Engineering & Technology Academic Handbook
2024/25 | Conestoga College
Engineering & Technology
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Academic Handbook Guidelines
The purpose of this academic handbook is to provide students with important information relating to their academic journey. Academic handbooks are updated annually and are applicable to all new and returning students for the current academic year. Students will be informed of handbook changes that occur outside of the annual update through college email. Students must check their academic handbook for the current edition.
This handbook must be read in conjunction with general information about Conestoga College found on the college website. The information on the college website applies to all students, regardless of program.
The college website provides information regarding Student Services, Safety and Security, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and more.
Contact Information and Communication Standards
Placement/Co-op Office
Co-operative Education OfficeCollege Email Communication Requirements
Conestoga College student email accounts are used for all official communication with students. Faculty and staff are only expected to communicate through college email and/or eConestoga regarding specific program/course inquiries/concerns. Faculty are not expected to respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses.
Students are expected to check their student email accounts regularly.
When corresponding with anyone at the college, please include your student number and program information. Emails are responded to during business hours. Please allow for a response within 2 business days. Abusive language and/or repeated emails will not be tolerated and are a violation of the Student Expectations for Online Engagement.
If you experience issues accessing your college email, please visit the IT support page for assistance. Students are accountable for ensuring a functioning college email account.
College Hours
The College is open and offers classes seven days a week.
For additional information regarding hours of operations and campus locations, please visit the College website.
Academic Information for Your Studies
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 90 minutes 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 set you up for success as you transition to Conestoga.
School Programs
For a complete list of the full-time programs in the School of Engineering and Technology, please see the programs tab of the Engineering and Technology webpage.
For a complete list of the part-time programs and courses (including micro-credentials) in the School of Engineering and Technology, please see the link below:
Programs | Continuing Education | Conestoga College
Current Program Design
Students are registered in a specific program design based on the year that a student begins in a program. Program designs contain all the required courses necessary to graduate from the program. Designs are evolving documents and may change from one academic year to the next. These changes are to reflect the industry standards and requirements for a graduate of this program. If a student does not graduate at the end of the designated semester from the original program design, the student may be responsible for meeting new program design changes in order to graduate.
Students can find their program design on the Student Portal by following the steps below:
- Log in to Student Portal
- Click on 'My Courses' tab
- Select 'View Progress Report' button
General Education & Interdisciplinary Electives
Students are required to complete General Education/Interdisciplinary elective courses as part of their program requirements. General Education/Interdisciplinary 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/Interdisciplinary 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 for non-degree programs, visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/diploma.
For more information and to view the current elective course offerings for degree programs, visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/degree.
Degree Minors
Conestoga College's degree students may be able to apply their interdisciplinary electives toward a minor within their degree program. A minor acknowledges additional learning within a specific discipline that a student achieves while completing their degree. A minor can help recognize the additional interests a student may have and can help differentiate a job seeker from their competitors. Successful completion of a minor will be identified on the student's official transcript.
For more information, please click here: https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/degree/minors
Course Outlines
Instructional Plans
Instructional plans will be provided to students on eConestoga. All assessment dates and deadlines will be posted on the instructional plan, including assignments, tests/quizzes, midterms, presentations, etc. This information acts as a guide to the course and will include a course schedule, which may be subject to change by faculty. Students are expected to review these documents, in coordination with the course outline, on a regular basis and note all key dates and deliverables.
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.
Required Supplies and Texts
Please see course outlines and instructional plans, found on eConestoga, for details on program/course supplies and textbooks
Required supplies, textbooks, and other materials for a course are listed on the course outline. Students are responsible for purchasing other supplies, etexts, or hard-copy texts as required by the course. Get your personalized booklist through the Conestoga College Bookstore.
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
Students can find the courses in which they are currently enrolled on the Student Portal 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.
It is strongly recommended that students consult with the Program Coordinator prior to dropping a course.
- 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.
Continuing Education and OntarioLearn courses are not included in student full-time fees. Students wishing to take these part-time courses are required to pay the full fee for the individual course(s). Students may add these or other courses under the 'Browse Continuing Education' tab in their Student Portal.
