Review Edison College’s policies that are designed to clearly outline your safety, rights and responsibilities and ensure a transparent and safe environment for all students and staff. Please reach out to our school if you have any questions.
- Student Statement of Rights
- Attendance Policy
- Dismissal Policy
- Dispute Resolution Policy
- English Language Proficiency Policy
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Respect For and Fair Treatment Policy
- Sexual Misconduct Policy
- Tuition Refund Policy
- Work Experience Policy
Student Statement of Rights
Edison College is certified with the Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the British Columbia Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training. Before you enroll at a certified private training institution, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities.
You have the right to be treated fairly and respectfully by the institution.
You have the right to a student enrolment contract that includes the following information.
- amount of tuition and any additional fee for your program
- refund policy
- if your program includes a work experience, the requirements to participate in the work experience and the geographic area where it will be provided
- whether the program was approved by PTIB or does not require approval.
You have the right to access the institution’s dispute resolution process and to be protected against retaliation for making a complaint.
You have the right to make a claim to PTIB within one year of completing, being dismissed or withdrawing from your program and request a tuition refund if:
- your institution ceased to hold a certificate before you completed an approved program
- you were misled about a significant aspect of your approved program.
Please ensure that you read the entire contract before signing, Edison College must provide you with a signed copy of your contract.
Attendance Policy
Edison College Canada is required to take attendance by provincial regulators and report delinquent attendance to the concerned agencies. Make note that:
- Some programs may have additional attendance requirements. Refer to your program outline for details.
- Attendance is recorded daily from the first day the class is scheduled.
- When a class cannot run at its scheduled time, it will be re-scheduled and the students will be informed. Students are required to attend all rescheduled classes.
- Attendance is taken in every class, handed in at the end of class, and reconciled.
- Students who miss over 50% of a class are marked absent.
- Late arrivals and early departures from class are noted in the attendance record and may be added to the total time absent.
- If a student is going to be absent it is their responsibility to notify the Instructor and College as soon as possible via email.
- If applicable, students must attend all work experience sessions or shifts. If a student is unable to attend a work experience session or shift they must notify the College and their work experience host.
- All absences are recorded regardless of the reason for the absence.
- When students are unable to attend for 5 consecutive days without prior notice and approval, they will receive a formal written warning.
- Students who miss 10 consecutive days without prior notice and approval may be withdrawn.
- If the student’s attendance drops to 75%, they will be placed on academic probation.
- Students are expected to maintain an attendance rate of at least 70%. Students who miss 30% of the program may be dismissed from their program and the relevant funding agencies will be informed, if applicable.
The College recognizes only the following as valid reasons for excusable absence.
- Personal sickness accompanied by a valid doctor’s note upon return.
- Medical or family emergencies.
- Death in the immediate family.
- For any other reasons, please speak with your instructor.
It is the Instructor’s responsibility to accurately maintain all attendance registers/e-files. A record of each student’s attendance may be placed in a student’s file by the College.
Procedure
All students should attend and be on time for all classes. A student is responsible for notifying the campus of the absence prior to the start of a class. Attendance is the document of record that demonstrates to auditors that students have received all program hours indicated in either the course or program outline. Attendance is recorded from the first day of scheduled classes and not the first day of attendance by a student.
Instructors may use the following convention to record attendance:
- P – Present – Student attended the entire class
- E – Excused Absence – Student missed the entire class but had informed the instructor
- U – Unexcused Absence – Student missed the entire class and has not informed the instructor
- L – Late – Student was late for the class
Attendance Monitoring
- Attendance taking is required for all enrolled students for the entire period of enrolment. This applies to work experience placements.
- For each course an attendance register or e-file is available. The register/e-file will be made available to Instructors.
- Instructors will take attendance at each class. Students are not permitted to mark their own attendance. The register/e-file must be kept securely by Instructors. Attendance will note how many hours a student attended. Notes should be made for excused absences and late arrivals. This missed time is accumulated over the length of a student’s program and may result in the student being placed on ‘academic probation’.
- This document will be protected and only a designated attendance recorder assigned by the Campus Director will have ‘editing’ access. All changes will be noted by the date and the person making the change.
- Instructors will immediately notify the Senior Educational Administrator and/or the Campus Director of any unusual attendance patterns.
Dismissal Policy
The College reserves the right to dismiss any student:
- Whose conduct is detrimental to the safety and integrity of the College environment or a risk to other students, staff, and instructors or to the College or
- Who violates the ‘Respect and Fair Treatment of Students’ policy or
- Whose academic progress is unsatisfactory.
- Other items listed below under ‘Actionable Items’
Notification of Dismissal
When the College has determined that a student will be dismissed the student will be notified in writing in person or by registered mail. The ‘Letter of Dismissal’ will describe the nature of the violation (including date and time), the basis and rationale for the dismissal and the effective date.
