Nursing - BScN (McMaster) Academic Handbook

2024/25 | Conestoga College

Health & Life Sciences

Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning

Academic Handbook Guidelines

The purpose of this academic handbook is to provide students with important information relating to their academic journey. Academic handbooks are updated annually and are applicable to all new and returning students for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur outside of the annual update through college email. Students must check their academic handbook for the current edition.

This handbook must be read in conjunction with general information about Conestoga College found on the college website. The information on the college website applies to all students, regardless of program.

The college website provides information regarding Student Services, Safety and Security, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and more.

McMaster University Undergraduate Nursing Education Program (UNEP) Handbook

You are now a BScN Nursing Student in the McMaster Mohawk Conestoga BScN Program (Conestoga Site). Therefore, it is important that you become very familiar with the information in the McMaster University Undergraduate Nursing Education Program (UNEP) Handbook that is found on the McMaster Learning Management system, 'Avenue to Learn'.

The UNEP Handbook provides a complete overview of the BScN Kaleidoscope Curriculum, a summary of the program and teaching-learning methodology, the philosophy and beliefs about nursing and nursing education, and the goals that students must meet before they can proceed to the next level.

Please refer to the UNEP Handbook and familiarize yourself with the contents.

Contact Information and Communication Standards

School Contacts

For all School of Health and Life Sciences contacts (Program Coordinators, Academic Chairs, Dean/Executive Dean), please use the following link: School of Health Life Sciences Contacts | Conestoga College

Placement/Co-op Office

Co-operative Education Office

Faculty Availability

During the first several days of the semester, Faculty will explain how you can contact them outside of class time. Since Faculty have varied teaching schedules, please make an appointment to ensure they are available. Faculty members aim to reply to email messages within 48 business hours.

College Email Communication Requirements

Conestoga College student email accounts are used for all official communication with students. Faculty and staff are only expected to communicate through college email and/or eConestoga regarding specific program/course inquiries/concerns. Faculty are not expected to respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses.

Students are expected to check their student email accounts regularly.

When corresponding with anyone at the college, please include your student number and program information. Emails are responded to during business hours. Please allow for a response within 2 business days. Abusive language and/or repeated emails will not be tolerated and are a violation of the Student Expectations for Online Engagement.

If you experience issues accessing your college email, please visit the IT support page for assistance. Students are accountable for ensuring a functioning college email account.

College Hours

The College is open and offers classes seven days a week.

For additional information regarding hours of operations and campus locations, please visit the College website.

Academic Information for Your Studies

Provincial Program Quality Standards

The McMaster Mohawk Conestoga BScN Program at the Conestoga Site offers an integrated plan of learning over four years in which the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values critical to your goal of becoming a Registered Nurse are presented in a logical sequence that builds on itself and provides the opportunity to integrate increasing knowledge with opportunities to apply theory to practice in more complex ways. Important milestones in your program are as follows:

Basic Stream

In Level One you will concentrate on learning about the social determinants of health, communication skills, nursing assessments, humanistic and professional caring, and beginning evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) skills, and relating the biological sciences to nursing practice.

In Level Two you will be entering the Professional Practice environment and caring for medical and surgical clients. You will continue to learn a variety of hands-on skills, and apply the communication and assessment skills you learned in Level One. Your EIDM skills will expand as will your knowledge and use of statistics. The sciences will include pharmacology and microbiology, both applicable in the professional practice setting.

In Level Three you will look after clients with more complex needs and in a variety of settings such as Maternal Health, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Oncology, and Cardiology plus medical and surgical settings.

You will also experience caring for communities in your community health nursing course. Finally, you will expand your ability to critique articles and apply theory to practice.

In Level Four you will be able to practice under the guidance of a Nursing Preceptor in the Professional Practice setting. You will learn more about research as well as system issues and preparation for Professional Practice.

In RPN-BScN In your first year of study, RPN-BScN students deepen their understanding of science, statistics and research as well as revisit their nursing knowledge with a new lens and deeper level of analysis. You will also expand your nursing role to include community practice focused on population health and public health concepts. Your second year of your program will involve a clinical placement in acute care along with a variety of simulated settings focused on application of knowledge and critical analysis of situations. In your final year, you will further expand your practice knowledge under the guidance of a Nursing Preceptor as well as focus on research and health system issues.