Timetables
Pre-arranged Timetables
Students in a block-scheduled timetable can add or drop courses via their Student Portal, provided the course fits into their timetable, and there is space in the section they wish to join. If a block change is available, there will be a 'change block' button available in the Student portal. If this button is not available, block changes are not permitted. Course sections and blocks that are full are not accessible to students.
Timetabling Assistance
Students who are out of sync with their program design may require assistance in planning and selecting courses for their next semester in order to meet program requirements. Some courses are a pre-requisite for a subsequent course. Student Success Advisors are available throughout the academic year to meet with students to review their course and program options. Please book an appointment via the Student Success Portal for assistance.
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 Office at: credittransfer@conestogac.on.ca
CEAB Accredited Programs
Accredited Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) degrees must also follow the requirements for credit transfer, PLAR, and additional policies of the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). These requirements are published in the CEAB's annual “Accreditation Criteria and Procedures” which can be found online in the CEAB Accreditation Resources section. For this reason, all student requests for exemption or transfer related to B.Eng. degrees are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Additional documentation may be requested from the student in order to inform and support final decisions.
Course outcomes must encompass at least 80% of the B.Eng. degree course for which the exemption is sought, be taught at a degree level, and must have equivalent or higher lecture hours (tutorial hours are not considered). Care will also be taken to ensure that the institution/program in which the course was taught has engineering accreditation. Co-op semester credit can be granted for the first co-op experience in the program only, and the credit transfer process must be completed prior to the start of the co-op semester.
A student should be referred to the Program Coordinator if they have:
- Transcripts from an unrecognized institution
- Transcripts from a foreign institution
- Considerable work experience which may be eligible for a Recognition of Prior Learning assessment (see below)
Note that in Conestoga’s B.Eng. degrees the project-based nature of the programs may require students to continue a course regardless of courses taken from previous institutions. Exemptions are not granted for courses completed more than five years ago. The maximum credit allowed through Transfer of Credits is 50% of the program credits. Therefore, at least 50% of the program credits must be taken under the direct supervision of Conestoga College faculty. The Credit Transfer Policy and Procedure are available on the college website. For more information, visit the Credit Transfer webpage and the PLAR webpage.
Please see the School of Engineering and Technology Accreditation Guide for additional information.
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.
Pathway opportunities are available to support students in pursuing their academic goals. For more information about opportunities within the School of Engineering & Technology, please refer to the School of Engineering and Technology Transfers, Pathways and Bridging Guide.
Attendance and Your Success
Working Together to Plan Your Success
Your success matters! Regular, punctual attendance, and active participation in scheduled classes, field and clinical placements, labs and any on-campus and off-campus activities scheduled by your program will help you to understand and master the learning complexities of your program.
If extenuating, unplanned circumstances require you to miss a class or an assessment, please note that it is your responsibility to follow up with individual faculty members prior to the class/assessment and access any missed information.
Attendance for Evaluations
Evaluations are critical components of each course and your overall success in your program. It is your responsibility to attend all evaluations (e.g. test, exam, presentation, etc.). If there is a concerning pattern of absence from evaluations across your program, you may be asked to meet with the Program Coordinator and/or Student Advisor to discuss strategies for success.While circumstances such as religious holidays and academic accommodations may necessitate rescheduling of evaluations and will be accommodated, please note that there will be no special arrangements made for rescheduling evaluations due to personal conflicts such as work, commuting, or vacation plans.
Faculty Responsibilities
- To communicate the dates of each evaluation at the beginning of each semester 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 yourself 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.
Reasons for Absence
Illness
If a student is suffering from any condition that would impair their ability to perform their academic work or the nature of the health issue would also place other students/employees at risk, it is generally recommended that the student take a day or several days off until the illness is resolved.
Compassionate Leave
Request for leaves of absence to attend to family illness, death or family problems are usually granted. These requests will be submitted to faculty who will consult with the Program Coordinator/Chair if necessary.
