Environmental Engineering Applications

2023/24 | Conestoga College

Program Code: 0870
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 College offers a full range of engineering and technology programs to suit your interests and career aspirations. Within these, there are one-year certificates (both foundational and post-diploma), two and three-year diplomas, and four-year bachelor's degree programs. Pathways exist within these programs to empower students to reach their full potential.

All of our programs incorporate active learning that may include project-based learning, cooperative education, case studies, and capstone projects. Active learning allows students to apply theory to practice during their studies and results in a graduate who is better prepared for the real work world. Employers like our approach to learning and student development, which is why the School of Engineering & Technology has a history of excellent graduate and co-op placement rates.

Sincerely,​

Tony Thoma, MBA, P.Eng.
Executive Dean

Program Staff Contact Information

Program Administration and Faculty

Executive Dean – Engineering–Technology–Trades
Tony Thoma, MBA, P.Eng.
A2205-4 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 3212
tthoma@conestogac.on.ca

Executive Assistant to Executive Dean:
Rebecca Dougherty​
A2205 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4573
rdougherty@conestogac.on.ca

Program Chair
Diane Burchett
A2205-6 – Cambridge Campus
dburchett@conestogac.on.ca

Administrative Assistant to Program Chair
Amber White
A2205 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4555
awhite2@conestogac.on.ca​​

Program Coordinator
Tiana Robinson
A3221 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2328
trobinson@conestogac.on.ca

Program Faculty
Coby Lamarche
A3221 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2328
clamarche@conestogac.on.ca

Other Faculty

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

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

​​Communication - School Standard

Conestoga College and eConestoga student email accounts are used to communicate with students.  Students are expected to regularly check their student email accounts.  Faculty and staff will not respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses.​

ONE Card - Student Identification Card

Conestoga's ONE Card is the College's official identification card for students. Before you can be fully registered and access your timetable, you must upload a student photo.  Your ONE Card student photo completes your student record, confirms that you are a Conestoga College student, and gives you access to student services. When your ONE Card student photo has been uploaded and approved, your card will be mailed to you. ​​Learn more about using your ONE Card here. If you have any questions, please email the ONE Card Office.​

College Hours

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

Program Overview

​​Program Description

The demand for environmental specialists who can develop creative solutions to ever evolving concerns facing our environment today continues to grow both in Canada and abroad. This graduate certificate program meets the demand for trained environmental professionals in the areas of contaminated site clean-up, risk assessment, environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance and enforcement. If you're a qualified college or university graduate, this program enhances existing technical skills and competencies necessary for employment in the environmental workforce. 

The training prepares you to act as a key player in responding to today's environmental challenges. Studies focus on the application of current engineering and scientific principles to protect and manage the environment in the following areas: - environmental monitoring and investigations - environmental site assessment - management and clean up of contaminated sites - environmental enforcement and regulations - solid and hazardous waste management - water quality - air quality monitoring and permitting. Upon graduation you will be prepared to write Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks Operator in Training (OIT) and Water Quality Analyst (WQA) certification exams. Hands-on training is a cornerstone of the program. You are trained in the use of equipment used to collect critical environmental data, computer programs used in professional practice, and are challenged to apply what you learn to real-life scenarios throughout the life cycle of the program. 

The objective is to provide you with necessary experience and skills using industry recognized methods, tools, and procedures. The program partners with employers and practicing environmental professionals who regularly review course content to ensure relevance and the inclusion of employable skills. As such, opportunities for connections with practicing professionals are embedded throughout the program. The program includes real-world projects completed under the mentorship of practicing environmental engineers, technologists, and scientists, and also offers you optional mock employment interviews. The optional co-op stream includes one co-op work term. 

For more information, contact the Program Coordinator at enviro@conestogac.on.ca.

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes are developed with the expectations and requirements of external regulatory/accrediting bodies and consultation with Program Advisory Committees (PACs) and related industry experts.  These outcomes are coordinated and articulated in a manner designed to result in the achievement of sets of specified learning attributes.

