Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training

2023/24 | Conestoga College

Program Code: 1074
Community Services

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

To the School of Community Services

The pursuit of post-secondary education is an important decision, and we are honoured that you have chosen a program at Conestoga in the School of Community Services. 

Here at Conestoga, you will learn from program teams who are dedicated to your success. These teams have extensive community services, academic and research experience. They will work with you as you develop the practical knowledge and theoretical skills required to launch your future career.

As part of your learning experience, we are proud to provide you with state-of-the-art learning facilities that include college-operated child and youth development centres, an on-campus EMS station and a high fidelity live fire training site. Through these facilities, you will have multiple opportunities to engage in active learning experiences that will build your skills and develop the critical thinking required to solve problems and help shape your successful future.

I invite you to plan for success from day one - know what is expected of you and what resources are available for you. Today marks the first day of becoming the professional you aspire to be.

I wish you all the best,

Goranka Vukelich, PhD
Executive Dean, School of Community Services

Steps to Your Success

 1. Use MyConestoga to Connect To:

  • Your Conestoga Email: Your official vehicle for all college communication.
  • eConestoga: Your resource for all course-based information.
  • Student Portal: Where you will find your final grade information, college tuition invoices, class schedules and absence reporting.
  • Practicum Health Requirements: Keep track of your requirements on an ongoing basis; check that they are complete to allow you to go on your practicum (if applicable).

2. Know Your Academic Schedule And Plan Around It

  • Course Schedule: This is a timetable of all your classes for each semester.
  • The Academic Year Critical Dates: Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and withdrawal, are located on the college website. Plan around these dates to ensure you are here when you need to be--including the potential need to be present for the two weeks after the semester ends if you might need to complete supplemental work to allow you to continue to the next semester.

3. Be the Professional You Wish To Become

Civility, respect and professional behaviours will be key in the quality of your learning experience—and a future employer's first and lasting impression. Pay special attention to the following:

  • Professional Dress & Conduct: See Professional Conduct section for professionalism expectations for your program. The college's Student Guide sets out expectations of student conduct for our community at Conestoga
  • Pre-practicum Health Requirements: Pay attention to the deadlines listed on your documents.
  • Social Media: Use responsibly. See Standards of Conduct section of the Handbook.

4. Attend To Enhance Success

Attendance for class, labs and field placement supports student learning and your experience as a future professional.

  • Absence from Evaluations: Must be reported in the Student Portal before your scheduled evaluation time. See attendance for evaluation section in the handbook.

5. Take Responsibility for Your Academic Status

Make yourself familiar with what is expected of you, and if you have questions, ask.

  • Fee Payments: Payment is required to attend classes. Check your Student Portal for invoices.
  • Credit Transfer/Exemptions: Conestoga supports the transferability of academic credits between programs and educational institutions through recognized transfer pathways, articulation agreements and course-to-course equivalences. Refer to the Credit Transfer & PLAR​ website.
  • Academic Policies & Procedures: May be found under Policies and Procedures. Please read and understand the Rights and Responsibilities website. 

Letter to Students

Hello Pre-Service Firefighter Students,

Congratulations, and welcome to the Pre-Service Firefighter Program.

This handbook has been prepared to provide further information about academic standards, guidelines and processes specific to the Pre-Service Firefighter Program. Reading, understanding and following the information in this handbook is an important first step in your success in this program and your chosen profession. The handbook has been compiled with careful consideration for your personal and professional growth during your three semesters at the college.

Refer to this handbook as you proceed through the program. Your faculty will refer to the program expectations often, but the responsibility for knowing these program standards is ultimately yours.

In addition to the Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training Program Standards and Procedures Handbook, the Conestoga Student Guide outlines important policies and procedures for you to follow.

We are here to help you have a successful three semesters. Thank you for your commitment to the safety of our communities as you pursue your goals related to becoming a member of the Fire Service. Have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding journey through the Pre-Service Firefighter Program.

Sincerely,

Marv Mustin, Chair, Community Safety

Relationships

Your Program Team

Your program team includes faculty, staff and administrators who are committed to your success. If you have questions about your progress in the program, course work or field placement, please take the time to connect with them.

Communication and Contact Information

Faculty

Name Email
Brad Kueneman bkueneman@conestogac.on.ca
​Don (Red) Laurence
dlaurence@conestogac.on.ca
Darrell Reis dreis@conestogac.on.ca

Administration

Name Email

Kenzie Bonus
Program Assistant 

kbonus@conestogac.on.ca

Marv Mustin, Chair, Community Safety

mmustin@conestogac.on.ca

Goranka Vukelich, Executive Dean,
School of Community Services

gvukelich@conestogac.on.ca

Contacting Program Team Members

When you require assistance or information with a specific course, your primary contact is the faculty member assigned to that course. If you have difficulty contacting your faculty member, or if you require assistance or information related to the program in general, your primary contact is the Program Coordinator.