We would also like to extend an invitation to join the McMaster University Nursing Student Society (MUNSS) early in your program as attending university is a very social experience, and there are many opportunities to participate in nursing activities or to take on a leadership role.

External Recognition

We are very pleased that the quality of your Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree has been recognized by external bodies and employers. The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing has given this program their highest level of accreditation which is 7 years. Conestoga nursing graduates have been employed in many different areas and specialties in Ontario, Canada and internationally.

Essential Competencies

The College of Nurses of Ontario provides a list of entry-to-practice competencies. The McMaster Mohawk Conestoga BScN - Conestoga site program provides education to cover all these competencies. See College of Nurses of Ontario (2019). Competencies for Entry Level Registered Nurse Practice.

Student Engagement

The McMaster University Student Society (MUNSS) is the connection point for BScN students.

MUNNS aims to foster the ideals and interests of McMaster University, Mohawk College and Conestoga College, as an interdisciplinary and collaborative community and to promote a spirit of unity and fellowship among students of the McMaster-Mohawk-Conestoga BScN Program.

Furthermore, MUNSS aims to promote opportunities for professional, personal, and social development for Nursing Students and aspires to be the recognized means of communication between the nursing student body, the McMaster-Mohawk-Conestoga BScN Program, the McMaster Students Union (MSU), the Mohawk Students Association (MSA), the Conestoga Students Incorporated (CSI), and national and provincial nursing and nursing student associations.

Lastly, MUNNS achieves to stimulate professional and educational growth in the nursing community; and advocates for the needs of the students in the McMaster-Mohawk-Conestoga BScN Program and to build capacity and empower them throughout their student career.

Attendance and Your Success

Working Together to Plan Your Success

Your success matters! Regular, punctual attendance, and active participation in scheduled classes, field and clinical placements, labs and any on-campus and off-campus activities scheduled by your program will help you to understand and master the learning complexities of your program.

If extenuating, unplanned circumstances require you to miss a class or an assessment, please note that it is your responsibility to follow up with individual faculty members prior to the class/assessment and access any missed information.

Attendance for Evaluations

Evaluations are critical components of each course and your overall success in your program. It is your responsibility to attend all evaluations (e.g. test, exam, presentation, etc.). If there is a concerning pattern of absence from evaluations across your program, you may be asked to meet with the Program Coordinator and/or Student Advisor to discuss strategies for success.

While circumstances such as religious holidays and academic accommodations may necessitate rescheduling of evaluations and will be accommodated, please note that there will be no special arrangements made for rescheduling evaluations due to personal conflicts such as work, commuting, or vacation plans.

Faculty Responsibilities

To communicate the dates of each evaluation at the beginning of each semester
To communicate, in writing, any unplanned extenuating circumstances that may require changes to the course schedule.
As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, provide alternative evaluation arrangements for missed evaluations due to recognized religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.
To provide all accommodations requested by Accessible Learning.
To consider alternative evaluation requests in good faith and examine the unique circumstances (e.g., unexpected family obligations, personal emergencies, etc.) and collaboratively determine an appropriate solution.
Note, do not request doctor's notes from students.

Student Responsibilities

To familiarize yourself with the dates of evaluation.
As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, inform your faculty member in writing that the religious holiday defined by the College Employer Council will occur during the semester and may require considerations for evaluations to be rescheduled.

Reasons for Absence

Compassionate Leave

Request for leaves of absence to attend to family illness, death or family problems are usually granted. These requests will be submitted to faculty who will consult with the Program Coordinator/Chair if necessary.

Jury Duty

Any student who receives a summons for jury duty must submit the document to their respective faculty as soon as possible. The faculty will consult with the Chair to determine what arrangements can be made to have the student excused from submission of assignments, if such duty interferes with the progress in the program. Students may also be required to engage in activities in the evening or weekends using eConestoga.

