Civil Engineering Technology
2023/24 | Conestoga College
Program Code: 0024
Engineering & Technology
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
This is a companion document to the current Conestoga College Student Guide
Program Handbook Guidelines
The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program-specific details and other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of posting and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are updated yearly, and students must check their program handbook for the current edition.
This handbook must be read in conjunction with general information about Conestoga College found on the website and in the Student Guide. The information in the Student Guide and on the college website applies to all students, regardless of program.
The Student Guide provides details regarding Student Services, Safety and Security, Student Rights and Responsibilities and more.
Welcome
Welcome to the School of Engineering & Technology.
Conestoga College offers a full range of engineering and technology programs to suit your interests and career aspirations. Within these, there are one-year certificates (both foundational and post-diploma), two and three-year diplomas, and four-year bachelor's degree programs. Pathways exist within these programs to empower students to reach their full potential.
All of our programs incorporate active learning that may include project-based learning, cooperative education, case studies, and capstone projects. Active learning allows students to apply theory to practice during their studies and results in a graduate who is better prepared for the real work world. Employers like our approach to learning and student development, which is why the School of Engineering & Technology has a history of excellent graduate and co-op placement rates.
Sincerely,
Tony Thoma, MBA, P.Eng.
Executive Dean
Program Staff Contact Information
Program Administration and Faculty
Executive Dean – Engineering–Technology–Trades
Tony Thoma, MBA, P.Eng.
A2205-4 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 3212
tthoma@conestogac.on.ca
Executive Assistant to Executive Dean:
Rebecca Dougherty
A2205 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4573
rdougherty@conestogac.on.ca
Program Chair
Diane Burchett
A2205-6 – Cambridge Campus
dburchett@conestogac.on.ca
Administrative Assistant to Program Chair:
Amber White
A2205 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4555
awhite2@conestogac.on.ca
Program Coordinator
Coby Lamarche
A3221 - Cambridge Campus
548-899-1473
clamarche@conestogac.on.ca
Program Faculty
Jim Kilgore
A3221 - Cambridge Campus
548-889-1518
jkilgore@conestogac.on.ca
Bing Feng
A3221 - Cambridge Campus
548-889-1469
bfeng@conestogac.on.ca
Jonathan VanderSteen
A3221 - Cambridge Campus
548-889-1443
jvandersteen@@conestogac.on.ca
Janine Vanry
548-889-1444
jvanry@conestogac.on.ca
Other Faculty
In addition to the core complement of your full-time program faculty, other faculty will work with you during this academic program. These include faculty from other Schools for the breadth and or/general education courses, as well as faculty with particular expertise in specific focus areas.
Contact information for each faculty will typically be provided on the first day of related courses.
Communication - School Standard
Conestoga College and eConestoga student email accounts are used to communicate with students. Students are expected to regularly check their student email accounts. Faculty and staff will not respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses.
ONE Card - Student Identification Card
Conestoga's ONE Card is the College's official identification card for students. Before you can be fully registered and access your timetable, you must upload a student photo. Your ONE Card student photo completes your student record, confirms that you are a Conestoga College student, and gives you access to student services. When your ONE Card student photo has been uploaded and approved, your card will be mailed to you. Learn more about using your ONE Card here. If you have any questions, please email the ONE Card Office.
College Hours
The College is open and offers classes seven days a week.
Program Overview
Program Description
Civil Engineering Technology
Civil engineering involves all aspects of designing, constructing, and maintaining our cities to serve the needs of our growing communities. As a technologist in this field, you will aid in the design and construction of subdivisions, highways, stormwater management, drinking water systems, waste-water systems, landfills and structures.The Civil Engineering Technology program at Conestoga College is a three-year advanced diploma program (with optional co-op) where students gain a balanced education in civil engineering, combined with hands-on skills in laboratories and in the field.