The Campus Director will determine if there are any other monies due, the amount of the tuition refund, if any, if the ancillary costs should be refunded, the amount, and the person or agency that this money should be returned to. Refund calculations will be based on the date of dismissal.
The letter of dismissal will include a summary of the student’s financial account prepared by the Campus Director including a statement describing the student’s financial responsibility if money was provided by a government funding agency, through a scholarship, or a grant. The College will notify the government funding agency(s) or other external agency(s) as required of the student’s change in enrolment status.
A copy of the student’s notification, any supporting documentation, the College’s letter of dismissal, and any correspondence in any form with the student and/or funding agencies is to be retained in the student’s file.
Appeal of Dismissal
Students may appeal their dismissal by following the Dispute Resolution Process. The appeal must be done in writing and delivered to the Campus Director within 5 business days. The appeal should indicate the reasons that a student should be permitted to return to the College and the steps the student is going to take to remediate the circumstances of the dismissal to meet accepted conduct and/or academic policies. The Campus Director will review the circumstances, reasons, and remediation plan and will decide within 5 business days to allow the student to return or to uphold the original decision.
Actionable Items
In addition to the list of behaviours listed in the ‘Respect and Fair Treatment of Students’ policy, the following is a list of actions or behaviours that may result in disciplinary steps being taken and/or dismissal from the College.
- Academic Dishonesty – Students will be subject to immediate dismissal, at the discretion of the College Director, for academic dishonesty, which is defined but not limited to any word, action or deed that provides an unfair advantage to one’s self or another student, including the following.
- Cheating, plagiarism
- Alteration of records
- Copying another student’s academic work
- Use of technology which has not been permitted
- Theft of another student’s academic work
- Breach of copyright
- Unpaid Fees – A student may be dismissed from a program after being given a written warning describing any outstanding unpaid tuition or program-related fees.
- Student Conduct – Students are required to adhere to a code of conduct. Students who are under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol or carrying weapons will be subject to immediate dismissal.
- Academics – Students who fail to achieve the required academic standing in their programs may be dismissed from the program. The College may at its discretion offer alternatives to a student.
- Misrepresentation – The College has a responsibility to ensure students have been admitted in accordance with the registration requirements for the program. Students who knowingly misrepresent their applications are subject to immediate dismissal.
- Attendance – Students who do not achieve the required attendance are subject to dismissal. See ‘Attendance Policy’ for additional details.
- College Property – Students who damage, misuse, steal or otherwise use the property in a way that is prohibited will be dismissed and will be required to make restitution.
- Safety – Students who by action or neglect in any way endanger the safety of themselves or others may be dismissed.
Dispute Resolution Policy
This policy provides a rationale and procedure for raising College-related issues. The College provides students who are currently enrolled processes for resolving disputes.
The College understands that on occasion people may disagree and that when they do they can voice their concerns in a safe, secure, and responsive environment with the expectation that they will be resolved in a reasonable and timely manner.
- Anonymous concerns/complaints will not be accepted. Only individuals, not groups can submit a concern/complaint.
- Complaints must be in writing.
- The student raising a concern may be represented by an agent or lawyer.
Procedure
- The College encourages students to resolve their disputes informally with those concerned.
- In case the issue persists, the student should reach out to the respective instructor for a resolution.
- If the student is not satisfied with the outcome or the instructor is absent and/or named in the complaint, the student should put their concern in writing, providing a chronology of events, a summary of discussions, supporting documentation, extenuating circumstances, possible outcomes to date and a signed cover letter to the Campus Director within 5 calendar days of the occurrence.
- If the Campus Director is absent and/or named in the complaint the submission should be made to the President.
- The Campus Director (or their designate) will arrange to meet with the student to review the circumstances and desired resolution within 5 business days of receipt of the student’s written concern/complaint unless the circumstances dictate otherwise.
- Following this meeting with the student, the Campus Director (or their designate) will investigate, review all required and submitted documents, interview all those concerned, and will then respond in writing with the outcome of the investigation within 10 business days.
- The outcome will indicate if the issue raised is with or without foundation or if the issue has or has not been substantiated. The Campus Director will notify all concerned. A copy will be given to the student, a copy will be placed in the College’s Dispute Resolution file, and the original will be placed in the student’s file.
- If it has been determined that the student’s concerns are substantiated the College shall include a proposed resolution.
- If the student is not satisfied with the determination of the Campus Director (or their designate) the student must advise the Campus Director (or their designate) within 5 business days of being informed. The Campus Director (or their designate) will meet with the student within 5 business days to review the matter.