Jury Duty
Any student who receives a summons for jury duty must submit the document to their respective faculty as soon as possible. The faculty will consult with the Chair to determine what arrangements can be made to have the student excused from submission of assignments, if such duty interferes with the progress in the program. Students may also be required to engage in activities in the evening or weekends using eConestoga.
Other Absence(s)
Student absence(s) must be supported by formal, original documentation.Religious Holy Days and Spiritual Observances
- Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all examinations and other course obligations;
- Advise the faculty that you will be seeking accommodation to observe a recognized religious holy day.
- Make a request in writing to your Program Coordinator within the first three weeks of the semester and prior to the date of assessment that falls on the religious holy day. Exceptions based on extenuating circumstances must be approved by the Program Chair.
Emergency Closures
If a campus is closed:
All in-person classes and activities will be cancelled at that site.- Previously scheduled/timetabled online classes may continue at the discretion of the online instructor.
Scheduled in-person examinations and severe weather conditions
If the college is closed due to extreme weather, all in-person assessments to be administered during a regularly scheduled class will be postponed until the next class. Previously scheduled/timetabled online classes may continue at the discretion of the instructor.If the college has to be closed during an examination week, all in-person exams will be rescheduled to the end of the exam schedule (Saturday or the next Monday).
Students who cannot travel to the college due to extreme weather (e.g., travel advisories or road closures) in their local area are responsible for notifying their faculty of their inability to write on the day of the assessment. The notice must be provided by email or telephone before the time of the scheduled assessment. Students who fail to provide this notice will receive a grade of zero. Students must make arrangements to write the assessment immediately upon their return to the college.
Notice of college closure will be posted on the homepage of the Conestoga website as follows:
- Classes commencing prior to 5:59 p.m. - by 6:15 a.m.
- Classes commencing from 6:00 p.m. onwards - by 4:00 p.m.
- Emergency Situations - as needed.
Evaluations
Working Together on Group Assignments
Additional Considerations for Evaluations
Deadlines
Deadlines for assessments are defined and communicated in the instructional plan and by the coordinating faculty. For projects, there may be a clearly defined set of dates for its milestones, components, and deliverables. Any exceptions to assessment deadlines will be clearly stated by the coordinating faculty. If, for a legitimate reason, any student believes that their evaluation submission cannot be completed on time, they must formally request an extension to the due date from the coordinating professor at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled end of the project. The faculty team will consider extension requests, but approval is not guaranteed.
Marking
Predefined rubrics are used to evaluate many types of evaluations (i.e. projects, reports, presentations, etc.) based upon the learning outcomes students are expected to acquire in the course. Marking and feedback are meant to support each student in identifying areas of strength and or areas for improvement. Students are responsible for keeping a copy of all submitted and marked assignments.
Online Submissions Practices
Students are required to submit all online assignments on or before the time and date specified, allowing additional time for the electronic submission process to complete. Students are required to request and retain an eConestoga submission receipt for all online submissions to the eConestoga dropbox. Please note that student work is not considered to be submitted until a submission receipt has been received by the student, and also note that faculty may request the submission receipt in cases where submission discrepancies occur. If an issue occurs during the electronic submission process preventing the student's work from being submitted, the student must inform the professor immediately via email. For online submissions of group work, all group members are responsible for confirming that the work has been submitted on or before the time and date specified.
Student-Built Components & Submissions
In the School of Engineering & Technology, evaluations can involve large-scale physically built components or submissions that remain on campus or need to be transported to the campus for evaluation. Prior to and during submission, students hold responsibility for their work at all times. This responsibility is transferred from the student to the professor only when it is in the hands of the professor that they are submitting to on the due date. When a student places completed work in the campus room prior to the time a submission is due, they are taking a risk that something could happen to their work, or that others could engage in an academic offence before it is collected by the professor at the scheduled submission time. That risk is owned by the student only. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that their work is submitted as required, in its intended form, on the due date.
