Woodworking Technology

2023/24 | Conestoga College

Program Code: 0804
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 ServicesSafety and SecurityStudent Rights and Responsibilities and more. 

Welcome

​​Welcome to the School of Engineering & Technology.

Conestoga offers a full range of engineering and information technology programs to suit your interests and career aspirations. Within these there are one year certificate (both foundational and post-diploma), two and three year diploma, and four year bachelor's degree programs. Pathways exist within these allowing for students to reach their full potential.

All of our programs incorporate active learning that may include project-based learning, co-operative 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 this, which is why the School of Engineering & Technology has a history of excellent graduate and co-op placement rates.

Sincerely,

Tony Thoma, MBA, PEng
Executive Dean

Program Academic Team

​​​Program Administration

Program Chair

Joni Jean
Woodworking Centre Room W3-1 - Doon Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 6122
jjean@conestogac.on.ca

Program Manager

Tina Baksh
ATS Room 101 - Doon Campus
tbaksh@conestogac.on.ca

​Program Faculty

Program Coordinators

Steve Bader
sbader@conestogac.on.ca

Ted Padfield
tpadfield@conestogac.on.ca

Program Faculty

Richard Bruckeder
rbruckeder@conestogac.on.ca

James Goerzen
jgoerzen@conestogac.on.ca  

Trevor Hibbs
thibbs@conestogac.on.ca 

Dennis O'Reilly
doreilly@conestogac.on.ca

Other Faculty

In addition to the core complement of your full-time program faculty, other faculty will work with you for the duration of this program. These include faculty from other Schools for breadth and / or general education courses, as well as faculty with particular expertise in specific areas of program focus.

Contact information for these faculty members will typically be provided on the first day of related courses.

​College Support Services

Financial Aid / OSAP / Student Awards

Financial Aid Office
Welcome Centre - Doon Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 3378
osap@conestogac.on.ca

Technical Support

IT Service Desk
Main Desk - Room 1E12 - Doon Campus / Various Campuses
519-748-5220 ext. 3444
itsdesk@conestogac.on.ca

Career Services/myCareer Services

myCareerServices@conestogac.on.ca

Co-operative Education

Contact your Co-op Advisor​

​Communication – Program Standard

Conestoga College student email accounts will be used to communicate to students. Students are expected to regularly check their college email accounts.  Faculty and staff are not expected to respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses. Faculty and staff will respond to student emails by the end of the next business day after receipt of an inquiry.

Student Representation

Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) is the official student association representing all full-time, fee-paying students. CSI and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student/faculty meeting, provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to adequately prepare for the meeting.

Academic Assistance

Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues.  The program coordinator and faculty can advise students on specific program and course information such as adding / dropping courses, academic standing, etc. Students can also access the Student Success website for detailed information on the academic services they provide, including learning skills (study strategies, note taking, time management and exam preparation), tutoring, math and writing support.

Conestoga College is committed to providing a safe and accessible environment for students with disabilities. Accommodating disabilities at the College is a shared responsibility between students, faculty and administration. Students are responsible for providing relevant and up to date documentation of their disability to Accessibility@Conestoga, when they first register. This documentation will allow the student to be considered for accommodations and access to available services.

College Hours

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

Program Overview

​​​Program Description

This unique advanced diploma program delivered at one of the most advanced woodworking training facilities in North America. During the first year of the program, which is common with the Woodworking Technician program, you will spend a significant amount of time learning the set-up and operation of woodworking machinery and equipment, laminating, veneering, machining, sanding, assembly, and finishing. The second year, which is also common with the Woodworking Technician program, involves extensive project work, introduction to production management skills, manufacturing of kitchen cabinets, and architectural millwork. The final year of the program focuses on plant layout/support systems, materials handling, quality control, cost estimating, and computer-aided drafting.

The co-op delivery mode affords students the opportunity to relate in-school training with real industrial experience. Due to the placement of co-op work terms, the academic semesters are fall/winter in year 1 and fall/spring in year 2 and winter/spring in Year 3. Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the trade schooling for an Ontario Cabinetmaker Apprenticeship are embedded in the program. Graduates of this program may be exempt from apprenticeship in-school training should they choose to pursue a Cabinetmaker Apprenticeship.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes can be found on the Woodworking Technology (Optional Co-op) program page of the college's website.