- The Campus Director will either confirm or modify the determination, notifying all concerned. At this point the ‘Dispute Resolution Process’ will be considered completed.
Written reasons for a determination will be given to the student within 45 days after the date on which the student makes a complaint. The student making the complaint may be represented by an agent or a lawyer. If the student is dissatisfied with the determination, they may file a complaint with the Private Training Institutions Branch.
English Language Proficiency Policy
This policy describes the requirements and conditions that applicants must demonstrate that they are proficient in the English language. ESL proficiency is based on internationally recognized testing outcomes. English language proficiency is a prerequisite for student success depending on the program. All applicants must demonstrate that they are proficient in the English language. For applicants whose first language is not English, they are required to submit ‘official’ proof of English language proficiency that includes any of the following depending on the program they are applying to:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The test must be within the last two years.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS), test must be within the last two years.
- Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLB PT), the test must be within the last year.
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP).
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).
- Duolingo
- ECC English Language Proficiency
- Has earned a Grade 12 graduation diploma from a Canadian high school or earned a diploma from secondary school (or above) in a system in which English is the official language.
All students must ensure that the test they are taking or submitting results for are eligible for the program or diploma they are planning to pursue.
During the admissions process program applicants are required to submit original documentation that demonstrates that they have met the admission and English Language proficiency requirements. Admissions representatives collect the required documentation, validate it and place it in the student file as part of the admissions process.
Grade Appeal Policy
Students will receive frequent, meaningful, comprehensive and timely assessment feedback. The College provides students who are currently enrolled the opportunity to appeal course grades:
- Only grades received on the midterm and final assessments and major final course assignments may be appealed.
- Grades received for quizzes or short assignments may not be appealed and may be at the discretion of the respective instructor.
Procedure for Grade Appeal
In the event of a course grade disagreement, the student should attempt to resolve the circumstance as follows:
- If a student is dissatisfied with the grade received for a midterm, final exam, or final course assignment and can provide evidence that a revised grade is warranted, they should bring this to their Instructor’s attention. The Instructor will review the circumstances, and, if warranted, assign a revised grade.
- If the student is not satisfied with the outcome of their appeal to the Instructor, they should submit a written appeal to the Campus Director/Senior Educational Administrator (SEA) within 5 days.
- The Campus Director/Senior Educational Administrator (SEA) will obtain a copy of the mid-term, final exam or final course assignment along with assignment criteria from the Instructor and will have the assessment re-graded by another Instructor.
- If the assessment achieves a higher grade on re-mark, the higher grade will be assigned to the student.
- Grading reassessment will be approved by the Campus Director/Senior Educational Administrator (SEA) ending the appeal process.
- All documentation will be placed in the student’s file.
The College will provide in writing to the student the outcome of the appeal within 5 business days of the submission of the appeal. The decision will be final and without appeal.
Respect For and Fair Treatment Policy
The College is committed to providing a respectful, safe workplace and learning environment. The College reserves the right to immediately dismiss, withdraw, or suspend a student where this policy has been violated, where there is a valid health or safety reason for doing so or where a student is disrupting educational processes.
The ‘Respect and Fair Treatment of Students’ guides acceptable standards of student conduct considered to be core in the creation of a collegial and respectful learning and work environment. Any student found to be in violation is subject to being suspended or dismissed.
While not exhaustive, the following is a list of behaviours that violate the Respectful and
Fair Treatment policy:
- Willful persistent acts of disobedience or defiance toward college personnel or failure to comply with the direction of instructors and staff.
- Fighting, assault, battery, or any other form of physical abuse of a student or employee.
- Verbal abuse of a student or employee or conduct that threatens one’s health or safety or another individual.
- Threats of physical abuse, threats to damage or destroy College property or the property of others, by any means of communication.
- Harassment by any means, including coercion, extortion, and personal abuse of any individual, including coercion and personal abuse.
- Unwanted sexual attention or unwanted sexual contact.
- Theft, attempted theft, vandalism/damage.
- Unauthorized entry into, or use of, College facilities.
- Cheating and plagiarism.
- Supplying false information or deceiving College staff.
- Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene conduct.
- Use, sale, possession or distribution of any illegal or controlled substances, drug or drug paraphernalia or use, sale, possession or distribution of alcoholic beverages on College property.
- Being under the influence of illegal or controlled substances on College property.
- Possession or use of firearms, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or other weapons on College property.
- Smoking in the premises.
- Violation of federal, provincial or local laws on College property.
- Hazing or any act that endangers the safety of a student.
- Harassment based on sex, race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other criteria protected by provincial, federal or local law.
Harassment and Discrimination
The College is committed to providing a safe workplace and learning environment which is free from harassment based on race, sex, gender, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or marital status. Any conduct that falls into any of these categories will not be tolerated.