  1. Develop soil/groundwater/surface water/air/wastewater investigation and sampling programs.
  2. Collect and prepare environmental samples (groundwater, surface water, soil, sediment, air, designated building materials) for analysis in accordance with accepted protocols.
  3. Supervise environmental drilling and monitoring well installation programs.
  4. Interpret the results of environmental sampling programs and studies relative to environmental regulations and impacts to the environment.
  5. Identify and evaluate remedial technologies available for the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater.
  6. Develop, implement, and manage cleanup plans for contaminated sites and accidental spills.
  7. Apply environmental regulations and requirements to situations encountered by stakeholders including consultants, planners, municipalities, conservation authorities, industry and contractors.
  8. Design and supervise the implementation of the various components of a solid waste management facility including leachate collection and gas control systems, liners and caps, and environmental monitoring systems.
  9. Conduct Phase One and Two Environmental Site Assessments.
  10. Identify waste streams from various industrial processes and identify opportunities for reduction/re-use/recycling and minimization.
  11. Apply basic hydrogeologic concepts to predict the movement, fate, and control of contaminants in the subsurface.
  12. Assist in the completion of human health and ecological risk assessments.
  13. Apply water chemistry principles to solve problems related to contaminant fate/transport in the environment and to processes used in the treatment of water and wastewater.
  14. Predict the movement and dispersion of air pollutants and identify abatement technologies and processes.
  15. Prepare and edit basic drawings of site plans, cross-sections, and details as applied to environmental engineering applications using AutoCAD.
  16. Prepare technical reports and orally present results.
  17. Demonstrate an understanding of employer expectations with regard to academic, practical and attitudinal skills.
  18. Discuss environmental site assessment and remediation work with regards to hazardous waste.

Current Program Design

Students can find their program design by following the steps below:
  1. Log in to Student Portal
  2. Click on 'My Courses' tab
  3. Select 'View Progress Report' button
Courses are listed by level/semester. Please be aware that General Education/Interdisciplinary electives are listed at the bottom of the student's progress report and indicate the specific level/semester in which they are to be completed.  ​

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

Co-operative Education

Applying to the Co-op Stream (starting with the 1801 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 80% session weighted average in Level 1 with no dropped or failed courses. (starting with 2301 cohort) 
  • To be considered for admission to the co-op stream, students are required to achieve a minimum 70% session weighted average in Level 1 with no dropped or failed courses.

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 (CEPR8200/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 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 the conditions above are met and all 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. 
  • 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, students are required to achieve a minimum 70% session weighted average and no failures or dropped courses during the term that occurs two terms prior to the co-op work term. (1701 cohort and prior).

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 Changes (Adding/Dropping)

Students can find their program design by following the steps below:

  1. Log in to Student Portal.
  2. Click on 'My Courses' tab.
  3. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings.
It is strongly recommended that students consult the Student Success Advisor/Program Coordinator prior to dropping a course.   Adding/dropping courses may affect a student's status and financial aid entitlement and may also be limited by other factors.  

  • 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.
Students may add/drop courses through the Student Portal when timetables are available.  If a student is unable to make a course change(s) in the Student Portal, they can submit a Course Change Request Form which can be found in the Student Portal, under the "Services" tab, "My Forms" button.  

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.

Credit Transfer, Pathways & PLAR

Conestoga recognizes you may have formal post-secondary education that may allow you to enter a program at an advanced level or provide for individual course exemptions. To ensure your credits are eligible for transfer, please contact our Credit Transfer Office at: credittransfer@conestogac.on.ca. 

The Credit Transfer Policy and Procedure are available on the college website.

For more information, visit the Credit Transfer webpage and the PLAR webpage.

If you are currently a Conestoga student and want to continue studying at Conestoga, there are a number of different pathway opportunities available to you.

Whether you wish to transfer to another program or apply to a new program after graduation, Conestoga has established pathways, to help you meet your goals.

Conestoga College has articulation agreements with many domestic and international institutions. These agreements allow students to transfer into a specific program with advanced standing. Students must meet the academic requirements stated in the agreement.

For more information regarding pathways at Conestoga, contact the Credit Transfer Officer at 519-748-5220 ext. 2166.

​​Program Transfer

Prior to transferring to another program, it is recommended that the student meets with the program coordinator or academic advisor. Students who decide to change programs may do so by completing and submitting a Program Application Form to the Registrar's Office. If considering transferring to a program outside the school in which they are currently enrolled, students ​may want to discuss options with a Career Advisor. When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another and where course numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades are met. Additional information for career or academic advising is available from faculty, program coordinators, or career advisors in the Welcome Centre.​​​

Academic Assistance

Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues.  The program coordinator and faculty can advise students on specific program and course information such as adding/dropping courses, special timetabling, etc.  Access the Conestoga website for assistance provided through Student Success ServicesAccessibility Services and the Learning Commons.  Find detailed information on the academic services they provide, including Learning Skills, Peer Services, Math and Writing assistance.

