Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)

2023/24 | Conestoga College

Program Code: 1068C
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 M.Eng, P.Eng
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
​Ann Callaghan, MID, BID, Educator Reg. ARIDO, IDC, LEED AP ID+C, Bill 124 Certified
A3219 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2467
acallaghan@conestogac.on.ca

Program Faculty
Sarah Turner, MID, BID, Educator Reg. ARIDO
A3219 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4588
sturner@conestogac.on.ca

Penny Fobler-Cressy, MA ID, BID, ARIDO, NCIDQ 15032​, LEED Green Associate
A3219 – Cambridge Campus
pfoblercressy@conestogac.on.ca

David B. Sapelak, M.A., B.A., B.A.A., IDC, Educator Reg. ARIDO,NCIDQ Cert.014735
A3219 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 4579
dsapelak@conestogac.on.ca

Victoria Suen, M.Arch, OAA, PMP
A3219 - Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220
vsuen@conestogac.on.ca

Ron Bean, B. Tech, B. Arch, OAA, MRAIC, CAHP, LEED AP
A3219 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2276
rbean@conestogac.on.ca

Andrew Chatham, B.E.S., M.Arch.
A3219 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2263
achatham@conestogac.on.ca

Jeffrey Elliott, B.E.D.S., M. Arch, OAA, MRAIC, LEED AP
A3219 – Cambridge Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 2277
jelliott@conestogac.on.ca

Laura Quirk, Ph.D.
A3219 – Doon Campus, 4B, D23
519-748-5220 ext. 3291
lquirk@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 mission of the Bachelor of Interior Design program is to provide students with the theoretical, practical, and technical skills that reflect the profession of Interior Design. Through a comprehensive curriculum delivered by an interdisciplinary faculty, this program will prepare students to apply an integrated approach to interior design solutions for the built environment and its occupants and will prepare students for the demand to meet technological changes and currency relating to sustainability, universal design, and health and safety.

This Bachelor of Interior Design degree, delivered at the honours level, provides professional training in the development of creative design solutions for interior spaces (residential, corporate/commercial, retail, institutional, healthcare, hospitality/entertainment, exposition) through project-based learning. The range of functional and aesthetic components that allow spaces in the built environment to be safely and comfortably inhabited are studied and the relationship of occupants and their physical environment is analyzed, through the consideration of ergonomics, illumination, acoustics, finishes, safety, and all aspects of space programming.

Interior design has evolved to be as much science as art. Designing and creating sustainable interiors; managing interior design projects; working in a team of professionals that includes architects, engineers, and contractors: require the solid technical education that is provided in Conestoga's Bachelor of Interior Design degree program. Why is this important? Industry professionals want to employ graduates with technical competencies. This makes Conestoga graduates very attractive to employers. Graduates are prepared for the realities of new and emerging technologies and for great careers in interior design.

There are two (2) co-op work term opportunities to provide students with relevant experience that will complement their academic studies.

This program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) and graduates meet the education requirements to become a Registered Interior Designer.

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.

Program Outcomes are located on the Bachelor of Interior Design webpage.

Program Design

Students can find their program design on the Student Portal 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. 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 the 'Program Courses'.


Interdisciplinary Electives

Students are required to complete interdisciplinary elective courses. Interdisciplinary elective 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 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, visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/degree. Questions regarding interdisciplinary electives can be directed to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies: genedfaq@conestogac.on.ca.

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

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.​​​


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 an award, 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 Student Financial Services - Awards Office on Conestoga's website for more information.

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)

General Information

The program and course/module learning outcomes provide the frame of reference for evaluation.  Learning experiences are planned in order that the student can demonstrate the ability to correlate theory with practice.​

Evaluation is a continuous process that assesses student performance.

Regular appointments may be arranged between the student and faculty at which time the student's progress is reviewed, and advisement is given for improved student learning.

Evaluation Methods​

In-School Semesters:

A variety of tools are used for evaluation including:

  • quizzes, written tests, and examinations
  • oral presentations and demonstrations
  • written assignments, such as books reports, case studies, business plans, journals, logs, portfolios
  • design and/or construction of projects
  • lab assignments

Co-op Semesters:

Co-op assignments must be completed competently and within the allocated time unless other arrangements have been made with the faculty/Co-op advisor.

