.4 Non-Academic Rights

Students have the right to:

Expression

• Students may express themselves individually, or as a group, orally, electronically, and/or in print. This includes the right to publish and distribute views on campus, free from censorship or reprisal. The right to expression, as with all rights, is not absolute. Students must exercise this right in a manner that is compliant with the law and College policy. Students should note the responsibility to treat all members of the College community with respect, including when using social media, speaking, writing, and creating. As stated in 4.5(a) below, Students must maintain a respectful and accepting learning environment which is free from fear, harm, discrimination, harassment and intimidation.

Spirituality

• observe spiritual, religious, and indigenous practices. This right is subject to the condition that any practice will be in a manner that is not perceived as threatening or imposing on other members of the College community. All practices must also comply with the law and College policy.

Assembly / Participation in the College Community and Student Associations

• organize and take part in orderly student organized assemblies on campus, so long as such assemblies do not interfere with the regular activities of the College community and are not contrary to College policy, rules and/or regulations,
• elect and maintain a student government to organize and administer activities/affairs of students.

Resources / Information

• use College facilities and equipment within established College and departmental policies,
• have access to information on College services at the beginning of the program,
• have access to any approved College rule, regulation, policy, procedure or guidelines regarding College programs, courses, activities and services, as well as information regarding the consequences of breaching such rules, regulations, policies, procedures or guidelines.
• work and learn in a safe and healthy environment,
• work and learn in a positive and respectful environment, free from any and all harassment. The student has a right not to be subjected to indignity or violence.

Confidentiality

• the privacy of one’s official records in accordance with the law and policy A21 – Security of Academic Records,
• expect that personal information will not be released to anyone outside the College without their prior written consent or as allowed under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or as otherwise required by law.
• make, without fear of reprisal or retaliation, a reasonable complaint to the applicable College authority.

4.5 Non-Academic Responsibilities

Students have the responsibility to:

Be Respectful

• treat all members of the College community in a respectful manner. Students have the responsibility to contribute to maintaining a respectful and accepting learning environment which is free from fear, harm, discrimination, harassment and intimidation. Students must respect the rights of other members of the College community.

Be Accountable

• keep personal information in College records current and up-to-date by reporting name and address changes to Enrolment Services.

Avoid Misconduct

• avoid all forms of non-academic misconduct which includes but is not limited to:
  • Threatening to subject or subjecting any person, student or staff, to physical, sexual or psychological harassment, stalking, indignity, injury or violence.
  • Obnoxious behaviour which may include using abusive or vulgar language, gestures and the like.
  • Damaging facilities or unauthorized use/removal of property belonging to the College or the Students’ Association. This includes facilities rented for College or Students’ Association sponsored activities.
  • Theft of, or willful damage to personal effects and property of students, staff or the College.
  • Disregard of Workplace Safety and Health procedures and practices or the intentional creation of safety hazards.
  • Possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and/or narcotic substances on Campus or other College facilities unless medically authorized.
  • Consuming alcoholic beverages onto the campus or other College facilities, except as permitted by College policy at licensed events.
  • Possession or use of firearms, weapons, imitations of weapons, explosives including fireworks, dangerous chemicals or other potentially harmful substances on College property or College sponsored activities.
  • Disruption or obstruction of regular or organized College activities.
  • Unauthorized use or unauthorized entry to College property.
  • Failure to obey the lawful instructions or comply with the direction of any College employee acting in the proper performance of their duty.
  • Refusal to provide identification upon reasonable request and justification by a College official or employee acting in the proper performance of their duty.
  • Misuse of the College name or the name of any College employee, document, record, instrument or identification with or without the intent to defraud or in a manner that is malicious.
  • Misuse of the name of any College student with or without the intent to defraud or in a manner that is malicious.
  • Violation of the privacy rights of fellow students, including the taking of unauthorized pictures.
  • Violation of the Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources policy.
• comply with College policy and procedure,
• avoid any act involving the College which contravenes the Criminal Code of Canada and other federal, provincial or municipal laws,
• not knowingly aid or assist another person(s) in the commission of any offense on campus or at any College-sponsored activity off campus.

5. Responsibilities

5.1

College Academic staff, both instructional and administrative, have the responsibility to support student rights. They are responsible for creating a positive learning environment for every student in an equal manner and fulfilling all program-related obligations. They must be aware of and enforce College policy.

5.2

College Administrative staff, both managerial and support, has the responsibility to support student rights. They are responsible for providing students with accurate program-related information and a high level of customer service to ensure that their position contributes to the positive learning experience of every student. They must be aware of and enforce College policy.

Related Policies

A21 – Security of Academic Records
A22 – Academic Standards
A28 – Academic Accommodation
E1 – Safety
E5 – Smoking
G3 – Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy
H1 – Discrimination and Harassment
H3 – College Identification Cards
IT1 – Acceptable Use of Information Technology Resources
S2 – Student Discipline
S3 – Student Appeals
S4 – Academic Integrity
U4 – Alcohol on College Premises