Students will:
• design clean water distribution, waste-water purification and stormwater management systems;
• conduct designs of wood, steel, masonry and concrete structures;
• test soils, road, and construction materials in the lab and in the field;
• learn how to use modern survey technology (including GPS) and apply these techniques to land development projects;
• create engineering drawings using AutoCAD and Civil 3D for civil projects;
• study the design of roads, highways and transportation construction management; and,
• demonstrate their knowledge of civil engineering through a final capstone project working directly with industry experts.
Program Outcomes
- Develop and use strategies to enhance professional growth and ongoing learning in the civil engineering field.
- Comply with workplace health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
- Complete duties and monitor that work is performed in compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in the civil engineering field.
- Promote and carry out sustainable practices in accordance with contract documents, industry standards and environmental legislative requirements.
- Facilitate the collaboration and interaction among the project team and project stakeholders to support civil engineering projects.
- Collect, process, analyze and coordinate technical data to produce written and graphical project-related documents.
- Use industry-specific electronic and digital technologies to support civil engineering projects.
- Participate in the design and modeling phase of civil engineering projects by applying engineering concepts, technical mathematics and principles of science to the review, production and/or modification of project plans.
- Contribute to the scheduling and coordination and cost estimation of civil engineering projects and monitor their progression by applying principles of construction project management.
- Coordinate and perform quality control testing and evaluate equipment, materials and methods used in the implementation and completion of civil engineering projects.
- Apply teamwork, leadership, supervision and interpersonal skills when working individually or within multidisciplinary teams to complete civil engineering projects.
Current Program Design
Students can find their program design by following the steps below:- Log in to Student Portal
- Click on 'My Courses' tab
- Select 'View Progress Report' button
General Education Electives
Students are required to complete General Education elective courses as part of their program requirements. General Education elective course requirements are listed at the bottom of the progress report, which is found on the Student Portal under My Courses. The progress report indicates the level/semester in which the course must be taken. Students are responsible for adding General Education electives into their schedule for the designated semester. Eligible courses are posted each semester by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies on the College's elective website. For more information and to view the current elective course offerings, visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/diploma. Questions regarding General Education electives can be directed to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies: genedfaq@conestogac.on.caCo-operative Education
Applying to the Co-op Stream (starting with the 1701 cohort and subsequent cohorts unless otherwise noted):
- All applicants apply to the non co-op program. Students will be informed of the application deadline and process to apply for the Co-op Stream. Labour market conditions determine the number of co-op seats in optional co-op programs. Not every student who meets academic eligibility requirements will be admitted to the co-op stream.
- To be considered for the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum overall 70% session weighted average and no course failures.
To participate in a co-op work term, students must (starting with the 1701 cohort and subsequent cohorts unless otherwise noted):
- Successfully complete the Co-op and Career Preparation modules (CEPR/CDEV1020). Students who fail Co-op and Career Preparation will not be permitted to search for co-op employment nor will they be able to participate in a co-op work term. Students who fail Co-op and Career Preparation more than twice will not be permitted to continue in their co-op program.
- Be enrolled full-time (full-time = 70% of the hours, or 66 2/3 % of the courses in the current session/level of the Program Design.) Exceptions will apply to those students who have been granted special timetabling based on formal identification of barriers or challenges for which accommodation is required. Academic eligibility requirements must still be met prior to being granted access to seek a co-op work term.
- Must have completed all but two core courses, according to the program design, by the eligibility term prior to any given work term (regardless of the level the student was placed in advanced standing).
- Students (even those on special timetables) will not be permitted to complete a co-op work term until conditions above are met and all but two core course deficiencies, according to the program design, are cleared.
- Co-op work terms may need to be re-sequenced to allow academic deficiencies to be cleared or in the event a student changes cohorts (i.e. graduation is delayed by one year or more). Students may not repeat a passed work term.
- Should a student's academic performance decline considerably (including cumulative missed courses) during the term just prior to any work term, the college reserves the right to withdraw the student from the upcoming work term.