Student Email

All students are supplied with a college e-mail address and an eConestoga account. You are expected to check both your college e-mail and your eConestoga email daily as official communications from faculty will most often be via these methods. You are also required to keep your contact information (address and phone number) up to date on the student portal. This also applies during the summer break. College personnel are asked to not respond to communications from the personal email accounts of students. Please use your Conestoga account for all College communications with faculty, staff and administration, and please use this opportunity to practice professionalism using appropriate greetings, language, and brevity.

Student Success Advisor

No matter your campus, school, or program, there is a Student Success Advisor (SSA) available to support you. Your SSA is there when you don't know where to start, are experiencing challenges affecting your learning experience, or need help succeeding in your program.

You can sign in to the Student Success Portal to book an appointment.

Student Success Advisor, School of Community Services
Ramona Sipos

rsipos@conestogac.on.ca

College Hours

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

Program Overview

Program Description 

Conestoga's Pre-Service Firefighter program provides strong preparation for individuals seeking a career with today's and tomorrow's fire services. Our curriculum provides the knowledge, skills, and professional development for success as a fire services recruit, and the foundation for further career progression opportunities in this important area of public safety. 

With a focus on professionalism, integrated skills acquisition through simulation-based training and inter-professional collaboration, students build towards internationally recognized credentials (National Fire Protection Association - NFPA) relevant to careers in fire suppression and also prevention through training in public education. They also develop critical thinking, situational performance skills, and lifelong wellness practices that enhance their personal and professional development and adaptability, serving as the foundation for ongoing learning, and adding value and lowering risk to prospective employers.


Program Design for Your Cohort

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'.

General Education Electives

Students are required to complete General Education elective courses as part of their program requirements. General Education elective course requirements are listed at the bottom of the progress report, which is found on the Student Portal under My Courses. The progress report indicates the level/semester in which the course must be taken. Students are responsible for adding General Education electives into their schedule for the designated semester. Eligible courses are posted each semester by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies on the College's elective website. For more information and to view the current elective course offerings, visit https://www.conestogac.on.ca/electives/diploma. Questions regarding General Education electives can be directed to the School of Interdisciplinary Studies: genedfaq@conestogac.on.ca


Program Technology Requirements

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

Academic Information

Academic Dates

It is the student's responsibility to be aware of various important academic dates throughout the year. These academic dates are posted on the college website.

Please note that Continuing Education courses and Apprenticeship programs may have different start dates and exam dates for courses. 

Course Add/Drop

You can add, change and drop courses from your portal depending on the dates and which program you are in:

  1. Log in to the Student Portal
  2. Click on the "My Courses" tab
  3. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings. It is strongly recommended that students consult their Program Coordinator/Academic Advisor prior to dropping a course.

Credit Transfer, Pathways & PLAR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Awards

​​​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 on Conestoga's website.


Attendance and Program Standards

Working Together to Plan Your Success

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

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

Attendance for Evaluations

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

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

Faculty Responsibilities

  • To communicate the dates of each evaluation at the beginning of each semester through the Instructional Plan.
  • To communicate, in writing, any unplanned extenuating circumstances that may require changes to the course schedule.
  • As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, provide alternative evaluation arrangements for missed evaluations due to recognized religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.
  • To provide all accommodations requested by Accessible Learning.
  • To consider alternative evaluation requests in good faith and examine the unique circumstances (e.g., unexpected family obligations, personal emergencies, etc...) and collaboratively determine an appropriate solution.
  • Note, do not request doctor's notes from students.

Student Responsibilities

  • To review the instructional plan and familiarize with the dates of evaluation.
  • As per the Religious Holiday Procedure, inform your faculty member in writing that the religious holiday defined by the College Employer Council will occur during the semester and may require considerations for evaluations to be rescheduled.
  • If you must be absent from any scheduled evaluation, report your absence on the Student Portal using the procedure below. You must do this prior to the start of the evaluation or risk receiving a mark of zero.

How to Report Absences on the Student Portal

  1. Log into the Student Portal and click on the 'Absence tab'.
  2. Indicate whether or not there is an assessment scheduled on that day by clicking 'Yes or No', as well as the reason for the absence (illness or other).
  3. Click 'Continue' to report the absence.
  4. Click 'I agree' to confirm the absence.
  5. You will receive a confirmation email that your absence has been recorded.

Important! Please note the following:

  • The earliest you can record an absence for a particular day, is after 8:00 p.m. the day before. You must report each day you are absent.
  • The Absence Recording System will show you as being absent for the day, starting from the time that you recorded the absence. For example, if you record your absence on a specific day at 11:00 a.m., the system will show you as being absent for all classes starting after 11:00 a.m. that day.
  • If you are going to be present for any other classes on the day for which you recorded an absence, please let the faculty member know by attending or following up by eConestoga or college email.
  • As soon as possible, email the faculty member associated with the evaluation you missed and arrange for appropriate follow-up. 

Documentation for Absences

Conestoga recognizes that unexpected circumstances, such as brief illness, do arise during the term. As a visit to a health practitioner may not be necessary or possible, we do not ask you to provide a doctor's note except in exceptional circumstances.       