Program Curriculum Sequence

The following is the anticipated sequence of the program for students beginning studies in the fall of 2023. Occasionally, minor program design changes do occur and students are notified of these changes by the Program Coordinator before they are implemented.

Program Delivery Location Semester Year
Level One
  • In school training: Semester 1
Woodworking Centre of OntarioFall2023
Level Two
  • In school training: Semester 2
Woodworking Centre of OntarioWinter2024
Level Three
  • Co-op work term
Field placement (competitive)Spring/Summer2024
Level Four
  • In school training: Semester 3
Woodworking Centre of OntarioFall2024
Level Five
  • Co-op work term
Field placement (competitive)Winter2025
Level Six
  • In school training: Semester 4
Woodworking Centre of OntarioSpring/Summer2025
Level Seven
  • Co-op work term
Field placement (competitive)Fall2025
Level Eight
  • In school training: Semester 5
Woodworking Centre of OntarioWinter2026
Level Nine
  • In school training: Semester 6
Woodworking Centre of OntarioSpring/Summer2026

Note 1: Co-op employment is not guaranteed by Conestoga College

Note 2: Students who successfully complete all of the required in-school portion of the 0804C Program, but are unsuccessful in completing any of the co-op requirements may be eligible to transfer and graduate from the non co-op program.

Current Program Design

​​Students can find their program design on the Student Portal by following the steps below: ​

  1. Log in to the Student Portal
  2. Click on 'My Courses tab
  3. Select 'View Progress Report' button 

Courses are listed by level/semester. Students can also view courses for the most current program design for this academic year on the Conestoga College website. To find these courses, students need to scroll down the page to 'Program Courses'.

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.ca

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. 

​​Co-operative Education

Applying to the Co-op Stream (starting with the 1901 cohort and subsequent 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 admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum overall 65% session weighted average in Level 1 with no dropped or failed courses (as of the 2301 cohort).
  • To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum overall 70% session weighted average in Level 1 and no dropped or failed courses.
  • Students who are not admitted into the co-op stream or students in the non-co-op stream will have co-op semesters off instead of participating in co-op work terms.  These off semesters enable students to gain part-time or full-time work or volunteer experience to build their resume and/or can catch up on academic work if scheduling permits.

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 successfully 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.
  • Students may only 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, the student must have a minimum 70% session weighted average, in Level 1 core (prerequisite) courses in order to participate in the first co-op work term.  Maximum one failed or dropped core (prerequisite) course during the term that occurs two terms prior to the co-op work term.  Minimum 65% session weighted average two semesters prior to the work term for all subsequent co-op work terms. 

For additional information please refer to the Co-operative Education Regulations and Guidelines: Student Regulations, Procedures and Supports found by:

  1. Login to MyCareer
  2. Select Co-op 
  3. Select Co-op Resources 
  4. Select Co-op Policies 
  5. 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 Add/Drop

Information on the course add / drop process can be found on the website. Students should consult the program coordinator prior to completing the Course Change Request Form located on the Student Portal under the Services tab.

Program Transfer

Students who wish to transfer to another program with advanced standing, (e.g. into a related woodworking program), will need to complete paperwork in advance. Students are to speak with the program coordinator to determine if space exists and to obtain the relevant paperwork. 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.

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.

Awards – College Application Procedure

Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships and academic grants available to Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we have established with local business and industry leaders. To be considered for all awards, complete the General Application available through the Student Portal. Notifications and instructions to complete the application will be sent to all full-time Conestoga students' email accounts in the Fall semester (Deadline: First Friday in October) and Winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in February). Visit the Financial Aid and Student Awards Office on Conestoga's website for more information.