- Meet program specific co-op work term eligibility requirements.
- Academic eligibility for a co-op work term is based on the term that occurs two terms prior to any work term. If this term is also a co-op work term, then work term eligibility will be based on the student's achievement during the preceding academic term.
- Should a student's academic performance decline considerably (including cumulative missed courses) during the term just prior to any work term, the college reserves the right to withdraw the student from the upcoming work term.
- Students may defer one work term regardless of the reason(s) (e.g. failed or missed work term).
- Students who do not successfully complete their deferred work term will be removed from the co-op stream.
- Since only one work term may be failed/deferred regardless of the reason(s), should a subsequent work term be missed/failed/unsecured (not successfully completed for any reason) the student will be immediately removed from the co-op stream.
- Students who are discontinued are not eligible for co-op work terms.
- To be eligible for a co-op work term, students are required to achieve a minimum 70% session weighted average and no course failures.
For additional information please refer to the Co-operative Education Regulations & Guidelines: Student Regulations, Procedures & Supports found by:
- Login to MyCareer
- Select Co-op
- Select Co-op Resources
- Select Co-op Policies
- Select Co-operative Education Regulations, Procedures and Supports for Students
Please Note:
- Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn money while you apply what you've learned in a real workplace environment. Visit Co-operative Education for more information.
- The College cannot guarantee co-op employment. All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
- Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.
- In order to participate in a WIL experience/Co-op work term, students must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
Academic Information
Academic Dates
It is the student's responsibility to be aware of various important academic dates throughout the year. These academic dates are posted on the college website.
Please note that Continuing Education courses and Apprenticeship programs may have different start dates and exam dates for courses.
Course Changes (Adding/Dropping)
Students can find their program design by following the steps below:
- Log in to Student Portal.
- Click on 'My Courses' tab.
- Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings.
- If a course withdrawal is processed prior to the deadline date, a dropped course will be recorded as a "W" (withdrawal) on the transcript.
- If a course withdrawal is processed after the deadline, an "F" (fail) will be recorded on the transcript.
Credit Transfer, Pathways & PLAR
Conestoga recognizes you may have formal post-secondary education that may allow you to enter a program at an advanced level or provide for individual course exemptions. To ensure your credits are eligible for transfer, please contact our Credit Transfer Office at: credittransfer@conestogac.on.ca.
The Credit Transfer Policy and Procedure are available on the college website.
For more information, visit the Credit Transfer webpage and the PLAR webpage.
If you are currently a Conestoga student and want to continue studying at Conestoga, there are a number of different pathway opportunities available to you.
Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after graduation, Conestoga has established pathways, to help you meet your goals.
Conestoga College has articulation agreements with many domestic and international institutions. These agreements allow students to transfer into a specific program with advanced standing. Students must meet the academic requirements stated in the agreement.
For more information regarding pathways at Conestoga, contact the Credit Transfer Officer at 519-748-5220 ext. 2166.
Program Transfer
Prior to transferring to another program, it is recommended that the student meets with the program coordinator or academic advisor. Students who decide to change programs may do so by completing and submitting a Program Application Form to the Registrar's Office. If considering transferring to a program outside the
school in which they are currently enrolled, students may want to discuss options with a
Career Advisor. When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another and where course numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades are met. Additional information for career or academic advising is available from faculty, program coordinators, or career advisors in the Welcome Centre.
Academic Assistance
Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The program coordinator/academic advisor and faculty can advise students on specific program and course information such as adding/dropping courses, special timetabling, etc. Access the Conestoga website for assistance provided through Student Success Services which includes Accessibility Services and the Learning Commons which offers Learning Skills workshops, Peer Services, Math and Writing assistance.
Awards
Conestoga College 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 and instructions to complete the application are sent to all full-time students' email accounts in the fall semester (Deadline: First Friday in October) and winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in February). Visit Student Financial Services on Conestoga's website.