Awards

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 and instructions to complete the application are sent to all full-time students' email accounts in the fall semester (Deadline: First Friday in October) and winter semester (Deadline: First Friday in February).  Visit the Student Financial Services - Awards Office on Conestoga's website.  Consider the 'MTE Award for Academic Achievement' and apply if interested by consulting the Student Financial Services - Awards office.

Attendance and Program Expectations

Working Together to Plan Your Success

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

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

Attendance for Evaluations

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

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

Faculty Responsibilities

  • To communicate the dates of each evaluation at the beginning of each semester through the Instructional Plan.
  • To communicate, in writing, any unplanned extenuating circumstances that may require changes to the course schedule.
  • As per the Religious 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.


Evaluations (deadlines, tests and examinations)

Projects

Each project has a clearly defined set of dates for its deliverables. If, for a legitimate reason, any student believes that their project cannot be completed on time, they must formally request an extension to the due date from the project coordinating professor at least one (1) week prior to the scheduled end of the project.  Approval of the request for extension will be considered by the faculty team but is not automatic.

Assignments and Labs

Work is normally due one week from the date assigned. Any exceptions will be clearly stated. Students are responsible for keeping a copy of all submitted and marked assignments.

Marking

All project work is evaluated using a set of predefined rubrics. Depending on the specific outcomes for the week, student performance will be evaluated and recorded. Each student will receive a copy of this marked rubric identifying specific areas of strength and/or weakness. These rubrics should be kept as of a record of performance.

What is Academic Integrity?

Having academic integrity means acting fairly and honestly when engaging in academic activities. 

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

Copyright at Conestoga 

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

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is submitting or presenting work of another person(s)/organization in whole or substantial part as one's own without proper citation and referencing.

Academic Progress Through the Program

Academic Progression

The college's approach to academic progression is governed by the Promotion Decision Procedure.

A student's academic achievement results in a promotion decision, such as eligible to continue, graduate, and discontinued.

Progress from one level to the next in a program is dependent upon the successful completion of courses and/or meeting program promotion standards.

Academic Promotion Decisions

Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.​

Clearance of Academic Deficiency

Incompletes

An incomplete mark may be assigned in accordance with the college policy. The work required to change the incomplete mark to a grade must be done within the limits specified in the college policy.  Incomplete grades will be changed to a Fail if the work is not completed satisfactorily within the time limit.

Pre-requisites

Pre-requisites are stated on the course outlines.

Supplemental

In general, supplemental assessments are not permitted except in extenuating circumstances. The decision to grant a supplemental is left to the program coordinator in accordance with Conestoga's Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy and Procedure.

In order to be considered for a supplemental assessment, in addition to providing sufficient evidence of the extenuating circumstances and meeting the eligibility criteria outlined in the Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy and Procedure, the following must apply:

  • Must have a minimum 50% average, including assignments.
  • Must have maintained regular attendance in the course(s) failed with a minimum of 80% attendance in all scheduled classes and labs.
  • Must have submitted all of the assignments.
  • Must have passed at least one scheduled test.
If successful, the failing grade can be upgraded only to the minimal passing grade for the course.

To register for a supplemental, the student must have an Authorization for Supplemental completed and signed by the course instructor and Program Co-coordinator and submit the fee to the Registrar's Office. Students must also complete all supplemental tests in accordance with the timeline established in the college's Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy and Procedure.

Probation 

Academic probation does not apply to the Environmental Engineering Applications program.

Discontinuance

Students will be discontinued after the fall semester if they have failed four or more courses.

Re-admission

A discontinued student may resume studies in the following fall semester.

Withdrawal

Students considering withdrawing from a program should meet with their Program Coordinator/Academic Advisor prior to withdrawing. To formally withdraw from a program, the student must complete the Withdrawal form located in the Student Portal under the "Services" tab. Click the "My Forms" to locate, complete, and submit the form to the Registrar's Office. Deadlines for withdrawing from a program with/without an academic penalty or with/without a refund are posted on the website under Academic Dates.

Graduation

Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their program of study.  For students enrolled in co-op programs, this includes completion of all mandatory co-op work terms. Students are expected to respond to their invitation through their Student Portal. Convocation ceremonies are held in the spring and fall of each academic year. Students, who take longer than the advertised program length, are responsible for completing any new or additional courses due to a program design change. Students who complete their program after the scheduled completion date are required to fill out an Application to Graduate form and submit it with payment to the Registrar's Office. Students who are discontinued or have withdrawn and then return to the college will be placed in the current program design and must meet all requirements to graduate.