If the evaluation cannot be rescheduled, (e.g., experiential activity, lab, or a group presentation) your professor may provide you with a revised assignment or allocate its marks to another evaluation item, so long as the combined total does not exceed 40% of the course grade. This will be communicated to you by email.

Guidelines for Use of Conestoga Emergency Services Station (WREMS Building)

The WREMS Building is located adjacent to the ATS building and parking lot 10. This joint facility has a three-bay apparatus floor and is an operational Waterloo Region EMS ambulance station.  The east bay and living quarters comprise the Regional EMS station and are off-limits to students.

As a Pre-Service Firefighter student, you will have access to the two bays at the west end of the building. These two bays are shared with Conestoga's Paramedic Program.

Your practical Fireground training at Doon Campus is organized out of WREMS. The WREMS building must be treated as an operational firehall – the station must be maintained in a clean, organized, and secure condition at all times.

Guidelines for Use of Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Complex (WRESTRC)

WRESTRC is the Regional fire training facility located in Waterloo, available to all Fire Departments and emergency services (Police and EMS) within the region. There may be as many as ten agencies training at WRESTRC on the same day, so it is imperative that you respect all other users. Priority is always given to other in-service agencies as they are the primary users; we are fortunate that they share their facility with us.

There are a number of policies and procedures associated with the use of WRESTRC. A few important points that students need to be aware of include:

  • Personal protective equipment is to be worn on the training ground at all times (CSA approved footwear, safety glasses, helmets, and appropriate protective clothing as dictated by your instructors)
  • Safe work practices are to be followed during all training (follow the direction of your instructors)
  • Do not block roadways – emergency vehicles may be required to respond to an emergency from WRESTRC at any time
  • Except for the apparatus bay, no bunker gear is allowed in the Administration Building. (You must remove bunker gear to enter the locker room / washroom).
  • Parking – students are directed to park along the roadway before the administration building. Leave enough space for fire apparatus to drive in and out of the training grounds. Do not park on the fireground, driving track, or in the administration building parking lot. Obey the posted speed limit; regional bylaw enforcement officers may ticket you for speeding.
  • In keeping with Region of Waterloo policies, we encourage students to avoid the use of disposable plastic water bottles – please use a reusable water bottle

Attendance and Punctuality

The program requires that you are available for class Monday through Friday from 0730 to 1700 hrs.

In view of the learning complexities of the Pre-Service Firefighter Program, you are strongly urged to attend ALL classes, labs and placement opportunities as scheduled. Students who are absent from class or lab place themselves in academic jeopardy in meeting the learning outcomes stipulated by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM). The provincial standardized curriculum of the OFMEM specifies minimum content for the program.

Students are expected to arrive on time for all classes and labs. Attendance will be taken at the start of every class and lab in support of observing conduct consistent with professionalism and participation.

Participation is taken into consideration in calculating student grades in core courses as part of the "professionalism" marks allocation.

It is the sole responsibility of the student to make up for information not obtained due to an absence.

In case of a health problem or personal emergency that necessitates missing a class or being late for a class, the student must report their absence on the student portal and advise the faculty assigned to their class by email prior to commencement of the class in question.

For off-campus events/activities without a faculty member, the student is required to notify the agency contact, and the Program Coordinator.

Work, sports (other than varsity) and participation or completion of other course requirements are not considered to be an "authorized absence". Due to the strenuous nature of the Firefighter Fitness course and practical fireground courses, a "return to work" doctor's note may be requested by the instructor before the student is allowed to resume classes.

Religious Holidays

Students are permitted by Conestoga policy to be absent from class to observe a recognized religious holiday. Any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in an examination, study, or work requirement on some particular day or days because of religious beliefs will be given the opportunity to make up the work that was missed or do alternate work/examinations subject to timely notification.
Conestoga recognizes all religious holidays as defined by the College Employer Council.

It is the responsibility of the student to:

a. Plan ahead and be aware of the dates of all examinations and other course obligations;

b. Advise the Faculty member that they will be seeking accommodation to observe a recognized religious holiday and make a request in writing within the first three weeks of the semester and prior to the date of assessment that falls on the religious holiday. Exceptions based on extenuating circumstances must be approved by the Chair.

Class Cancellations

Class Cancellations Due to Faculty Absence

All class cancellations due to Faculty absences will be posted in the Student Portal. These notices in the Student Portal will be the only general notifications of class cancellations due to Faculty absences.

Although the formal notification comes through the portal, faculty may also elect to post an absences on eConestoga. 

Personal Notifications of Class Cancellations

Students have the option of receiving special emails or SMS text messages notifying them of class cancellations due to Faculty absences. To receive such personal notifications students must subscribe to this special service.

To subscribe:

  • Log in to the Student Portal
  • Select Notifications under the Profile tab
  • Select the method by which you would like to be notified
  • Click Update

Note: To change the email address to which these notifications will be sent, select My Addresses under the Profile Tab, and change the default email address.