Awards are generally based on academic performance on an aggregate basis (e.g., highest overall average), single course basis (e.g., best third year project), or particular grouping of courses (e.g., Leica Geoystems Surveying Award). The monetary value, number, and type of awards will vary from year to year, depending on funding and student performance.
The criteria and monetary value for each award will be determined either by program faculty and/or the donor(s) providing the funding.
Attendance and Program Expectations
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 through the Instructional Plan.
- To communicate, in writing, any unplanned extenuating circumstances that may require changes to the course schedule.
- As per the Religious Holy Day and Spiritual Observance 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 review the instructional plan and familiarize with the dates of evaluation.
- As per the Religious Holy Day and Spiritual Observance 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.
- If you must be absent from any scheduled evaluation, report your absence on the Student Portal using the procedure below. You must do this prior to the start of the evaluation or risk receiving a mark of zero.
How to Report Absences on the Student Portal
- Log into the Student Portal and click on the 'Absence tab'.
- Indicate whether or not there is an assessment scheduled on that day by clicking 'Yes or No', as well as the reason for the absence (illness or other).
- Click 'Continue' to report the absence.
- Click 'I agree' to confirm the absence.
- You will receive a confirmation email that your absence has been recorded.
Important! Please note the following:
- The earliest you can record an absence for a particular day, is after 8:00 p.m. the day before. You must report each day you are absent.
- The Absence Recording System will show you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you recorded the absence. For example, if you record your absence on a specific day at 11:00 a.m., the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.
- If you are going to be present for any other classes on the day for which you recorded an absence, please let the faculty member know by attending or following up by eConestoga or college email.
- As soon as possible, email the faculty member associated with the evaluation you missed and arrange for appropriate follow-up.
Documentation for Absences
Conestoga recognizes that unexpected circumstances, such as brief illness, do arise during the term. As a visit to a health practitioner may not be necessary or possible, we do not ask you to provide a doctor's note except in exceptional circumstances.
If the evaluation cannot be rescheduled, (e.g., experiential activity, lab, or a group presentation) your professor may provide you with a revised assignment or allocate its marks to another evaluation item, so long as the combined total does not exceed 40% of the course grade. This will be communicated to you by email.
Evaluations (deadlines, tests and examinations)
Projects
Each project has a clearly defined set of dates for its deliverables. If, for a legitimate reason, any student believes that their project cannot be completed on time, they must formally request an extension to the due date from the project coordinating professor at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled end of the project. Approval of the request for extension will be considered by the faculty team but is not automatic.
Assignments and Labs
Work is normally due one week from the date assigned. Any exceptions will be clearly stated. Students are responsible for keeping a copy of all submitted and marked assignments.
Marking
All project work is evaluated using a set of predefined rubrics. Depending on the specific outcomes for the week, student performance will be evaluated and recorded. Each student will receive a copy of this marked rubric identifying specific areas of strength and/or weakness. These rubrics should be kept as of a record of performance.
What is Academic Integrity?
Having academic integrity means acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities.
By having and applying an Academic Offences 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.
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:
- Canadian Copyright Act
- Fair Dealing
- Conestoga Copyright Policy
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is submitting or presenting work of another person(s)/organization in whole or substantial part as one's own without proper citation and referencing.
Academic Progress Through the Program
Academic Progression
The college's approach to academic progression is governed by the Promotion Decision Procedure.
A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as eligible to continue, graduate, and discontinued.
Progress from one level to the next in a program is dependent upon the successful completion of courses and/or meeting program promotion standards.
Academic Promotion Decisions
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.