Religious Holy Days and Spiritual Observances

Students are supported by Conestoga Policy to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious holy day. Any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in an examination, study, or work requirement on some particular day(s) because of religious beliefs will be given the opportunity to make up the missed work or complete alternate work/examinations subject to timely written notification.

Conestoga recognizes all religious holy days as defined by the College Employer Council.

It is your responsibility to:

Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all examinations and other course obligations;
Advise the faculty that you will be seeking accommodation to observe a recognized religious holy day.
Make a request in writing to your Program Coordinator within the first three weeks of the semester and prior to the date of assessment that falls on the religious holy day. Exceptions based on extenuating circumstances must be approved by the Program Chair.

Emergency Closures

If a campus is closed:

All in-person classes and activities will be cancelled at that site.

Previously scheduled/timetabled online classes may continue at the discretion of the online instructor.

Scheduled in-person examinations and severe weather conditions

If the college is closed due to extreme weather, all in-person assessments to be administered during a regularly scheduled class will be postponed until the next class. Previously scheduled/timetabled online classes may continue at the discretion of the instructor.

If the college has to be closed during an examination week, all in-person exams will be rescheduled to the end of the exam schedule (Saturday or the next Monday).

Students who cannot travel to the college due to extreme weather (e.g., travel advisories or road closures) in their local area are responsible for notifying their faculty of their inability to write on the day of the assessment. The notice must be provided by email or telephone before the time of the scheduled assessment. Students who fail to provide this notice will receive a grade of zero. Students must make arrangements to write the assessment immediately upon their return to the college.

Notice of college closure will be posted on our website by 6:15 am the day of. Notice of cancellation of evening classes will be posted on the website by 4 pm the day of.

Attendance

Health & Life Science Programs are centred around a competency-based curriculum with defined learning objectives emphasizing the theoretical and practical skills required to enter the profession. Considering the learning complexities and emphasis on skills obtained in the class, lab settings and field placements, students must attend classes and labs as scheduled.

If extenuating circumstances require students to miss a class or a lab, please note that it is the student's responsibility to share this information with faculty and acquire any missed information.

In order to be respectful to both fellow students and faculty, students are expected to arrive on time for class and lab. Students who arrive 10 minutes after the laboratory period has begun may not be allowed to enter the lab as they will have missed all pertinent procedural and safety instructions.

Test Procedures

For in-person tests, once a test begins, students may not leave the test room for 30 minutes. If they finish a test before that time, they may review their answers but are expected to sit QUIETLY and not disturb others. Once students leave the room, they may only re-enter when invited back by faculty or Proctor.
Any student found cheating during an examination/test will be addressed according to procedures found on the Academic Integrity page.
The faculty is responsible for advising as to the material permitted in the testing room. Personal items and learning materials will be left in an area identified by the faculty or Proctor.
The faculty or Proctor will advise as to the seating arrangements of students.
Students must bring their course materials (books, notes, Learning Packages, etc.) for individual use during open-book tests. Students may not share any of these materials.
Electronic devices, such as cell phones, or translators, will not be permitted.

On-Line or Remote Theory Exams:

Tests that are written in virtual testing environments are not considered open book unless specified by faculty.
While writing virtual tests, students may be required to use a lockdown browser and appear on a webcam for the duration of the test. It is the students responsibility to ensure they have downloaded what is required for testing PRIOR and communicate to the faculty facilitating the assessment about any technical issues.

Web-based Tools

Program courses may use web-based services with data centres outside of Canada. Students may be expected to complete assessments where information is transmitted outside of Canada. Students who do not wish to submit their information to other countries have the right to opt-out. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor if they, in the first week of term or at the time assignment details are provided, wish to submit an alternate assignment.

Course examinations may be administered through a remote proctoring service to assure academic integrity. Ensure that you meet the system requirements that will allow the recording of your computer screen, webcam, and microphone.

Academic Assistance

Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The Program Coordinator and/or Student Success Advisor can advise on specific program and course information, as well as on the wide range of supports available at the College. Conestoga's Student Success Services Department can provide assistance with Counselling, Accessible Learning, and Career Services.