Sources of Evaluation and Feedback

Students will benefit from the input of many people who will evaluate their work and provide feedback.  The final grade is a compilation from many sources including:

  • evaluation by course faculty of the student's performance (team and individual)
  • external review panels
  • self-evaluations
  • peer evaluations
  • business associates (co-op experience, thesis external advisors, etc.)

Results of Evaluation

Faculty maintains their own student tracking records.  You and your academic team should review these records on a regular basis.

Late Submission of Student Work

Late submissions are not accepted in the program unless an extension has been granted by the faculty.  Students should consult the course Instructional Plan and contact their faculty for guidance. 

Extension of Submission of Student Work

It is acknowledged that events can happen to either faculty or students that disrupt the planned schedule.  Each incident will be addressed on an individual, case-by-case basis by course faculty, with the following general guidelines:

  • Students are required to submit all assignments on or before the date specified and should anticipate problems that might necessitate an extension of time. If an extension of time is required, students will make this request to the appropriate faculty.
  • An extension of time will be given only if arrangements have been made with the faculty prior to the due date. Requests for an extension must be made by email to the relevant course faculty, from the student's Conestoga e-mail address. Extensions will not typically be given if the request is made the day the assignment(s) is due.
  • In general, extensions for submission of student work will be considered only in the case of extenuating circumstances (illness, accidents, bereavement, etc.). Course faculty may require documentation of the proposed extenuating circumstances – such as a doctor's note in the case of illness in exceptional cases; the decision to accept this documentation is determined by the faculty responsible for the related work.
  • Where a student has requested an extension and provided relevant faculty with accepted documentation of extenuating circumstances in advance of due dates or with a medical certificate upon return to classes, efforts will be made to accommodate the student without penalty and within the timeframe set by the College for completion of term work.

Guidelines for Writing Tests and Exams

  • Students are required to bring their college ID cards to tests and exams
  • The faculty/invigilator may request that books, bags, coats, caps, etc. be left in a designated area
  • The faculty/invigilator has the authority to assign seats
  • Students must wait until so directed before turning over and starting their test or exam
  • Students are not permitted to talk after the test or exam has started, except to the faculty/invigilator
  • Students may not enter the exam/test room after 30 minutes past the start nor leave the room before 30 minutes has passed after the start of the test or exam
  • The deferment of a test, assignment or exam may be granted at the discretion of individual course faculty where the student has:
    • made the request to the relevant faculty prior to the date of the originally scheduled evaluation, and
    • ​​has provided faculty with acceptable documentation of the circumstances generating the request.

Program Standards

It is in the interest of both faculty and students to see that all work is complete, done to a high standard, and is submitted on time. To support this learning objective, the following describes the overall respective responsibilities of faculty and students:

The faculty is responsible to:

  • Provide to students, at the start of each course, the due dates for all deliverables (e.g., assignments, tests, reports, projects, and class participation) and the respective weighting of each toward the student's final mark.
  • Return tests and quizzes within one to two weeks of their completion.
  • Return exams within two to three weeks of their completion.
  • Return assignments and Studio projects within two to three weeks of their scheduled submission.
  • Respond to student requests for consultations to discuss their performance in respect to coursework.

Students are responsible to:

  • Submit coursework, complete projects, and write exams as set out on the schedule provided at the start of each course.
  • Submit coursework in accordance with format and requirements described by course faculty and project outlines.
  • Attend and participate in lectures, studio sessions, scheduled reviews, and presentations of their own and their colleagues' work.
  • Fully disclose and completely reference all sources used in their work (e.g., web-based, printed, personal contacts).

Advise faculty of circumstances that would prevent the completion of student work as outlined in course schedules, and provide documentation of same.

Online Submission of Student Work Program Protocol

  • 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 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 to confirm that the student work has been submitted on or before the time and date specified.

Early Submissions

  • Prior to and during submissions, 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.
  • When a student places work in the classroom or on the submission table the night before, or prior to the time a submission is due, they are taking a risk that something could happen to it 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, on time.
  • To avoid damaging, misplacing, or copying of student 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 or left in the studios.

Students are responsible for their work until it is in the hands of the professor that they are submitting to. Simply placing work on the submission table does not place the responsibility of the student work on to the professor. When a student places work on the submission table the night before a submission is due, they are taking a risk that something could happen to it before the time it is due in the morning. That risk is owned by the student only. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that the work is actually submitted as intended, on time.