1st Year
| Decision | Failed + Missed (exclusive of Interdisciplinary Studies) |
|---|---|
| Promoted to Year 2 | 0 |
| Promoted to Year 2 - Special Timetable |
1-4 |
|
Discontinued | Failures + Withdrawals = 5 |
2nd year
| Decision | Failed + Missed (exclusive of Interdisciplinary Studies) |
|---|---|
| Promoted to Year 3 | 0 |
| Promoted to Year 3 - Special Timetable | 1 - 2 |
| Remain in Year 2 - Special Timetable | 3 |
| Discontinued |
Failures + Withdrawals = 4 |
3rd year
| Decision | Failed + Missed (exclusive of Interdisciplinary Studies) |
|---|---|
| Program Complete - Graduate | 0 |
| Remain in Year 3 - Special Timetable | 1 - 3 |
| Decision Pending (due to special circumstances) | |
|
Discontinued |
Failures + Withdrawals = 4 |
Note #1 The Special Timetable Rules for this program are as follows:
- With respect to scheduling courses, priority must be given to courses failed or missed in the previous semesters.
- New courses may be taken if there are no timetable conflicts and the necessary prerequisites have been attained.
- The maximum number of times that a course may be attempted is 3. The third failure will result in being discontinued.
Note #2 Re-admission program requirements are provided in a subsequent section of this handbook.
Note #3 Discontinued students cannot graduate from this program without first applying and being granted re-admission to the program.
Note #4 The faculty reserves the right to modify the implementation of the above, in individual cases, due to extenuating circumstances.
Clearance of Academic Deficiency
Incompletes
Where a student is assigned an "incomplete" in a course, the requirements for clearing the incomplete will be communicated to the student by the faculty responsible for the course.
Pre-requisites
Courses may only be taken where the student has the necessary pre-requisites, as defined in the Program Design.
The faculty reserves the right to modify the implementation of the above, in individual cases, due to extenuating circumstances.
Supplemental
During a student's academic career, there may be occasions when the student's performance results in a failing grade for a course. Conestoga grants students the opportunity to raise this grade to the minimum passing grade under very specific circumstances (i.e. eligibility criteria) outlined within the Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy and Procedure. In addition to the eligibility criteria outlined in the policy, the academic team has identified the following criteria in accordance with Conestoga's policies and procedures.
A second opportunity and supplemental options are not available to students that have been discontinued from the program(s). In situations at the end of an academic semester, where an academic decision has not yet been submitted to the Registrar's Office, the Program Coordinator shall be consulted to determine if the forthcoming academic decision will be to discontinue the student. Should the forthcoming academic decision be to discontinue the student, the second opportunity and supplemental options are not available to the student.
FIRST-YEAR (LEVEL 1) – SECOND OPPORTUNITY
For certain courses failed in Level 1, a second opportunity to pass the course may be possible.
The second opportunity options discussed in subsequent sections are only applicable where the student has made an initial attempt at the original course as defined in the program design. An initial attempt for students enrolled in any course is defined as completing the course in its entirety whereby all tests were attempted, and all assignments were submitted resulting in a minimum final grade of 50%.
The format and availability of the second opportunity will vary year-to-year depending on course offerings. Please note that this second opportunity option is a measure in good faith and intended to help a student remedy one or two failures at 50% so that they have the chance to keep pace with their cohort.
Possible second opportunities are discussed below:
Mathematics I (MATH1085)
Students who are unsuccessful in Mathematics I (MATH1085) may take Technical Mathematics (OLRN1425) offered through OntarioLearn.com. Students who successfully complete Technical Mathematics (OLRN1425) will be granted a credit for Mathematics I (MATH1085). Conestoga College cannot guarantee that Technical Mathematics (OLRN1425) will be offered in any given year.
Statics (CIVL1030)
Students who are unsuccessful in Statics (CIVL1030) may have a Second Opportunity depending on course availability. Students may be permitted to proceed to Mechanics of Materials (CIVL1095) without the required pre-requisite if Statics is taken a second time concurrently in the winter semester. Actual course offerings are not guaranteed and may vary year to year.
A student taking both Statics and Mechanics of Materials (CIVL1095) in the winter semester (if offered) may be required to drop other courses to maintain an equivalent overall course load. Enrolling in Statics for the winter semester, if offered, requires consultation and approval by the program coordinator.