Student Success Advisors

Student Success Advisors (SSAs) are available to support you. Support is available for all campuses, schools, and programs. Your SSA is there when you don't know where to start, are experiencing challenges affecting your learning experience, or need help succeeding in your program.

You can sign in to the Student Success Portal to book an appointment.

Accessible Learning

Conestoga College provides an equitable environment where all students have the opportunity to participate in College life. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Conestoga recognizes its responsibility and legal obligation to provide education, information and services in an accessible manner.

Conestoga's Accessible Learning services provide support for students with permanent and temporary disabilities who feel they are encountering barriers to learning. They work with students to understand the impact of a disability in the college environment and will help develop a success plan that considers student goals and required academic accommodations. Accessible Learning will also communicate necessary accommodations to professors on behalf of the student.

To consult with an Accessibility Advisor about accommodations please make an appointment by emailing accessibility@conestogac.on.ca or calling 519-748-5220 ext. 3232.

Exceptions for non-accessibility focused issues need to be consulted on with your professor. Final approval for exceptions unrelated to academic accommodations rests with the program chair.

Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries

Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships, and academic grants available to Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we have established with local business and industry leaders.

To be considered for an award, complete the General Application available through your Student Portal. Notifications, deadlines, and instructions to complete the application are sent to all full-time students' email accounts in the fall, winter, and spring semesters.

Visit the Financial Aid and Student Awards Office on Conestoga's website.

Academic Expectations for Your Studies

Professionalism and Student Expectations

Rights and Responsibilities

As a student of Conestoga College, you are a member of the college community and as such you have Rights and Responsibilities.

Student Rights include the right to learn, to be safe, to be informed, to be heard and to appeal.
Student Responsibilities include respect for persons, respect for college learning and working environment and respect for property, facilities and college reputation.

For more information, please visit the Student Rights and Responsibilities page of the college website.

Professionalism

Throughout their studies, students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and to apply themselves to academic achievement. The fundamental responsibility of the student is to gain additional knowledge and skills to be a competent professional. As professionals, it is imperative that behaviours and attitudes reflect standards that are endorsed by Conestoga College and your chosen profession. As a Conestoga College student, there are three areas of conduct you are expected to follow: Academic Conduct, Professional Conduct, and Social/Behavioural Conduct.

Professionalism Expectations

Attire: To dress professionally means to dress tastefully and respectfully and to adhere to the standards of health and safety as set out by your program. When you dress professionally, you are putting yourself in a professional mindset that will enhance/support your learning.

Attitude: It is expected that you will treat your experience in your program similar to that of a workplace. As you interact with peers and faculty, your attitude, behaviour and language should reflect that of a positive, hard-working professional.

Teamwork: You are expected to demonstrate effective teamwork strategies including taking on roles as a leader and as a member in group situations. You are to respect your colleagues and interact in a positive, encouraging, productive, and collaborative way.

Organization: Time management and organization are of the utmost importance throughout any program. Demonstrate appropriate time-management and organizational skills, allowing for the completion of tasks in a timely and effective manner.

Personal Device and Social Media Usage

To support a quality and respectful learning environment both in the classroom and in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) experiences, the use of cell phones and laptop computers for social networking should only occur during break times, before/after class, and during formal break time during WIL experiences.

As a student and future professional, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries in all communication, including social media.

Make sure your posts reflect the professional image you want to project, as if a potential employer were viewing them.

Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood.
Assume that information you post or send can be accessed or altered by anyone.
Consider whether any posting may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your profession.
Avoid online criticism of other students, colleagues, professors or WIL experiences.
Avoid impulsive or inappropriate comments.
Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express permission of all individuals involved.
Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous.
Make sure your online name and email reflect professionalism.
Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer, colleague, faculty or others.

Maintain privacy of all care and service activities when in practical work experiences:

Do not take or post any pictures during WIL experiences or involved in lab activities
Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a 'friendship" status online is unacceptable.

Please respect the fact that your faculty and staff will not invite you to their personal web pages when you are a current student, nor will they accept any invitations to your personal sites.