Attendance and Program Standards

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 Holiday Procedure, provide alternative evaluation arrangements for missed evaluations due to recognized religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.
  • To provide all accommodations requested by Accessible Learning.
  • To consider alternative evaluation requests in good faith and examine the unique circumstances (e.g., unexpected family obligations, personal emergencies, etc...) and collaboratively determine an appropriate solution.
  • Note, do not request doctor's notes from students.

Student Responsibilities

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

  1. Log into the Student Portal and click on the 'Absence tab'.
  2. 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).
  3. Click 'Continue' to report the absence.
  4. Click 'I agree' to confirm the absence.
  5. 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.

​Attendance - Program Standard

In the case of unforeseen circumstances that result in late arrival or early departure, whenever possible, students are expected to communicate this in advance with their faculty. Otherwise, students who arrive late for a scheduled class may be counted as absent after 20 minutes from the start of the class. Students who leave more than 20 minutes before the end of class may be counted as absent.

The School of Engineering & Technology uses a 'flag' system to track unauthorized absences. As a result, attendance issues may be flagged during the program.   Students run the risk of being ineligible for supplemental assessment opportunities due to poor attendance as well as possible discontinuance in the program.

This program standard applies to both on-line and in-person classes.

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:

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.

​Required Supplies and Texts

Faculty members are responsible for distributing a suggested minimum tool list, where applicable. Texts required for each course are included on the pertinent course outline. A Personal Booklist  is available through the Conestoga Bookstore once program schedules are issued.​

​In order to be fair to all students, to outline operating procedures, to ensure the safe and successful operation of the shop, and to prevent any misunderstandings, the following policy on shop projects will apply.

Shop Project Policy

In general, all projects must be paid for and a receipt issued before removal from the college.

Unclaimed projects will become the property of Conestoga College property four weeks after the completion of the semester, whether paid for or not. This will not negate the requirement to reimburse the college. Issuance of a diploma may be restricted until payment is received.

The shop facilities may not be used to alter, manufacture, or finish projects for the purpose of generating income. Permission to work on extra-curricular projects in the shop outside of scheduled shop times will not be allowed during the first semester. During the second semester, permission to do so may be granted, but is at the discretion of the instructor scheduled in the shop at that time.

Some students occasionally may wish to take their project home overnight or for the weekend to do sanding or other hand operations. If the student wishes to do so, they must obtain written permission from the faculty associated with the course. No one else may grant permission, as this may be an evaluation issue. The permission note must accompany the project as it is removed from the Woodworking Centre and must include the student's name, date, and faculty name and signature. The permission note is valid only for the dates and times shown and must be made available upon request.

First Year Student Project Policy

During the first week of the program, students will be notified of the lab fee required to offset the cost of first year project consumables. Students will be required to make payment via the bookstore and provide proof of payment to the shop technologist, demonstrating that the fees have been paid. Students will be permitted to remove the completed project from the shop after proof of payment has been provided. Students who attended shop class regularly and actively participated throughout the term will have first choice of each project based on quality. Any extra projects manufactured will remain the property of the college to be dealt with at its discretion.

Second Year Student Project Policy

A Bill of Materials, both for lumber and veneer, for any project to be constructed, must be submitted to the technologist's office before construction begins. If this does not occur, the project may be confiscated, or work on it restricted, until the proper documents are submitted. This includes students supplying their own material; they will simply note this on the documents. Projects designed and manufactured by second year students are done so with the understanding that the student will have paid for the materials, whether completed or not.

Before breakout of the fourth semester project, the third semester project must be paid in full. In the case where a student does not wish to manufacture a product for purchase, the student should request that a project be assigned at the college's discretion. This project will meet the requirements of the program, and will remain college property when complete. Students will have access to lumber and sheet stock in the storage area based on a schedule set-up by the shop technologist and their respective shop faculty. A progressive log will be kept of board and square footage withdrawn by each student. There will be no access to the storage area other than at scheduled times. Once a student has begun to use materials for a project, it is expected that the college will be reimbursed for the materials, regardless of completion. When a finishing schedule has been determined, each student shall submit a finishing cost sheet to the shop technologist before the project completion (available from shop faculty). This applies both to projects intended to fulfill course requirements and to ​extra-curricular projects.​

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 Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Standard

Students are responsible to ensure they have fulfilled the program design requirements necessary to graduate. If for any reason a student is concerned about their academic progress, they should arrange to meet with a full-time faculty member or the program coordinator.