Verbal abuse, insulting comments, gestures, and other harassing conduct are prohibited by the College when directed at an individual because of their race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, age, religion, ethnic origin, or disability.
Registering a Complaint: Respect and Fair Treatment of Students
Any student or staff member may register in writing a complaint against any student or staff for misconduct or for not following the College’s policies.
- The complaint must be submitted immediately or latest within 3 days after an alleged incident, in writing and directed to the Campus Director. If the Campus Director is named in the complaint, then the complaint should be submitted to the President.
- The Campus Director or their designate will immediately investigate.
- The Campus Director or their designate will request individual meetings with those concerned to review the circumstances of the complaint and will determine if a violation of the policy has occurred. If a violation has occurred, the College will provide a written determination and recommend corrective action. The College’s decision will be final.
Student Conduct Disciplinary Process
The following may be imposed on any student found to have violated any policies, rules or regulations of the College. Depending on the nature of the violation, the result may be immediate dismissal or the following actions may be taken:
- A notice in writing indicating the nature of the violation and the remediation required.
- Upon the second violation, a notice in writing indicating the nature of the violation, the remediation required, the period of suspension and the remediation required. The student will not be permitted on campus for the specified period and may return at the discretion of the College when the provided conditions for readmission have been satisfied.
- On the third violation a notice in writing indicating the nature of the violation and their immediate dismal from the College. They will not be permitted to return and continue their studies.
Sexual Violence and Misconduct
Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. The College prohibits all conduct of this nature.
Complaint Procedure
Students who feel they have been harassed should speak to a senior College administrator immediately. In instances of sexual or physical harassment or violence on campus or reported to campus members, the College will immediately seek assistance from the Police and Emergency Health Services.
Violations of the Law
When a student is charged with a violation of federal, provincial or local laws or regulations outside of the College environment disciplinary action may be instituted and sanctions imposed against the student when the College believes that the health, safety or welfare of the College community could be threatened.
Sexual Misconduct Policy
Policy Statement
All students and staff of Edison College Canada are entitled to study and work in an environment that is free from Sexual Misconduct. The College considers Sexual Misconduct to be a serious violation of an individual’s fundamental rights. Members of the College community who engage in Sexual Misconduct may be subject to a range of disciplinary measures, up to and including suspension, dismissal or expulsion from the College. Members of the College community who experience and report Sexual Misconduct will be provided with support by the College and assistance with accessing additional support services both on and off the Campus.
However, knowing what constitutes Sexual Misconduct is often difficult. Freedom from misconduct and harassment does not mean that you will be protected from exposure to controversial material and ideas, nor does it mean that every encounter you have at Edison College will be agreeable. Edison College is a place of learning in which the free exchange of information, ideas and perspectives is valued and encouraged. The legitimate study of topics of a sexual nature within the College’s curriculum is not considered Sexual Misconduct.
Scope
This Policy applies to all members of the Edison College Canada community, which includes students, employees, guests and visitors. The Policy is intended to address and eliminate Sexual Misconduct which occurs within the context of Edison College and activities, and which interferes with an individual’s employment or studies at the College. Behavior which occurs separate from any College-related activities, and which is unrelated to an individual’s employment or studies at the College is not covered by this Policy.
This Policy is not intended to be used in situations where Sexual Misconduct is of a violent nature. In the event of violent incidents, law enforcement authorities will be contacted, and support will be provided to the victim. The College does reserve the right to conduct an investigation and take appropriate steps in the event of violent situations, if necessary to protect the safety of the College community.
Notwithstanding the existence of this Policy, every individual has the right to pursue other courses of action, even when steps are taken under this Policy. The College reserves the right to suspend the processing of complaints when alternate routes are being pursued by the Complainant.
Definitions
- Consent: The voluntary agreement to engage in the sexual activity in question and to continue to engage in the activity. Voluntary agreement to engage in the activity or to continue to engage in the activity must be communicated through words or conduct, and can be revoked at any time. No consent is obtained where a person is incapable of consenting, for example, by intoxication or where a person is induced to engage in the activity by someone abusing a position of trust, power or authority.