Classroom Practices

Faculty responsibilities:

Return assessed items promptly and review with students – generally, students are not able to retain their tests/examinations/assignments and should review thoroughly at this time. It is the responsibility of the student to ask any questions regarding the assignment with the faculty member outside class time during posted office hours, if required.
Respond to student requests for consultations to discuss performance or questions in respect to their coursework and assessed items.
Respond to student emails/voicemails within 48 business hours.
Ensure course outcomes are covered in the assessment method.

Student responsibilities:

Attend and participate in lectures, labs, presentations, group work, field trips or other activities related to the course/program.
Students are not permitted to record lectures or take pictures without the consent of faculty and/or students. Content from the course is not to be posted on any external websites.
The use of an electronic translator is prohibited. Students must be able to communicate in English.
Electronic devices may be used for learning or instructional purposes. Faculty or technologists may request devices be put away when a safety issue or distraction occurs.
Adhere to all deadlines for assessed items.
Write final exams as per the schedule posted by the Program Coordinator/Faculty.
Please consult with the Program Coordinator/Faculty regarding final exam dates and times.
Unauthorized devices in a testing situation will result in an academic offence and a grade of zero.
Submit coursework in the requested format, described by the faculty member in the rubrics or guidelines, by the specified deadline.
Fully disclose and completely reference all sources used in submitted course assessments and not engage in plagiarism.
Advise faculty of circumstances that would prevent the completion of assessments, prior to the deadline and provide required documentation.

Classroom practices extend to online and hybrid learning environments. Students are expected to abide by the Student Expectations for Online Engagement guidelines available on the college website.

Please note: Students registered with Accessibility Services and have accommodations for approved electronic devices are permitted to do so with the faculty's knowledge.

Professionalism School Standards

As a Health & Life Sciences student, it is important to present oneself in a professional manner. A professional demeanour and appearance are important in establishing effective working relationships. Professionalism constitutes overall attitude and presentation.

The Health & Life Sciences Professionalism Standards Guide details these expectations as they relate to your program.

Uniform Standards

Many Health & Life Sciences Programs have set uniforms required to successfully participate in learning. These standards are detailed in the Health & Life Science Uniform Standards Guide.

What is Academic Integrity?

Academic integrity means the degree to which the outcomes of learning activities or scholarly work have authenticity and align with formal goals and objectives established by the College. It includes acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities including but not limited to course work, work integrated learning, academic documents, and research. All members of the Conestoga community are responsible and accountable for upholding academic integrity.

As a current Conestoga student, you are expected to understand what constitutes an academic incident and to avoid any activities that may lead to an academic incident.

By having and applying an Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure, Conestoga ensures graduates complete their studies fairly and honestly through hard work and dedication, and thus are well-prepared for their future careers.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism involves knowingly presenting someone else's work as your own, be it text, an illustration, a photograph, part of a video, an audio track or a design. If within your assignment non-original work is permitted to be used, you must still credit the source of that work. You can provide this credit through a recognized citation format, like APA, or as directed by your Faculty.

Penalties for plagiarism can be severe and can include receiving a failing grade for the entire course. There are many resources that can help you with proper citation, and help you understand when you can and cannot use other sources as influence for your work.

For more information about plagiarism, consult the Academic Integrity page from Conestoga College Library Services.

Other forms of Academic Misconduct

There are other ways a student might cheat, including, but not limited to, Contract Cheating, Unauthorized Collaboration, Aiding and Abetting, and using Unauthorized Aids and Assistance. It is important to familiarize yourself with potential ways of cheating in order to know how to avoid it. For help, please contact the Academic Integrity Office for guidance and support.

Copyright at Conestoga

Conestoga facilitates access to print, media, and electronic resources to support and enrich learning, teaching, and research in compliance with the following:

The proper use of Intellectual Property (IP) is essential and reflects industry and legal standards.

Whether your work appears in print, broadcast, online, or in another form, copyright laws apply. These laws also protect the work you produce. Work submitted for assessments must conform to copyright requirements, unless otherwise stated by Faculty. Elements under copyright can include, but are not limited to: music, text, images, and designs. If in doubt, do not use elements that could be under copyright protection.