Students must achieve a minimum passing grade of 55% in all courses, except for courses that align with apprenticeship, which have the minimum passing grade of 70%. Failure or withdrawal from any course(s) may result in the student not being promoted to the next academic level, if applicable.

If a student withdraws from the program for any reason, they have a maximum of five years from their original start date in order to complete the program requirements and earn the related and current certificate or diploma. If the program design changes significantly during the five year timeframe it may be necessary to fulfill additional program requirements.

Common Academic Decisions

At the end of each level / semester, the program team reviews students' grades through a promotion meeting which includes the program chair, program coordinator and relevant faculty. Below are the most common academic decisions issued by the program team determined during this meeting:

Eligible to Continue

Students who pass all courses, and complete their electives, are eligible to continue in the program. Students who fail any course(s) and are unable to make up the course(s) until the following year, will also be eligible to continue as long as they meet all prerequisites.

Decisions (Pending)

Students who have not successfully completed all of the required courses for the semester or the program may be eligible to complete work or write a supplemental assessment in order to complete the requirements of the level or program. Only one supplemental assessment will be permitted per semester in the core courses.

Supplemental Assessment: Students who have failed any courses may request a supplemental assessment (a "make-up"). It is the student's responsibility to check the grade postings. It is not the responsibility of the professor to contact the student and offer a supplemental. Supplemental assessments may be approved by the program team, if the course is supplemental-eligible and if the following academic criteria is met by the student.

  1. Failing grade must be no less than 50%. If the minimum passing grade for the course is 60% or higher, the minimum failing grade must be no less than 10% below that grade.
  2. Attended 80% or more of the specific course.
  3. Passed at least one formal evaluation in the course.
  4. Has no registered academic offence class in which the supplemental is being requested. (Warnings do not constitute an academic offence.)

The test must be completed within three weeks from the end of the semester. To register for a supplemental, the student must meet with the applicable faculty and complete an Authorization for Supplemental form and submit the appropriate non-refundable fee ($40.00) to the Registrar's Office. The student must provide proof of fee payment at the time of the supplemental exam.

Failure of the supplemental will result in no change to the original course grade. Successful completion of the supplemental evaluation will result in the minimum passing grade being awarded. The final grade as a result of the supplemental will be automatic and is ineligible for appeal. 

For more information visit the College Policies, Procedures, Practices and Guidelines webpage then click on the Academic Administration side tab and search for the document entitled Clearance of Academic Deficiency.

Special Timetable – Same Level

Special timetable status applies to students who are not promoted to the next level of the program or allowed to graduate due to missing / failed course(s). Students are allowed to return to the program to complete and / or repeat the missing / failed course(s).  

NOTE:  A special timetable cannot be used for the first level of a program.

Discontinuance and Withdrawals

If a student fails an elective course they must make up the credits prior to the completion of the program. If the failed course(s) occurs in the final semester of the program, the student has five years from their original start date in the program to earn the missing credits.

If a student fails a core course, i.e. non-elective, they may be placed on a special timetable, may be discontinued in the program or may not be eligible to continue until the failed courses are completed. Students may also be discontinued from a program based on misconduct, or in some sponsored programs, for lack of attendance.

Students who wish to terminate their studies must officially withdraw from their program in writing by completing the Withdrawal Form located on the Student Portal. Students who do not officially withdraw are still liable for outstanding fees and may not be eligible for a refund. Non-attendance does not constitute official withdrawal and academic records may reflect failures.

Discontinuance: Registered but Did Not Attend (DNA)

A missed course, DNA, will be considered a course failure (mark of "F") for purposes of discontinuance. Refer to the Student Guide for the refund deadline.