- Sexual Misconduct: To constitute Sexual Misconduct, behaviour may be a single serious incident or may be repeated or persistent behaviour. Sexual Misconduct is any form of sexual contact without a person’s consent, including the threat of sexual contact without consent. Sexual Misconduct may include one or more of the following:
- Sexual assault
- Sexual exploitation
- Sexual harassment
- Criminal harassment (Stalking)
- Indecent exposure
- Voyeurism
- The distribution of a sexually explicit photograph or video of a person to one or more persons other than the person in the photograph or video without the consent of the person in the photograph or video and with the intent to distress the person in the photograph or video
- The attempt to commit an act of sexual misconduct
- The threat to commit an act of sexual misconduct
- Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment refers to unwanted communications or actions that are sexual in nature, and are offensive, intimidating or humiliating. It can take many forms including verbal, written or visual. Sexual harassment may include any or all of the following conditions:
- Conduct or comment of a sexual nature made by a person who knows or ought to reasonably know that such conduct or comment is unwanted or unwelcome
- Expressed or implied promise or a reward for complying with a request of a sexual nature
- Actual reprisal or an expressed or implied threat of reprisal or refusal to comply with a request of a sexual nature
- Actual denial of an opportunity or an expressed or implied threat of denial of opportunity for refusal to comply with such a request
- The conduct or comment is intended to, or has the effect of, creating an intimidating or hostile environment
- Differential treatment of a former or current intimate partner where a power relationship exists
- Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited, to the following
- Remarks or innuendos regarding an individual’s appearance, clothing or sexual life
- Unwelcome questions or sharing personal information regarding a person’s marital status, sexuality, sexual activity, sexual orientation, or gender/transgender issues
- Persistent, unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, propositions, invitations or requests
- Sexually suggestive, obscene or degrading comments or gestures
- Displaying or circulating sexually graphic or derogatory pictures or written materials
- Use of online activities such as email, text messaging or social networking to initiate or participate in any of the above behaviours
- Leering, ogling or sexually-oriented gestures
- Inappropriate and unnecessary touching
- Sexual Assault: Sexual assault is any form of sexual contact that occurs without any freely given consent. Sexual assault includes any form of sexual contact where consent has not been given (i.e., non-consensual touching that is sexual in nature, forced penetration). Sexual assault includes date rape or acquaintance rape, which happens between acquaintances, friends or between people who are dating. There are three levels of sexual assault in the Criminal Code of Canada.
- Level 1: any forced sexual contact without bodily harm
- Level 2: forced sexual contact causing or threatening to cause bodily harm or using a weapon (imitation or real)
- Level 3: forced sexual contact that causes aggravated bodily harm or endangers the life of the victim or others
- Criminal Harassment (Stalking): Criminal harassment, which includes stalking, is prohibited by the Criminal Code of Canada. Criminal harassment prohibits deliberate conduct that is psychologically harmful to others. For stalking to be criminal harassment, here’s what’s required, a person does one or more of the following things:
- repeatedly follow you, or anyone you know
- repeatedly communicate with you, or anyone you know, directly or indirectly
- repeatedly watch you, or anyone you know, or lurk around your home, workplace, or any other place you happen to be
- engage in any threatening conduct directed at you or a member of your family
- The person knows that their conduct is harassing you or they are reckless about whether their conduct is harassing you. Reckless means they know their conduct may harass you, but they don’t care
- The person’s conduct causes you to reasonably fear for your safety or the safety of someone you know. Your fear has to be reasonable. The person does not have to realize that their conduct is scaring you for it to be criminal harassment.
- A person can be stalked even if they don’t physically hurt anyone or damage any property. The law is designed to protect psychological, emotional, and physical safety. Stalking may start with conduct that seems more annoying than dangerous. Often, the conduct is legal and even socially acceptable if it’s just an isolated incident. But when it’s repeated, it may scare the victim. Conduct such as following someone, or sending gifts or letters, may become intimidating if done continually and against the person’s wishes.
- Sexual Exploitation: Sexual exploitation is the sexual abuse of children and youth through the exchange of sex or sexual acts for drugs, food, shelter, protection, other basics of life, and/or money. Sexual exploitation includes involving children and youth in creating pornography and sexually explicit websites.
Jurisdiction
Edison College Canada Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy will be triggered if all of the following criteria are met:
- Both of the parties (the Complainant and the Respondent) are students, employees, guests or visitors of Edison College Canada
- The last incident of alleged misconduct occurred within the preceding six (6) months
- The behaviour occurred in the context of a College-related activity (e.g., on college property or at a college-sponsored event)
- The behaviour, if true, would constitute a contravention of the Policy by meeting a definition of Sexual Misconduct as stated in the policy
Procedural Fairness
The College will deal with allegations of Sexual Misconduct in a procedurally fair, unbiased and timely manner. Complainants and Respondents shall be advised of the procedures available to them and will be provided with a copy of this Policy.
The Parties shall be advised of the allegations and responses of both the Complainant and Respondent and shall be accorded reasonable opportunity to provide comments in support or defence of their own positions. Both the Complainant and Respondent have a reasonable right to respond to any information gathered during the investigation that will be utilized in determining a finding of Misconduct/Harassment or No-Misconduct/Harassment.