In addition to equivalent Statics courses that may be offered by Conestoga College, students may also identify and pursue a Statics course offered at another institution. The course must be reviewed for equivalency by Conestoga Civil Faculty.
Students will not be permitted to proceed to Structural Theory (CIVL2170) until credit for Statics (CIVL1030) and Mechanics of Materials (CIVL1095) have been granted.
Surveying I (SURV1010)
Students who are unsuccessful in Surveying I (SURV1010) may have a second opportunity depending on course availability. Actual course offerings are not guaranteed and may vary year-to-year.
In addition to equivalent surveying courses that may be offered by Conestoga College, students may also identify and pursue a Surveying course offered at another institution. The course must be reviewed for equivalency by Conestoga Civil Faculty.
FIRST-YEAR LEVEL 2 – SECOND OPPORTUNITY
Mathematics II (MATH1090)
Students who are unsuccessful in Mathematics II (MATH1090) may take Technical Mathematics II (OLRN2040) offered through OntarioLearn.com. Students who successfully complete Technical Mathematics II (OLRN2040) will be granted a credit for Mathematics II (MATH1090). Conestoga College cannot guarantee that Technical Mathematics II (OLRN2040) will be offered in any given year.
CAD I (CIVL1070)
Students who are unsuccessful in CAD I (CIVL1070) may take Conestoga Course Computer-Aided Drafting (DRWG1225) offered through Distance Education. Students who successfully complete Computer-Aided Drafting (DRWG1225) after an unsuccessful attempt at CAD I (CIVL1070) will be granted a credit for CAD I (CIVL1070). Conestoga College cannot guarantee that Computer-Aided Drafting (DRWG1225) will be offered in any given year.
SECOND-YEAR
With the exception of Project Solutions (CIVL2080) students may be allowed to take up to two (2) supplemental tests, one each for a maximum of two failed second-year courses with only one supplemental test allowed for the fall semester if all of the following criteria are met:
- Must be registered in the second year
With respect to the failed course(s), the student:
- Must have a minimum 50% average, including assignments.
- Must have maintained regular attendance* in the course(s) failed with a minimum of 85% attendance in all scheduled deliverables (i.e. labs, tests, assignments, group work, etc.).
- Must have passed at least one scheduled test.
If successful, the failing grade can be upgraded only to the minimal passing grade of 55%.
*The definition of regular attendance depends on the delivery of the course (remote, hybrid, in-person) and is at the discretion of the faculty member.
To register for a supplemental, the student must have an Authorization for Supplemental form completed and signed by the course instructor and Program Coordinator and submit the fee to the Registrar's office. Students must also complete all supplemental tests in accordance with the timeline established in the College's "Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy and Procedure".
Due to the semester-long, project-based nature of Project Solutions (CIVL2080), there are no supplemental opportunities for this course.
The faculty reserves the right to modify the implementation of the above, in individual cases, due to extenuating circumstances.
THIRD-YEAR
With the exception of Civil Technology Project I (CIVL3150), Civil Technology Project II (CIVL3160), and Survey Camp (SURV2020) fieldwork students may be allowed to take up to two (2) supplemental tests, one each for a maximum of two failed third-year courses with only one supplemental test allowed for the fall semester, if all of the following criteria are met:
- Must be registered in the third year and be eligible for graduation upon completion of the supplemental(s).
With respect to the failed course(s), the student:
- Must have a minimum 50% average, including assignments.
- Must have maintained regular attendance* in the course(s) failed with a minimum of 85% attendance in all scheduled deliverables (i.e. labs, tests, assignments, group work, etc.).
- Must have passed at least one scheduled test.
If successful, the failing grade can be upgraded only to the minimal passing grade of 55%.
*The definition of regular attendance depends on the delivery of the course (remote, hybrid, in-person) and is at the discretion of the faculty member.