Standards for Professionalism

Students are expected to meet knowledge and skills-based program standards, as well as to fulfil the moral and ethical obligations of members of the College community and of aspiring fire service personnel. This reflects the program's expectations of professional conduct.

Most often, the public is involved with the fire service during an unplanned crisis, which creates high levels of stress and confusion. During a crisis, the community expects from the fire service more than just the ability to mitigate the emergency. They also require fire service members to operate and perform their functions with a high standard of values, morals and attitudes. The public expects every firefighter to have the highly desired characteristics of integrity, compassion, and trustworthiness. Members of the public are not the only ones that have these high expectations. Fire service management, other emergency services, other city departments, and other firefighters also expect these personality characteristics. Firefighting is also very much a team effort. If any member of the team fails to perform, the entire team fails. Trust, competency and commitment are highly valued character traits in the fire service culture.

It is the school's responsibility to ensure that all students value these principles and display behaviour that is characteristic of these high standards of professional practice.

Uniform Policy

The uniform will be worn in its entirety, and can only be purchased from the approved distributor (the Conestoga Bookstore).

Standard Uniform

The uniform will consist of:

  • Dark blue uniform shirt
  • Dark blue uniform cargo pant
  • Dark blue t-shirt
  • Black leather safety boots
  • Black or dark blue socks
  • Black web belt
  • Name badge
  • Black tie (only when specified by the Program Faculty/Staff)
  • Ball cap (only when specified by Program Faculty/Staff)

The name badge will be worn just above the right chest pocket, centered and level. The uniform must be kept neat and clean in appearance.

Winter Uniform

During cold weather, the uniform may also include the following additional items:

  • Dark blue ¼ zip sweatshirt
  • Dark blue uniform jacket
  • Dark blue toque

The uniform shall be worn in its entirety to, at, and from, every class and practical training session, and any other time as directed by the program coordinator with the following exceptions:

  • Shorts: When bunker gear is worn, it is acceptable to wear a pair of dark appropriate length shorts. It is not acceptable to wear sweat pants under the bunker pants. If shorts are not worn, then the uniform pant must be worn under the bunker pants.
  • T-shirts and ball caps: If the instructor grants approval to train in a t-shirt and/or ball cap, then the uniform shirt may be removed while working in the lab area or on the training ground only. The uniform shirt must be worn and the ball cap removed when leaving the lab area after class is finished.

Personal Hygiene

In addition to the uniform policy, the student shall maintain a professional appearance (e.g. clean shaven, appropriate haircut / style as required by Fire Service standards). A student that is not professional in appearance will not be allowed in the classroom and shall be responsible for all activities and information missed during that class.

Safety Policy

Safety is the primary focus of this program. There are a number of policies and procedures associated with practical training.

  • Safe work practices are to be followed during all training; follow the direction of your instructors. All practical evolutions and skill testing shall be conducted in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, Section 21 Firefighters' Guidance Notes, industry standards and best work practices.
  • All accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to the Instructor-in-Charge immediately.
  • All live fire activities will be conducted in accordance with NFPA 1403 as well as the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Section 21 Firefighters' Guidance Notes.
  • All students, instructors, support staff, and others will wear personal protective equipment as is appropriate to the situation. Personal protective equipment may include CSA approved footwear, safety glasses, helmets, and appropriate protective clothing as dictated by your instructors.

Classroom / Lab / Fireground Decorum

Students learn and work better when there is mutual respect for each other. The College is a healthier and safer place to be when students and faculty can concentrate on the task at hand and not have to worry about annoying disruptions and harassment. The following rules are applied in support of, and addition to, those that are outlined in the Conestoga College Student Guide.

Cell Phones / Laptops / Tablets

At the discretion of faculty, electronic devices may be used in the classroom setting as learning tools to enhance your learning experience. Examples of appropriate use include: accessing eConestoga for class-related information (e.g. PowerPoint presentations and course notes). No devices are required or permitted on the fireground, without the prior approval of the instructor-in-charge.

Participation

All students are responsible for contributing to a positive and respectful learning environment. Your classes will require your participation, both individually and as part of a group.

Impairment

A student will not be allowed to attend class or participate in a lab if instructional or administrative personnel suspects that the student has consumed alcohol or recreational or illicit drugs. This is of extreme importance for the safety of everyone in the lab/firegrounds environment. Students consuming legal substances permitted on campus must arrive in class able to contribute to a constructive and effective learning environment.

Professional Conduct - Use of Social Media and Cell Phones

To support a quality and respectful learning environment both in the classroom and in field placement, the use of cell phones and laptop computers for social networking should only occur during break times, before/after class, outside of children's play areas (indoors/outdoors) and during formal break time in field placement.

As a student and future professional, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries in all communication, including Social Media.

Ensure that your posts reflect you as the professional you are and wish to become – if a potential employer were to see your posts.