For further guidance, please see Conestoga's Academic Offences Policy or the Conestoga College Library Services' Academic Integrity page.

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)

GenAI tools are prohibited from being used for assignments unless you are specifically authorized to use GenAI tool for an assignment by your professor.

Please visit Conestoga's Gen AI for Students website to learn more.

Research

Some courses have a research component, which may be college-based and/or in collaboration with a host organization. Research must adhere to the highest level of ethical standards and is a reflection of Conestoga College. Faculty will provide more information relevant to the research requirements in the course. For further details regarding required citing and referencing, please contact Library Services.

For help with research, please Book a Research Help Appointment.

Academic Concerns During a Course

If a student has a concern regarding an assignment, lab, midterm, final exam, etc., the student must first meet with the faculty to discuss the situation. When contacting faculty, students should carefully consider the feedback provided and reflect on their submission.

A student who wishes to appeal an academic decision, such as a final course grade, academic integrity violation, or discontinuance from the program, should refer to the Academic Dispute Resolution and Appeal Policy and Procedure for instructions.

Student Representation - CSI

Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student and/or faculty meeting provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to adequately prepare for the meeting.

Equipment and Facility Information

Smoke-Free Environment

Smoking is not allowed in any Conestoga building. Help keep the environment clean by using the waste receptacles when you smoke outdoors. To provide unobstructed entry to the college for visitors and non-smoking employees and students, all campus entrances have been designated smoke-free.

Use of Food and Beverages in Classrooms and Labs

It is the responsibility of senior management to ensure that the academic environment is clean and conducive to learning. The following policy statements will be adhered to regarding the use of food and beverages in classrooms and labs:

There is no food permitted in any classroom or lab. Beverages are permitted in unbreakable, re-sealable containers. Please note that in computer labs, containers should be placed away from the keyboard to prevent unnecessary damage.
Beverages (including water) are not permitted in health sciences skill labs. For health and safety reasons, instructions will be established by faculty and management within designated shop areas, such as Electrical, Metal Machining, and Woodworking.

It is the responsibility of instructional staff and management to ensure that the policy is adhered to by students.

Health Care Learning Spaces

Access to any health care learning space outside of instructor-led time will be determined and communicated by program coordinators. Any specific space utilization requirements for health care learning spaces will also be communicated by program coordinators.

Open Access

Open Access is a practice learning environment which can be utilized by any student enrolled in the School of Health and Life Sciences. It is located in the Cowan Health Science Center (2F18) and can be booked through https://conestogac.libcal.com/r/new. If you have any questions related to Open Access, please reach out to: OpenAccess@conestogac.on.ca.

Basic Safety Training

Conestoga College is committed to establishing and maintaining a healthy and safe work and study environment. All students must achieve 100% on the WHMIS test in the first semester.

General safety considerations will be provided during the Orientation in the Cowan Health Sciences Centre or any other labs or training centres. Throughout your course of study, your teacher will guide you through the use of safe work practices. Safety considerations and the safe handling and use of equipment are incorporated within the learning outcomes of your program.

It is your responsibility to follow guidelines for safety once these have been taught and to ensure that you received training on the use of any equipment prior to its use.

Any person who fails to comply with Health and Safety regulations or handles equipment in an unsafe or abusive manner will be asked to leave the space or location."

Safe Practice

Safe practice is a hallmark of professional practice. It is an expectation of everyone who aims to become a healthcare professional.

There are several policies and procedures associated with practical training that has been developed to ensure your safety and the safety (physical and emotional) of those around you. These policies will be reviewed during your program.

The following basic procedures are outlined for your attention:

Your safety begins with the use of professional attire and footwear and with your attention to the health and safety expectations that may be identified throughout the college.
Please help us create a safe and pleasant environment by wiping up spills, ensuring laptop cords do not snake across walking areas, and reporting equipment or facility problems when you notice these.
Specific dress codes, personal protective equipment and specific codes of behavioural conduct may apply to certain programs; failure to follow these may result in your inability to participate in a lab, class or experiential learning activity.
Safe work practices are to be followed during all training. Follow the direction of your instructors. If you have a placement, your instructor will ensure that you know safe practices and safety precautions and procedures. This includes problem-solving by the instructor and Program Coordinator with the college's Occupational Health & Safety Department as required.
All safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to the Instructor in charge immediately.