Equipment and Facility Information

After-Hours Access

Conestoga hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Conestoga recognizes that in some programs of study, students may require after-hours access to classrooms and labs. After-hours access is maintained in accordance with the academic needs of individual programs. The after-hours access is a privilege, not a right.

If after-hours access is required, faculty must contact security in advance, with the student(s) name, ID number, and program information, along with signed paperwork approving access. The student must follow these guidelines: 

  • Be in the designated room with another approved person
  • Follow all room safety rules
  • Inform security immediately of any out-of-the normal situations
  • Have student identification card available
  • Notify security upon departure
  • Not move furniture

Students are required to follow communicated access and safety requirements, protocols, and regulations to ensure the safety and security of all persons and property. Policies and procedures can be found on the website for the Security Services Department.

 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All students are required to follow the PPE requirements specified for each lab, shop and or other campus space.  Students must also comply with additional PPE requirements and safety measures that may be communicated by faculty, building signage, and or college staff. Other rules may be set by supervisory faculty/staff in shops and labs.

​Equipment, Supplies, and Texts

Safety-Related

All students are required to have CSA-approved (green patch) safety footwear, hardhat, safety vests, and safety glasses. This will be required to be worn during fieldwork activities and as required during field trips.  Students may be required to purchase a half-mask respirator and cartridges prior to the Winter semester.  Further information will be provided during the Fall semester.  Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required.  Students are to comply with all facility access, safety, and PPE requirements as communicated by faculty, staff, and campus signage for the protection of everyone's health and safety.   

Learning Resources

Required learning resources are provided on the course outlines. Students may be required to purchase textbooks or learning packages. 

Program Technology Requirements

Program technology requirements are posted on the program web page. Students in hybrid delivery courses will require a device, webcam functionality, and reliable Internet access. 

Student Engagement

Conestoga 101

The Student Engagement Department is here to help you transition to the Conestoga College experience, connect with your community, and build your skills. 

Start your college experience by completing Conestoga 101 (CON0101) on eConestoga, a mandatory course for all new full-time students that will take you approximately one hour to complete. CON0101 provides an overview of the supports, services, and opportunities available to you throughout your time at Conestoga. Make sure you complete it early on in the term, as it contains valuable information that will help you transition to Conestoga.

​​Student Feedback

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

Ontario College Student Experience Survey

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

Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)

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

The SAT process has two components: the Early Course Check-in and the Full-SAT. The Early Course Check-in is 8-12 questions, occurs during week 10 of classes and provides early feedback to faculty about the student experience within their classroom. The Full-SAT is 43 questions and occurs late in the semester; a summary of the results goes to the faculty member and their academic manager. Typically, about one-quarter of the faculty is appraised per term. All full-time faculty have a SAT review at least once every two years. Part-time faculty may be reviewed more frequently. 

Program Advisory Committees (PACs)

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

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

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

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

College-wide Policies and Procedures

​​Student Protection Acknowledgement

A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear when a student logs into the Student Portal on a yearly basis. This will direct students to policies and procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. All Conestoga College wide academic policies and procedures are listed on the college website under "About Conestoga", "Policies and Procedures". 

Students are advised to review and comply with all policies and procedures, including the following:         
  • Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy & Procedure
  • Academic Offences Policy & Procedure ​
  • Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy & Procedure
  • Convocation Procedure
  • Co-operative Education Policy
  • Discontinuance Procedure
  • Evaluation of Student Learning Policy & Procedure
  • Grading Procedure
  • Program and Course Withdrawal and Refund Procedure/International Student Withdrawal and Refund Procedure
  • Readmission Procedure
  • Religious Holiday Policy & Procedure
  • Student Expectations for Online Engagement
  • Student Feedback Policy
  • Student Fees Policy & Student Fee Invoicing and Payment Procedure
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities Policy & Procedure

Students must follow all of the policies and procedures for Conestoga College and it is expected that faculty will accept, fulfil and enforce these standards.​​ 

Web-based Tools

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

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

Accommodation Disclaimer

​Conestoga 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

​Date: June 27, 2023

​Type of Revision: Annual revisions

​Date: June 15, 2022

​Type of Revision: Annual revisions

​Date: July 16, 2021

​Type of Revision: Annual revisions

Date: July 10, 2020

​Type of Revision: Annual revisions

Date: July 2, 2019

​Type of Revision: Annual revisions

Date: July 5, 2018

​Type of Revision: Annual updates / Attendance at Evaluations addition

​​Date: July 3, 2017

​Type of Revision: Annual updates

Date: June 7, 2016

​Type of Revision: Co-op Updates

Environmental Engineering Applications