  1. Many types of social media encourage instantaneous, casual dialogue. It is important to remember that even an innocent comment may be easily misunderstood.
  2. Assume that information you post or send can be accessed or altered by anyone.
  3. Consider whether any posting may reflect poorly on you, your school, or your profession.
  4. Avoid online criticism of other students, colleagues, professors or field placements.
  5. Avoid impulsive, inappropriate or heated comments.
  6. Pictures should not be taken, posted to social media sites or shared without the express permission of all individuals involved.
  7. Remember that online sites you visit are not anonymous.
  8. Make sure your on-line name and email reflect professionalism.
  9. Ensure that your postings will not be considered harassment or defamation of a peer, colleague, faculty or others. 
Maintain privacy of all care and service activities when in practical work experiences:
  1. Do not take or post any pictures while on placement or involved in lab activities
  2. Maintain client-provider relationships and boundaries. The addition of a client to a 'friendship" status online is unacceptable.

Please respect the fact that your faculty and staff will not invite you to their personal web pages when you are a current student, nor will they accept any invitations to your personal sites 

 

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.

​​Test Procedures

  • Once a test begins, students may not leave the test room for 30 minutes. If they finish a test before that time, they may review their answers but are expected to sit QUIETLY and not disturb others. Once students leave the room they may only re-enter when invited back by faculty.
  • Any student found cheating during the course of an examination/test will be addressed according to procedures found in Conestoga Student Guide.
  • The faculty will advise students as to the material permitted in the testing room. Personal items and learning materials will be left in an area identified by the faculty.
  • The faculty will advise as to the seating arrangements of students.
  • During open book tests, students must bring their own course materials (books, notes, Learning Packages etc.) for individual use only. Students may not share any of these materials. Electronic devices, such as, iPod, text messaging, cell phones, translators, will not be permitted. 

Importance of Test and Presentation Dates

Test and assignment dates are scheduled at the beginning of each semester. Unplanned extenuating circumstances involving the college, the program, or the faculty may require changes to the course schedule. If this occurs, students will be notified.

Students are required to write all tests during the scheduled in-class test times. Students who make personal commitments that conflict with meeting test and assignment deadlines do so at their own risk. There will be no special arrangements made for students with personal conflicts (e.g. work, family commitments or vacation plans). Students who wish to reschedule a test or presentation because of a religious holiday are required to discuss the situation with faculty at the beginning of the semester.

Academic accommodations are provided to students with documented disabilities through the Accessibility Services Office.

Late Policy

The expectation of professionals is that they complete assigned work competently and in the allocated time, or that they anticipate difficulty in meeting deadlines and notify the appropriate person(s).

It is expected that students will submit all assignments on time, on the date they are due, as per instructions of the course faculty.

Assignments that are received past the due date will be subject to the following deductions:

  • 1 to 3 days late - 10%
  • 4 to 6 days late - 20%
  • 7 to 10 days late - 30%
  • 11 to 15 days late - 40%
  • 16 to 20 days late - 50%
Assignments that are received more than 20 days late will receive a mark of 0, will be reviewed and offered feedback.

Students experiencing extenuating circumstances that may prevent them from meeting assigned due dates may have the opportunity to negotiate a different due date providing they meet the following conditions:
  • They discuss their circumstance with the course faculty at least 3 business days prior to the due date
  • They negotiate a new date that is mutually agreed upon.

Steps to Follow to Submit Assignment Outside of Class Time

While assignments should be submitted in class on the day they are due, if circumstances require that they be submitted outside a scheduled class, the following procedure should be followed:

1. Provide an electronic copy of your assignment to the faculty as per faculty instructions.

2. Contact faculty by email to alert them that you have submitted your assignment.

Working Together on Group Assignments

Students will often work with their fellow peers on various assignments/projects throughout the program. Each group member is responsible for ensuring that they have an equal role in the group. All students in the group should review the completed work before it is submitted/ presented. When issues/concerns arise during the group process, it is the responsibility of group members to contact the course professor for assistance prior to due date.

Faculty Returning Tests and Assignments

In order to support student success, students will be given continual feedback on their progress throughout the semester. Individual faculty will inform students in class how/when tests and assignments and/or marks on them will be returned. Please note that some tests will be returned to students and some may be retained by faculty. Final exams and supplemental exams are not reviewed and will not be reviewed with the students. Students who have questions about tests/assignments/grades should follow the process outlined below:

  • at least 24 hours after receiving the mark and within seven days, contact faculty, indicating the area(s) of clarification required
  • initiate a meeting with the faculty to discuss the matter 

    Note: Students are encouraged to keep all assignments, texts and course-related resources and materials throughout the duration of the program. 

General Guidelines for Quality of Written Work

In the Pre-Service Firefighter Program, there are continuous requirements for written work in a variety of formats (papers, assignments, forms and plans, handouts, etc.). It is expected that all students will meet the standard of English required within the profession. The faculty will identify students who are having difficulty in this area and will approach them to discuss the need for improvement. Students may be referred to the Learning Commons to help them improve the quality of their written work.