Students are NOT permitted to touch the work of another student without direct permission from that student. Many things can happen unintentionally when touching or moving student work, which can negatively affect other students. Ie., damaging the work, misplacing the work, copying the work, etc.

Attendance

  1. A student must regularly attend all classes and studio sessions.
  2. A student must maintain regular attendance during co-op work terms.

Absenteeism places the student in academic jeopardy because faculty are unable to assess and evaluate performance when students are not in attendance for classroom, studio, and co-op work terms. Evaluation of these experiences is based on the student's demonstration of knowledge and skills throughout the program.

Lack of attendance means:

  • The student missed important information/skill demonstrations provided in class.
  • The student has reduced time to learn and demonstrate knowledge and skills.
  • Fellow students are often disadvantaged by absent students/team members.

Dress Code

For clothing in the classroom, clothing should be professional and neat.  Be mindful of strong perfumes or other odours as it might affect others with sensitivities.  While attending field placements or field trips, clothing should be business casual. Business casual dresses, dress or plain casual slacks should be worn, no jeans or sweatpants. Long or short-sleeved dress shirts, golf shirts, or similar should be worn.  Be prepared to comply with any safety requirements in the classroom or in the field, such as safety shoes and glasses, tying back long hair, or removing dangling jewelry and clothing.

Online Classroom Protocol

  • Dress Appropriately: Working remotely requires students to appear on camera and professionalism is key.   Appropriate dress is the expectation every day when class is scheduled. 
  • Act Professionally: It can be visually distracting when students are texting, emailing or are distracted by other tasks. Avoid food and eating while online.  Stay engaged while online.
  • Audio and Visual Practices:  Test sound and camera. Students should mute their microphones when not speaking to eliminate any further disruptions and should ensure they have a strong internet connection. 
  • WorkSpace Set-Up:   Ensure background is professional, (no messy beds, clutter, pets, children other background distractions). Students are expected to have a professional desk set up and space with adequate lighting (facing a window is best).

Field Trips 

Occasionally field trips are scheduled throughout the BID program to enhance the learning experience. Students are required to maintain professional conduct during field trips that will bring credit to the BID Program, Conestoga College, and to themselves. Please follow the Student Rights and Responsibilities policy and procedure.
Students may be required to pay a nominal field trip fee for field trips with bus transportation.

Maintaining Student Files 

Use Authorization to Retain and Use Student Material form

Retention of Student Coursework
As a condition of program review and accreditation, the Program is required to retain examples of student coursework in each of the courses of the curriculum.
At the inception of the Foundation Module, each student will be required to complete this form with respect to the retention of coursework over the duration of their enrolment in the Program.

The removal of student projects from College Property must be approved by the faculty member involved with the project.

​General Education Electives

In the BID program, you are required to complete three (3) Interdisciplinary Elective (General Education) courses.  These elective courses are chosen by the student in the academic term indicated by the program design. The applicable level/semester and the minimum hours that are required for the program are listed at the bottom of each student's progress report, which is found on the Student Portal.  Students are responsible for adding the elective course into their schedule, during the designated semester. Eligible courses are approved and posted each semester on the college website. Visit Current Students | Conestoga College and click on 'Announcements'.   For additional information regarding Interdisciplinary Electives, please contact the School of Interdisciplinary Studies.​

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

Refer to the College website 'Baccalaureate Degree Promotion and Graduation Policy' for specific information regarding this policy.

These policies are defined to meet the requirements of the Post-secondary Education Quality Assessment Board (PEQAB).  Should the Board revise its requirements these College policies will be reviewed. In addition, changes may result due to decisions made by Academic Forum.  Any changes will be reflected in this web document.​

Academic Decisions

The Academic Team meets at the conclusion of every semester, and at the call of the Program Coordinator, to make academic decisions.  Academic decisions are made with respect to promotion, probation, learning contracts, supplemental work and discontinuance.

The academic record of students who fail to meet program/course standards will be reviewed by the Academic Team.  This would include the following reasons:

  • Failure of theory course and/or studio course
  • Patterns of absences from class or co-op which may affect achieving program standard

A student who has not met the program/course standards will be subject to one, or a combination of, the following as determined by the Academic Team:​

  1. Complete supplemental work relating to specific course failures.
  2. Repeat the course at the earliest opportunity.
  3. Repeat the entire semester/year.
  4. Be placed on probationary status.
  5. Enter into a Learning Contract relating to achievement across more than one program course.
  6. Be declared ineligible to participate in co-op terms.​ 
  7. Be discontinued from the program.