To avoid damaging, misplacing, or copying of the student's work, students are NOT permitted to touch the work of another student at any time without direct permission from that student. This includes student work that is on display, being built, or left on campus. Many things can happen unintentionally when touching or moving student work, which can negatively impact the student, the work, or the facility, such as damaging the work, misplacing the work, copying the work, ruining equipment/components, etc.
Web-based Tools
Program courses may use web-based services with data centres outside of Canada. Students may be expected to complete assessments where information is transmitted outside of Canada. Students who do not wish to submit their information to other countries have the right to opt-out. It is the responsibility of the student to notify the instructor if they, in the first week of term or at the time assignment details are provided, wish to submit an alternate assignment.
Course examinations may be administered through a remote proctoring service to assure academic integrity. Ensure that you meet the system requirements that will allow the recording of your computer screen, webcam, and microphone.
Academic Assistance
Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The Program Coordinator and/or Student Success Advisor can advise on specific program and course information, as well as on the wide range of supports available at the College. Conestoga's Student Success Services Department can provide assistance with Counselling, Accessible Learning, and Career Services.
Student Success Advisors
Student Success Advisors (SSAs) are available to support you. Support is available for all campuses, schools, and programs. Your SSA is there when you don't know where to start, are experiencing challenges affecting your learning experience, or need help succeeding in your program.
You can sign in to the Student Success Portal to book an appointment.
Accessible Learning
Conestoga College provides an equitable environment where all students have the opportunity to participate in College life. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Conestoga recognizes its responsibility and legal obligation to provide education, information and services in an accessible manner. Conestoga's Accessible Learning services provide support for students with permanent and temporary disabilities who feel they are encountering barriers to learning. They work with students to understand the impact of a disability in the college environment and will help develop a success plan that considers student goals and required academic accommodations. Accessible Learning will also communicate necessary accommodations to professors on behalf of the student.
To consult with an Accessibility Advisor about accommodations please make an appointment by emailing accessibility@conestogac.on.ca or calling 519-748-5220 ext. 3232.
Exceptions for non-accessibility focused issues need to be consulted on with your professor. Final approval for exceptions unrelated to academic accommodations rests with the program chair.
Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries
Conestoga has more than 400 awards, bursaries, scholarships, and academic grants available to Conestoga students. These funds are made available to our students through the partnerships we have established with local business and industry leaders.
To be considered for an award, complete the General Application available through your Student Portal. Notifications, deadlines, and instructions to complete the application are sent to all full-time students' email accounts in the fall, winter, and spring semesters.
Visit the Financial Aid and Student Awards Office on Conestoga's website.
Co-curricular Record (CCR)
The Co-Curricular Record (CCR) is an official document, complementary to an academic transcript, which recognizes and records learning that has been achieved through approved co-curricular experiences at Conestoga College. Activities within Conestoga's Co-Curricular Portal (CCP) enhance students' growth and development outside the classroom.
Visit the Student Success Portal for CCR-eligible opportunities.
Academic Expectations for Your Studies
Professionalism and Student Expectations
Rights and Responsibilities
- Student Rights include the right to learn, to be safe, to be informed, to be heard and to appeal.
- Student Responsibilities include respect for persons, respect for college learning and working environment and respect for property, facilities and college reputation.
Professionalism
Professionalism Expectations
Personal Device and Social Media Usage
- Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood.
- Assume that information you post or send can be accessed or altered by anyone.
- Consider whether any posting may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your profession.
- Avoid online criticism of other students, colleagues, professors or WIL experiences.
- Avoid impulsive or inappropriate comments.
- Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express permission of all individuals involved.
- Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous.
- Make sure your online name and email reflect professionalism.
- Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer, colleague, faculty or others.
- Do not take or post any pictures during WIL experiences or involved in lab activities
- Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a 'friendship" status online is unacceptable.
Classroom Practices
Faculty responsibilities:
- Provide to students at the start of each course an instructional plan, which indicates the due dates for all assessed items (assignments, tests, exams, case studies, presentations etc.) and the respective weighting of each item toward the student's final grade.