General Guidelines for Submitting Written Work

For specific course requirements, refer to the course outlines provided. If you are not clear about course requirements, discuss this with individual faculty. Students are required to use spell-check and grammar-check to assist with the editing of written work. The Learning Commons will be an invaluable resource to students who require assistance in organizing and writing an assignment with correct spelling and grammar.

Unless otherwise indicated by professors, generally, assignments should be:

  • Word processed;
  • Double spaced and one-sided;
  • Submitted using a font size of 12, and proper margins;
  • Written in a grammatically correct manner;
  • Handed in securely fastened with a cover page indicating the course name, faculty's name, student's name, section and date submitted;
  • Handed in at the beginning of class on the designated due date in class, unless otherwise indicated by professor;
  • Handed in using the APA@Conestoga format if references are required.

NOTE: Faculty does not assume responsibility for assignments not given directly to them in hard copy at the beginning of the relevant class. Students should avoid handing in assignments outside the regularly scheduled class time and should make every effort to hand assignments in to professors in person.

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.

Progression Guidelines

Each program has very clear guidelines about how students successfully progress through their course of study. These guidelines are found in this program handbook. They include information about what may happen should you fail courses or field placement, how you could recover these courses, and what your options may be if recovery is not possible. We encourage you to review these guidelines in order to understand them. If you have any questions about them, please connect with a member of your program team. Remember, we are all here to help.

In order to resolve any concerns which may arise during a course, field placement or relating to the program overall, students are encouraged to resolve issues or concerns informally at the program level prior to proceeding to a formal appeal.

If attempts have been made, and a successful resolution has not been reached, students are encouraged to refer to their Conestoga Student Guide, and to follow the procedures outlined under the "Academic Dispute Resolution and Appeal Procedure​."​

Academic Standing and Promotion

The Conestoga Student Guide is your first source for information concerning academic regulations, policies and procedures. The Conestoga Student Guide is available on the college website and by visiting the "Student Guide" tab in your Student Portal.

In addition to the Academic Regulations found in the Conestoga Student Guide, the following apply to the Pre-Service Fire Fighter Program:

Achievement

  1. Students must attain a minimum 70% passing grade in all Pre-Service Fire Fighter courses and year end composite exams.
  2. The student must have successfully completed all courses of all previous semesters and passed year-end composite exams (where such exist) in order to be promoted into the next semester. Failure to do so may result in discontinuance from the program.
  3. The student is expected to apply theory and skills to practice in a safe competent manner in accordance with the current National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and current professional practice guidelines within all lab and simulation settings.
  4. Regular participation is essential for achieving a "pass" in both theory and lab classes.
  5. The student is encouraged to maintain mental and physical health throughout the program, consistent with Fire practice requirements. A range of College resources are available to help and support students to be physically and mentally healthy.
  6. Students must adhere to Standards of Conduct – Academic, Social and Professional as outlined in the Conestoga Student Guide and the Pre-Service Fire Fighter Program Handbook.

Course Add/Drop

You can add, change and drop courses from your portal depending on the dates and which program you are in:

  1. Log in to the Student Portal,
  2. Click on the "My Courses" tab,
  3. Scroll over the icons to the right of individual course listings. It is strongly recommended that students consult their program coordinator/academic advisor prior to dropping a course.

Special Timetables/Adding Dropped or Failed Courses

Please note that when students are not taking the program in the prescribed sequence, they will be on "special timetables". Prior to the beginning of the semester, students should attempt to add missed courses from a previous semester by logging in to the Student Portal and following the instructions to register for courses. If students are not able to add courses on their own (because of a timetable conflict or full course section) they must seek assistance from their Program Coordinator during the "Special Timetable Registration" initiated by the college. Dates, times and locations of Special Timetable Registration periods are posted in the student portal in advance of the beginning of each semester. Students must attend this meeting where they will receive further guidance regarding this academic status from their Program Coordinator.

Students who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. 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.

Academic Probation

Students who have been unsuccessful in their field experience, have failed two or more academic courses, and/or have required considerable testing/assignment variances may be recommended for Academic Probation. Academic probation allows students to be promoted to the next level with a special timetable or with academic conditions. Special timetables and academic conditions are designed as part of written learning contract that the student and program coordinator create together. The goal of these measures is to allow students to continue in the program accompanied by a supportive plan for success.

Discontinuance

Students who have failed to meet all program standards or who have failed to meet the standards set out in the Conestoga Student Guide and/or the Pre-Service Fire Fighter Program Handbook involving academic dishonesty, student responsibilities, or unacceptable behaviour, attitude or conduct may be discontinued from the Pre-Service Fire Fighter Program.

Procedure

  1. The program coordinator engages the promotions committee in a discussion of the reasons a student may be suggested to be discontinued.
  2. The promotions committee reviews the reasons and recommends discontinuance.
  3. The program chair and/or coordinator meet with the student to explain the reason(s) for discontinuance and complete the Discontinuance Form. A copy of the form is forwarded to the Registrar.
  4. The registrar forwards the student a letter outlining the discontinuance and explains the steps involved in requesting an appeal. 