To register for a supplemental, the student must have an Authorization for Supplemental form completed and signed by the course instructor and Program Coordinator and submit the fee to the Registrar's office. Students must also complete all supplemental tests in accordance with the timeline established in the college's "Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy and Procedure".
Due to the semester-long, project-based nature of Civil Technology Project I (CIVL3150) and Civil Technology Project II (CIVL3160), there are no supplemental opportunities for these courses.
Due to the practical component of Survey Camp (SURV2020) being delivered off-campus, there is no supplemental opportunity for the fieldwork portion of this course.
The faculty reserves the right to modify the implementation of the above, in individual cases, due to extenuating circumstances. The full details are outlined within the Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy and Procedure.
Probation
Academic Probation does not apply to either the Civil Engineering Technology Program or the Environmental-Civil Engineering Technology Program.
Discontinuance
The discontinuance program standard was provided previously in this handbook under section 4.1 Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements - Program Standard.
Re-admission
A discontinued student may apply to return as a part-time student in the program for a one-year period. If accepted, a maximum of three failed and/or missed courses can be taken per term, including any general education courses, over a one-year period that the student is part-time in the program. If the part-time student obtains a passing grade in all their courses over the one-year period, they can apply for re-admission as a full-time student.
If a discontinued student should achieve a minimum 70% average (calculated as the arithmetic average of the three courses) in the first three courses taken on a part-time basis after being discontinued, they will be considered for re-admission as a full-time student the following semester.
If the discontinued student should be unsuccessful (i.e., fail) in any of the part-time courses discussed above, the student will not be permitted to enroll in any Civil or Environmental-Civil Engineering Technology program courses for a period of one year. The one-year duration will be considered to commence at the end of the semester in which the course(s) was failed.
- Re-admission is not guaranteed and is subject to space availability within the program.
- The student is responsible for any program design changes that may have occurred.
- Discontinued students cannot graduate from this program without first applying and being granted re-admission to the program.
- The faculty reserve the right to modify the implementation of the above, in individual cases, due to extenuating circumstances.
Voluntary Withdrawal - Re-admission Program Standard
- A student that voluntarily withdrew from Level 1, prior to the Program Withdrawal without Academic Penalty Date, will be required to reapply to the program through Ontario College Application Service (OCAS).
- A student that voluntarily withdrew from the program following the completion of Level 1 must reapply to the program through the Registrar's Office. The student will be re-admitted to the program Level consistent with the program courses previously completed at the discretion of the Program Coordinator.
- Re-admission is not guaranteed and is subject to space availability within the program.
- The student is responsible for any program design changes that may have occurred.
Retaking Previously Completed Courses – Program Standard
Program courses where the credit has already been granted, either through an exemption or earned grade, are not normally permitted to be repeated unless there are extenuating circumstances and upon recommendation of the academic team. If a student is allowed to repeat a course, the previous grade will be replaced with the new grade and used in the calculation of the grade point average.
Transferring Between Civil and Technology and Environmental-Civil Technology Program Standard
Transferring between the Civil and Environmental-Civil programs is subject to the following:
- Transferring will be subject to space availability within the intended destination program.
- Transferring will be subject to a review of academic performance by the academic team.
- Students must complete the necessary paperwork and submit payment to the Registrar's Office.
- The student is responsible for ensuring that the requirements of the program are being met.
Withdrawal
Students considering withdrawing from a program should meet with their Program Coordinator/Academic Advisor prior to withdrawing. To formally withdraw from a program, the student must complete the Withdrawal form located in the Student Portal under the "Services" tab. Click the "My Forms" to locate, complete, and submit the form to the Registrar's Office. Deadlines for withdrawing from a program with/without an academic penalty or with/without a refund are posted on the website under Academic Dates.Graduation
Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their program of study. For students enrolled in co-op programs, this includes completion of all mandatory co-op work terms. Students are expected to respond to their invitation through their Student Portal. Convocation ceremonies are held in the spring and fall of each academic year. Students, who take longer than the advertised program length, are responsible for completing any new or additional courses due to a program design change. Students who complete their program after the scheduled completion date are required to fill out an Application to Graduate form and submit it with payment to the Registrar's Office. Students who are discontinued or have withdrawn and then return to the college will be placed in the current program design and must meet all requirements to graduate.