- Return assessed items promptly and review with students – generally, students are not able to retain their tests/examinations/assignments and should review thoroughly at this time. It is the responsibility of the student to ask any questions regarding the assignment with the faculty member outside class time during posted office hours, if required.
- Respond to student requests for consultations to discuss performance or questions in respect to their coursework and assessed items.
- Respond to student emails/voicemails within 48 business hours.
- Ensure course outcomes are covered in the assessment method.
Student responsibilities:
- Attend and participate in lectures, labs, presentations, group work, field trips or other activities related to the course/program.
- Students are not permitted to record lectures or take pictures without the consent of faculty and/or students. Content from the course is not to be posted on any external websites.
- The use of an electronic translator is prohibited. Students must be able to communicate in English.
- Electronic devices may be used for learning or instructional purposes. Faculty or technologists may request devices be put away when a safety issue or distraction occurs.
- Adhere to all deadlines for assessed items.
- Write final exams as per the schedule posted by the Program Coordinator/Faculty.
- Please consult with the Program Coordinator/Faculty regarding final exam dates and times.
- Unauthorized devices in a testing situation will result in an academic offence and a grade of zero.
- Submit coursework in the requested format, described by the faculty member in the rubrics or guidelines, by the specified deadline.
- Fully disclose and completely reference all sources used in submitted course assessments and not engage in plagiarism.
- Advise faculty of circumstances that would prevent the completion of assessments, prior to the deadline and provide required documentation.
Academic Participation Expectations
Independent study, preparation for class, punctual attendance, and participation in theory and practical activities are key to your academic success. Students are expected to attend all classes, labs, tests, exams, quizzes, and other scheduled academic activities. Students are also expected to complete and participate in assigned learning activities and meet all course-related deadlines. When students are not in attendance, several issues can result, including:
- The student may miss important information and skill demonstrations provided in class.
- The student may miss critical safety-related guidance and protocols that prevent incidents and hazards that can negatively impact them and the whole college community.
- The student has reduced time to learn and demonstrate knowledge, skills, and competence.
- Faculty may have to repeat material thus reducing the time for teaching the remaining parts of the course.
- Fellow students may be disadvantaged by absent students/team members.
- Faculty are unable to assess, evaluate and support the progress and performance of the absent student.
Program-Specific Expectations:
Please note students enrolled in Commercial Flight Operations and Commercial Helicopter Foundations are required to meet all guidelines, policies and expectations stated by the academic program’s flight training partners, Spectrum Airways and Burlington Executive Airport (e.g. professionalism, attendance, evaluation, program completion, etc.). Please check with the appropriate flight center and contacts for further information.
What is Academic Integrity?
Academic integrity means the degree to which the outcomes of learning activities or scholarly work have authenticity and align with formal goals and objectives established by the College. It includes acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities including but not limited to course work, work integrated learning, academic documents, and research. All members of the Conestoga community are responsible and accountable for upholding academic integrity.
As a current Conestoga student, you are expected to understand what constitutes an academic incident and to avoid any activities that may lead to an academic incident.
By having and applying an Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure, Conestoga ensures graduates complete their studies fairly and honestly through hard work and dedication, and thus are well-prepared for their future careers.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism involves knowingly presenting someone else's work as your own, be it text, an illustration, a photograph, part of a video, an audio track or a design. If within your assignment non-original work is permitted to be used, you must still credit the source of that work. You can provide this credit through a recognized citation format, like APA, or as directed by your Faculty.
Penalties for plagiarism can be severe and can include receiving a failing grade for the entire course. There are many resources that can help you with proper citation, and help you understand when you can and cannot use other sources as influence for your work.
For more information about plagiarism, consult the Academic Integrity page from Conestoga College Library Services.
Other forms of Academic Misconduct
There are other ways a student might cheat, including, but not limited to, Contract Cheating, Unauthorized Collaboration, Aiding and Abetting, and using Unauthorized Aids and Assistance. It is important to familiarize yourself with potential ways of cheating in order to know how to avoid it. For help, please contact the Academic Integrity Office for guidance and support.