Withdrawal

Students not planning to return to the Pre-Service Fire Fighter Program the following semester are expected to complete a Withdrawal Form available from the program coordinators, the Registrar's Office, or on the college website.

Program Transfer

Prior to transferring to another program, it is recommended that the student meet 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 in, students may want to discuss options with a career advisor. When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another and where courses numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades are met.

Appeal

Students have the right to appeal any academic decisions as set out in the Conestoga Student Guide. It is recommended that students begin this appeal process by first meeting with the faculty and/or program. 

Clearance of Academic Deficiency/Supplemental Opportunities

Students who have failed a course and who are eligible may receive an opportunity for a supplemental evaluation. Following the end of semester, eligible students will be invited for a supplemental opportunity. If a student does not respond to this invitation or is unavailable at the specified date and time, the student forfeits the supplemental opportunity for the course. For more information please visit the College Policies, Procedures, Practices and Guidelines webpage then click on the Academic Administration side tab and search for the document entitled Clearance of Academic Deficiency. 

To be eligible for a supplemental opportunity, a student must meet the following criteria:

  1. A final course grade of less than 70%, but equal to or above 64%
  2. No academic offences in the course.
  3. Evidence of passing at least one evaluation in the course.

Procedure

  1. Eligible student will be contacted by the program and will be provided details of the supplemental process.
  2. Student will receive a supplemental form and through the student portal pay the fee.
  3. Student completes supplemental work (test or assignment) in accordance with the times and dates communicated.
  4. Supplemental work is assessed, and the final grade is posted.
  5. If successful in completing the supplemental work for the course, the failing course grade will be upgraded to the minimal passing grade for the course.

Community Service Students in one-year certificate, one-year graduate certificate and two-year diploma programs may receive up to a maximum of two (2) supplemental evaluations while in the program.

Readmission to the Program

Since the Pre-Service Fire Fighter Program is a highly integrated and oversubscribed program, a student who has withdrawn or been discontinued from the program must apply to be readmitted. Readmission to the program is not guaranteed. Students who have been discontinued from semester one must reapply through Ontario Colleges for readmission to semester one. Admission/readmission to all other semesters is based on seat availability and academic status. If space in the program exists, students will be readmitted to the current program design, to which current program standards and procedures will apply. Students will be ranked ordered for readmission using the following criteria:

  1. Students in good academic standing who have withdrawn from the Conestoga College PSF program due to illness or personal circumstances with prior approval from the Program Coordinator and/or Program Chair.
  2. Students who have one discontinuance as a result of course failure(s) and whose academic status/performance and extra-curricular preparation suggests that they will be successful in the program if readmitted.
  3. Transfer students from other institutions whose Pre-Service Fire Fighter Programs are deemed to be substantially equivalent in curriculum structure and who are in good academic standing.

If there are more students within any category than space in the program can accommodate, the following academic factors will also be considered when categorizing students for readmission:

  • Overall grade point average (GPA) for students in good academic standing.
  • Number of courses failed and grade point average if student presents with one discontinuance.

Students who do not meet the above criteria will not be readmitted to the program.

A student who has been out of the program for more than 12 months may be required to successfully complete theory and/or skill challenge testing.

Only one opportunity to re-apply or repeat a failed course is permitted.

For additional information, refer to the Academic Administration page for more information on the readmission procedure.

​  

Work-Integrated Learning Experiences

​Student Consent Forms

Students are required to complete program specific consent forms. To access the forms, students need to visit the WIL Document Services Community in myConestoga and click on the Consent Forms tab. 

Safe Practice

Safe practice is a hallmark of professional practice. It is an expectation of everyone who is or wants to be a professional.

There are a number of policies and procedures associated with practical training in your program that has been developed to ensure your safety and the safety (physical and emotional) of those around you. These will be reviewed with you during your program.

The following basic procedures are outlined for your attention and follow-through:

  1. Your personal safety begins with the use of professional attire and foot wear and with your attention to the health and safety expectations that may be identified throughout the college. 
  2. Help us have a safe and pleasant environment by wiping up spills, by ensuring laptop cords do not snake across walking areas, and by reporting equipment or facility problems when you see them.
  3. Specific dress codes, personal protective equipment and specific codes of behavioral conduct may apply to certain programs; failure to follow these may result in your inability to participate in a lab, class or experiential learning activity.  
  4. Safe work practices are to be followed during all training; follow the direction of your instructors. If you have a field placement, your Instructor/Responsible Faculty/Preceptor will ensure that you are aware of safe practices and safety precautions and procedures. This includes problem-solving by the Responsible Faculty and Program Coordinator with the college's Occupational Health & Safety Department as required. For example, should outside temperatures during the summer become unusually hot, very high temperatures may occur in some workplaces; this could require that specific steps be taken to ensure a safe working environment. 
  5. All safety-related accidents, incidents, and near misses must be reported to the Instructor-in-Charge immediately. This is an opportunity to problem-solve how to avoid these areas of concern for the future.