Students who are promoted but have un-cleared failures may not be able to take courses for which the failed course is a prerequisite.

A grade of 60% (2.0-grade points) is considered the minimum level of achievement for passing a course, however, students must maintain a minimum program GPA of 2.5 (65%) to avoid probation, repeating the same level or discontinuance. This means that achieving 60% in a few courses will be okay however many courses with final marks of 60% will result in an overall GPA of less than 2.5.

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.​


Co-operative Education

The academic requirements to be eligible for a co-op work term in a degree program are as follows (starting with the 1701 cohort and subsequent unless otherwise noted):

  • Minimum 65% session weighted average in the eligibility term two academic semesters prior to any co-op work term.
  • Maximum two failures or withdrawals during the academic semester that occurs in the eligibility term two academic semesters prior to any 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.
  • In the case of back to back work terms eligibility to participate in consecutive work terms will be granted upon approval to participate in the initial work term.
  • Where two or more work terms occur back to back, should a student fail to achieve academic eligibility for the first work term, their eligibility for the second work term will be based on the term that occurs two terms prior to the second work term.
  • Students in degree programs may only fail/defer each work term in their program design once. 
To participate in a co-op work term, students must (starting with the 1701 cohort and subsequent unless otherwise noted):
  • Successfully complete the Co-op and Career Preparation modules (CEPR/CDEV71050).  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 (exceptions may be granted for degrees).
  • 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.
The following rules apply to back-to-back work terms: 
  • Eligibility to participate in consecutive work terms will be granted upon approval to participate in the initial work term. 
  • Should a student fail to achieve academic eligibility for the first work term, their eligibility for the second work term will be based on the term that occurs two terms prior to the second work term. 
For additional information please refer to the Co-operative Education Regulations & Guidelines: Student Regulations, Procedures and Supports found by:
  • Login to MyCareer
  • Select Co-op
  • Select Co-op Resources
  • Select Co-op Policies
  • Select Co-operative Education Regulations, Procedures and Supports for Students
Please Note:
  • Co-op programs add value to your education. Earn money while you apply what you've learned in a real workplace environment.  Visit Co-operative Education for more information. 
  • The College cannot guarantee co-op employment.  All co-op students are required to conduct an independent co-op job search in addition to the supports and services provided by the Department of Co-op Education.
  • Students are responsible for their own transportation and associated costs in order to complete work term requirements. Work locations may not always be readily accessible by public transportation.
  • In order to participate in a WIL experience/Co-op work term, students must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
  • Students who are not eligible for co-op or​ do not secure the first work term by the start of the work term semester will be offered the option to enrol in the 15 credit Career Management in Canada GCM70000 co-op alternative.  This co-op alternative involves guided activities involving approximately 2 hours of coaching and advising time per week and additional project work.
  • If GCM70000 is selected, students cannot transfer back into the co-op stream and cannot complete a co-op term for their first work term.
  • GCM70000 is delivered online with virtual group coaching/advising session of 2 hours per week.
  • GCM70000 is only an alternative for the first co-op work term of the program, students will still complete at least one mandatory co-op work term if they choose GCM70000.

International Student Exchange

An International Student Exchange may count as an exemption for a co-op work term if the program has an international student exchange agreement in place. This will be granted for one work term only and at the discretion and approval of the program coordinator/exchange advisor and the program Chair /Associate Director of Co-op. This information must be communicated to the Co-op Advisor.

Pre-requisites

Students may be allowed entry into a course for which they are missing a prerequisite only in special circumstances with the permission of the program coordinator and with the approval in writing of the course Professor. In addition to prerequisites and co-requisites, it may not be possible to take courses out of sequence to preserve the links between courses and curriculum projects at any level.

Incomplete Work

A student will only be granted an incomplete in a given course if the following conditions are met:

  1. The student has accumulated a grade of at least 50%
  2. The student is not in a position to be discontinued (as specified in the official promotion policy for degree programs)
  3. The student has passed the theory portion of the course (if applicable).
  4. The student has not had any academic offences reported in the given course. 