Copyright at Conestoga
Conestoga facilitates access to print, media, and electronic resources to support and enrich learning, teaching, and research in compliance with the following:
- Canadian Copyright Act
- Fair Dealing
- Conestoga Copyright Policy
The proper use of Intellectual Property (IP) is essential and reflects industry and legal standards.
Whether your work appears in print, broadcast, online, or in another form, copyright laws apply. These laws also protect the work you produce. Work submitted for assessments must conform to copyright requirements, unless otherwise stated by Faculty. Elements under copyright can include, but are not limited to: music, text, images, and designs. If in doubt, do not use elements that could be under copyright protection.
For further guidance, please see Conestoga's Academic Inegrity Policy or the Conestoga College Library Services' Academic Integrity page.
Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI)
GenAI tools are prohibited from being used for assignments unless you are specifically authorized to use GenAI tool for an assignment by your professor.
Please visit Conestoga's Gen AI for Students website to learn more.
Research
Some courses have a research component, which may be college-based and/or in collaboration with a host organization. Research must adhere to the highest level of ethical standards and is a reflection of Conestoga College. Faculty will provide more information relevant to the research requirements in the course. For further details regarding required citing and referencing, please contact Library Services.
For help with research, please Book a Research Help Appointment.
Academic Concerns During a Course
If a student has a concern regarding an assignment, lab, midterm, final exam, etc., the student must first meet with the faculty to discuss the situation. When contacting faculty, students should carefully consider the feedback provided and reflect on their submission.
Student Representation - CSI
Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI) and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a student and/or faculty meeting provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty. This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to adequately prepare for the meeting.Academic Progress Through Your Studies
Academic Progression
The college's approach to academic progression is governed by the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy.
A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as Promotion with Good Academic Standing, Promotion on Probation, Graduation, and Discontinuance.
Probation
Promotion on probation refers to students who do not achieve the minimum overall acceptable achievement for progression as identified in the
Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy. Students who progress on probation can register in the next Term, but course registration is subject to course prerequisites.
- First Probation: Students on probation for the first time are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Advisor (SSA) or Program Coordinator to map out a Learning Plan and discuss strategies they can use to support their success.
- Consecutive Probation: Students on probation for a second consecutive Semester must meet with their Student Success Advisor (SSA) or Program Coordinator to develop a Learning Contract.
Discontinuance
A student can be discontinued from their program for either academic or non-academic reasons, as set out in the Discontinuance Procedure.
-
Academic Discontinuance may occur when a student fails to meet the specified academic Progression Requirements of their program.
- Policy Violation Discontinuance may occur when a student has been found to have violated College policy and/or procedure, such as but not limited to:
Supplemental Assessment
A student who has failed a course may be provided an opportunity to complete a supplemental assessment if they have met the established criteria in accordance with the
Supplemental Assessment Policy and
Procedure.
Withdrawal
Students considering withdrawing from a program should communicate with their Student Success Advisor prior to withdrawing. In order to formally withdraw from a program, the student must complete the Program Withdrawal form on the Student Portal by selecting the "Services" tab, "My Forms" button . It is your responsibility to make sure that you are aware of and adhere to deadlines for withdrawal. Deadlines for withdrawing from a program with/without an academic penalty or with/without a refund are posted on the website under Academic Dates.
Readmission
If you are discontinued or if you withdraw from the program, you must reapply for admission in accordance with the
Readmission Procedure. Readmission is not guaranteed.
Progression Requirements
Some programs may require a higher minimum standard than those indicated in the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy due to the nature of their program, including but not limited to, accreditation or regulatory requirements. These minimum standards are documented in the
School of Engineering and Technology Progression Requirements Guide.
Graduation
Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their program of study, including co-op placements if applicable, in accordance with the Academic Advancement and Achievement Policy. This also includes meeting the minimum program weighted average. This minimum program weighted average is listed in the School of Engineering and Technology Progression Requirements Guide. Students 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.
Co-operative Education
The Co-operative Education Department provides services and supports to co-op students throughout their co-op experiences. For more information regarding services or to connect with your Co-op Advisor, please refer to the Student Success Portal.