Pre-WIL Health Requirements

Mandatory work-integrated learning (WIL) health and safety requirements must be completed by students upon entry to the program:       

  • Standard First Aid and CPR – BLS level
  • An annual Police Check for Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS).  Police Checks must be clear of any unpardoned criminal offences. An unclear criminal record may result in the inability to participate in WIL experiences which will jeopardize progress in the program. Acceptance for WIL is at the discretion of the agency; some agencies may request students to provide a VSS completed within six months of WIL start date. Students with criminal records are advised to meet with the program chair for academic counselling to determine program suitability.

Concerns regarding Student Safety or the Safety and Care/Service for Clients

Off-campus experiences provide the opportunity to demonstrate and enhance your learning in the practice environment. 

The following procedures have been developed to make it easier to identify and address any concerns or issues regarding your safety or the safety and care of clients that may come up during an off-campus experience to support both a solid learning experience and a constructive partnership with the host site.

A. Communication of General Concerns Regarding Your Safety or the Safety and Care/Service for Clients

  • Students will be provided with an Orientation to their off-campus experience site.  The Orientation may include details of the off-campus experience site's policies and procedures related to communication about the safety of the work environment and /or the safety and care of patients/residents/clients.
     
  • If a student has any concerns about the safety of the environment and/or the safe/appropriate care/service for clients:
    • The student must immediately report these concerns to the college individual associated with the placement (Faculty responsible). 
       
    • The Responsible Faculty will discuss this concern with Site Management.
       
    • For concerns of a serious nature (e.g. concerns impacting a total student group; a serious care/service situation), the Responsible Faculty will discuss the situation with the Program Coordinator and, potentially, the Department Chair. The Coordinator or Chair will immediately contact site management to determine next steps.

      Should facility policies require that students report safety or care/service concerns immediately to off-campus experience site management, the student should report to the Responsible Faculty immediately afterward.

B. Reporting of Incidents of Student Injury during an Unpaid Educational Experience

  • Should students experience personal injury of any kind, this must be reported immediately to the Responsible Faculty. The site will provide first-aid that may be necessary, including arranging for transportation to emergency medical services if required.  The Responsible Faculty will notify the Program Coordinator and Chair and complete an Unpaid Work/Education Placement-Accident Report (UWEP-04) and will send this to the College's Occupational Health & Safety Office.  Where necessary,   the Occupational Health & Safety Office will complete a WSIB 7 form, a Letter of Authorization to Represent Placement Employer and a Work/Education Placement Agreement Form.

C. Reporting of Student Involvement in Situations of Possible Injury to Clients during an Off-Site Experience or Student Damage to Facility Property

  • Should students be involved in care/service situations where there the care/service results in a potential concern/injury to patients/residents/clients of a site, this concern must be immediately reported to the Site in order that care can be given. This situation must also be reported immediately to the Responsible.  The faculty member will discuss this immediately with the site and ensure that an incident report is completed.  The faculty member must also inform the Program Coordinator and the Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations and implications.  It is the responsibility of the Chair to ensure that all documentation is obtained regarding the incident and to inform College officials accordingly. 
  • Should students be involved in situations where there is alleged damage to resources/physical property at a site, this concern must be reported immediately to the Site and to the Responsible Faculty.  The faculty member will inform the Program Coordinator and Department Chair for a discussion of program expectations and implications.  It is the responsibility of the Responsible Faculty to complete an incident report with the Chair accountable to ensure all documentation is obtained and to inform College officials accordingly.

Fire Service Work Integrated Learning/Off Campus Policies

  • Students are expected to complete their activities as assigned. Locations and length of work integrated learning experiences can vary.
  • Students who will be absent from work integrated learning experiences are required to notify both the agency where they are placed and their faculty at the college prior to the start of their shift.
  • Students who require special considerations due to extenuating circumstances should negotiate this with faculty at the beginning of the semester.

Fire Department and Agency Partners

We are very pleased to have the support of many local fire departments and agency partners for the Pre-Service Firefighter Program including:

  • Brantford Fire Department
  • Cambridge Fire Department
  • Guelph Fire Department
  • Kitchener Fire Department
  • Stratford Fire Department
  • Waterloo Fire Rescue
  • Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Complex
  • University of Waterloo (Fire Research)
  • Children's Safety Village 

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

​​Last RevisedBy Whom​
​June 15, 2015
Jillian Grant
May 24, 2016Dom Parisi
June 29, 2016Janos Botschner​
​June 16, 2017​Jillian Grant
​July 5, 2018​Jaymie Wilson-Neil
​July 9, 2019
​Julia Rodricks
​August 19, 2020
​Ashitha Jacob
​June 30, 2021
​Liz Oliveira
​June 20, 2022​Jess Balzer
​June 2, 2023​Cindy Wang
Pre-Service Firefighter Education and Training