For a complaint to be considered under this Policy, it must be submitted within six (6) months of the date of the last alleged incident of Sexual Misconduct. The Campus Director may consider an extension to file a complaint past the six (6) month limit if reasonable grounds for such an extension exist in extenuating circumstances.
Disclosure and Reporting Options
Complainants have the following disclosure and reporting options, available both on and off campus, and may choose any of these options or any combination of the available options.
- No Report: the Complainant may wish to disclose sexual violence in order to seek emotional support, medical support, or advocacy, but may not want to report to police or campus authorities. Subject to certain limited exceptions, this decision should be respected, and the Complainant should still be offered support services.
- Report to Police: the Complainant may wish to make a police statement, which would generally be followed by a criminal investigation. An appointed campus employee can accompany the Complainant if requested.
- Third-Party Report to Police via Community Victim Service Agency: the Complainant may wish to make an anonymous Third-Party Report through a community-based victim support worker; reports are sent to police by an intermediary agency and provide detailed information about the incident and the Respondent, but do not include the name or contact information of the Complainant. A Third-Party Report is not in and of itself a police investigation; it is an option of last resort for the Complainant who would not otherwise provide information to the police but who may want to access support and let the police know of a sexual predator in order to protect others.
- Medical Assistance / Forensic Medical Exam: it is advisable for anyone who has experienced a sexual assault to seek medical attention to address possible physical injury, pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted infections.
- Formal Complaint to College: the Complainant may wish to make a formal report to the College, precipitating the College Sexual Misconduct process if either the Complainant or Respondent is a student, staff, visitor or guest to the College. The Complaint Procedure process is outlined below.
Complaints vs Reports
A Complaint of sexual misconduct is different than a Report of sexual misconduct. A person may choose to disclose or complain of sexual misconduct without making a formal report. A Report is a formal notification of an incident of sexual misconduct to someone at the institution accompanied by a request for action. A student making a Complaint will be provided with resolution options and, if appropriate, accommodation, and will not be required or pressured to make a Report.
Procedures for Complaints
The process for making a Complaint about sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
The administration at Edison College takes all complaints about sexual misconduct very seriously and treats the details shared with utmost confidence. In the case of an incident of sexual misconduct, the person who wishes to file a complaint can do so by emailing or calling the Campus Director at uhunjan@edisoncollege.ca/(250) 381 0535 and/or by emailing or calling the President of Edison College at ejonathan@edisoncollege.ca/(604) 603 7810. The college will swiftly take action, and work with the victim/survivor to fully understand the situation and take action involving the appropriate authorities.
Procedure Outline
The process for making a Report of sexual misconduct is as follows:
In the case that a member of the college community wishes to file a formal report, they are asked to, in writing, detail the experience with as much detail as they are comfortable with, and then outline a request for action. In the case of an incident of sexual misconduct, the person who wishes to file a report can do so by emailing uhunjan@edisoncollege.ca or ejonathan@edisoncollege.ca.
The process for responding to a Report of sexual misconduct involving a student is as follows:
The staff at ECC pledge to do everything in their power to mitigate harm and ensure that claims will be fully investigated. During this time, all parties involved will be treated with dignity and respect, and there will be special care taken to ensure that the victim/survivor feels as safe as possible with all of the proceedings. After receiving the report, the Campus Director and the administration team at Edison College will review the report as quickly as possible, and ensure that an action is formulated in a timely manner.
It is contrary to this policy for an institution to retaliate, engage in reprisals or threaten to retaliate in relation to a Complaint or a Report. Any processes undertaken pursuant to this policy will be based on the principles of administrative fairness. All parties involved will be treated with dignity and respect. All information related to a Complaint or Report is confidential and will not be shared without the written consent of the parties, subject to the following exceptions:
- If an individual is at imminent risk of severe or life-threatening self-harm.
- If an individual is at imminent risk of harming another.
- There are reasonable grounds to believe that others in the institutional community may be at significant risk of harm based on the information provided.
- Where reporting is required by law.
- Where it is necessary to ensure procedural fairness in an investigation or other response to a Complaint or Report.
Tuition Refund Policy
A student may withdraw from a program by providing written notice to the institution. Refunds are calculated on the total fees due under the contract, less non-refundable (registration/application) fees.
- If the institution receives tuition from the student, or a person on behalf of the student. In that case, the institution will refund the student, or the person who paid on behalf of the student, the tuition that was paid in relation to the program in which the student is enrolled if:
- the institution receives a notice of withdrawal from the student no later than seven days after the effective contract date and before the contract start date;
- the student, or the student’s parent or legal guardian, signs the student enrolment contract seven days or less before the contract start date and the institution receives a notice of withdrawal from the student between the date the student, or the student’s parent or legal guardian, signed the student enrolment contract and the contract start date; or
- the student does not attend a work experience component and the institution does not provide all the hours of instruction of the work experience component within 30 days of the contract end date.