Fire Safety

Smoking and open flame are always prohibited in the lab.

In case of fire, the faculty member in the lab is responsible for turning off all gas sources, ensuring the nearest pull station has been activated and that everyone evacuates the lab.

Faculty and students should know the location of the fire extinguisher but only use it to fight a fire if the student is trained, it is safe to do so (e.g., fire is small and escape route is clear), and the fire alarm has been activated.

Work-Integrated Learning Experiences

Student Consent Forms

Students are required to complete program-specific consent forms if applicable. To access the forms, students must visit the H.S. Trax home page under the Service tab on your Student Portal.

Additional Requirements-AODA Training

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)

The purpose of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is to ensure that all Ontarians have fair and equitable access to programs and services and to improve opportunities for persons with disabilities.

All students must complete AODA training in the first semester.

Safety in the Workplace Course (OHS1320)

All students who participate in unpaid work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences during the course of their program will be required to successfully complete the mandatory Safety in the Workplace course prior to going out on WIL experience. The course will provide students with an introduction to workplace hazards and general safety awareness. Students will receive a Record of Completion to provide evidence of this training to WIL experience sites and will consent to their workplace insurance coverage.

WSIB

Prior to your first WIL experience, you must electronically sign a Declaration of Understanding of WSIB Coverage related to Unpaid Clinical placements indicating you understand that WSIB coverage will be provided through the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) while you are on training WIL experiences. This Declaration will be placed in your student file. It is your responsibility to ensure that the Declaration of Understanding for WSIB Coverage has been electronically signed, in the Safety in the Workplace Course - OHS1320, and visible on your H.S. Trax home page to be eligible to attend your WIL experience.

Work-Integrated Learning Guide

Please refer to the School of Health and Life Sciences Work-Integrated Learning Guide for additional details and requirements for your program.

Student Feedback

Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our opportunities for student feedback include:

Ontario College Student Experience Survey

All college programs in the province are evaluated using the Ontario College Student Experience Survey. This survey is conducted each academic year in select classes - every student is invited to participate in each year of their program. Strategic goals to improve programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality.

Early Course Check-in

Direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course provides valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga. The Early Course Check-in is a short 5 -10 question survey that occurs during week 5 10 of classes and provides early feedback to faculty about the student experience within their classroom.

Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)

The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching and course structure. Completion of the SAT forms give teachers and academic managers valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga.

The SAT is 30-40 questions and occurs late in the semester; a summary of the results goes to the faculty member and their academic manager. Typically, about one-quarter of the faculty is appraised per term. All full-time faculty have a SAT review at least once every two years. Part-time faculty may be reviewed more frequently.

Program Advisory Committees (PACs)

Program Advisory Committees (PACs) provide the necessary link between Conestoga and the community it serves. PACs operate in an advisory capacity to Conestoga administration with the objective to keep Conestoga responsive to current and future workforce needs, trends or opportunities in industry and the marketplace.

All post-secondary education programs of study at Conestoga, both full-time and part-time, which lead to an employment related credential, or are approved by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU), will be associated with a PAC, with the exception of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. For any program not leading to an employment related credential, such as foundation programs, PACs are optional.

Each academic year, the coordinator(s) of the program will ask for student volunteers. The coordinator(s) will select which student(s) will represent the program at PAC. Student attendees are expected to be present at all meetings and are responsible for preparing and submitting a report based on guidelines provided by the program coordinator.

Students who participate in PACs will receive credit on their Co-Curricular Record (CCR) . Your CCR is an official document, complementary to your academic transcript, which recognizes and records learning that you have achieved through approved co-curricular experiences at Conestoga.

College-wide Policies and Procedures

A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on an annual basis. Students are advised to review and comply with all Conestoga policies and procedures.

All Conestoga academic policies and procedures are listed on the College website.

Academic Handbook Revision Log

Created Spring 2024