Academic Decision Program Standards

Academic Decisions – LEVEL 1
Courses Missing*DecisionNotes (see explanation below)
0Eligible to Continue 
1-2

Decision (Pending)

Eligible to Continue

1
3 or moreDiscontinued – may not continue in the program3
Academic Decisions – LEVEL 1
Courses Failed / Dropped* Decision Notes (see explanation below)
0Eligible to Continue 
1-2

Decision (Pending)

Special Timetable

Eligible to Continue

1
3 or moreDiscontinued – may not continue in the program3
Academic Decisions – LEVEL 3
Courses Failed / Dropped* Decision Notes (see explanation below)
0Eligible to Continue 
1-2

Decision (Pending)

Special Timetable

Eligible to Continue

1
3 or moreDiscontinued – may not continue in the program3
Academic Decisions – LEVEL 4
Courses Failed / Dropped* Decision Notes (see explanation below)
0Program Complete – Qualified to Graduate 
1-2

Decision (Pending)

Special Timetable

Eligible to Continue

1
3 or moreDiscontinued – may not continue in the program3

*Courses Missing - Courses failed, not attempted and incomplete 'I' grades. Refer to the Student Guide for the refund deadline.

Note 1 - Special Timetable

  • Students must make up any failed courses before they can take courses in a subsequent level in their program. They are not promoted to the next level.
  • This means that a student may have to wait an entire year for the failed courses to become available again.

Note 2 - Discontinued

  • The student may apply to return to the college as a part-time student.
  • The maximum number of courses permitted to be taken in a single semester will be determined based on credits / hours.
  • Priority for seats in a class is given first to 'regular' students, then to 'special timetable' students, and lastly to 'part-time' students.
  • To graduate from this program, a discontinued student must request and be granted re-admission to this program.
  • All failed courses must be cleared before re-admission to this program will be allowed.
  • Once discontinued, a student has to be away from the full-time stream for one year. The student can take part-time courses during this period.
  • Any student who has been discontinued from the program twice will need to meet with the program chair prior to being considered for re-admission to the program.

Note 3 – General Education Electives

  • In addition to the core skills studied in select programs, graduates should also possess skills in the areas of critical thinking, problem solving and communications. The Ministry of  Colleges and Universities (MCU) requires certain programs contain up to three general education electives. Students are required to register and complete their electives in the level / semester specified in their program design. Failure to do so will result in additional fees being charged in order to complete an elective outside of the design. Students will be notified via the Student Portal when they must register and will be provided access to a list of available courses.
  • Failure to complete all required electives within the program design will result in a student not being eligible to graduate.

Re-admission  - Voluntary Withdrawal or Absent students

A student who voluntarily withdrew or was absent 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 who voluntarily withdrew or was absent from the program, following the completion of Level 1 must reapply to the program through the Registrar's Office. 

Readmission is not guaranteed and is subject to space availability within the program. 

A student may be readmitted to the program level consistent with the program courses previously completed at the discretion of the Program Coordinator. 

A student has a maximum of five years from their original start date to complete the program requirements and earn the related and current certificate or diploma. If there are program design changes during the five year timeframe it may be necessary to fulfill additional program requirements. 

Re-admission – Discontinued students

A discontinued student may apply to return to the program as a part-time student for a one-year period.  If accepted, the academic program team will determine an appropriate course load for each term, up to a maximum of three failed and/or missed courses, including any general education courses.  If the part-time student obtains a passing grade in all their courses over the one-year period, they can apply for readmission as a full-time student.

Readmission is not guaranteed and is subject to space availability within the program.

Discontinued students cannot graduate from this program without first applying and being granted readmission to the program.

A student has a maximum of five years from their original start date to complete the program requirements and earn the related and current certificate or diploma. If there are program design changes during the five year timeframe it may be necessary to fulfill additional program requirements.

The Academic Program Team reserves the right to modify the implementation of the above, in individual cases, due to extenuating circumstances.

​Graduation

Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their program of study, including co-op work terms if applicable. Students can visit their Student Portal to confirm they have met all program requirements including Conestoga 101 and General Education courses as required.​

Students are expected to respond to their invitation to graduate through their Student Portal. Convocation ceremonies are held in the Winter, 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 have withdrawn and then return to the college will be placed in the current program design and must meet all requirements to graduate. Rules surrounding graduating with merit are outlined on the academic recognition section of Conestoga's website.