- The institution will refund the tuition for the program and all related fees paid by the student or a person on behalf of the student enrolled in the program if the student is enrolled in the program without having met the admission requirements and did not misrepresent his or her knowledge or skills when applying for admission.
- If a student does not attend any of the first 30% of the hours of instruction provided during the contract term. In that case, the institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition paid under the student enrolment contract unless the program is provided solely through distance education.
- The refund criteria and amounts are outlined below:
Circumstances when Refund Payable | Amount of Refund |
Before program start date, institution receives a notice of withdrawal (applies to all students) | |
No later than seven days after student signed the enrolment contract, and Before the program start date. | 100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fee. Related fees include: administrative fees, application fees, assessment fees, and fees charged for textbooks or other course materials. |
At least 30 days before the later of: The program start date in the most recent Letter of Acceptance (international students) The program start date in the enrolment contract. | Institution may retain up to 10% of tuition, to a maximum of $1,000. Institution must refund fees paid for course materials if not provided to the student. |
More than seven days after the student and institution signed the enrolment contract, and Less than 30 days before the later of: The program start date in the most recent Letter of Acceptance (international students) The program start date in the enrolment contract. | Institution may retain up to 20% of tuition, to a maximum of $1,300. Institution must refund fees paid for course materials if not provided to the student. |
After program start date, institution provides a notice of dismissal or receives a notice of withdrawal (applies to all students, except those enrolled in a program delivered solely by distance education) | |
After the program start date, and up to and including 10% of instruction hours have been provided. | Institution may retain up to 30% of tuition. Institution must refund fees paid for course materials if not provided to the student. |
After the program start date, and after more than 10%, but before 30% of instruction hours, have been provided. | Institution may retain up to 50% of tuition. Institution must refund fees paid for course materials if not provided to the student. |
Student does not attend program – “no-show” (applies to all students except those enrolled in a program delivered solely by distance education): | |
Student does not attend the first 30% of the program. | Institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition. Institution must refund fees paid for course materials if not provided to the student. |
Institution receives a refusal of study permit (applies to international students requiring a study permit): | |
Before 30% of instruction hours would have been provided, had the student started the program on the later of the following: The program start date in the most recent Letter of Acceptance The program start date in the enrolment contract Student has not requested additional Letter(s) of Acceptance. | 100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fee. |
After the program start date, student withdraws or is dismissed (applies to students enrolled in a program delivered solely by distance education): | |
Student completed up to 30% of the program. | Institution may retain up to 30% of the tuition. Institution must refund fees paid for course materials if not provided to the student. |
Student completed more than 30% but less than 50% of the program (based on evaluation provided to student). | Institution may retain up to 50% of the tuition. Institution must refund fees paid for course materials if not provided to the student. |
Student enrolled in a program without having met the admission requirements for the program | |
If the student did not misrepresent the student’s knowledge or skills when applying for admission and the registrar orders the institution to refund tuition and fees. | 100% tuition and all related fees, including application fees |
Circumstances when Refund Payable | Amount of Refund |
Institution does not provide a work experience | |
The institution fails to provide the work experience within 30 days of the contract end date, unless the registrar determines the institution was prevented from doing so by circumstances beyond its control. | 100% tuition and all related fees, other than application fees |
Institution must pay the tuition or fee refund within 30 days after receiving notice of withdrawal or refusal of study permit; providing a notice of dismissal, or the date on which the first 30% of the hours of instruction are provided (no-show).
Work Experience Policy
As indicated in program outlines, College programs may require the completion of a work experience. Work experiences may vary in type and length depending on the program. Work experiences are opportunities provided by a host work experience site to allow students to apply their newly acquired skills and gain practical experience in a real-world setting.
Work experiences can be either practicums, preceptorships, clinical placements, or cooperative placements. Work experience co-ops are paid experiences provided by a co-op host. For this type of work experience, International students will be required to have a Canadian Work Permit.
Work experiences occur in a professional working environment, so presentation will be important and additional requirements may apply.
Work Experience Placement Prerequisites
Students will be permitted to go to a work experience placement only after they have met the following:
- Successfully completed all courses in their program
- Completed work experience placement documentation
- An attendance record of at least 70%
- International students must have a work-study permit
- Satisfied all financial obligations
Work Experience Objectives
Work experience provides the student with the following advantages:
- Being able to apply knowledge and skills gained in the workplace
- Strengthening of employable skills
- Working in their discipline over a meaningful period
- Gaining organization and time management skills
- Being responsible for a set of deliverables
- Gaining insight into how businesses operate
- Increasing professional and skill-based confidence
- Establishing contacts and networking for future employment
Student’s Responsibilities
- Successful completion of all program courses.