For Co-op Eligibility Requirements, please review the
School of Engineering and Technology Co-operative Eligibility Guide.
Equipment and Facility Information
Smoke-Free Environment
Smoking is not allowed in any Conestoga building. Help keep the environment clean by using the waste receptacles when you smoke outdoors. To provide unobstructed entry to the college for visitors and non-smoking employees and students, all campus entrances have been designated smoke-free.
Use of Food and Beverages in Classrooms and Labs
It is the responsibility of senior management to ensure that the academic environment is clean and conducive to learning. The following policy statements will be adhered to regarding the use of food and beverages in classrooms and labs:
- There is no food permitted in any classroom or lab. Beverages are permitted in unbreakable, re-sealable containers. Please note that in computer labs, containers should be placed away from the keyboard to prevent unnecessary damage.
- Beverages (including water) are not permitted in health sciences skill labs. For health and safety reasons, instructions will be established by faculty and management within designated shop areas, such as Electrical, Metal Machining, and Woodworking.
It is the responsibility of instructional staff and management to ensure that the policy is adhered to by students.
Safety, Access & Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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 approve the student's request to access the space and notify security in advance, with the student(s) name, ID number, and program information, along with signed paperwork approving access. Note that certain labs, shops and equipment are unavailable for student access outside of normal contact hours. Conditions for entry must be arranged with the faculty responsible for the course delivery and approved by the college. The student must follow these guidelines:
- Be in the designated room with another approved person
- Follow all room and equipment safety requirements, item restrictions, protocols and rules (e.g. personal protective equipment, no food or beverage, etc.)
- Inform security immediately of any out-of-the normal situations or hazards
- Conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner at all times
- Have student identification card available
- Vacate the space if requested to do so by Security, maintenance/cleaning or other college staff
- Notify security upon departure
- Not move furniture or equipment
Student Feedback
Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process. Our opportunities for student feedback include:
Ontario College Student Experience Survey
All college programs in the province are evaluated using the Ontario College Student Experience Survey. This survey is conducted each academic year in select classes - every student is invited to participate in each year of their program. Strategic goals to improve programs are developed from these results. This data and other data specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga College can continually improve quality.
Early Course Check-in
Direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course provides valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga. The Early Course Check-in is a short 5 -10 question survey that occurs during week 5 10 of classes and provides early feedback to faculty about the student experience within their classroom.
Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)
The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows direct feedback from students on teaching and course structure. Completion of the SAT forms give teachers and academic managers valuable information to use for the improvement of teaching at Conestoga.
The SAT is 30-40 questions and occurs late in the semester; a summary of the results goes to the faculty member and their academic manager. Typically, about one-quarter of the faculty is appraised per term. All full-time faculty have a SAT review at least once every two years. Part-time faculty may be reviewed more frequently.
Program Advisory Committees (PACs)
Program Advisory Committees (PACs) provide the necessary link between Conestoga and the community it serves. PACs operate in an advisory capacity to Conestoga administration with the objective to keep Conestoga responsive to current and future workforce needs, trends or opportunities in industry and the marketplace.
All post-secondary education programs of study at Conestoga, both full-time and part-time, which lead to an employment related credential, or are approved by the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, will be associated with a PAC, with the exception of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. For any program not leading to an employment related credential, such as foundation programs, PACs are optional.
Each academic year, the coordinator(s) of the program will ask for student volunteers. The coordinator(s) will select which student(s) will represent the program at PAC. Student attendees are expected to be present at all meetings and are responsible for preparing and submitting a report based on guidelines provided by the program coordinator.
Students who participate in PACs will receive credit on their Co-Curricular Record (CCR) . Your CCR is an official document, complementary to your academic transcript, which recognizes and records learning that you have achieved through approved co-curricular experiences at Conestoga.
College-wide Policies and Procedures
A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on an annual basis. Students are advised to review and comply with all Conestoga policies and procedures.
All Conestoga academic policies and procedures are listed on the College website.
Academic Handbook Revision Log
Created Spring 2024