Equipment and Facility Information
After-Hours Access
Conestoga hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Conestoga recognizes that in some programs of study, students may require after-hours access to classrooms and labs. After-hours access is maintained in accordance with the academic needs of individual programs. The after-hours access is a privilege, not a right.
If after-hours access is required, faculty must contact security in advance, with the student(s) name, ID number, and program information, along with signed paperwork approving access. The student must follow these guidelines:
- Be in the designated room with another approved person
- Follow all room safety rules
- Inform security immediately of any out-of-the normal situations
- Have student identification card available
- Notify security upon departure
- Not move furniture
Students are required to follow communicated access and safety requirements, protocols, and regulations to ensure the safety and security of all persons and property. Policies and procedures can be found on the website for the Security Services Department.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All students are required to follow the PPE requirements specified for each lab, shop and or other campus space. Students must also comply with additional PPE requirements and safety measures that may be communicated by faculty, building signage, and or college staff. Other rules may be set by supervisory faculty/staff in shops and labs.
Program Technology Requirements
Program technology requirements are posted on the program web page. Students in hybrid delivery courses will require a device, webcam functionality, and reliable Internet access.
Student Engagement
Conestoga 101
The Student Engagement Department is here to help you transition to the Conestoga College experience, connect with your community, and build your skills.
Start your college experience by completing Conestoga 101 (CON0101) on eConestoga, a mandatory course for all new full-time students that will take you approximately one hour to complete. CON0101 provides an overview of the supports, services, and opportunities available to you throughout your time at Conestoga. Make sure you complete it early on in the term, as it contains valuable information that will help you transition to Conestoga.
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 the 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.
Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)
The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course. Completion of the SAT forms give teachers and academic managers valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga.
The SAT process has two components: the Early Course Check-in and the Full-SAT. The Early Course Check-in is 8-12 questions, occurs during week 10 of classes and provides early feedback to faculty about the student experience within their classroom. The Full-SAT is 43 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.
At the beginning of each 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 important members of the PAC and 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
Student Protection Acknowledgement
A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on a yearly basis. This will direct students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. All Conestoga College wide academic policies and procedures are listed on the college website under "About Conestoga", "Policies and Procedures".
Students are advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures, including the following:- Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy & Procedure
- Academic Offences Policy & Procedure
- Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy & Procedure
- Convocation Procedure
- Co-operative Education Policy
- Discontinuance Procedure
- Evaluation of Student Learning Policy & Procedure
- Grading Procedure
- Program and Course Withdrawal and Refund Procedure/International Student Withdrawal and Refund Procedure
- Readmission Procedure
- Religious Holiday Policy & Procedure
- Student Expectations for Online Engagement
- Student Feedback Policy
- Student Fees Policy & Student Fee Invoicing and Payment Procedure
- Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy & Procedure
Students must follow all of the policies and procedures for Conestoga College and it is expected that faculty will accept, fulfil and enforce these standards.
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.
Accommodation Disclaimer
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.
Program Handbook Revision Log
Date: June 26, 2023
Type of Revision: Annual update
Date: July 16, 2022
Type of Revision: Annual update
Date: July 16, 2021
Type of Revision: Annual update
Date: July 10, 2020
Type of Revision: Annual update
Date: July 2, 2019
Type of Revision: Annual update
Date: July 5, 2018
Type of Revision: Annual revisions, update to Attendance
Date: June 26, 2017
Type of Revision: Annual update
Date: June 16, 2016
Type of Revision: Annual update