Equipment and Facility Information


Classrooms, Computer Labs and Shop Access

Generally, no food is permitted in any classroom, computer lab or shop. In some areas, and at the discretion of faculty, beverages may be permitted in unbreakable, re-sealable containers; however, they must be kept away from any computers or other sensitive equipment.

Access to shops and use of equipment outside of regularly scheduled class times is not permitted without written permission from the faculty and the presence of either the faculty or technologist. For safety reasons, it is recommended that a minimum of three people be present at all times. 

Basic Safety

Students are required to sign a Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning (CCITAL) Acknowledgment of Safety Training and Responsibilities Form (if applicable to program), which will be provided by the faculty at the start of the program.

In situations where an individual's behavior, whether or not it is suspected to be the result of substance use, is deemed to pose a risk to their own safety or the safety of others, the individual's faculty member or supervisor has the right to limit participation in academic or workplace activities.  

Conestoga's Substance Use Guidelines were developed to ensure that the college is in compliance with provincial and federal legislation regulating the use of both legal and illegal substances.

The college recognizes the risks associated with substance use and is committed to providing education on harm-reductive use and prevention as well as individualized support for members of our college community. 

Machine Operation and Shop Safety

Shop Safety

The Woodworking Centre of Ontario is a world-class industrial training facility. In view of this fact, safety is of great importance. A part of every student’s training will be to perform accurate, appropriate, and safe woodworking operations in a professional manner. If students observe an unsafe act or condition in the shop they are to notify faculty immediately. Basic shop safety considerations include:

  1. No running, horseplay or pranks are allowed in the shop.
  2. Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the building. Designated smoking areas are available outside of the building.
  3. Entrance to the shop is not allowed without faculty permission and their supervision.
  4. Inappropriate language and loud behavior will not be tolerated.
  5. Radios, and similar distracting electronic devices, are not allowed in the shop.
  6. Doorways, walkways and work areas are to be kept clear of carts and debris.
  7. Students are to concentrate on their shop activities - “think twice - act once”.
  8. Compressed air can cause severe injuries. Students must use provided vacuums when cleaning themselves, projects or work areas.
  9. The freight elevator is intended to assist with material handling only. No riders are allowed.
  10. Students are encouraged to offer suggestions and guard design ideas to continuously improve shop safety.
  11. Identified safety issues are to be discussed with faculty and/or the Woodworking Centre Safety Group. 
  12. The finishing room has some specific safety rules; the lab instructor will discuss these with all students prior to commencing work in the finishing room.

Machine Safety

The College’s Equipment Operating Procedure outlines student’s responsibilities related for the safe operation of equipment. Machine operation and safety requirements will be provided by the faculty responsible for the delivery of each course, as necessary. Students will sign-off after they have received safety training relevant to the machinery in use. Students must not use any equipment for which they have not received training or which they do not feel comfortable using.

A student who does not follow appropriate safety measures and puts themself and/or others at risk, may be asked to leave the shop by the faculty, technologist or staff. It will be the student's responsibility to make up for the content missed while away from the shop.

Basic machine safety considerations include:

  1. Certain machines require that faculty check the set-up prior to student use. These will be identified by the faculty prior to student use.
  2. Protective safety devices shall not be removed from the equipment.
  3. The machine disconnect switch located just beside each machine (on the power feed post or wall) must be turned off before making any adjustments to a machine.
  4. Students are never to reach into a machine for a part while it is running.
  5. Students are never to leave a machine until it has come to a full and complete stop.
  6. Machines with computers or electronic control assistance are particularly dangerous. They may appear to have or be stopped, but may start unexpectedly. As with all machine operations, one operator must be in charge.
  7. Extra guarding and machine hold-downs should be used whenever practical.​​

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.

Co-Curricular Record

​Conestoga's Co-Curricular Record (CCR) enhances your growth and development outside the classroom. The 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.

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

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

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

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

Program Handbook Revision Log

​Last Updated: June 2023

Woodworking Technology