​Clearance of Academic Deficiency

Supplemental Opportunity
During a student's college career, there may be occasions when the student's performance results in a failing grade for the course. The College grants students the opportunity to raise this grade to the minimum passing grade of 60% under specific circumstances.​ Supplemental work is an academic privilege, not an academic right. The privilege may be extended to students who meet the criteria for the granting of supplemental work. The criteria provide academic objectivity in making decisions about which students will be granted the privilege.

Opportunities for the clearance of an academic deficiency will arise after the submission of a final failing grade for a student in a course. The student must indicate an intention to clear an academic deficiency within five working days after the final grade is posted for the course.

In addition to the Clearance of Academic Deficiency policy and procedure, the student must clearly understand that the decision of whether or not to grant a supplemental work is made by the Academic Team after considering previous academic history, interest, and effort in the classroom and studio, current academic achievement and attendance in the class/studio.

If granted, the supplemental will take the form appropriate to the failed course. It may be comprehensive in nature or require the student to repeat particular aspects of the course. Students will be required to pay the supplemental fee as established by the Registrar's Office.

Criteria for the opportunity to clear an academic deficiency:

  1. Must achieve a final grade of at least 50%.
  2. There is to be only one supplemental opportunity granted for a course.
  3. No more than two supplemental opportunities will be allowed in a given semester.
  4. There must be evidence of passing at least one evaluation in the course.
  5. There must be no registered academic offence in the course.

The final mark will be the minimum passing grade of 60% for the course if the supplemental evaluation meets the requirements set by the faculty member. Failure in the supplemental will result in no change to the original course grade. The re-calculation of the final grade will be automatic and without appeal.  The full details are outlined in the official Clearance of Academic Deficiency policy and procedure document posted on the Conestoga website. 

Retaking Failed Courses
When a supplemental opportunity is not possible or in the event of not successfully completing a supplemental evaluation, the failed course must be retaken at the earliest opportunity.  It is the responsibility of each student to keep track of all failed courses and to retake failed courses as soon as possible.  It may be possible for the student to take a course from another institution as long as the course is deemed to be equivalent by the Credit Transfer Office.  Refer to the Letter of Permission Procedure.

Probation​

The following information is in addition to the Baccalaureate Degree Promotion and Graduation Policy available on the College website.

The conditions of Academic Probation will be determined by the academic team and will be one of the following:

1.    A student with a program or sessional GPA greater than or equal to 2.50 with more than two failed and/or dropped courses will be placed on probation and: ​

1.1. If the Academic Team determines that the failed courses will not prevent the student from continuing in the project-based learning environment, then the student is eligible to continue into the next level but is required to pick up and clear the failed courses as soon as possible. In some cases, this may result in the student having to drop a course in order to pick up a failed course. The student is encouraged to meet with the Program Assistant prior to the start of the next semester, and each subsequent semester, until the probation is cleared.

1.2. If the Academic Team determines that the failed courses will prevent the student from continuing in the project-based learning environment, then the student is required to repeat a specified semester. Again, the student is encouraged to meet with the Program Assistant prior to the start of the next semester, and each subsequent semester, until the probation is cleared. This may result in the student being out of school for a semester. It will be up to the Academic Team to determine if the student is required to repeat the entire semester that is specified or just a portion of it as related to the failed courses.

2.    A student with a program or sessional GPA less than 2.50 may be placed on probation or be discontinued from the program. This decision is made by the academic team and will depend upon overall academic achievement to date.​

2.1 If placed on probation, the student may be eligible to continue into the next level or may be required to repeat an entire semester. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, the student has one academic year to clear the probation by getting their cumulative average to at least a GPA of 2.50 with no more than two (2) un-cleared failures. Failure to do so may result in discontinuance.

Discontinuance

Students will be discontinued if:

  1. There is no progress in clearing missing courses and maintaining a 2.5 GPA while on probation.
  2. They have failed the same course three (3) times.
  3. They are carrying more than four (4) core subject failures and their GPA is between 1.0 and 2.0.
  4. They have a GPA that is below 1.0 (Average below 50%).
  5. They have had 3 academic offences and/or a student responsibility violation necessitating discontinuance.

Normally there will be no academic decision made at the end of level one. However, a student may be discontinued at the end of level one based on a unanimous recommendation of the program's Academic Promotion Committee.

Appeal

A student who wishes to appeal an academic decision, probation, or discontinuance from the program should refer to the Conestoga College Student Guide.