- Comply with Student Handbook policies and procedures.
- Meet with the Co-op Placement designate to ensure that possible work experience placements match the student’s skills, training and career goals
- Attend any orientation session prior to work experience
- Complete required work experience forms and documents
- Participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the work experience
- Familiarize themselves with the host company’s policies and procedures and follow them
- Conduct themselves in a professional manner
- Accept accountability for actions and decisions
- Recognize the limitations of their own skill set and seek assistance as needed
- Demonstrate self-direction by actively seeking feedback and new challenges
- Complete all evaluations as per the agreement
- Inform the College and their Work Experience Host when unable to attend the work experience
- Complete and submit all end-of-work experience documentation
- Establish contacts and networking for future employment
Practicum
The programs with a practicum built into them must ensure that all students successfully complete it. The practicum is a mandatory part of the programs in which the students obtain practical skills relevant to the learning objectives outlined in the respective program outlines. This provides students with the opportunity to apply both theory and practice in a real-world, practicum-based, work setting.
Overarching work experience guidelines:
- Edison College Canada will initiate affiliations, create, manage and oversee contracts, and be responsible for all practicum placements and work experiences. All placements will be with licensed/recognised facilities.
- In order to participate in the practicum, the student must have successfully completed all of the required courses in their respective program.
- The process by which the student will be placed in a work experience is as follows:
- The college will, prior to the commencement of the Placement, confirm in writing to the host site the number of students, their resumes, the contact information for the student and school coordinator, the dates, the hours, and the preferred locations, for each Placement through an email or online submission depending on the host platform.
- Students will then be placed with consideration of the site’s maximum capacity numbers, location and suitability, and sometimes if possible, preference.
- The college, the student and the host organisation will enter a written agreement detailing each party’s responsibilities and the activities the student will undertake during the practicum (refer to Practicum Placement Policy & Evaluation Handbook). A copy of the agreement will be provided to the student before the start date of the practicum.
- The process by which the student will be evaluated in relation to the work experience component is as follows:
- Practicum Experience is evaluated through instructor and host supervisor monitoring.
- Full participation is required by each student, and students must complete the allotted hours for each practicum experience as described in the program outline to meet the learning outcomes.
- The student will be provided with at least one written evaluation in relation to the work experience component.
- The college will monitor the student during the work experience by visiting/calling the facility each week to ensure the student is making satisfactory progress and meeting objectives as well as reviewing the feedback with the student and putting in place remedial measures if and as needed to ensure successful completion.
Cooperative Placement
- This work experience is a required part of the programs that offer co-op placements in which the student obtains practical skills relevant to the learning objectives of the program.
- The requirements for participation in the Co-Op work experience are as follows:
- Successful completion of the courses of the program.
- Students must work on the days and times agreed upon with their supervisor.
- Students must conform to the regulations and dress code of the host organization.
- The process by which the student will be placed in a work experience is as follows:
- Before the start of the co-op semester, students are required to contact the Co-op Program Coordinator to schedule a meeting to discuss their co-op.
- Depending on the program,
- Edison College Canada will initiate affiliations, create, manage and oversee contracts, and be responsible for all practicum placements and work experiences. All placements will be with licensed/recognised facilities. OR
- A co-op job search action plan including a weekly search of job postings and research will be developed by each student.
- The college will, prior to the commencement of the Placement, confirm in writing to the host site the number of students, their resumes, the contact information for the student and school coordinator, the dates, the hours, and the preferred locations, for each Placement through an email or online submission (on host platform if any). Students will then be placed with consideration of the site’s maximum capacity numbers, location and suitability, and sometimes, preference.
- Once students have been offered and accepted a co-op job a Co-Op agreement will be created
- Edison College Canada, the student and the host organization, will enter into a written agreement detailing each party’s responsibilities and the activities the student will undertake during the work experience. A copy of the agreement will be provided to the student before the start date of the work experience.
- The process by which the student will be evaluated in relation to the work experience component is as follows:
- The student will provide a monthly Co-Op report describing the newly learnt skills and duties and complete the assessment provided by the Co-Op Coordinator
- The student will keep and submit a reflective journal of their work progress
- A final evaluation will be conducted by the host employer supervisor, shared and discussed with the Co-Ordinator
- Full participation is required by each student, and students must complete the allotted hours for each practicum experience as described in the program outline to meet the learning outcomes.
- The student will be provided with a monthly written evaluation in relation to the work experience component.
- The Co-Op coordinator will provide regular monitoring of the student during the work experience by reviewing the monthly Co-Op reports and discussing them with the student.