Re-admission

Discontinued Student Re-admission Program Protocol

  1. A discontinued student may be eligible to return to the program as a part-time or full-time student. The student is required to first successfully repeat all failed courses with 70% minimum grade, then submit a written request to the Program Assistant with an explanation of what they have done academically and professionally since their discontinuance and how this will help them be successful. An interview with the Program Assistant will follow and the options for re-admission will be presented.
  2. Re-admission is not guaranteed and is subject to space availability within the program.
  3. The student is responsible to complete all courses resulting from any program design changes that may have occurred.
  4. The Academic Team reserve the right to modify the implementation of the above, in individual cases, due to extenuating circumstances.​

Voluntary Withdrawal Re-admission Program Protocol

  1. A student that voluntarily withdrew from Level 1, prior to the Program Withdrawal Without Academic Penalty Date, will be required to re-apply to the program through the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS).
  2. A student that voluntarily withdrew from the program following the completion of Level 1 must reapply to the program through the Registrar's Office. The student will be re-admitted to the program level consistent with the program courses previously completed at the discretion of the Program Coordinator.
  3. Re-admission is not guaranteed and is subject to space availability within the program.
  4. Upon re-admission, the student is placed into the current program of study and is responsible for all graduation requirements associated with that program of study.  I.e., re-admission may place the student into a different cohort than the one they began the program with, and program design changes may have resulted.​

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.

​On-Campus Access to Rooms

There are times when students may require access to the campus spaces outside of the scheduled time. Access may be permitted with approval from the appropriate stakeholders.  While on campus, students must follow all safety and access protocols, rules and restrictions and Personal Protective Equipment requirements that are communicated by faculty, staff and building signage. 

Computer Labs

Note: There is no food permitted in any computer 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.

Program Physical Space

The physical space of the program includes:

  • a plotter/printer room (A3122)
  • a model room (A3132)
  • a product library room (A3126)
  • faculty offices (A3219)
  • three studios: varies by semester

Studio Rules

This is a space that we share as a faculty and student body. This is an excellent place to explore the material of your Studio work, and curriculum, during the program. This exploration will range from lectures to seminar discussions to the development of group and individual project work to formal reviews and informal discussions. This is a shared space and must be kept clean and tidy.  Failure to do so may result in loss of unrestricted access.

Shared Studio Space

The Studio space will be shared among cohorts. Students are not allowed to enter during the scheduled class time of another cohort. Students may be permitted approval to access the studio(s) and their personal belongings in the studio(s) between classes; a room schedule will be provided.  Students must be respectful of the space and of others using the space. All work areas/surfaces must be left clean and free from project work or other materials when leaving the space. It is highly recommended that students sign up for a locker through the hyperlinked website to avoid disruption or lack of access to any personal property.

Security of Property

The program studio facilities are equipped with keyless entry. The punch code access is provided to each student registered in the program at the outset of each semester.
All individuals permitted access to the studio facilities will be provided with the code by program faculty/administration. In order to maintain the security of property and persons, it is critical that this access code is not shared with students outside of the program. Students are advised to lock and secure personal belongings.

Product & Samples Library

The Product & Samples Library is for the use of students in the Bachelor of Interior Design program only. Students are encouraged to use this resource to source materials and product information.  In consideration of fellow students, students must ensure that library resources are put away and personal belongings are removed when leaving the room.

Machine Operation and Safety

Machine operation and safety requirements will be provided by the faculty responsible for the delivery of each course, as necessary. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

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


Program Technology Requirements

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

Student Engagement

Conestoga 101

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

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

​​Student Feedback

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

Ontario College Student Experience Survey

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

Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT)

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

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

Program Advisory Committees (PACs)

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

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

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

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

College-wide Policies and Procedures

​​Student Protection Acknowledgement

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

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

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

Web-based Tools

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

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

Accommodation Disclaimer

​Conestoga 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 2022
​Type of Revision: Annual review and revisions

​Date:  July 2021
​Type of Revision: Annual review and revisions

Date:  July 2020
​Type of Revision: Annual review and revisions

Date:  July 2019
​Type of Revision: Annual review and revisions

Date:  July 2018
​Type of Revision: Update professor credentials, and addition of Attendance at Evaluations.​

Date:  June 2017
​Type of Revision: Annual review and revisions

Date:  June 2016

​Type of Revision: Update professor credentials, program description and co-op information.​

Bachelor of Interior Design (Honours)